Hi if you don't mind me asking are you moving to el salvador for work ? I will be happy to answer any questions you may have that I can help with I have alot of family and friends in El Salvador and go there often. I actually plan on moving to El Salvador in feb- april 2010 to be close to my family. For realestate tou could check salvadoran newspapers such as la prensa grafica and la diario de hoy. Santa Tecla is a good neighborhood in el salvador to live in it is very safe there

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

thanks for answering. Can you email me? Its not for work.
katie262000@yahoo.com

Post a Reply

00abuse

If you havent been before, I would suggest just going down and spending a week or two. There are friendly people that would love to show you around. I have a company in San Salvador and live there half the time. Just let us know when you want to visit and we will help you out and show you around.

Post a Reply

00abuse

I hear it is dangerous there and there is a lot of murders and muggings ....what is your opinion?

Post a Reply

00abuse

Not thoughts, reality, from a real live long term expat.

I relocated to Central America from New York City in 1985, where there were lots of murders and muggings. On Cable here in El Salvador I watch Fox News, CNN, Atlanta and Denver stations for news from the US, lots of murders, muggings, drug trafficking, serial killers, sex offenders. No ACLU (American Criminal Liberties Union) here in El Salvador as yet, best to stay home or relocate to some place like New Zealand or Denmark. Here's quoting our friend "Good Time Bob" who has been traveling to Central America (mostly neighboring Guatemala, yep they got crime, so does Costa Rica, Costa Rican citizens are arming themselves at 1,200 gun permits a month, good for them!!!

Good Time Bob

http://www.goodtimebob.com/safety.htm

"Safety...


Yes It is Safe

The most dangerous thing you can do is come up to me while I'm working on one of my guns and say "I've heard that it is very dangerous in.......

Pack Security

Gonna put this elsewhere as well. I have never had anything taken from a pack on a bus. Either when the pack went underneath or on the roof. But airports are another matter. Guat. City airport seems particularly bad on this from reports. The one time there where I got hit...the thief..I'm presuming one of the guys unloading from the plane...ripped open the top of my pack and took the first stuff sack. As it was, it contained just toiletries. But in the process he broke a bottle of shampoo which covered everything. It may be easy to rinse out of your hair....but not your clothing, books and pack. So here is what I do these days. This works especially well for me as I buy lots of handicrafts. I own a large, lockable duffle. Ship the pack down inside it. Be sure and use TSA locks or they will be cut off in the US. When I get down there I stuff the duffle into the pack until I've accumulated enough crap to use it as a separate bag. So how do I safeguard the pack going home? Go to any native market in any country...the kind selling food not handicrafts. You will always find stalls selling bulk goods..corn, sugar etc. They save their empty 100 and 50 lb. bags. For a few pennies you can buy one to put over your pack. Tie it on with some of the rope your bring...cut holes for the straps. You're set

. Also...quite a few airports in Latin America...and probably elsewhere...often have a service that wraps your bag in giant Saran wrap. Doesn't cost much. Remember...the thieves only have seconds to act so they don't want to hassle with something that is hard to get into. When you have to walk through town with a pack, try swinging it side to side to make it harder for someone to snag anything. When waiting to cross at a light...stand to one side.

As to buses...chicken bus the pack goes up on top. No need to climb up and lock it...do you see locals doing that? All other kinds it is stored below. In that case they ofter give you a claim ticket. Don't get paranoid about being separated from it. When I hand over my pack I stand around watching until it is stowed. Also...at destination I try to get off ASAP so I can see it being unloaded. Intermittent stops...no...don't jump off. If possible I'll keep an eye out through the window. Now, before and after is another issue. Never leave anything unattended for even a second in a bus station. They often work in pairs. Someone will distract you...varies...the old mustard on the shoulder...which they offer to help clean. Or just asking a question. A local asking a gringo about bus schedule or directions...ought to set off bells.

Where to Avoid

You live in Los Angeles???...really a third world country these days..especially with the current mayor...you know where to avoid. Some LA, Detroit, St. Louis, Atalanta, Miami, etc. ghettos or barrios are going to have a lot higher per capita population of firearms than most Latin American cities. But you don't go to those parts. The issue with traveling is to know where to avoid. Reading your guidebook in advance is a good idea. Stay out of poor neighborhoods. Most poor folks aren't thieves...but is a good area for thieves to hide. Areas around bus stations and markets are prime for pickpockets and bag snatchers/slashers. You gotta go/arrive at the bus station. But grab a taxi asap. When going to the market..travel light. Even nice areas can suddenly become dangerous at night. Watch out for dimmly lit areas. Cabs are cheap. Study the map in your guide in advance. Know where you are going.

Crime

Most crime is non-violent and opportunistic. Pickpockets/bag slashers/snatchers are what most victims of a crime encounter. Don't give them time to set you up. Use store windows as mirrors. Occasionally reverse direction and walk back a few yards. Cross the street unexpectedly. These are the least likely type of thieves to be armed. Most of us...at least the guys...are bigger than most of them. Don't be afraid to be confrontational. Even the ladies can yell. Oh...if some one comes at you and no one is around...instead of yelling ladrone or ayuda...scream fuego. Everyone comes running to watch a fire.

BTW...I am constantly amazed/amused at the number of people who are oblivious that they are in a risky situation. Latin American travel as a backpacker is not a trip to Disneyland or an all inclusive resort. Don't count on lawyers or cops and especially your embassy to protect you.

-------
Banditry...the idea that massive number of holdups of buses is taking place is just plain crap. Yeh..it can happen in any country. But given the tens of thousands of buses that are on the road at any minute and the rarity of such robberies...you got lots of other things to be concerned about." by goodtimebob.
--------------------
Oh my own scorecard Central America vs USA
Resided mainly Boston and NYC USA some 20 years
Mugged 5 times
Apartments broken into 3 times

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, mugged one time, my own fault out drinking 2AM alone in worst part of Guate City, pickpocketed once on a mini bus at the Mexican border with Guatemala, my fault, did not replace my Passport into it's proper hiding place

Thats it. My losses were learning experiences..have a nice day. Ciao.

Post a Reply

00abuse