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El Zonte, El Salvador

Digital Nomad Life in El Salvador

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: El Salvador is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in El Salvador are San Salvador, Santa Ana, and La Libertad. Digital nomads like living in El Salvador because of its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. A digital nomad can live comfortably in El Salvador on a monthly budget of around $1,000 USD. The culture of El Salvador is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. The country is known for its vibrant music, art, and cuisine. El Salvador is also known for its friendly people and laid-back lifestyle.

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How do I meet people in El Salvador?

When we asked people living in El Salvador about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"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," said one person in Nejapa.

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What is life like in El Salvador?

When we asked people living in El Salvador what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in El Salvador is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the colonial cities to surfing the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to city apartments. With its warm climate and stunning scenery, El Salvador is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a new culture and lifestyle," remarked one foreigner who made the move to El Salvador.

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Where should I live in El Salvador?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One way to find a place to live in El Salvador is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Encuentra24.com and Vivanuncios.com are popular sites for finding rental properties in El Salvador. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in El Salvador. Finally, you can ask friends and family who live in El Salvador for recommendations on rental properties," said one person in El Salvador.

What do I need to know before moving to El Salvador?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to El Salvador, they said:

"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," remarked one member in El Salvador.

"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," explained one expat living in San Salvador, El Salvador.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in El 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," said one expat who made the move to El Salvador.

"People are warmer and will often go out of their way to help, even people I hardly know," explained one foreigner living in San Salvador, El Salvador.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in El 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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'," explained one person living in San Salvador, 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?," said one expat in El Salvador.

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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in El Salvador for a while?

"Passport, birth certificate, criminal record from home country and El Salvador Proof of guaranteed pension income, local bank account, medical from local doctor, local address, all documents notarized and translated into Spanish, process is simple but a Salvadorañ Immigration lawyer simplifies the process," explained one person living in La Libertad, El Salvador.

"If you plan to stay in El Salvador for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residency Visa or a Permanent Residency Visa. You will also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial resources, a police record, and a medical certificate," said one expat in El Salvador.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in El Salvador?

We asked people in El Salvador if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"Remember that you are a guest of El Salvador. Be polite, be humble and treat people like you would treat your family. El Salvador is about to blossom into the most prosperous country in the world," explained one expat living in El Salvador.

"It is important to be respectful of El Salvador's culture and customs when visiting. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as El Salvador is a conservative country. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the civil war. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to be respectful of them. For example, it is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to use it when possible," said one person in El Salvador.

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What are healthcare services like in El Salvador?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in El Salvador, they replied:

"Medical services are all free right here in Candelaria de la Frontera. If you want air conditioning in a big city, you have Santa Ana with many health facilities that have reasonably priced medical care," said one foreigner in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"Healthcare services in El Salvador are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is funded by the government. The quality of public healthcare in El Salvador is generally considered to be below average, with limited access to specialized care and a lack of resources. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as Salvadoran citizens. Expats in El Salvador typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private care," remarked one member in El Salvador.

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What are the pros and cons of living in El 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," said one foreigner in El Salvador.

"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," remarked one member in San Salvador.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.

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El Zonte, El Salvador
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