Are you thinking of making the move to Central America? If so, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of living in El Salvador or Costa Rica. Both countries have a lot to offer ex-pats, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision. In this article, we will take a look at the pros and cons of moving to each country, as well as the currency used and whether or not it is safe to live there. We’ll also discuss some of the most popular attractions and beaches in each country!
Costa Rica
Pros
Beaches
One of the great things about living in Costa Rica is that there are so many different beaches to choose from. Whether you want to relax on a quiet stretch of sand, go for a swim, or experience some of the best surfing in the world, you’ll be able to find a beach that suits your needs. Costa Rica is also home to some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world, including Playa Hermosa, which is known for its black volcanic sand, and Playa Blanca, which is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re looking for a list of popular beaches in Costa Rica, here are some of the most popular:
-Playa Hermosa
-Playa Blanca
-Playa Conchal
-Playa Tamarindo
-Playa Flamingo
-Playa Jaco
Language
Costa Rica has four official languages: Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. However, the most commonly spoken language in Costa Rica is Spanish. According to the latest census, around 95% of the population speaks Spanish as their first language. There are also a number of indigenous languages spoken in Costa Rica, including Bribri, Cabécar and Maléku. However, these languages are only spoken by a small minority of the population.
Legal tender
Costa Rica’s legal tender is the colón, which is divided into 100 centimos. The colón has been the country’s currency since 1896 and was named after Christopher Columbus, who is often referred to as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. The colón is easy to relate to for visitors from the United States because the exchange rate is approximately 500 colones per dollar. In addition, coins in Costa Rica are denominated in centimos, just like in the U.S. So, a 50-centimo coin is worth about a penny, and a 5,000-colón bill is worth about $10. Costa Rica’s currency is also easy to carry around because bills are relatively small, and most businesses accept credit cards.
nature
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. The country is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, much of which can be found in the rainforests that cover the land. Costa Rica is also home to an abundance of natural beauty, from pristine beaches to towering mountains. In addition, the country’s tropical climate ensures that there is always something in bloom. Costa Ricans are fiercely proud of their natural heritage, and they work hard to protect it. As a result, Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. Visitors to Costa Rica can often feel as though they have stepped into another world, one where they can truly appreciate the beauty of nature.
Housing
The houses in Costa Rica vary depending on the location and socioeconomic status of the residents. In general, they are made of concrete or brick and have metal roofs to protect against the rains. Many houses also have a small patio or yard where people can relax and enjoy the warm weather. Most families live in houses with three or four bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and one or two bathrooms. wealthier families may have houses with more rooms, swimming pools, and maid quarters.
Temperature
Costa Rica is a tropical country, and as such, enjoys year-round warm weather. The average temperature in Costa Rica hovers around 27 degrees Celsius, which makes it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the cold winter months. However, Costa Rica is more than just a sunny beach destination. The country is home to diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas. This variety means that Costa Rica is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and surfing. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the great outdoors, Costa Rica has something to offer everyone.
Cons
Crime rate
Costa Rica is an amazing place with many things to offer visitors. However, one of the things that it is not known for is its high crime rate. In fact, the cost of living in Costa Rica is one of the main reasons why the country has such a high crime rate. The cost of basic necessities like food and housing is very high, and many people are unable to afford them. As a result, they turn to crime in order to make ends meet. In addition, the cost of living in Costa Rica is also driven up by the cost of healthcare and education. These costs make it difficult for families to get by, and they often resort to crime in order to survive. If you are considering visiting Costa Rica, be sure to take these factors into consideration.
Lack of reliable public transportation
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is rich in culture, natural beauty, and friendly people. However, one area where Costa Rica falls short is in public transportation. The country does not have a developed system of buses or trains, making it difficult for visitors to get around. This can be especially frustrating when trying to explore Costa Rica’s many national parks and other attractions. While there are some private companies that offer transportation services, they are often expensive and unreliable. As a result, lack of public transportation can be a major downside to visiting Costa Rica.
Earthquakes
Costa Rica is located in a seismically active region, so earthquakes are not uncommon. In fact, Costa Rica experiences an average of around 10 earthquakes each year. While most of these earthquakes are relatively small and cause little or no damage, they can still be disruptive and terrifying. In 2017, Costa Rica was hit by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the cost of the damage was estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Given the frequency of earthquakes in Costa Rica, it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do can help reduce the impact of an earthquake and keep you safe.
