Honduras was home to several important Mesoamerican cultures, most notably the Maya, prior to being conquered by Spain in the sixteenth century. The Spanish introduced Roman Catholicism and the now predominant Spanish language, along with numerous customs that have blended with the indigenous culture. If you're moving to Honduras please have a look at our expat guide.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Honduras and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
Escuela Internacional Sampedrana
Since its early years EIS has offered its students a North American style education while being true to its Latin American heritage. The main campus of EIS is a 39 acre campus that sits at the base of the Merendon mountains. The school has four “mission style” quads that house the Primary, Middle School and High School as well as Preschool which is located 50 meters up the hill in a modern purpose built building. There is a centrally located shared library. La Lima campus is located in the Zona Americana, across from Club Lima Verde in La Lima, approximately 30 minutes away from the San Pedro campus, the La Lima campus has 200 students from toddlers through eighth grade.
Curriculum: American
Website: www.seishn.org
Mazapan School
Mazapan School is a small Nursery-12 co-educational bilingual school offering an U.S.-style college preparatory instruction program. Owned and operated by Standard Fruit de Honduras (Dole), Mazapan School is located in La Ceiba, Honduras, Central America. Founded in 1928, the landscaped campus is located on five acres in a quiet, peaceful, and secured subdivision near the center of the city. Amidst the lush, tropical vegetation, the 300+ students attending Mazapan School become fluent in both English and Spanish, and receive a U.S. High School diploma and a Honduran Baccalaureate degree.
Curriculum: American, Honduran
Address: Mazapan Zone, La Ceiba, Honduras
Tel: +504 2443 2716
Website: www.mazapanschool.org/
The American School of Tegucigalpa
As an international college preparatory school, The American School sets the highest standards of academic excellence. English is the language of primary instruction. Students complete a Honduran Bachillerato, the High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate; IB Diploma and Certificates are optional. Spanish as a second language is offered to international students.
Curriculum: Honduran, International Baccalaureate
Address: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Tel: +504 2239 3333, +504 2239 5074, +504 2239 3542, +504 2239 3160
FB: www.facebook.com/americanschool
Website: www.amschool.org/
Local News in English
Honduras News
This is an English-language news service that delivers local news, business, sport, financial events and other stories within Honduras.
Website: www.hondurasnews.com
Country Information
Location: Central America
Capital City: Tegucigalpa
Currency: Lempira
Language: Spanish
Calling Code: +504
Internet TLD: .hn
Electricity: The country runs on 110/220V 60Hz. The major power company in the country is the government-owned Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica.
Website: www.enee.hn/
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 195
Fire: 198
Police: 199
Embassy Information
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Most visitors from North, Central and South America, EU, Australia, and a few from Asia and Africa may enter and stay visa free for 90 days. A tourist card will be issued. A yellow slip of paper will accompany the passport, which must be kept and turned in before exiting the country or upon extension.
Others who are not exempted must apply at a Honduran embassy or consulate in their home or host country. The Honduran Embassy in Washing DC has a full list of countries that will require a visa: www.hondurasemb.org/preguntas-frecuentes-consulares.html
There are two kinds of residencies that will allow a foreigner to live in the Honduras for an extended period:
Permanent and Special Permanent.
- Permanent residency applies to those who will retire in the country, or for a much longer term like investors, marriage, expats with Honduran citizenship, and the dependents (spouses and children) of these categories.
- Special Permanent Residency, valid for 5 years, however is for those who intend to stay for a limited amount of time either for studies, work etc.
The application process is meticulous and it is essential to hire a Honduran lawyer who can mediate and offer expert advice on the length procedure. The lawyer also has to file the application. Expats must apply within Honduras, at the capital.
For detailed information, please visit the US Embassy Tegucigalpa site: honduras.usembassy.gov/acs_hondresid.html
Accommodation
Residential areas are concentrated in the capital Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela. These twin cities are divided into barrios and colonias; colonias are middle class residential suburbs.
Tegucigalpa is a city is set on a valley, surrounded by mountain ranges, rendering it on hilly undulations and elevations. It is further divided into 5 sections. The most developed section in Tegucigalpa is Centro Contemporaneo, having 40 neighborhoods and middle class residential areas. Upscale apartment complexes are also available in this this area. More importantly, foreign embassies are located in Centro Contemporaneo on Boulevard Morazan.
Comayaguela is to the west of the Choluteca River that runs between it and Tegucigalpa. Comayaguela is comprised of lower income neighborhood with residential developments on going especially in North Comayaguela.
Rent prices in the Honduras averages between $266 to $350 for 1 bedroom apartments; $633 to $600 for 3 bedroom apartments depending on its proximity to the major city areas.
Driving License
Foreigners may use their domestic driving license and an international license to drive legally in the Honduras, for up to 3 months. However beyond this, a Honduran license must be obtained. Here are the documents required to obtain a Honduran license, but not limited to:
- Agency appointment at Atlantis Bank
- Submit Honduran identity card and copy
- For foreigners, existing driving license
- Proof of literacy in Spanish
- One passport size color photograph.
- Physical exam, vision and psychological (certified by a licensed psychologist)
- Driver's blood type.
- Go to the Training Center to receive lectures
- Pass the theoretical exams - practical with minimum grade of 70%. (Mechanical or Automatic Vehicle)
- For further information please visit the Direccion Nacional de Transito in Honduras site.
Healthcare
The healthcare is Honduras is not up to the standard of other developed countries and it is recommended that expats use the services of private hospitals in Honduras.
Private Hospitals
Tegucigalpa
Hospital Viera (general care including trauma)
Address: Barrio La Ronda, 5 Calle, 11 y 12 Ave, Tegucigalpa
Tel: 237-7136
Hospital La Policlínica (general care including trauma)
Address: 3 Avenida, entre 7 y 8 Calle, Comayaguela
Tel: 237-3260 / 237-3261 / 237-3262
Hospital Centro Medico (general care including trauma)
Address: Barrio La Granja, Comayaguela
Tel: 225-4060
Hospital Honduras Medical Center (general care)
Address: Col. Las Minitas, Avenida Juan Lindo, Tegucigalpa
Tel: 280-1500
San Pedro Sula
Hospital Del Valle (general care including trauma)
Address: Blvd. Del Norte, Salida a Puerto Cortes, San Pedro Sula
Tel: 551-8433
Hospital Centro Medico Sampedrano (CEMESA) (general care including trauma)
Address: Col. Altamira, San Pedro Sula
Tel: 556-7401
La Ceiba
Hospital Vicente D’Antoni (general care including trauma)
Address: La Ceiba, Atlantida
Tel: 443-0593 / 443-2264
Roatan
Wood Medical Center (general care including trauma)
Address: Coxen Hole, Roatan
Tel: 445-1031 Government Funded Hospitals:
Hospital de Area Roatan
Address: Roatan
Tel: 445-1227
