Little bit of info on El Salvador, I've looked into it before and been considering moving here anyway. If things don't start going a little smoother for me here soon I probably will move thre next year.
http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/47/ElSalvador_Living.html Here's some of the important bits if you don't want to read it all:
Right off, I should warn you that you will have to speak at least basic Spanish. English here is not used a lot, but some lawyers, doctors, and engineers do speak English very well.
In 1998, when I first arrived, El Salvador was already one of the safest countries in Central America. That trend has continued to the present day.
El Salvador has a very stable currency, the US Dollar. It also has the second largest American Embassy in the world
earnings outside of the country not being taxable
Initially, as a visitor with a 90 day visa, or a card granting temporary citizenship, you will only be able to open a Bank Savings Account, but most banks issue a Visa debit card against this type of account, and they are usable internationally.
Permanent citizenship is normally granted after 5 years of legal temporary citizenship, and will allow you to apply for mortgages, etc.
At the airport or any border crossing, a 90 day visa is normally issued for Europeans and Americans / Canadians. This can be renewed simply by leaving the country, and then coming back in, 1 hour later if you wish.
a foreigner can legally own any land, property or vehicle. None of the messing about with having to use friends or a local business is unnecessary. Buying land or property here is a simple process.
If you want to bring a vehicle with you, pickups carry an import tax of only 5%
Major car dealers have a monopoly and are a huge rip off. For example, a new BMW 4x4 can cost USD 8000 more than what you would pay if you brought the vehicle yourself, and paid all taxes and registration.
Land prices vary, but in a very good area inside the city, you can expect to pay around USD 100 per square metre.
Prices for land in the countryside vary enormously, but are very much cheaper than the city; you will have to do your research.
Prices are occasionally given in the old, non-existent, currency of the El Salvador Colone, but there is a government mandated fixed rate of 8.75 Colones to the dollar, so the cost is easily translated. Colones don’t officially exist anymore, but many locals still find it easier to think in Colones.
Fuel is about USD 1.90 per US gallon for Super.
Taxis are plentiful and can be found in varying states of repair. Costs vary from USD 3.00 to USD 5.00 to travel anywhere in or around the city. They can also be hired by the hour for USD 6.00 to USD 9.00. You could drive to the Guatemala border for about USD 45 for a round trip, to renew a visa, for example.
Most of the roads in the city, and the major artery roads are either in the process of being resurfaced, or already have been, with widening of the major roads taking place.
El Salvador has a major earthquake around every 20 years, and there are frequent minor ‘quakes and tremors. Don’t let this put you off the country though. Housing standards are high, and every house is built to withstand the biggies.
There are only really 2 seasons here, Rainy and Dry, and they are both very welcome. The rainy season lasts from around May to November, and during this time, it rains at least once per day, heavily, but for only a few hours, and normally in the evening.
When this is up and running, I'll be both amazed and really happy.
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