Retire in El Salvador

"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," said a retiree who moved to 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," said one retiree 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," commented one retiree living in La Libertad, 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," commented one retiree living in 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," commented one retiree 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 one retiree living 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," explained a retiree in La Libertad.

"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," commented one retiree living in El Salvador.

"In San Salvador the capital, there is much industry, dominated by several outlying "Free Zones" dedicated mainly to Apparel and Textile Manufacturing. Ordinarily, lives of ex pats in the City revolve around work. There are also many Americans living or retired here who have married Salvadorian Women and many are engaged in Teaching or running small businesses. There is little "socializing" as compared to areas such as Costa Rica or nearby Antigua, Guatemala or Roatan, Honduras which are basically 'resort towns' catering to ex pats. There is a large US Peace Corps contingent stationed in towns and villages around the country, as well as many volunteer organizations (NGOs) engaged in reconstruction and disaster releif," remarked one retiree in San Salvador.

"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," said a retiree who moved to 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 retiree who moved to Nejapa, 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 one retiree in San 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," explained one retiree living in El Salvador.