Living in El Salvador

"Before retiring in El Salvador, expats should be aware of the country's high crime rate and the need to take extra security precautions. It is also important to research the cost of living in El Salvador, as it is generally higher than in other Central American countries. Additionally, expats should be aware of the country's tropical climate and the need to take precautions against the heat and humidity. Finally, expats should research the availability of healthcare services in El Salvador, as the quality of care can vary significantly," wrote a member in El Salvador.

"I live in a gated community. There are many in Nejapa and the surrounding cities. 24k will buy you a 2 bedroom single story house. Very little land but it is yours. Nejapa is safe and quaint for small towns. Everyone is friendly to foreigners. Do you homework and make contacts with local Americans or Expats. The cost of living is very cheap and dentistry and doctors have many cheap clinics to go to if you need assistance," commented one expat who made the move to Nejapa.

"I would not advise anyone to come here looking for work without certification nor special skills, nor basic Spanish skills, unless connected with an established school or employer. If one has a vehicle, one must exercise extreme caution in driving around this congested city, as most vehicles(except New Autos with compulsory Bank insurance) have no insurance and drivers have been known to "hit and run". Bus Service is plentiful and cheap, on mainly aging diesel spewing older vehicles or "Microbuses"-Coasters driven by rather reckless and careless individuals known as "Buseros", robberies on public transport, especially in the evening hours, are not infrequent. To sum it up, most Ex Pats who arrive here have employment with an American, Canadian or European based firm or have family ties mostly through marriage to a Salvadorian Citizen. Opportunities exist here though, just be sure you are prepared," remarked one expat living in San Salvador, El Salvador.

"Expats in El Salvador often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events," commented one expat who made the move to El Salvador.

"1. American Society of El Salvador, Organization of U.S. Citizens and their families Resident or Working in El Salvador, Chester Stemp, President. Tel: (011)503-224-1330 (International School of E.S.)Weekdays. E mail: [email protected] 2. British Club of El Salvador, located in the upscale Escalon area of the city, Club offers a Pub/Restaurant, pool and garden area, lending library and weekly activities such as "Dart Night" on Wednesdays view their site at http://www.webhash.com/british_club.htm Membership free to UK and British Commonwealth Citizens, others pay small monthly dues. 3. The Union Church of El Salvador(Protestant, services in English), the Churche's comphrensive website: http://www.unionchurchofsansalvador.org/links.htm has all the information you require on "Ex Pat" organizations in El Salvador. E mail the Pastor at [email protected] 4. Also the German Club(see British Club website), a large Spanish Society and an Italian Club exist for ex-pats from those countries," remarked one expat living in San Salvador, El Salvador.

"The are two big events in Nejapa - Bolas de Fuego and Peace One Day. There are many other activities that keep you busy through out the year. The government is with the Arena Party and the Mayor is a doctor. There is a huge water park and sports complex in the lower part of the city," wrote one member in Nejapa.

"Nejapa is in the suburbs of San Salvador. Most the people that have work go to San Salvador around 7 am and return around 7 pm. The town is quite around 9 pm. There are over 30K residents. The large population during the day are the students. School start at 7 am and ends around noon for half the students while the another half of the students start at 1 pm and end around 5:30pm. Cyber cafes are the popular places to hang out. Discos are not encouraged because of drugs and gangs. Pupusas are the favorite meal consumed and eating times are sacred. Soccer is very popular for the men. Softball is popular for the women and the gay population. There is a large church community and a snall farmer's market near the City Hall and Catholic Church," said one expat in Nejapa.

"Yes, El Salvador has a high rate of crime. The country has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and gang violence is a major problem. In addition, there is a high rate of extortion, robbery, and other forms of violent crime. The government has taken steps to combat crime, but the situation remains serious," said one expat who made the move to El Salvador.

"Other than some petty theft, if you're not vigilant, next to none. I personally have never had any problems and I ride the chicken buses locally and into the city quite often," explained one expat living in La Libertad, El Salvador.

"Everyone gets along and for most part everyone stays out of each other's business. The church goes are busy visiting everyone's house to boost their memberships. The community is very poor and each month around the first and the fifteenth, the people receive money from their families in the United States. We average 5 murders a month and most are drug related. The gangs exist in the other cities. The gangs visit once in awhile to attempt to collect rent from the business people but the polica watch for it and chase the gangs away out of the downtown city limits," explained one expat living in Nejapa, El Salvador.

"El Salvador is a culturally diverse country, with a population made up of people from a variety of backgrounds. The country is home to a mix of indigenous, European, and African cultures, as well as a large population of Salvadoran immigrants living abroad. In general, people in El Salvador are accepting of differences and embrace the diversity of their culture," said one expat in El Salvador.

