What No One Tells You About Expat Life in El Salvador (and Why We Almost Left)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- Find out what it's really like to live in El Salvador and how it’s become our home.
In this episode, Francesco and I open up about our real experiences living in El Salvador for over two years. We share how we went from visiting the country just to check it out to falling in love and deciding to make it our home.
But it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows-there have been some tough moments too. I talk about the "honeymoon phase" when everything felt perfect, followed by some serious challenges that made me question if we made the right decision.
From dealing with cultural differences to navigating expat life and the realities of living in a developing country, we cover it all. We also share why we think El Salvador is a great option for families, especially with the safety and opportunities it offers.
If you’re thinking about moving to El Salvador, visiting, or just curious about life here, this episode gives you an honest look at both the highs and the lows. Tune in.
Xo,
Juliana
Grab your guide here! residency.elsa...
Grab your discounted tickets for the @adoptingbitcoin Conference in El Salvador:
pretix.eu/galo...
Join our communities!
Facebook group: / bitcoinersinelsalvador
Telegram group: t.me/bitcoiner...
And if you’d like to have a 1:1 with either one (or both of) us, you can do so here: calendly.com/j...
![ตีสิบเดย์ [FULL] | เปิดใจ "อาจารย์ เบียร์ ฅนตื่นธรรม" นักสนทนาธรรมสายดุดัน!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vqaBI_mnoDk/mqdefault.jpg)
![⭐ฮิตในTikTok!! ( มะมะมะหมูเด้ง MooDeng ) Ver. แดนซ์ ReMix BY [ ดีเจกิต รีมิกซ์ ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4noyAoMa7bQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You guys are legends in El Salvador
Both of you are salvadoreños
Ernesto! Thank you so so much for your support 🙏
❤🇸🇻
Gosh, you guys were the pioneers of this freedom movement happening in El Salvador, you should be proud of yourselves. Keep up the good work 👍
Thank you so much, Jerry! Let us know if you have any content idea or request 🤝
Very good vídeo hope you live a good and precious life
Thank you for sending love our way, Marcos!
We really need it 🙏
@@ElSalvadorInsiders I'd be nice to see more videos of expats living in El Salvador
Dé que país son @@ElSalvadorInsiders
You guys are great people with a great heart ❤️
Thank you so much, Ramon! We are just sharing our journey and what we learn: the good, bad and the ugly 😁
Thank you for sharing your experience and honest opinion as an expat. Your videos are great! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Juan! 🤝
Thanks guys El Salvador change from A-to-Z in only 5 yrs of BUKELE. Note: economically is still poor but the country is moving fast and strong...i have been travelling there for 15 years and i see the difference.
It will take time to fix poverty as well, probably one generation or less, but it will happen.
The future is bright for El Salvador, and it takes time to undo over 40 years of violence and poverty.
We left El Salvador because of civil war in 1984 and my dad was killed. My mom never sold her house and loves going back now for extended stays. She wants us to keep her legacy so we never lose our roots. Hope El Salvador continues to provide refuge for you and so many who appreciate its conservative culture and beautiful surroundings and (for the most part) humble, God loving and hard working people.
I can relate but we fled Nicaragua due to the 1979 civil war; although my family lost everything including family members
Refreshing to hear people living based on their ideals 👊🏽- good for you guys
Bienvenidos a El Salvador
Mi casa es su casa
Muchisimas gracias 🙏
Hi guys, I love your honesty, and thank you for being part of the great blessing that our Lord Jesus is giving to El Salvador, your home, thank you and God bless you all ❤️.
Integrity, honesty, and transparency are at the core of everything we do in life. I mean, in business, content creation, and family, nothing else matters if these aren’t the foundation.
It seems some obvious, but too often people forget and operate from a scarcity or fear based mindset, and values start to degrade.
We the Lord on our side, we have nothing to fear ✝💪
I’ll admit, we sometimes hold back on certain topics because they’re delicate, and I don’t always have the verbal skills to express them clearly.
The risk of being misunderstood is too high, especially without context or when read off a screen.
