steve hartman
American expat in Honduras
Forum posts
35
About me
American
Registration: 21 May 2021
New members of the Honduras forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Honduras forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hello Jacob,How long have you been living in La Ceiba. I live in Sambo Creek for 10 years.Steve Read More
Expat get together anyone? by fredstuckey2
With so many ppl moving here, I would like to propose an Expat meet-up in Ceiba area or even Utila. We could all get together at Villas Pico Bonito on the mountain (Mr Richard is an Expat) or possibly Coral View on Utila. Would be great to meet ...
@honduraschris Hi Chris, You definitely have a different life here than I do on the east side of town. Ten years ago Sambo Creek had lots of visitors from around Ceiba, but today we are pretty laid back homebodies. The Canadien is closed as well as ... Read More
Expat get together anyone? by fredstuckey2
With so many ppl moving here, I would like to propose an Expat meet-up in Ceiba area or even Utila. We could all get together at Villas Pico Bonito on the mountain (Mr Richard is an Expat) or possibly Coral View on Utila. Would be great to meet ...
Hello Fred,The locals fish ever day but I don't know if the catch anything. Probably the same as the west side where you are. Lots of fish off shore, especially by Cayos Cochinos but unless you are Garifuna you can't have any.I live 4 ... Read More
Expat get together anyone? by fredstuckey2
With so many ppl moving here, I would like to propose an Expat meet-up in Ceiba area or even Utila. We could all get together at Villas Pico Bonito on the mountain (Mr Richard is an Expat) or possibly Coral View on Utila. Would be great to meet ...
@fredstuckey2 A little late but just noticed this post about getting together.Chris is on point. 10-15 years ago we all at least knew of each other. I believe that in the last 10 years there have been fewer expats moving in, and a few moving out. ... Read More
Legal Weapon by woodrowdunn
I would like all Americans know that I had my legal weapon and permit confiscated from the police.** Please be advised about this. The weapon was purchased from a government store and I had a legal permit to carry it. I was completely sober and ...
Let me know when you find the place where there is not the 2% that don't care if they steal or kill. In my neighborhood we all have guns so the 2% go elsewhere. Read More
New members of the Honduras forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Honduras forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Andy, You have not been here long enough if you think the roads are terrible. In some areas a pothole is an asset because that means you have a road. Actually Honduras ability to maintain and improve, at least the highways, is improving ... Read More
Legal Weapon by woodrowdunn
I would like all Americans know that I had my legal weapon and permit confiscated from the police.** Please be advised about this. The weapon was purchased from a government store and I had a legal permit to carry it. I was completely sober and ...
I agree. I have a gun here and several at my house in the US. Because I have them I never expect to use them. Watch the news. If you are an American or Canadian living in Honduras you are safer in Honduras. Regards Read More
Legal Weapon by woodrowdunn
I would like all Americans know that I had my legal weapon and permit confiscated from the police.** Please be advised about this. The weapon was purchased from a government store and I had a legal permit to carry it. I was completely sober and ...
Hello, All of the gringos I know have a gun or want one. Don't know of any that have had to use them, because they have them. Read More
building on the ocean in the Ceiba area by larryjamesa
I'm seeking advice and recommendations on building on the ocean front close to Ceiba please! Also, considering my Spanish is not good.
*** what... Read More
building on the ocean in the Ceiba area by larryjamesa
I'm seeking advice and recommendations on building on the ocean front close to Ceiba please! Also, considering my Spanish is not good.
Hi Larry, We have communicated in the past. Stop by my house in Sambo Creek and I can tell you the good the bad and the ugly. Steve 5th house from the right Read More
Vehicle Registration yearly cost by Reba19
Hello, Can anyone please give me an idea of what the yearly cost for vehicle registration is? And if the car has not been on the road for a couple of years do they make you pay all the years regardless if it was out of service? Thank you for any ...