"There are some 2 Million El Salvadorians living and working abroad, most in the U.S., many emigrated during the Civil Conflict that raged from 1979-1992 and many have become US and Canadian Citizens, or legal residents of those countries, therefore at least 60% of el Salvadorians have at lest one family member residing abroad, and some 40% of the GNP is generated by "Remesas" or remittanes sent home monthly by family and friends working abroad called "Hermanos Lejanos"(Brothers Far Away). On the other side of the coin, many Salvadorians have been deported back from the U.S. for commiting felonies(Gangs) or for being in the States illegaly, and some resentment exists among them and many of the poorer and working classes unable to emigrate. Many Salvadorians are able to speak English to some degree and the vast majority are friendly and helpful. From: http://www.dirla.com/elsalvador2_1.htm#San%20Salvador Religion... An estimated 86 percent of Salvadorans are Roman Catholic, while most of the remaining 14 percent comprising Protestant faiths, such as Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, and many fundamental sects. San Salvador... Situated in the highland valley and surrounded by magnificent volcanic peaks and green hillsides, San Salvador is beautiful and intensely over-populated. One of the most overwhelming capitols in Central America, the city is packed with rich and poor alike, who rarely mix, living their lives from within their own, economically defined boundaries. Sprawling outdoor markets that sell everything from produce to baby shoes typify the city. Street commerce is competitive and intense. San Salvador isn't a beautiful city, and their are no major tourist attractions to speak of, but newcomers are overwhelmed and fascinated by its industry and energy. Wealthier neighborhoods are located in the northern and western hills above the downtown area. These barrios offer elegant tree lined streets, peace and quiet, but residences are walled and have many guards. Few foreigners live outside San Salvador or on of its surrounding districts, such as Santa Ana, San Miguel, or Sonsonante. Most of the foreign population own or rent homes or apartments in Colonia Escalon, Colonia San Benito, Colonia San Francisco, or Colonia Altamira. In these areas, the price for an average mansion fluctuates from U.S. $120,000 to the high end of $700,000. Rent generally runs from $1,000 to $4,000 per month. These homes are located on half acre lots and have at least four bedrooms, swimming pool and maids quarters. Outside the stereotypical expatriate areas, nice, very secure homes with back yards can be purchased between $50,000 and $90,000. Condos sell from $30,000 and rent from $250 per month. Most of these moderate priced neighborhoods are located on the outskirts of the older, wealthier areas. Foreign Ownership... Foreigners can own private land in El Salvador, including beach front, without restrictions," said one expat who made the move to San Salvador.

"Overall the school is not a bad bet if you are in El Salvador for the short term, maybe a year or two, or in primary, but if you are here longer look somewhere else where your child won't obtain a mediocre education. I can personally say that what My child has achieved as an athlete and student is more because of his personal drive, than what the school has offered him. I haven't moved him fro the school because the environment, his friends and longetivity at the school have been key factors, but education wise primary is alright, high school needs improvement," said one expat in San Salvador with children at International School Of San Salvador .

"The American School of El Salvador (ASES) is one of the best international schools in El Salvador. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. ASES is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school offers a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on English language instruction, as well as Spanish and French language classes. The International School of San Salvador (ISSS) is another excellent international school in El Salvador. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. ISSS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school offers a comprehensive academic program, with a strong emphasis on English language instruction, as well as Spanish and French language classes. The Colegio Bilingüe Internacional (CBI) is a bilingual school in El Salvador. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. CBI is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school offers a comprehensive academic program, with a strong emphasis on both English and Spanish language instruction. Additionally, CBI offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," remarked one parent with kids at in .

"The cost of living in El Salvador is generally considered to be quite affordable. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in the region. Prices for consumer goods and services are also lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city or region. For example, living in the capital city of San Salvador is more expensive than living in smaller towns and rural areas," said one expat in El Salvador.

"Without an inordinate amount of partying US $650 will keep up the house-pool, pay utilities, food, car expenses, maid & caretaker," said one expat who made the move to La Libertad.

"The cost of living in El Salvador is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of San Salvador is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in El Salvador is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in El Salvador will cost around $10 USD per person," said an expat in El Salvador.

"In El Salvador, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. The country's coastline provides access to a number of beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and enjoy the sun and surf. There are also numerous parks throughout the country, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. For those looking for more active recreation, El Salvador has a number of sports complexes, with facilities for basketball, soccer, and other sports. Additionally, there are a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, that provide entertainment and education," commented one expat living in El Salvador.

"The climate in El Salvador is tropical and warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the heaviest rains occurring in September and October. The dry season runs from November to April, with the hottest months being March and April. The country experiences occasional hurricanes and tropical storms during the rainy season," remarked one expat living in El Salvador.

"One of El Salvador's most popular restaurants is La Casa de Doña Estela, located in San Salvador. This restaurant is known for its traditional Salvadoran cuisine, such as pupusas, tamales, and yuca con chicharrón. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, including ceviche and fried fish. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in El Salvador is El Rinconcito de Dona Lola, located in San Miguel. This restaurant is known for its delicious Salvadoran dishes, such as pupusas, tamales, and yuca con chicharrón. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, including ceviche and fried fish. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. For a more upscale dining experience, La Cocina de Doña Luisa is a great option. Located in San Salvador, this restaurant is known for its modern Salvadoran cuisine, such as ceviche, tamales, and yuca con chicharrón. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as sushi and steak. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, La Casa de Doña Carmen is a great option for those looking for a more traditional Salvadoran dining experience. Located in San Salvador, this restaurant is known for its traditional Salvadoran dishes, such as pupusas, tamales, and yuca con chicharrón. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, including ceviche and fried fish. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," said an expat in El Salvador.

"People living in El Salvador typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops for fresh produce, meats, and other items. Additionally, some people may shop online for items that are not available locally," said one expat living in El Salvador.

"In order to visit El Salvador, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in El Salvador, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a criminal background check. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. The application process may also involve an interview with a consular officer. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," remarked one expat in El Salvador.

"All USA citizen MUST have medical insurance especially 65+, which I am. I have not yet used that insurance - not in states nor El Salvador. I am pretty healthy for now," wrote one expat living in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"Healthcare and health insurance in El Salvador can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's social security system. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in El Salvador is not always up to the standards of other countries, and the cost of medical care can be high. For those who are able to access public healthcare, the cost is generally lower, but the quality of care may not be as good as in other countries," commented one expat who moved to El Salvador.