Merry Christmas season and Happy New Year to all (Those of us who do not live in USA don't have to say "Happy Holidays" ) Most of my local friends are either Catholic or Evangelical.
Seems to be a "stigma" regarding El Salvador, areally nice place to live, work or retire, really nice and genuinely friendly people, when I was in hospital recently both ex pats and natives came to visit me. I also lived in Guatemala and spent much time in Honduras and Nicaragua. There are many fine working and retired ex pats in these "dangerous" countries as well as long term volunteers for worthy causes, those working with or directing non profits and ngo's. The civil conflicts are ling over, sure we have security issue, but what country does not!!! In fact I recently wrote an article, backed by facts taht together, El Salvador and Guatemala have twice as much to offer in ecotourism than Costa Rica at half the price, much more to offer in native crafts and indingenous culture and colonial heritage than neighboring Costa Rica, a beautiful country, which unfortunately, due to good "PR" is far overrated, overcrowded with tourist hordes at high seasons of year, where visitors are just another blank face spending dollars and euros. There exists no utopia nor paradise. I have viewed many great common sense posts from Costa Rican Residents recently on CR forum...good going!!!
The only complaint I have about expatexchange forum is I have only received ONE (1) "thank you" message. For those wishing insider information, making honest ex pata nd local contacts best to to travel first to your target country, join a Hospex Internet Portal or stay in a B & B or Guest House, not a "resort" nor "chain hotel"
learn the basics of the local language, culture and customs, smile and keep smiling, don't whine when things don't go your way. I am still old fashioned, will not deal with anyone until I have looked him or her in the eyes and shaken their hand. Nationality, polics, religon, creed color, economic status means nothing..all fallen leaves in a gale of wind, as my Dad used to stay. If you are sincere and have character I'll be happy to assist you with good advices if planning on relocating to Central America or Panama in near future, especially newly retiring Baby Boomers around my age. Common sense rules in my domain as well, the magic words, please and thank you. I, who have lived abroad 23+ years note some of my fellow US citizens are tasting some humility in present economic situation, much beyond our control.
Sorry for the "lecture" but some us say what we mean and mean what we say. Better to give (time and skills if you have not money) than to receive, and then you will earn respect.
If you have a lot of money, just hire people to do things for you. Simple as that. Good Day.

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Hi and happy holidays to you! Thank you for your message, which i found very helpful. I lived in El Salvador in the late 1980s and am now considering accepting a transfer there again with the U.S. based non-profit that I work for. I keep hearing that El Salvador is so much more violent now than during the war, however, which worries me. If it were just my husband and I, it would be a different story, but we now have a young child. Your message suggests that an expat can live a relatively normal and peaceful ilfe in San Salvador without having to live in fear. Would you say that is true? What about traveling outside San Salvador? Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can give us.
Erica

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El Salvador has very bad PR. Just like any other Latin American country, very friendly people, good infrastructure, Beaches only half an hour by auto from the city, Lots more to do and see on weekends. If you believe those Stateside fear based "travel" writers and bloqs, best stay home or opt for another country, then. Contact the AMSociety very helpful

From one of my former posts, contact after 4th January, when everything is back to normal

From: El Salvador 10/28/2009 15:58


The American Society (An independent association of US citizens residing in El Salvador, not part of the "Embassy") has put up a great web site, very helpful to US Citizen newcomers and their spouses/children. Lots of activities all year long.

Click on

http://american-society.net/about_el_salvador

Contact the Society by sending an e mail to
Contact us by sending an email to:

americansocietyes@yahoo.com

Also the English speaking Union Church, Interdemoninational and lots of other activities

View the El Salvador section of the Guatemala Revue Magazine in pdf format http://www.revuemag.com/ Esitor Ex Pat and Resident Lena Johannesen, native of Norway.

Avoid the "relocation services" here, contact me by message before you arrive for any more info.

Rough edges for sure, but you will adjust. All in the attitude.

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Thank you so much for this incredibly helpful information. Yes, I have lived in other places that would be considered a serious security risk by most Americans, but since I have a child now, I am a little more cautious. Your take on it is very helpful. Thank you!! Erica

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