Hi Cindy, I am only in Honduras half the year so I have been in a situation where I had to pay up for last year. Many in Honduras do not have insurance. Most Smart Gringos will make sure they are covered. Top Gringo agent in Ceiba and Roatan is ... Read More
Moving with household goods and vehicle by ernest terrell
I have heard different stories? I am retired and own property in Roatan. I am building a house there. I have been told that I can bring in one container of household items and one vehicle (just once ) duty free. Can anyone verify that for me ...
Other considerations. Cars 5 years or less pay higher registration fees. New car starts at ~550usd. At 6 years it drops to about 100usd In the Ceiba area where I live there are very few American made cars and very few parts. May be different in ... Read More
Moving with household goods and vehicle by ernest terrell
I have heard different stories? I am retired and own property in Roatan. I am building a house there. I have been told that I can bring in one container of household items and one vehicle (just once ) duty free. Can anyone verify that for me ...
Hi, What is the breakdown of the cost? Read More
Moving with household goods and vehicle by ernest terrell
I have heard different stories? I am retired and own property in Roatan. I am building a house there. I have been told that I can bring in one container of household items and one vehicle (just once ) duty free. Can anyone verify that for me ...
Hello Ernie, I can't answer yes or no. There used to be similar programs. We used to be able to bring in up to 500usd at a time via the airport. Now we are supposed to pay duty on every item new or used. This is being enforced. There is a tax ... Read More
Moving to Roatan to start business by Ana Ortiz82
Hello I’m looking to relocate from Las Vegas to Roatan Honduras. I’m looking to start a jetski business in Roatan West Bay Area. Looking for information on how start the business, what permits I need & how to link with a hotel. & ...
Stefan, Good idea. Can't write what we all think about noisy 4 wheelers illegality driving on the beach; battery operated jet skis may be an option. Read More
New to Expat.com Looking to retire to la Esperanza by Wyo4x4
Hello. I'd like to connect to someone living in mainland Honduras to get a feeling for how safe general life is there. My wife is from Honduras but she is fearful for my safety as a gringo. I've spent a couple months in Honduras over the ...
Hello Karl, My experience is that most expats in Honduras have no idea what it is all about other than where they live. So good you are looking I only live on the coast because my wife loves the coast and we got a great deal on the beach house. We ... Read More
Covid-19 Situation by KarlWatson
How is the Covid situation in Honduras, lockdown, vaccines ect.
Hi Karl, They are part of the Northern Triangle. Sort of like the United States of Central America. Steve Read More
Banking Options by KarlWatson
My wife and I are were wondering how do expats get a monthly retirement pension check from the US, what are the options?
Hi Karl. They all work just like the US only different. Find an attorney, Mariella Rodrigues, is in La Ceiba. For a few dollars she will set it up and explain. Do not try to do it yourself. alixlawyers She has an yaho account. She speaks ... Read More
Banking Options by KarlWatson
My wife and I are were wondering how do expats get a monthly retirement pension check from the US, what are the options?
Hello Karl, I use bank lafise. com They always answer immediately the few times I have called. They have a call center in Miami. They service most countries in central America. There are a few other banks. Everyone has a favorite, and one they ... Read More
Anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club? by geffcken
Hi...my name is Kem and am interested in chatting with anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club. I want to retire soon from workinf it seems forever as an attorney and educator and become a beach "bum" ... listen to good ...
Hi Larry, You can get local mix on site or normal poured concrete. Are you considering a wood frame house near the beach. Not a good idea. Chris already responded here. He has built several housed in the area. Check him out in person. If he is ... Read More
Covid-19 Situation by KarlWatson
How is the Covid situation in Honduras, lockdown, vaccines ect.
Hello Karl, As far as I know the only places you can't go is El Salvador and Guatemala. Some pay the fine and do not leave. The fine is large for the first month and lower there after. I do not know the fine but most consider it is far less ... Read More
Anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club? by geffcken
Hi...my name is Kem and am interested in chatting with anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club. I want to retire soon from workinf it seems forever as an attorney and educator and become a beach "bum" ... listen to good ...
Hello, Mistake. Miss wrote. Need a glass half full, not half empty. PS. My wife and I live in the US 1/2 time and Sambo in the winter. I always go back. Steve Read More
Anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club? by geffcken
Hi...my name is Kem and am interested in chatting with anyone who has retired to or bought at La Ceiba Beach Club. I want to retire soon from workinf it seems forever as an attorney and educator and become a beach "bum" ... listen to good ...
