Three unique and distinct Central American nations lying between the tourist and retirement meccas of Mexico and Costa Rica, all three nations have been through civil wars in the 1980s through the early 1990s and all three are now well into reconstruction and economic recovery, with tiny El Salvador, the most densely populated country in all of Latin America, boasting the best and fastest growing economy and highways in the region. El Salvador is now ready for worldwide inbound tourism with an improved infrastructure and more competition. The real estate boom, upsurge in tourism and economic recovery in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in Latin America per capita next to Haiti and proud Guatemala, now recovering from over 30 years of civil unrest and a recently corrupt administration boasts the best infrastructure for foreign visitors in Central America except Costa Rica. An average of over a thousand persons from abroad study Spanish in the charming colonial city of Antigua every week while hundreds of visitors fly, drive, bus or trek daily to the awesome ruins of Tikal in the tropical Department of Peten in the country’s northeast, not far from the Belize Border and don’t miss Guatemala’s enchanting Indingenous Highlands with a visit to Lake Atitlan and the famous Indian Market of Chichicastenanago.

However these three countries are not ‘Costa Rica’ and visitors and residents alike must expect some minor inconveniences and deal with ‘rough edges’ from time to time. Crime is a problem, especially in the large cities, however on the PRO side, there are opportunities for the adventurer.

Living In El Salvador

Studying Spanish, volunteering or relocating/retiring in El Salvador? Despite what you heard and read in the media El Salvador is quite an economical and pleasant place to live and work and there are many foreign residents who have come to settle with El Salvadorain born spouses they’ve met abroad; in fact, over 2.5 Million El Salvadorians live and work in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, Sweden and several other countries: called ‘Hermanos Lejanos’ (Brothers Far Away) they send almost $3,000,000,000USD a year in remittances (remesas) to family here in El Salvador, this money accounts for nearly 30% of GNP yearly and many recipients start up small business ventures. The capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, is more cosmopolitan than one would believe with large Arab, British, Canadian, German, Jewish, Italian and Spanish communities as well as a thriving US expat community.

My Experience In El Salvador

After leaving the USA due to lack of job prospects, I discovered a new world in El Salvador - a land of opportunity for the ex-pat entrepreneur. At first things appeared difficult: the language, the lack of connections(which is mandatory to get things done here) and being in a country where ex-pat Women are on sight noted as different. However, with perseverance and a positive attitude both in business and traveling about, El Salvador can be a world like no other. I have found that being an “outsider” has its advantages too - I look upon this country with fresh eyes and have traveled over more of the land than the majority of those who have lived their entire lives here. From the Volcanoes, to the Beaches to the quaint Colonial Towns, there is so much to do and see, and all is possible within a short day’s drive on newly paved roads out of the capital city. At first I was worried about the “reputation” of El Salvador and the State Department warnings regarding traveling around, but so much has changed here since the Civil War ended in late 1992. The economy is strong for business investors and just keeps moving upward and the Government is currently working on funding for Travel & Tourism to attract more visitors. El Salvador may be considered remote and “ground level” now, but like the Stock Market - always best to buy in at the ground level.

I don’t know how long you’ve been an Ex Pat…but I’ve met dozens and dozens of psychopaths, sociopaths and plain ‘grifters and grafters’ from the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. The natives here are very wary of foreigners ‘wheeling and dealing’, in Central America we call them ‘floating gringos’ and then you have people like these who have really nothing to offer the society here nor in the US, cannot adapt nor master the language, and are constantly looking for ‘help’. Most often, like our friends ’stuck in Mexico’ they often play on sympathy of other expats. To function well as a member of society here in Latin America, one requires enough Spanish to communicate, a good sense of humor and a lot of patience.

* More Articles on Living in El Salvador
* Real Estate in El Salvador
* Banks in El Salvador - Worldwide Banking Directory
* Universities in El Salvador - Colleges & Universities listed by Country
* Embassies and Consulates of El Salvador