Tegucigalpa, Honduras

• Tegucigalpa sits at 3,200 feet in a mountain valley, so temperatures are cooler than other Central American cities. But safety concerns here are real - you need to stick to specific neighborhoods (Lomas del Guijarro, Colonia Palmira) and always take hotel-arranged taxis, especially after dark. This isn't somewhere you can wander around freely like other capitals in the region.
• The embassy areas have private security everywhere, which makes them noticeably safer. You'll find restaurants and cafes here where staff speak some English. The old colonial center has interesting architecture and museums, but you need to visit mid-day and leave before things empty out around 4pm.
• Coffee is genuinely good here - Honduras produces quality beans and local cafes reflect that. Crime has dropped about 50% over the last decade, which sounds impressive until you realize it was extremely high to begin with. Public buses are dangerous even for locals. Don't walk anywhere alone after dark, even in the safer neighborhoods.
• Never flag taxis on the street - have your hotel or restaurant call a trusted service. Tourist police patrol certain areas and some speak basic English. The emergency number 911 works for police, fire, and medical, with occasional English-speaking operators.

Spanish is the main language. Some English in upscale hotels, embassy areas, and with tourist police. The 911 emergency line has some English-speaking operators. Tourist police in Lomas del Guijarro and Colonia Palmira might speak basic English.

• Honduras is traditional Catholic country - dress conservatively. Shorts attract catcalling in downtown areas. Smart casual works in upscale neighborhoods, but keep jewelry minimal (safety, not just culture).
• English is rare outside embassy areas and upscale hotels. Learn basic Spanish: hola, gracias, por favor, disculpe, ¿dónde está? Google Translate helps but isn't always reliable.
• Skip politics, gang violence, or crime as conversation topics unless locals bring them up. People here are friendly but tired of foreigners only talking about danger. Standard meal times: lunch 12-2pm, dinner after 7pm.
• Expect questions like 'where's your husband?' or 'who are you meeting?' It's cultural curiosity more than threat, but have a deflecting response ready anyway.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police/Fire/Medical): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Don't use public buses - they're targeted for robberies and violence, even during daytime. Those repainted US school buses might look familiar, but local authorities warn against them for good reason.
• Have your hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you. Don't flag them on the street or get in unmarked vehicles. Most taxis don't have meters, so agree on the price before you start.
• Uber exists but coverage is spotty, mostly in upscale areas. Hotel taxis are still more reliable, especially at night.
• Only walk in the embassy areas (Lomas del Guijarro, Colonia Palmira) during daylight, and stick to main streets with security presence. After sunset, take taxis everywhere, even short distances.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Tegucigalpa with local guides and curated experiences.