El Salvador is making a name for itself on the international stage after substantially improving its security situation, and adopting Bitcoin as legal tender.
For those of you who are considering taking a trip to El Salvador, below are a few things you should know first, based on my experience staying here.
Security
In 2015, El Salvador was ranked the most dangerous country in the world, and with reason, as there were an average of 17 people killed every single day at that time (in a country of only 6 million people).
For that reason, remnants of a dangerous time still remain. You will still see armed guards protecting parking lots, hotels, and other commercial establishments. However, thanks to the improved security situaiton, usually these guards are just scrolling Instagram or TikTok on their smartphones.
To protect oneself from the once rampant gang members and thieves, the windows on most cars are completely tinted, meaning you cannot see the driver or passengers inside, which makes communicating with body language nearly impossible.
Despite these remaining security precautions, the fact is El Salvador is a much safer country than it was just a few years ago. You can walk around virtually any area of the city, without having to worry about your personal safety.
Even though the gangs are no longer in control, locals will still tell you to avoid the particularly dangerous areas of Soyapango, Mejicanos, and Apopa. Don't fret it though, as there's not much to see or do in these areas anyway.
Money
The US dollar has been the official currency in El Salvador for decades now. Before adopting the dollar, the country used colones as their national currency, and they are still considered legal tender, even though almost nobody is using them.
The other payment option is Bitcoin, which became legal tender in El Salvador in 2021. Major coffee chains like Starbucks will usually accept (Lightning) Bitcoin. Other cafes, restaurants, and shops will be hit and miss, so you should always carry cash as an alternative.
The cost of living in El Salvador is lower compared to most of Canada and the US. A breakfast meal at Denny's will cost you anywhere from $7-12 USD, and a latte at a local coffee shop chain will run you around $3. Gas prices are slightly lower than in Canada.
Language
The official language in El Salvador is Spanish, just like all other Latin American countries (aside from Brazil), and I would recommend that you learn some before arriving.
Most tourists head directly to the coast of El Salvador, to enjoy the renowned surf, vast beaches, and warm weather. You will find a lot of native English speakers in coastal towns like El Tunco and El Zonte (Bitcoin Beach), so you get by there with virtually no Spanish.
If, however, you decide to travel to the capital, San Salvador, or other less known areas of the country, you will definitely need some Spanish to get by, as there are many people there who do not speak English.
The Spanish in El Salvador is more like that of Spain versus Mexico. For example, in Mexico a pool is an "alberca", however in El Salvador it's a "piscina", just like in Spain. Also people may refer to you as "vos" instead of "tu", which is the custom in Mexico.
Learn More
- Paying for Beverages with Bitcoin in San Salvador
- Paying With Bitcoin In The Beaches And Forests Of The East Side Of El Salvador
- Paying For Chicken Wings, Starbucks, And Groceries With Bitcoin In San Salvador
If you learned something from this article, be sure to check out my other posts on crypto and finance here on the HIVE blockchain. You can also follow me in InLeo for more frequent updates.
Until next time...