El Salvador
Pros and Cons of Living in El Salvador
Last updated on Mar 06, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in El Salvador include its beautiful landscapes, its rich culture, and its friendly people. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, El Salvador has a high crime rate, and the infrastructure is not as developed as in other countries. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage.
What are the pros and cons of living in El Salvador?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in El Salvador responded:
"I like that we live in the country with some land, so it is fairly private area. My wife and I live in our own home so that is a plus. My wife is from El Salvador, we retired and moved here 10 years ago and enjoy the life here very much," wrote one expat in San Salvador.
"Expats and digital nomads in El Salvador appreciate the country's low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming people, the beautiful beaches, and the vibrant culture. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the lack of reliable public transportation and the high crime rate to be drawbacks. Additionally, the country's infrastructure is not as developed as in other countries, which can be a challenge for those who are used to more modern amenities," explained one expat living in El Salvador.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in El Salvador appreciate most about the local culture?
"People are warmer and will often go out of their way to help, even people I hardly know," remarked one expat in San Salvador.
"Expats in El Salvador appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the relaxed pace of life, the delicious local cuisine, and the affordability of living in El Salvador. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore the many archaeological sites and colonial towns," explained one expat living in El Salvador.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"The way of thinking is very different than someone born and raised in US, Canada, UK, Australia or Western Europe - Often 'never the twain shall meet'," said one expat in San Salvador.
"Expats in El Salvador often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Language barriers can be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in El Salvador. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the local infrastructure and transportation system to be inadequate and unreliable. Finally, the high levels of poverty and crime can be a source of stress and anxiety for expats," said a person living in El Salvador.
"The way of thinking is very different than someone born and raised in US, Canada, UK, Australia or Western Europe - Often 'never the twain shall meet'," remarked another in San Salvador. What is the difference in thinking?," explained one expat living in El Salvador.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to El Salvador?
- Where should I setup a bank account in El Salvador?
- Will I be able to find a job in El Salvador?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in El Salvador appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in El Salvador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in El Salvador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in El Salvador like?
- How are healthcare services in El Salvador?
- What are medical services in El Salvador like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in El Salvador?
- What are emergency services like in El Salvador?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in El Salvador?
- How are local medical facilities in El Salvador?
- As a foreigner living in El Salvador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
