I was there recently (September). El Salvador is safe for regular people for the first time in decades.
They were in civil war for years and, shockingly, the UN managed to patch together a resolution after both sides were basically worn out. But then the gangs took over and made life miserable and dangerous for everyone.
The only people upset about the changes Bukele made seem to be the usual suspects on the Left that are butthurt they can't siphon cash off the supposed solutions that never seem to do anything but employ Progressive meddlers.
We didn't see much bitcoin use among the normal population, although TBF, we weren't at the touristy areas that are more bitcoin-focused.
Interestingly, the locals use USD coins very frequently. Like the Susan B Anthony, and a bunch of others I had never seen before. We first thought they were some sort of counterfeit or game token. And they seem to hate change. Most things are rounded to a dollar or 25cents so you don't need anything smaller than a quarter. Plus, outside of retail, the government stays out and doesn't bother to enforce sales taxes, so rounding is easy. I've been told the government basically keeps it's nose out of small businesses.
What's sort of fascinating is that there's this almost underground distribution network. We only saw pieces, but the Tiendas are supplied by runners on motorcycles or bicycles. It's this vast network of local micro-scale suppliers moving products to micro-scale stores. Very resilent, flexible and functional without any mega-corps or government regulations. Reminded me of the US a century ago.
I was there recently (September). El Salvador is safe for regular people for the first time in decades.
They were in civil war for years and, shockingly, the UN managed to patch together a resolution after both sides were basically worn out. But then the gangs took over and made life miserable and dangerous for everyone.
The only people upset about the changes Bukele made seem to be the usual suspects on the Left that are butthurt they can't siphon cash off the supposed solutions that never seem to do anything but employ Progressive meddlers.
Yes. Plus using bitcoin as the money standard. The country is rapidly becoming a shinning beacon of hope to south American countries.
We didn't see much bitcoin use among the normal population, although TBF, we weren't at the touristy areas that are more bitcoin-focused.
Interestingly, the locals use USD coins very frequently. Like the Susan B Anthony, and a bunch of others I had never seen before. We first thought they were some sort of counterfeit or game token. And they seem to hate change. Most things are rounded to a dollar or 25cents so you don't need anything smaller than a quarter. Plus, outside of retail, the government stays out and doesn't bother to enforce sales taxes, so rounding is easy. I've been told the government basically keeps it's nose out of small businesses.
What's sort of fascinating is that there's this almost underground distribution network. We only saw pieces, but the Tiendas are supplied by runners on motorcycles or bicycles. It's this vast network of local micro-scale suppliers moving products to micro-scale stores. Very resilent, flexible and functional without any mega-corps or government regulations. Reminded me of the US a century ago.
Could you see yourself living there?
Definitely, but we already have friends there which makes it easier for us.