Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 10/13/14
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?
5th tour.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA. Flights are frequent but can be very expensive. Two hours to Miami.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is surprisingly pretty good and not too far except traffic can be very difficult at rush-hour.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Local products are relatively inexpensive; imported products are a bit more so it balances out.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
A bulletproof vest.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost like being in the United States; all the fast food is here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Dengue fever.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plentiful , good and skilled, if you speak Spanish.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are two gyms at the Embassy and AID. There are also many local options available.
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?
Use the ones at the Embassy or the international hotels.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Almost all you would see in the United States.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It would be very difficult to call yourself a diplomat in this country and not be able to speak Spanish.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Somewhat due to the topography it's very hilly even though many buildings have ADA items.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
You would take your life into your hands if you got on a public bus.
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?
All the American and Japanese vehicle companies are here. Service is pretty good and prices are fair.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Cable color is good.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Many deals; prices are competitive.
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?
There was favoritism with the previous administration; hopefully the new management will be more fair.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Numerous; varied and abundant.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, many - especially if you don't speak Spanish well.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dysentery and diarrhea can be frequent and prevalent if you don't take proper hygiene precautions.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
The farmers burn the fields once a year and it causes a lot of dust smog and smoke for a couple of months.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Similar to Guatemala but a little warmer.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Good.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Embassy has grown quite a bit in the last five years; unfortunately, the supporting areas have not grown to keep up with the growth of all the officers.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Hiking, fishing and lakes are relatively close.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For singles and couples yes; it can be difficult for children especially teenagers if they're not security conscious.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not too much.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not significantly.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Climate.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Valley of the Angels and Santa Lucia.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wood-working leather-working painting, arts and crafts, relatively inexpensive local food.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Climate.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The embassy has grown beyond its ability to support many areas.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
Hat.
