Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 10/01/09
Personal Experiences from Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is my first experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year, currently.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government, State Dept.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
The flights from Houston or Miami are around 2 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All the embassy housing is pretty much in and around Lomas de Guijarros, which is generally considered the wealthy area of town. The houses tend to have plenty of space indoors but very small yards. We live in an older home that does have a decent yard, but the newer nicer houses have small outdoor spaces.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find almost anything here. It's great. There is a Pricemart, which is a lot like Sam's Club, where you can get ground beef, chicken, fish, veggies, cereal, chips, detergent. They sell lots of American brands, and the prices are fairly comparable to those in the states. The regular grocery stores also have a lot of American brands for packaged foods like cereal, rice, and pasta sauce. You can find almost anything.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can get almost anything here. I might ship more clothes and shoes for the kids. The clothing isn't good quality and usually is expensive. If you have anything special that you like (for example, I love maple syrup and rotel tomatoes), you can ship that, but you can also order it on netgrocer.com.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robins, Church's chicken, Wendy's, Subway, Chili's, TGI Fridays, Applebees, Tony Romas. There are lots of decent american chains and great local restaurants, too. There isn't a lot of ethnic food, like Indian or Thai. There are lots of terrible chinese restaurants around. We found one good one that everyone goes to. It's called the "Mongolian Restaurant".
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes are everywhere and they can carry dengue fever. However, my kids and I have been bitten many times without a problem. I have given up on getting rid of the ants in my kitchen.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO, you can't use local mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap and good. We have had a great experience. We have a live-in nanny who takes care of my two kids, cleans, and cooks for 3500lps/mo ($185/mo). We also have a gardener who comes once every two weeks for $20/mo.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, the embassy and USAID have one that we can use. Some people are members of Cybex, but I think it's a little pricey.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We always get our money from the bank at the embassy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few english churches (CCI and Union Church), but we go to Impacto and they have a translator that you can listen to with an earphone.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
You can get great American TV here. All the major channels (CBS, NBC, and ABC) with the latest shows. Fox News and CNN are here also.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need some spanish. At least survival spanish.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
You drive everywhere, so as long as you are able to do that, you should be okay. The malls and many of the larger shopping areas have ramps and elevators. Small restaurants and small shops won't exactly be ADA compliant.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No, we can't use anything like that. There is a taxi company that the embassy recommends, but you would never pick one up on the streets.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You need an SUV with good ground clearance. I know a family that had a minivan, and they said it was pretty much destroyed when they left. We have a Nissan Pathfinder and it is perfect.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It's decent. I think we pay about $40/mo.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy has a contract with Tigo. Inexpensive and everyone has one.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, there are some good vets who speak english.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I work part time in the consular section, but I would say overall it is difficult to find a job. I know a few teachers who sub at the American School or teach english.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate to unhealthy. Depends on where you are. Down in the city where we live, it can be bad, especially around the embassy. But up at the ambassador's residence it seems clear. Depends on elevation. Cars are not maintained well and often emit tons of exhaust, so you have to keep your A/C on recirculate.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Lots! Security greatly alters life in Tegucigalpa. You absolutely cannot walk anywhere, and your car's windows have to be rolled up all the time. Virtually everything you do is affected by the security problems here, especially right now since the coup. Tensions are high and there are protests all the time. So far nothing violent, but you have to stay alert.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not great. I went back to the states to have my baby, but I know one military couple that had theirs here and were very happy. I wouldn't stay here for anything more than minor care. However, there is decent dental care for a cleaning and maybe a filling.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Beautiful weather. It's one of the best things about this post. It's warm enough to swim pretty much year 'round except for maybe a month or two around Christmas.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
My kids are too young to be in school, but I know there are two main schools. The Discovery school is where most people send their kids, and I think it's a good option for very young kids. The atmosphere is very good there, but I would say the curriculum is not as good as it is at the American School. The American School is without a doubt a better academic choice for middle/high school, but probably there are more social struggles there, as all the wealthy Honduran kids attend the AS.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are lots of good and inexpensive preschool programs. They are about $150/mo for a half day, and the curriculum is in english. My son attends A+ Learning Center, and we have been very happy with it. Abejitas is also popular.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Some of the parents at the embassy have started a small baseball and soccer program for the embassy kids. Discovery School doesn't have sports teams, but the American School has soccer teams (and I think basketball for older kids). My son is only 2 1/2 and he is in swim lessons. I hear that there is a gymnastics class available for young kids. I know some of the parents have their kids in tennis lessons, too.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Most of the people I know are happy here except those with older kids.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most of it is done in people's homes. The marine house has lots of parties. There is a large missionary community here, so there are some decent women's bible studies and women's groups. There are lots of great restaurants to meet a friend for lunch. We almost never are out past 9 pm so I don't know about the nightlife.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would say this is a great city for families with young kids or for couples without kids. It is slightly harder for singles, but I know of at least two guys that left with wives, so there must be a social scene. This is not a good post for families with older kids. I know of 3 families that have curtailed because their high-school-age kids did not adjust well.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel. It is a 3-hour trip to El Salvador, which is the closest beach; 6 hours to the North Coast beaches, which are a bit nicer; Nicaragua, Copan ruins, and everyone goes at least once to Roatan (the beach island off the coast of Honduras). Also, there are a decent amount of good restaurants and a couple of movie theaters that play english movies.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lenca pottery, handcarved furniture, jewelry.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, we have saved lots. Depends on how much you travel.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, we have been very happy, but I think it's because we made some great friends and we love having wonderful domestic help with two small children.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
love of walking outdoors, and your winter jacket.
3. But don't forget your:
good attitude and bug spray.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
I think, like almost any post, it is what you make of it. If you are determined to be happy, you will be. I know that some of the women who don't work feel like they are going to go crazy, but there are lots of opportunities to volunteer and get involved in clubs. The thing I miss the most is outdoor space to walk and let my son play. We can go to the American School or Villa Olympica in town, but that is it. A day trip or overnight trip to Soto Cano (the military base) is great for kids to ride bikes or run around.