Hello Guys I'm grateful that you guys stayed in the country , that always happens to any one who move to a different county. believe me living abroad is not easy
due there are not family around you!!!
It's true, being away from family is tough. But it can also bring you closer to your partner.
@@ElSalvadorInsidersWherever you go, your first experience in that new place will be the adaptation period: culture, languages, infrastructure, food, and many others, once you overcome that stage and focus on why you are there you begin to feel the taste, the taste, the feiling of why you decided to be there. EL SALVADOR is a process and we go brick by brick as our president and your readers say, they should not worry that as good Salvadorans and we want this new El Salvador we will never allow going back
Hi lovely friends! I am so happy you are part of the metamorphosis of El Salvador.
Thank you so much for your support and love❤
We need help, I am from El Salvador, and my husband is from the US.
We live in Texas. I need to get my husband his residence, but we don't know where to start. We have invested in land in El Salvador.
With the way things are going around the world, we have decided that in less than one year, we are moving to El Salvador permanently.
Could you please guide us on where to turn with this?
Also, I want to learn BITCOIN. I don't know anything. How can I start from 0?
Thank you so much ❤❤
I love your video ❤
That's awesome!
First of all, for immigration help, email us at elsalvadorinsiders@proton.me , so I can ask my legal team what’s the best route for getting residency for your husband, considering your marriage with a Salvadoran. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you guys are coming down in November, make sure to attend the @AdoptingBTC conference. There could even be cheap flights from Texas, so keep an eye out! Maybe we can even shake hands at the conference. Here’s the link for more info and discounted tickets for your husband (Salvadorans get a special deal on the tickets): pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS.
As for learning Bitcoin, it’s absolutely essential if you want to survive the coming hyperinflation and help El Salvador prosper! There are plenty of resources online, but be careful, avoid the cryptobros selling get-rich-quick schemes with altcoins.
That’s not what Bitcoin is about.
It’s a tool for freedom and financial sovereignty, and any wealth gained is just a bonus. Actually, join our Bitcoiners In El Salvador groups on Facebook and Telegram (links in video description) to network with other bitcoiners and learn directly from the folks here.
I'll be waiting for your email 🤝
This is a wonderful video guys! Such an encouragement as we are seeing the same as regarding things in the world and we are definitely considering El Salvador for our little family of 5. We keep hoping people would wake up to the direction of things in the west, but nothing is really changing like you said. Noah's Ark is right! Our work contract finishes in July, so if we have the right opportunity, we would look to move next summer. We would love to get in touch with you soon. Blessings!
That sounds like a solid plan!
If you can swing it, I’d highly recommend taking a quick trip to El Salvador to check things out before your move. A great time to do that would be during the Adopting Bitcoin conference in November. I know it's coming up fast, but it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to meet the community, see what’s happening here, and start making connections.
You can grab more info and discounted tickets here: pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS.
If you want more info or tips for your trip, feel free to reach out! Looking forward to seeing you guys here. Blessings!
What surprised me was your honesty, enjoy the country
Integrity, honesty, and transparency are at the core of everything we do in life. I mean, in business, content creation, and family, nothing else matters if these aren’t the foundation. It seems some obvious, but too often people forget and operate from a scarcity or fear based mindset, and values start to degrade. We the Lord on our side, we have nothing to fear ✝💪
I’ll admit, we sometimes hold back on certain topics because they’re delicate, and I don’t always have the verbal skills to express them clearly.
The risk of being misunderstood is too high, especially without context or when read off a screen.
awesome video. thanks guys. keep up the good work
Thank you so much for your support!
Bravo.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. It was a great video.
Thank you! 🙏
@@ElSalvadorInsiders your welcome 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Seeing the Flood Coming is a great way to express what keeps me awake at night. I thought I was the only one, but recently, others have expressed the same feeling. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Joel! You are definitely not alone... We receive emails and DMs weekly.
I love the way you guys exposed, what living in El Salvador it's all about, I myself born there, I'm USA citizen too, and definitely, looking forward to return to my country after 45 years absenty.....thank you guys to be so informative and sincere about Salvador lifestyle, BLESS.
Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your story! Robert, are you coming to visit for November by any chance?
Completamente de acuerdo con la conversacion de este video, asi como ustedes se sienten que an dejado su familia back home ,es lo mismo que hemos vivido los salvadorenos, nos obligaron a salir de nuestro querido pais y emigramos a otros paises, por tierra,sufriendo ,a Dios gracias fuimos aceptados en Canada, no hablavamos el idioma, comenzamos una vida de aceptacion,estudiar el idioma etc,etc.
Dejando parte de la familia, sin saber de ellos por largo tiempo ,porque antes no existia la technologies que ahora tenemos, asi que hoy me identifico con ustedes, no es facil.
Ahora queremos regresar,mi hija y yo fuimos de vacation en agosto/2024/ por dos semanas nos hospedamos ahi en San Benito frente al edificio de Google y disfrutamos cada minuto, gracias a que Dios nos a bendecido con un buen President, the best President in the world.
Gracias a el podemos ir y regresar a nuestro querido El Salvador y, disfrutar ,conocer mas de nuestras raices.
Gracias por este video ,buena conversacion,con temas muy importantes .
❤❤❤
Canada, the US, and Europe have helped Salvadorans escape and build better lives, and now El Salvador is returning the favor by doing the same for them.
Thank you for helping in the rebirth of El Salvador, you guys have a beautiful soul and everything you set your mind to will succeed, may God bless you
Thanks so much for the kind words, Gloria! We are so grateful to be a part of this renaissance in El Salvador! 🙏
But this is happens anywhere, you are always questioning your own decisions. When I first came to Canada and I saw what a real winter looks like I was like what am I doing here? But eventually you learn to love the place and the weather and beauty all the plus and minus. There’s no one place that is perfect, life is a challenge and we always have to learn to make the best of it. Congratulations guys , you made it.
Agree 100%🎉❤
Absolutely, Walter! It's just life.
❤️🇸🇻
There is a hug difference buying a house in beach towns and living in Santa Elena, San Benito, Escalón, Nuevo Cuscatlan, Antiguo Cuscatlan even in Santa Tecla you can have best quality of life. Leaving next to the beaches is like living in the poor side of the country.
True, every area has his flavor and his tradeoffs.
Well this country is freedom your can create your on life your on culture you can design what your want.
Agreed, Bryan! That's why we love El Salvador 🇸🇻
Are you coming in November to the Adopting Bitcoin conference?
You re guys are such great people
Thanks, David! We’re just regular folks trying to bring value to society by help others while and supporting and grow our family 🙏
Beautiful couple
Thank you so much 🙏
13:12 I left Nicaragua due to the civil war. I’ve been living in California for the past 36 years. I know what it’s like to be ripped from your home w/out a choice. Leaving my friends (I was 8) and most of all my grandparents. At 47, I find myself considering leaving the USA to give my kids a better life in LATAM. Maybe ES. I know I can do it again.
Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your story!
El Salvador is a great option. It’s a very different lifestyle than California, but if your roots are from Central America, you’ll feel right at home here.
You should come visit in November for the Adopting Bitcoin conference, it’s the perfect time to experience the country and learn about the Bitcoin revolution. More info and discounted tickets here:
pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
❤Thank you for your youtube - Greatings Almuth and Peter
Thank you so much for your support, guys! 🙏
❤️
Hey you guys! You made me feel proud of you. I’m Salvadorian, and I been living in USA for 40 years and I’m planning to go back to my country. So, keep up with the good work guys and enjoy my country. I’m going in November and I have bitcoins and I would like to know about conference in November
Thank you so much for the kind words!
The Adopting Bitcoin conference is definitely the best chance to learn more about Bitcoin, connect with the Bitcoin community, and see the progress being made in the country. And Salvadorans have special pricing on tickets!
You can find more info and grab discounted tickets here:
pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
There will be networking opportunities, speakers, and meetups where you can get insights on Bitcoin adoption and everything else happening in the country. Maybe we'll shake hands there 🇸🇻🚀
The main thing to consider that Bukele only has 5 years in power, when he leaves I hope everything stays the same
His brother will be the next president of El Salvador. Karim Bukele .
