ABOUT
Emily is originally from Olive Branch, MS. She has been an ESL teacher while finishing her degree and plans to teach full time. She speaks English and Spanish but was not fluent in Spanish until a year after moving to El Salvador.
Moving to San Salvador
When and why did you move to San Salvador?
Originally, I moved to El Salvador on a mission trip for 4 months. While I was there, I met my (now) husband. After we got married, I moved to El Salvador to be with him with no plans of returning to the US.
How did you get set up?
When I moved permanently, I was still on my parents phone plan and just had them add an international plan for a month to give me time to find a local plan. I ended up going with Claro, but had to get signed up using my husbandâs info since I still didn’t have a Salvadoran document. While I waited on my Salvadoran documents, I used ATMâs to take money out of my US bank account. An expat Facebook page helped me find which ATMâs had the highest withdrawal limits and cheapest fees. Since my husband was employed in El Salvador, I got health coverage through him.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance?
The only difficult thing for me was figuring out what exactly we needed. They expected everyone to have Salvadoran documents like a NIT or DUI but many places accepted my passport. I also had to get a tiny passport style photo because they included that on my insurance card.
What did you bring with you?
El Salvador has access to most of the things I needed/wanted in the states. The things I couldnât find and took with me aside from clothing and electronics were EOS chapstick, my favorite eye liner, and Essie nail polish. Other than that, I really just brought two full size checked bags packed with clothing.
How did you find an apartment in San Salvador?
Facebook marketplace and Facebook groups were the best for finding cheap apartments. At first my husband and I rented a room in an apartment complex with a shared kitchen. We only stayed there a month before moving to an apartment that charged $250/month for a two bedroom. I always stayed in local, middle class housing so I never rented somewhere with A/C and for some expats, that may be roughing it a little too hard for the long term.
What should people consider before deciding to move to San Salvador?
El Salvador has seen a lot of growth and an influx of expats. I would suggest that anyone coming to El Salvador decide what type of life they are wanting to live. If you are willing to live like a local, you can get good deals on housing, groceries, ect. There is âcheapâ luxury in the country, but cheap only by US standards. I know some expats that work remotely for US companies part time and still make enough to live a nice, middle class lifestyle in the tropics. If you have to get a job locally, this is harder unless you have dual income. Healthcare is significantly cheaper but expect to spend almost the same as in the states for private school tuition if you want to prep your kids to attend college outside El Salvador.
Living in San Salvador
What specifically is San Salvador famous for?
Anytime someone hears âEl Salvadorâ they instantly think of pupusas which are the countryâs most famous dish and the president, Nayib Bukele, who has gotten a lot of attention in the news for his mass incarcerations.
Did you learn Spanish?
I had taken several Spanish classes in high school and college, but felt that I really could only read and write. Spanish classes did not prepare me for the way locals speak, it was more professional grammar and vocabulary. The locals in El Salvador are who taught me how to speak fluently and use caliche (local Spanish).
What apps and stores do you find useful in your daily life in San Salvador?
WhatsApp is a must! Other than that I would suggest that if you download rideshare apps or food delivery services, go with the ones that have a local office. I had a friend get robbed at gunpoint on a local ride share and if the app had a local office, he would have been able to report the situation with more confidence than over the phone or electronically.
Stores: PriceMart is the equivalent of Samâs or Costco. Highly recommend getting the membership if you can. This was useful for us when we lived further from the city and needed to buy groceries in bulk on weekends. If youâre looking for a specific brand thatâs hard to find, try the international section of Super Selectos. I even found Tylenol PM at Super Selectos when I couldnât find it at a pharmacy.
Stores: PriceMart is the equivalent of Samâs or Costco. Highly recommend getting the membership if you can. This was useful for us when we lived further from the city and needed to buy groceries in bulk on weekends. If youâre looking for a specific brand thatâs hard to find, try the international section of Super Selectos. I even found Tylenol PM at Super Selectos when I couldnât find it at a pharmacy.
What are your favorite places in San Salvador?
I love going to El BoquerĂłn (the volcano) on the hottest days to cool off. You can find several garden cafes there.
Honestly our whole family always had a good time at the malls! Especially Las Cascadas and Multiplaza as they typically have activities that are free or low cost for little kids.
Honestly our whole family always had a good time at the malls! Especially Las Cascadas and Multiplaza as they typically have activities that are free or low cost for little kids.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in San Salvador?
