Honduras is known for its picturesque mountain views, as well as its rich history and culture. So, it comes as no surprise that many of us have added a visit to the country to our bucket list.
But, as we all know, when you’re DN, you can’t just plan the trip like anyone else — you have to do a lot of digging. To help you out, I’ve done my research, and in this article, I’ll try to definitely answer the question of whether or not you can work remotely from Honduras as a digital nomad.
Honduras for Digital Nomads at a Glance
The Good:
- Rich history and culture.
- Amazing sites.
- Great tourist location.
The Bad:
- Not the best DN infrastructure.
An Introduction to Honduras
Honduras is a country in Central America that borders Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Honduras. Tegucigalpa is the capital, as well as the largest city. Spanish is the official language while English is mostly only spoken in the Bay Islands (Caribbean Region).
Honduras’ landscape is made up of 80% mountains, and the country is well-known for its amazing archaeology. It was also home to several Mesoamerican cultures (such as the Maya), which made a lasting impression on the country’s history and culture.
Connectivity in Honduras
Honduras isn’t exactly known for having the best internet, but the speeds seem to be more than enough to satisfy the average digital nomad. Moreover, the internet packages (for SIM cards in particular) are quite affordable, and they allow you to stay connected from all parts of the country.
WiFi in Honduras
As of 2021, the average broadband download speed in Honduras sits at a comfortable 18.1 Mbps. However, according to speedtest.net, this number seems to be on the rise, reaching 25.26 Mbps in July of 2021.
Honduras even has an Internet para el Pueblo (Internet for the people) program, which has enabled all parks and plazas in major cities to offer free WiFi access. You’ll also likely be able to find a stable connection in most businesses and accommodations you visit.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to rely on external sources, you could get your own Pocket Wifi device and package.
4G and Mobile in Honduras
This year, Honduras has boasted an average download mobile internet speed of around 22.84 Mbps. Two main mobile internet providers are transnational companies Claro and Tigo, both of which offer a 4G connection.
Additionally, both providers offer SIM cards with internet packages to foreigners. The biggest difference being that Tigo has better coverage, while Claro offers more comprehensive packages, with top-up options.
Both providers offer a 30-day internet package with 5.5 GB of data for around $24.
Note: As of 2021, 5G is not available in Honduras.
Visas and Documentation for Honduras
The Honduran government separates would-be travelers, by their country of origin, into four categories.
- Countries whose citizens don’t require a visa to enter.
- Countries whose citizens can obtain an e-visa.
- Countries whose citizens must obtain a visa in advance.
- Countries whose citizens can obtain a visa on arrival.
For more information about your country in particular, and the documentation you need to enter, you can contact your embassy. Additionally, you can look the information up on ivisia.com, and even have them work out the paperwork for you.
Tourist Visa
Honduras’ tourist visa is aimed at those who plan on visiting the country on holiday or to see family and friends. To apply, you’ll need to have a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months after you enter the country, and show proof of accommodation. Sadly, this visa doesn’t specify whether you can live and work remotely from Honduras.
Business Visa
If you’re planning on working in a Honduran organization or company, you can apply for a business visa. However, keep in mind that you’ll need an official letter as proof of where and who you’re going to work.
Where Digital Nomads Live & Work in Honduras
While there are a number of digital nomads living and working in Honduras, not all cities can accommodate the community. To ensure you can make the most of your visit, while still being able to work — I recommend going to one of the following places.
Tegucigalpa
As Honduras’ capital, Tegucigalpa is the perfect place for DNs who want to explore the country’s rich culture while enjoying the modern amenities they need. There’s several modern markets, as well as an abundance of handicraft stores in the downtown area. Not to mention, the city boasts a pleasant temperature all year round.
Living in Tegucigalpa
Sadly, there aren’t any co-living spaces in Tegucigalpa. Also, the Airbnb market is okay, but it definitely has room to grow. Thus, digital nomads have no choice but to turn to more conventional options — hotels, hostels, and long-term rentals.
As far as hostels go, I think Hostal Mision Catracha is a great option, as it offers a central location for a low price of $18. On the other hand, if you’re not on a tight budget, you can also look into renting out a hotel room for upwards of $25 a night.
Working from Tegucigalpa
If you want to work remotely from Honduras, you can choose between a few popular coworking places. I recommend checking out Regus, a space in the center of Tegucigalpa which features great views, high internet speeds, as well as a multitude of desk/office packages.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a beautifully designed office with free coffee & snacks, you could book a table at Connect Cowork. The coworking space also boasts good internet speeds and a great assortment of packages made to fit anyone and everyone.
Finally, if you need a short-term solution with high internet speeds, WIDÚ lets you rent by the hour, for as little as $1.60.
Roatan
Roatan is a beautiful, picturesque island in the Caribbean, around 40 miles from the coast of Honduras. It’s the largest in the Bay Islands, and arguably the most popular (and one the safest) tourist destination in Honduras. The island features miles of clean beaches, various outdoor activities such as diving and surfing, and an abundance of hostels, hotels, and resorts.
The caveat here is to keep in mind that power outages are commonplace and happen as often as once a week.
Living in Roatan
Unsurprisingly, there are no co-living spaces in Roatan either, and seeing how it is a tropical paradise, the hotel prices can be quite steep.
So, I recommend hostels or long-term rentals for all of my fellow digital nomads. One option is Backpackers’ Hostel, where you can rent a room, bathe in the pool, and enjoy a great breakfast for as little as $16/night.
Working from Roatan
Because Roatan is a small island, there aren’t a lot of coworking spaces. But if you find yourself here, I’d recommend checking out Roatan CoWork. The coworking space sits in the center of the island and offers private offices, as well as open-floor-plan desks.
Some of the amenities include free WiFi, water, coffee, a backup generator — and an outdoor deck perfect for relaxing. You can even rent out a mailbox if you need to.
How is Honduras for Digital Nomads — My Final Thoughts
While Honduras has a lot to offer to visitors and tourists, in my opinion, it’s not quite digital-nomad-ready yet. The country has ways to go when it comes to its unclear visa policy, co-living and co-working, and overall safety. That being said, if you’re the adventurous, low-maintenance type of DN, I see no reason why you shouldn’t visit the country.
Photo by Esteban Benites on Unsplash