It is something that is beginning to be talked about very loudly from now on in the population, look at the polls that despite almost 6 years he already maintains the approval of more than 80% of the population so if he does not want to continue, Karim Bukele will be his predecessor
That is a serious concern yes!
@@OlgaSorto interesting. I am starting to read this rumor more and more on social media 🤔
@@spacexxxxspace1293 Salvadorans are speaking loud and clear 🇸🇻🚀
Brazilians are amazing! (I’m biased tho, minha esposa e Brasileira), however now it sounds like you are one of us. So exciting!
Thank you for your support, Sergio!
Greetings guys. By any chance, do you know if Brayan and Jessica, “ from two people in paradise” are still in El Salvador?
Yes, they are! You can connect with them in our Telegram group t.me/bitcoinersinelsalvador 😁
Wow that’s great congratulations,I’m looking forward to move out us and I’m thinking about moving there👍
Hey Miguel! El Salvador is beautiful, but if you’re used to the hyper-convenient and organized lifestyle in the US, there might be some challenges here. Bitcoin Country isn’t for everyone yet, it has changed and improve a LOT in the past 2 years but there’s a ton of room for growth and improvement. That said, the trajectory is clear, and the future looks bright! 🇸🇻🚀
If possible, I’d highly recommend visiting first to get a feel for the country and see if it’s the right fit for you. November is a great time to visit because of the Adopting Bitcoin conference, where you can meet the community, explore opportunities, and get a firsthand experience of what’s happening here.
You can grab more info and discounted tickets here: pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
🤝
Guys, thank you for this video. I have just come across your channel through this video as it aligns exactly how my wife and I are seeing things develop in the West and are considering making a move from the US. One question I have for you is, what are the talks about what the country will be like after president Bukele's current second presidential term comes to an end? I've read that he will not run again and that he is looking to focus on his family. I wonder if the sharks from the FMLN will jump back in and undue the country or will Bukele's legacy continue with protecting and changing El Salvador for the better? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks!
I will answer that question because it is something that only a Salvadoran can answer for you. If Bukele does not want to continue, we Salvadorans are already talking about reforms in our Constitution that allow his brother Karim Bukele to become president, also by popular clamor to ask the first lady to reconsider one more term of her husband. But regardless, I can assure you that almost 90% of Salvadorans will not let the country return to the past
@@spacexxxxspace1293I agree with you. Especially, that we have tasted tend bad and now the good.
@@spacexxxxspace1293 Thank you for your input. It is comforting to learn that these plans are in place. I cannot imagine how an opposition can exist after what Bukele has been able to accomplish for the country. People can now enjoy freedom, go for a walk, have an icecream, the basic joys of life - all while supporting the economy and propelling the country forward. I do hope the best for El Salvador. I am making plans to go visit now in November.
@@1000PerCentHuman That’s a great question! I’m actually writing a post about it (and it’s definitely something we should cover in a podcast espidoe too).
Anyway, if you’re planning to come in November, make sure to attend the Adopting Bitcoin conference! It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a real sense of the cultural and technological transformation happening here. We’re still in the very early stages, but the future is looking bright.
You can also get discounted tickets here:
pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
Let me know if you are attending the conference, and maybe we can shake hands there!
You'll love the conference, the energy and you'll learn a ton 🇸🇻🚀
bendiciones amigos cuando lleguemos al salvador espero ir a decirles Hi:)
Si, claro! Vienes en November para la conferencie Adopting Bitcoin. Yo estare ahi :D (Desculpa my español)
-Francesco
Just left El Salvador for the second time 2 days ago. 5 years Expats in Costa Rica so I see allot of great things going on in El Salvador and nothing in Costa Rica.
Thanks for watching and for sharing! A friend of ours just visited Costa Rica and sent some stunning views from 3,000 feet above sea level. But I have to agree-only El Salvador seems to be rising as a country. Btw, are you coming back in November for the conference?
@@ElSalvadorInsiders I don’t plan on it but I also know nothing about it. If it’s these crazy Bitcoiners only, not my thing.
