Visiting El Salvador On Business: 12 Ways To Save Time And Money
El Salvador is an attractive place to do business, thanks to its fast-growing economy, low taxes, and relatively simple visa process. With any business trip, it is critical to be smart with both your time and your money. The two are often intrinsically linked, so making choices that will save you one will likely benefit the other.
El Salvador is a land of opportunities, but it is essential to note the potential risks associated with the country as well. The crime rate is high and taking steps to protect yourself is critical to prevent monetary loss. There are also significant differences between El Salvador and the US cultures, so it is a good idea to do research to avoid any cultural faux pas.
Check Up On Travel Advisories
As with many countries since the pandemic, travelers to El Salvador are advised to reconsider their travel. You will be best placed to decide whether any risk of travel is worth it, but it is important to consider the costs and time lost that contracting any serious illness will cause when traveling overseas may cause. As we will discuss below, ensuring you are properly covered by health insurance is critical.
You should always check the travel advisories before leaving for business trips to El Salvador. Being prepared for possible risks and hazards is critical to ensure that you conduct your business promptly and effectively. If in doubt, it may be beneficial to wait and conduct your business virtually until the situation is settled.
Choose The Cheapest Direct Flight To El Salvador
Direct flights can sometimes be more costly than flights with changes but avoiding indirect flights can save you a significant amount of time. On a business trip, time is money, thanks to their limited nature, so it is best to find the cheapest and quickest direct flight possible. You should also book your airfare to El Salvador early to ensure you get the best prices.
Choosing a reliable, quality flight is another critical consideration. Choosing a reputable airline can ensure that delays are kept to a minimum, and any issues are compensated quickly, with minimal disruption to you. Here you can find a selection of direct flights to El Salvador from the best airlines available.
Become Conversational In Spanish
Business in El Salvador is done after a relationship has already been built between people or organizations. To avoid the cost of having to hire a translator for your time in El Salvador, it is a good idea to ensure your Spanish is at a high level. Being conversational in Spanish will also go a long way to fostering goodwill with your new business partners.
Being able to hold a conversation in Spanish can also save you money on your trip. In marketplaces, haggling is expected and can save you money on souvenirs, food, and more. You should always be aware of the places where haggling will not be accepted, such as supermarkets.
Get Your Visa Organized Early
Getting your visa organized early can ensure that your trip goes ahead without a hitch. Leaving any preparations to the last minute can result in costly delays or charges to speed up the process. Once you have booked your flights and know the dates you’re traveling, begin the visa process immediately. It may also help to use the services of an immigration lawyer to ensure your visa is in good order before you set off.
Buy Clothes In El Salvador
El Salvador is a conservative nation, so you must wear the proper attire for your trip. Since this is a business meeting, you’ll likely be wearing smart clothing, so it is best to invest in a lightweight suit or pantsuit along with modest breathable clothing for your downtime. If you have time, it may be a good idea to buy your clothing in El Salvador as you will find most items are significantly cheaper than in the US.
Buy A Pre-Paid SIM For Your Cell
Depending on your provider’s rules on using data and minutes overseas, roaming charges can be costly. Buying a pre-paid SIM on your arrival in El Salvador can be an excellent way to mitigate this possible cost. Ensure you have all the contact telephone numbers, email and physical addresses you need before leaving, and back up your phone before switching SIMs. Let your family and your contacts in El Salvador know your new phone number as soon as you have it.
Organize Your Car Hire Before You Leave
It can be tempting to leave car hire until you reach the airport in El Salvador, but you will find the rates are most expensive when hiring a car on the day. Organizing your car hire in advance of your trip allows you to research the options available and hunt down the best deal. It will also save you time on your arrival, as you will already have a rental car waiting to be picked up.
Host Business Meetings In Places You Want To Visit
While your trip is mostly about business, this doesn’t mean you can’t get some sightseeing done. Combining business with pleasure is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in El Salvador. You could ask your business partners in the country which spots would be ideal for business lunches and meetings outside the office and arrive early to do some sightseeing.
Understand The Local Laws
You should learn about the local laws in El Salvador to ensure you don’t accidentally violate any, which can result in costly and time-consuming interactions with local police. Familiarize yourself with the law in El Salvador to be safe and ask your El Salvadorian business contacts if there’s anything you should be aware of. For instance, some medications and recreational substances are legal in the US but illegal in El Salvador.
Take Out Travel Health Insurance
Before leaving for El Salvador, it is a good idea to check whether your health insurance covers overseas travel and whether El Salvador is included in the provider’s list of accepted countries. If it is not, it is vital to get comprehensive cover in case of medical emergencies overseas. Uninsured medical costs can mount quickly, so it is far better to be safe than sorry.
It is also highly advisable to get additional cover for medical evacuation, which is recommended by the US Department of State. This cover ensures that you can return to the US if you suffer a significant medical event that requires ongoing care. The cost of medical evacuation without insurance can be substantial, so it is crucial to be prepared.
Invest In Plenty Of Insect Repellent
Insect repellent helps keep bugs at bay and prevents potentially dangerous diseases like dengue fever and zika virus, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. As mentioned above, a trip to the hospital can be a significant expense, and even with excellent health insurance, contracting a serious condition with completely derail your business trip, wasting time and endangering your health. Choose an insect repellent spray with excellent reviews and apply liberally throughout the day.
Keep Valuables Out Of Sight – Or Leave Them At Home
Crime is high in El Salvador, so it is best to keep any valuable jewelry, clothes or other items well out of sight. Leaving them home entirely can be the simplest solution to mitigate the risk of theft. If you have to travel with valuables, it is best to choose a hotel with a safe and ensure you change the combination when you arrive. Avoid carrying anything valuable as you explore El Salvador and keep alert when traveling.
