Retire in El Salvador

"There is only 1 expat couple living in my community year round. The rest is what you make it within the local community," said one retiree in La Libertad.

"We retired in El Salvador (ages: 72, 65) from USA in February 2022. My husband speaks Spanish and this is the country where he was born. I was born in the USA and speak very little Spanish but find it easy to converse. People are patient here and so many know English, and, of course, my husband helps me speak. This country has different processes and ways of doing things. Once a person relaxes into things, it becomes home. The people are wonderful and the beauty is all around us. Such beauty. I do NOT recommend the hustle and bustle of the capital as it is just overpowering but, the smaller towns are wonderful. We finally found a good attorney, his sister is a medical doctor (she came to our house to check on us). We have made good friends with so many sweet, kind people ... PRICELESS! Our plan is to live out our lives right here," commented one retiree living in El Salvador.

"Life for a retiree in El Salvador and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from the United States and Europe living in the area. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén, the colonial city of Suchitoto, and the beaches of El Cuco. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore, as well as live music and dancing," explained one retiree living in El Salvador.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in El Salvador is the cost of living, which is higher than in many other countries. Additionally, the country has a high crime rate, which can make it difficult for retirees to feel safe. Furthermore, El Salvador has limited access to healthcare, which can be a concern for retirees who may need medical care. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for retirees who do not speak Spanish, as English is not widely spoken in El Salvador," said a retiree who moved to El Salvador.

"Cheap living, palm trees, beach, house with pool, living near the beach 1/2 hr from the airport and the capital city San Salvador," said one retiree in living in La Libertad, El Salvador.

"Retiring in El Salvador can be a rewarding experience due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget. The country also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing and fishing to hiking and bird watching. Additionally, El Salvador is home to a vibrant culture, with a rich history and a variety of festivals and events to enjoy. Retirees can also take advantage of the country's excellent healthcare system and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a safe and welcoming environment," explained a retiree in El Salvador.

"A better doctor than I had for the past 30 yrs in Canada runs the FREE clinic in town 10 minutes away. Ambulance in our community 3 minutes away. Good hospitals in San Salvador 1 hour at a fraction of Canadian prices," commented one retiree living in La Libertad, El Salvador.

"Healthcare services in El Salvador are generally limited and of low quality. The country has a shortage of medical personnel and a lack of access to modern medical technology. The public health system is underfunded and often unable to provide adequate care. Private healthcare is available, but it is expensive and out of reach for many people. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve access to healthcare, but progress has been slow," explained one retiree living in 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," remarked one retiree in 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," said a retiree who moved to 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," said one retiree 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 retiree in living in Nejapa, 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," said a person in Nejapa.

"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 retiree 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," said a retiree who moved to San Salvador, 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," remarked one retiree 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," wrote one person in El Salvador.