With that said I plan to come back in January and maybe early December for another visit and explore. I would like to meet with you because my intentions are not just to possibly move their but to help with a very serious problem in the country with the animals. It’s as bad or worse than most other Latin American countries. Definitely worse than Costa Rica.
@@cougarlove8542 There’s definitely more than just Bitcoin at the Adopting Bitcoin conference, but Bitcoin is definitely the main focus. If you have the chance to come, I’d highly recommend giving it a shot. A lot of business partnerships and charity projects get started or even sealed there.
For more info on the conference and tickets prices check this link out (how knows, maybe we'll meet up there):
pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
As for the stray animal problem, we have a possible plan and strategy, but right now, we don’t have the means, time, or honestly the energy to execute it.
Hello guys. I appreciate videos like this. Is the first time I see your channel. I am a digital nomad and have been looking into El Salvador for living and investments. Is there a charge for your 1 on 1 and if there is, what are the prices?
That's awesome and thank you for the feedback!
If you’re serious about checking out El Salvador, I highly recommend visiting in November for the Adopting Bitcoin conference. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the country and meet the community.
Here’s the link for more info and discounted tickets: pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
As for the 1-on-1 calls, yes, we do charge $100-or $77 if paid in Bitcoin.
We love having these chats and connecting with people from all over the world, but with the podcast (and family) growing, we’ve been getting slammed with requests. We’re considering either raising the price or stopping the calls altogether... we don't know what to do 😱
Let us know if you’re interested via email elsalvadorinsiders@proton.me, and we’ll get something set up!
I arrived in ES around the same time as you guys. I only lasted a year and a half. It’s not for everybody…. Let’s keep it real.
Agreed, and in a way we touch on that in the episode. If you have time, could you share more of your story and why you decided to leave?
@@ElSalvadorInsiders I prefer walkable cities, and San Salvador isn’t one. The pollution, rubbish everywhere (even at tourist spots), traffic, and constant heat made it hard to enjoy. I struggled with the food being too salty or sweet, as well as frequent stomach issues and headaches. The city’s appearance, with its billboards, cables, and lack of appealing architecture, was also unappealing. There was a cultural disconnect, and I found it hard to fit in, especially given the social dynamics and the ‘cultura del más vivo’ mentality. I did get married there, though, which was the highlight!
You can live in el salvador 🇸🇻 good country good people we have safety
Absolutely agreed! Thank you for watching, Juan!
The tricky part is, the quality of life you can afford.
Yes, but also think that applies to everywhere in the world, right? 🤔
-F
Hi, Do you know if it's easy to get 6 month tourist visa or will they ask a lot of questions and will try to give only 3 month visa?
And if I only get 3 month visa, would I be at least be able to do a visa run at the end of the 3 months by going to another country for a day or two?
Getting a 6-month tourist visa for El Salvador is super easy and straightforward from most countries. It costs just $12 (and can even be paid in Bitcoin at the airport). Normally, you’ll get 6 months with no issues and they don’t ask any questions. If they do, just tell them you coming here for Bitcoin and surf and they'll roll out the red carpet for you 😉
Let me know if you need more info!
❤🩵❤ 👍😘🙋♀️
Thank you so so much for watching!!! ❤️🇸🇻
Today was to be the last leg of my journey From Nashville to Costa Rica where I have lived for over 5 years. I bought a truck to transport animals for spay and neutering and my plan was to keep it here in CR for at least 3 months. Today I determined I am definitely permanently leaving CR and possibly pick up in El Salvador. I passed through 5 borders and I did all of my research for each. The Customs A..hole in Costa Rica told me I cannot bring the car because I have temporary residency. Now I know for a fact that is not true but the scam culture here is out of control. Now I am having someone come in my other car to the border to pick me, my New Mexican street dog Chapi and my stuff. Monday I will have to file some BS legal documents to force a 90 day permit. So guys, let’s meet and let me know how to contact you offline. Costa Rica….Im done
Oi, Ju! Tudo bem? Eu e a minha esposa vamos chegar em El Salvador no início de dezembro para morar. Infelizmente não vai dar participar do evento com os bitcoiners em novembro.