Hello Larry, Chris has been an acquaintance for 10 years. He has for sale options and many years experience building. Best advice is to rent in the area for a couple months. Leave for 3 months then come back for a couple of months. By then you ... Read More
Tax implications, US citizens bldg in Roatan by Docmani
Hi forum, Since the US has no tax treaty with Honduras, what are the implications, concerns regarding taxes if one decides to build a home in Roatan and have rental income from it when not occupied. Are there any other tax implications we need to ...
Hello, One more thing. IRS requires you to declare bank accounts in other countries. If you note it on your tax return and they ask you may get caught. I am not sure but have been told there is a 10k limit before you have to file. Read More
Covid-19 Situation by KarlWatson
How is the Covid situation in Honduras, lockdown, vaccines ect.
Hello Karl, You can probably still get in without vaccination. However if you get covid plan on staying there for a while. The infection rate is high in the Tegus and San Pedro, so if you are in that area you should be vaccinated. You should be ... Read More
Covid-19 Situation by KarlWatson
How is the Covid situation in Honduras, lockdown, vaccines ect.
Hi Karl, When you enter, the 90 days is stamped on your passport. After 90 there is a penalty. Some choose to pay the penalty because it is less than the cost to leave the country for 3 days. Currently covid vaccination card is all that is ... Read More
Moving from Vancouver BC to Roatan by cockfieldp
Im a complete newebie, havent yet moved yet. Will be retiring soon here, and miving there in october. How do i set up a bank account? And which bank would be a better option for me?And how do i get a telephone number? How mu h is a basic cell phone ...
Hi Paul, Welcome to Honduras. I live in Sambo Creek on the mainland. I like to have lots of options. Island life has advantages, but these advantages usually come with a cost. Keep in mind all of this advice is suspect until proven. The first ... Read More
Expat community in San Pedro Sula
Great to see your coffee review is open to the public. Coffee Miramundo is owned by a friend, Lloyd Davidson, who also owns Macaw Mountain and responsible for all the Scarlet Macaw reintroductions in Honduras. Read More
Expat community in San Pedro Sula
Hello, Will you be featuring Miramundo from Copan? Steve Read More
Recommendations on shipping pitbull to Honduras by NelsonG
I would like to send my 3 year old pitbull to Honduras and found out that none of the Airlines will ship a pitbull to Honduras. I contacted a few pet transport companies only to find that they charge thousands of dollars. Any advice from my ...
Hello, Airlines do ship dogs to Central America under certain conditions. Two months ago three dogs were shipped from Belize to the US. I would he surprised if any airline would ship a pit bull anywhere. I used to ship a lot of animals and and ... Read More
Having a home built at Villas Paraiso Escondido by CinS
Hi All, My husband and I are having a home built for us in Villas Paraiso Escondido on the North coast of Honduras. It is located near Lucinda in the Municipality of Balfate. We are really looking forward to its completion so that we can avoid the ...
Hi Travis, Don't go in blind. Honduras is really great for those that move in knowing that they know what they think they know. I have 15 years experience in Honduras. We spend the winters in a house we own on the beach near Sambo Creek. If ... Read More
Banking Options by KarlWatson
My wife and I are were wondering how do expats get a monthly retirement pension check from the US, what are the options?
Hi, Banking in Honduras is a bit different than the US. More paperwork, and the limits put on the system because of a money laundering problem. Example of just a few issues. Checks take 21 days to clear. Depending upon the bank you will only be ... Read More
Vehicle Registration yearly cost by Reba19
Hello, Can anyone please give me an idea of what the yearly cost for vehicle registration is? And if the car has not been on the road for a couple of years do they make you pay all the years regardless if it was out of service? Thank you for any ...
Hi, Registration fees for passenger cars are basically dictated by the age of the vehicle. Starts at new ` $500USD. Each year it decreases until at 5 years you will be paying less then $100. Steve Read More