El Salvador
Pros
Beautiful natural scenery
El Salvador is a small nation in Central America that has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty on the planet. One of El Salvador’s most popular tourist destinations is Mount Cerro Verde, which boasts stunning views of the surrounding region. El Salvador’s Cerro Verde volcano is a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers, and those looking for an adventure. The hike to the top of the volcano offers stunning views, or you can take a cable car to the summit. You’re sure to be impressed by all that Cerro Verde has to offer.
Legal tender
Though it is not as well-known as some of its neighbours, it is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. When it comes to legal tender, El Salvador uses the United States dollar. This means that all prices in the country are listed in dollars and that dollars are the only currency accepted by businesses and institutions. While some countries have their own currency, El Salvador has chosen to use the dollar instead. They are also accepting crypto now. This makes it easier for tourists and businesspeople from other countries to do business in El Salvador. It also helps to stabilize the economy and keep inflation low. All in all, using the dollar as legal tender has worked well for El Salvador.
Culture
It has a lot to offer its citizens, including a great climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The people of El Salvador are known for being warm and friendly, and the country hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From music festivals to sporting events, there is always something going on in El Salvador. In addition, the government is working hard to improve the infrastructure and make the country more attractive to tourists.
Surf
El Salvador is a Central American country known for its Pacific Ocean beaches, surfing, and resort towns. El Salvador’s coastline stretches for more than 300 miles (480 km), and surfing is a popular activity in the country. El Salvador has a number of Surf spots, including Punta Roca, El Zonte, Sunzal, and La Libertad. Surfers from all over the world come to El Salvador to enjoy the waves and the warm water. El Salvador is also home to a number of surf schools, where beginners can learn the basics of surfing. With its year-round waves and beautiful scenery, El Salvador is an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.
Cons
Poverty
El Salvador is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. over half of the population lives in poverty, and unemployment is high. the government has been working to try to reduce poverty, but progress has been slow. El Salvador has a lot of natural resources, but most of the population does not have access to them. El Salvador also has a lot of violence. there are gangs and there is a lot of crime. this makes it hard for people to get jobs and make money. El Salvador is a beautiful country, but it is very hard for people who live there.
Crime rate
El Salvador is a Central American country with a population of over 6 million people. It is the smallest and most densely populated country in the region. Unfortunately, El Salvador also has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Gang violence is rampant, and extortion is commonplace. In addition, the police force is often corrupt and ineffective. As a result, many residents live in fear for their safety. While there are some cons to living in El Salvador, such as the high crime rate, there are also many positive aspects to the country.
Hard to get a job
El Salvador is a country with many potential jobs. However, there are some cons to working in El Salvador. One of the biggest cons is that it can be very hard to get a job. The unemployment rate is high, and there are few opportunities for growth. Additionally, wages are often very low, and working conditions can be challenging. Another con is that the cost of living is high. This is especially true in the capital city of San Salvador, where prices for basic necessities are inflated. For those considering working in El Salvador, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Lack of infrastructure
While El Salvador has many desirable qualities, there are some significant downsides to living in the country. One of the most noticeable is the lack of infrastructure. Roads are often in poor condition, and power outages are not uncommon. This can make everyday tasks like driving to work or doing laundry quite challenging. Additionally, El Salvador lacks many of the amenities that people take for granted in developed countries. For example, there is no nationwide trash collection service, so residents must dispose of their own garbage. This can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you live in a rural area. Overall, El Salvador is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, but it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come with living there.
Conclusion
Costa Rica and El Salvador offer ex-pats a lot of pros and cons. If you are looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of outdoor activities, good medical care, and a strong infrastructure, then Costa Rica may be the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for lower costs of living, a more relaxed lifestyle with fewer restrictions on what you can do, and an overall slower-paced atmosphere then El Salvador would be a better fit. In the end, it all comes down to what is most important to each individual ex-pat. Please share your thoughts in the comments below about which country you think offers the best benefits for retirees or those wanting to live abroad!
You could also like our article about cheapest hostels in the world!