Vocês estão cobertos de razão. Cada país tem um lado bom e um lado ruim. Infelizmente o Brasil foi sequestrado por um grupinho.
A nossa única dúvida é com respeito à moradia. A gente gostaria de saber qual é a melhor opção para morar, San Salvador ou Santa Ana. A nossa intenção é trabalhar com quitandas.
Muito grato pelas informações! Um grande abraço desde Goiânia Brasil!
Hello, I answer your question as to whether San Salvador or Santa Ana in terms of housing and the fruit business. To live the cost of the capital San Salvador the rent will probably be higher than in Santa Ana but there is more diversity of people, Santa Ana the rent may be lower with the capture of tourism that comes from the north: Guatemala, Mexico, U.S.A etc, now as for commerce you should not worry because within the benefits offered by the security of the country and because it is small in extension everything moves quickly and fluently. I advise you that if you are going to dedicate yourself to being a producer you contact the Ministry of Agronomy you will be able to obtain technical assistance, reasonable precious in inputs 6 placement in the agro markets. Welcome to EL SALVADOR
Oiii! Pois é... qdo o brasileiro chegou na conclusão que um comunista, criminoso condenado era uma boa opção para presidencia, o Brasil perdeu e não acho tem esperança pro pais mais não.
Santa Ana é mais barato porem afastado "da cidade". San Salvador é mais caro, porem tem mais oportunidades (e tb mais competição).
Vcs vão abrir uma quitanda ou trabalhar com outros aspectos da quitanda?
Vcs tem filhos? Conta um pouquinho mais e vou ajudando 😘
@@spacexxxxspace1293Hey! Thanks for the tips. Yeah, I think we're going to check out San Salvador first. 👍
@@bitesizeenglish3716 if you can, come and check out San Salvador during the Adopting Bitcoin conference.
You may even get business ideas from the conference.
You can grab more info and discounted tickets here:
pretix.eu/galoy/ab24/redeem?voucher=SVINSIDERS
-Francesco
It's looking promising for Trump; he's the closest we have to Bukele.
Thank you for watching! True... let's see what happens in November 🤔
@@ElSalvadorInsiders
Exactly. Just because the people choose the candidate they want doesn't mean all the mail in ballots and the overseas ballots won't offset that to favor the machine. It could get interesting...
To be honest, after following the elections in Europe (UK, France, Germany) and the last one in the US, I stopped believing in voting at the ballots. I feel like the only votes that truly matter are the ones you make with your money and the ones you make with your feet.
-F
You are IMMIGRANTS, not "expats".
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave feedback, Chris! We really appreciate your support.
From the all caps, it seems like this distinction is extremely important to you. Could you explain the difference?
You’re not wrong but no need to be a dick. Also, they did it through the system not like the bullshit that’s happening in the USA right now
@@11nica5 who is not wrong and who is being a dick? It's unclear from your message 🤔
El salvador is just a small impoverished country. Nothing is happening here. Not even Bitcoin. I am leaving fast!
🔴🔴🔴If u are an ARENAFMLN friend leave....the land is only for spirt of Liberty people🙏🙏
@@luissanchez-uu4ks what the heck is ARENAFMLN?
Good luck.. don't let the door hit you in the a$$
Leave as soon as possible! The countries need hard workers, no parasites! Go to Europe! Overthere is already done. You won't need to do anything else! They are already waiting for you and your entire family! For the rest of dreamers and positive people that understand what is about to come around the world's, El Salvador is the place meant to be! Thank God for such opportunities to those who still we have hope at the end of the tunnel. ❤
Goodbye, nobody will miss you...
I;M COMING ON FEBRUARY, LET ME KNOW OF ANY EVENTS, WE WOULD LOVE TO COME
You know what, the best way to keep up with events is gonna be our email list that you can grab here:
residency.elsalvadorinsiders.com/
And to join our Telegram group here: t.me/bitcoinersinelsalvador
Email us if you need help subscribing to our email list or joining our group h🤝