If you value living like a local, you can easily get by as a single person on $700 or possibly less per month. This is assuming you rent a room in a house in the city or a small apartment outside the city ($200-$400/month). Santa Ana is about an hour or two outside the capital, but is even more affordable!
If you want to feel like you live in the states, my family of 3 survived on just my salary of $1800/month very comfortably in a 3/2 gated townhouse rented 20 minutes outside the city for $600/month.
If you want to feel like you live in the states, my family of 3 survived on just my salary of $1800/month very comfortably in a 3/2 gated townhouse rented 20 minutes outside the city for $600/month.
Do you feel safe as a woman in San Salvador?
During my first months in El Salvador, I spent a lot of time in places with low security and got stalked and catcalled by men.
After marrying my husband, I learned the best practices (sticking to gated parking lots, walking straight in and straight out, not speaking English too loud) and it helped a lot having a man with resting-mad-face at my side!
If you stick to the city or tourist areas, you will not have much trouble but I definitely suggest traveling with a friend to new places and always be aware of your surroundings.
After marrying my husband, I learned the best practices (sticking to gated parking lots, walking straight in and straight out, not speaking English too loud) and it helped a lot having a man with resting-mad-face at my side!
If you stick to the city or tourist areas, you will not have much trouble but I definitely suggest traveling with a friend to new places and always be aware of your surroundings.
What's your list of favorite restaurants and cafés in San Salvador?
I absolutely adore Benâs coffee on el boquerĂłn! Try the Nutella pie if you go!
El cadejo in La Libertad is also one of our go-toâs. You can access their pools as well as bring a swimsuit.
What is the most recent thing you've read in the news about life in San Salvador?
El Salvador has gotten a lot of attention recently for being a safe country for those who left in the 80âs to return following the mass incarceration of gang members. It has also had some negative publicity from people concerned about human rights due to the mass incarcerations.
How does San Salvador compare to other cities in El Salvador?
San Salvador is more Americanized in some ways. There are several more chains. For example, McDonaldâs has several locations in San Salvador, but fewer in Sosonate. I have been impressed with the medical facilities in Santa Ana and several locals have recommended moving there as the cost is lower than San Salvador, but has many of the same things.
Can you tell us something else about San Salvador that we might not know?
Although foreigners say life is so cheap in El Salvador, remember that itâs not cheap for the locals. 30% of the population lives under the local poverty line. I think this is important to know in order to be understanding and respectful of the locals.
If you say the phrase âI invite youâ, they will assume you are paying . I still havenât fully learned how to talk around it.
Currently, the visitors visas are good for 6 months before you need to renew or adjust status.
Be prepared to be charged extra at tourist spots if you look like you may be foreign, even if you are a permanent resident.
If you say the phrase âI invite youâ, they will assume you are paying . I still havenât fully learned how to talk around it.
Currently, the visitors visas are good for 6 months before you need to renew or adjust status.
Be prepared to be charged extra at tourist spots if you look like you may be foreign, even if you are a permanent resident.
Final Thoughts
What are some local artists that you recommend checking out?
Rhinna Bleu- Sheâs a local skateboarder who does cool illustrations, board art, and overall is a very talented individual.
What should people watch to learn more about San Salvador?
If you are interested to know more about the history that influences the political beliefs of Salvadorans, a good place to start is watching Voces Inocentes (free on VIX).
What are some disadvantages to living in San Salvador?
The biggest thing is traffic. Thereâs a running joke that Salvadorans claim it only takes â20 minutes to get anywhereâŠ(without traffic)â With traffic, you can expect very long delays. Getting stuck for hours is a regular occurrence.
What advice would you give to a visitor?
Make local friends. Unfortunately, just like in any country, there will be people who look to take advantage of you. Donât be too generous until you are well-aware of the culture and people.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
At first all my friends were involved with the organization I volunteered with. I volunteered with a mix of Salvadorans and North Americans. Culture shock left me weary of making local friends but I eventually adjusted and found more local friends through people I already trusted.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment, we are growing our family. Our long term goals are to settle in El Salvador. I currently teach English and would love to do that in El Salvador again. I also have a substack where I plan to share my experiences as well as experiences of immigrants to the US.
You can read my latest post here!
Thank you so much Emily for telling us your story about moving to El Salvador! This is quite an incredible experience and I loved reading about the local culture as well! I wish you all the best with your family and your professional aspirations! Check out Emily’s Instagram here!
