Got you all trumped...I first lived in Central America 1970-1972 returned to reside permanently in late 1985, started my residency (One starts their residency through INGUAT, Google it) Drove my vehicle down from States in 1986, did a lot of volunteer work with others from States (serious people, not change the world do gooders) and acted as guide interpreter throughout Central America for selected visitors. Returned to live in El Salvador in 1994. I am intergrated into society, speak Spanish and other languages besides English, had family and friends here before my arrival, still made every mistake in the book, howevr, errors in judgement are leraning experiences. Anyone who wishes my Central America information bloq, making it easy to Network directly with both locals and ex pats, send me a private message with your e mail, Name and Town, City, State, Province also feel free to call me on telephone or Skype... no "handles"...you know, it is not so difficult when you have contacts and know a bit before you go, no one else is going to do your "Homework" for you especially from a "Forum"
Advice, avoid people on forums offering to sell you Real Estate and tours on the Internet, I am able to recommend a great Hospitality Exchange Portal, non profit, where one will be able to meet up with bi and multi lingual locals. Unlike this forum, transparent, profiles with photo and bio. Remember that many small ex pat communities are very insular, the more spanish you know the less dependent you are on these self centered "gated community" ex pats, some of whom have little to do but gossip and bi lingual locals who charge more for servicing unilingual persons. There are Security Issues now throughout Central America, yes Dorothy, EVEN Costa Rica. Guatemala and the rest of C.A. is not disneyland. You will love it or leave it. Street Smarts and Common Sense required.
My Article on ExPatExchange
http://www.expatexchange.com/lib.cfm?articleID=3197&networkid=49
10 Things to Know Before You Move to Central or South America
By ---------------
Summary:
"--- offers ten tips for people contemplating a move to Central or South America."
"Easy does it..but DO it"
"Poco a poco se va lejos"
Saludos.
Advice, avoid people on forums offering to sell you Real Estate and tours on the Internet, I am able to recommend a great Hospitality Exchange Portal, non profit, where one will be able to meet up with bi and multi lingual locals. Unlike this forum, transparent, profiles with photo and bio. Remember that many small ex pat communities are very insular, the more spanish you know the less dependent you are on these self centered "gated community" ex pats, some of whom have little to do but gossip and bi lingual locals who charge more for servicing unilingual persons. There are Security Issues now throughout Central America, yes Dorothy, EVEN Costa Rica. Guatemala and the rest of C.A. is not disneyland. You will love it or leave it. Street Smarts and Common Sense required.
My Article on ExPatExchange
http://www.expatexchange.com/lib.cfm?articleID=3197&networkid=49
10 Things to Know Before You Move to Central or South America
By ---------------
Summary:
"--- offers ten tips for people contemplating a move to Central or South America."
"Easy does it..but DO it"
"Poco a poco se va lejos"
Saludos.
