How is Expatriate Life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras ?

by Laurie Matherne
(Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

In which city are you living?

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

What is the spoken language, and how much local language do you need to know for daily living?

Spanish, and while I am not extremely fluent, yet, I can conduct business, etc in Spanish.

How is the weather?

Tegucigalpa is semi-tropical year-round with very little changes during the year. Lows around 60 and highs around 80. Dry. Some rain in the fall and early summer months.

Is this a good city for families/singles/couples?

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, has experienced political and social instability over the past year, and crime has risen. I think it's a place for the adventurous or someone seeking a career in the non-profit sector, with organizations that serve children or poorer communities.

How are the preschool and daycares?


If you can afford quality care, it's available.

Most Hondurans and Americans prefer to hire private nannies or sitters for younger children.

Many schools offer quality programs for four year old and up.

Are their international schools/American Schools?

Yes they are good quality American-style schools. The International School in town has a fairly good reputation.

Any after school activities?

Since Tegucigalpa is a capital, there are lots of things available not easily found in outlying areas, from foreign language courses to athletic and music programs.

Are there English speaking universities? Or any special programs in the English language at a local university?

There are no English speaking universities in the country of Honduras.

How is the accommodation?

There are houses and apartments available in almost every lifestyle or price range.

How is the healthcare?

Generally perceived as good. And cheaper than in the States.

Is it a pet friendly city?

Yes, Hondurans especially love dogs and horses.

Is household help easy to find?

Yes. But honesty is another thing altogether. Make use of connections or references before hiring anyone.

How is the traffic and the public transportation (buses, trains, taxis)?


Public buses are dangerous and antiquated. Chartered buses are relatively inexpensive and comfortable.

No trains in the entire country.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and with some exceptions, generally safe.

How is the communication - Cell/land phone, T.V/Cable/Satelite, Internet connection, international calls?

Excellent in the capital. Cell phones are cheap and easy to use. Internet connections are reliable and fairly quick.

What is the dress code to work and in public?

Much like the United States, although many companies and schools have strict dress codes for their workers. Men may be required to wear a tie and collared shirts. Women are often asked to wear the same clothes as their co-workers which are distributed by the employer. They often look like stewardesses from the 60s and 70s, in their matching polyester skirts, vests and blouses.

In public, most wear jeans or other informal attire.

How is shopping for groceries, household items and clothing?

Some people find it a challenge to find the same quality of things and the same low prices in the States. Hard to find items are good quality shoes and quality cookware.

Tell us about sport, entertainment, night life, restaurants.

Hmmmm. Third world developing country. Go out of town to resorts on the coast for something fun. Not very much in town.

How is the expats community?

Large group of diplomatic and military personnel from the States. There is a US base in the country. The Peace Corps has a very large presence here, too as well as many non profit and religious organizations.

Any other comments?

My blog is at laurieishere.blogspot.com where you may find more information related to living in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The city has its good points, such as some small communities very close in the highlands surrounding the city as well as a cloud forest nearby. It's definitely a city for someone who likes a challenge.