Questions
What Legal Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me?
Do I Need Any Shots To Protect Against Disease?
Do I Need To Arrange My Own Housing?
What Expenses Can I Expect While In Honduras?
Will I Receive A Stipend For My Services?
Will I Receive Health Insurance?
How To Help Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we try to answer the most common questions volunteers have about working with Olancho Aid. If you have a question that you don't see answered here, please contact us directly.
What Legal Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me?
You may enter Honduras as a tourist on your USA-issued passport and do not need a visa. We will address those who come from other countries on an individual basis. You should explain to the immigration authorities that you are a volunteer working for the Catholic Church in Olancho and request a 90-day stay. For those working longer than three months, one of our staff will assist you in obtaining a long term permission form to remain in the country. It will be helpful to bring a notarized copy of your university degree and a letter of authentication from the Secretary of State's Office.
Also, for long term positions, you will need a criminal record check, and a medical check-up performed where you have been living for at least the last five years.
Do I Need Any Shots To Protect Against Disease?
We strongly encourage volunteers to discuss vaccinations and preventive medical measures with their physician or local health clinic before coming. Anti-malaria pills are suggested and are usually taken one to two weeks before departure, and once weekly during your stay in Honduras. Please bring the appropriate prescribed dose with you. Basic stomach and pain medication are also recommended for the occasional illnesses we get no matter where we are in the world.
Do I Need To Arrange My Own Housing?
No, that isn't necessary. Olancho Aid will arrange secure and comfortable housing for its volunteers.
What Expenses Can I Expect While In Honduras?
Olancho Aid will make available to each volunteer a place to stay. Volunteers are expected to pay their own electric bill and are responsible for the purchase and preparation of their own food. Telephone service is provided but phone and internet expenses are the responsibility of each volunteer.
Will I Receive A Stipend For My Services?
Long-term volunteers will receive a stipend to cover costs associated with living in Honduras. More details are provided once you are accepted as a volunteer.
Will I Receive Health Insurance?
At this juncture we are unable to offer health care packages and suggest that volunteers make arrangements before leaving the United States. This is a concern of ours and we're working to resolve it, but unfortunately we don't have the resources available to offer a health care package at this time.
What Should I Bring With Me?
Olancho Aid will provide towels and linens. For additional supplies not suitable for suitcases (books, athletic supplies, etc.) we can recommend a company in Miami, Florida which has been very responsible in shipping materials to us from the mainland. Contact us for more information.
How Do I Get To Honduras?
American Airlines has one flight daily out of Miami and Continental has a flight from Houston. TACA also flies from New York but arrives late in the afternoon and because we are three hours from Tegucigalpa we cannot arrange to transport volunteers who choose to come on an airline other than American or Continental. These volunteers will need to arrange their own transportation from Tegucigalpa to Juticalpa. Return flights must also be booked via the early flight from Tegucigalpa to ensure the safety of our drivers.
Will Someone Meet Me At The Airport?
Yes, one of our staff will meet you, assist you with your bags and drive you to Juticalpa.
Should I Bring Credit Cards?
That's a personal decision, but you should be aware that there are very few places in Juticalpa that accept credit cards. There are more businesses that accept credit in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula than in Juticalpa. Several banks in town do offer ATM services and the option of withdrawing money from foreign accounts.
What's The Weather Like?
From December to May we are in the hot season, with little moisture and lots of dust. June to November is the rainy season. A small umbrella or light raincoat is recommended. Celsius is the norm for reading temperatures.