Is El Salvador Ready for Expats? Expat Money Show ’s Honest Take | Mikkel Thorup

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I’m joined by Reyna Chicas, one of the amazing leaders behind Mi Primer Bitcoin. Reyna shares her journey from working in call centers to becoming a Bitcoin advocate, helping Salvadorans understand and embrace the opportunities Bitcoin brings. We talk about how Bitcoin isn’t just about “buying BTC” but about embracing new values like low time preference and personal sovereignty.Reyna opens up about her experiences teaching Bitcoin in El Salvador and Guatemala, including working with indigenous communities around Lake Atitlán. She also gives an inside look at the changes we’re seeing in El Salvador since the Bitcoin adoption—from enhanced safety and community to a fresh sense of optimism about the future.Whether you’re curious about how Bitcoin impacts real communities or want to understand the unique energy here in El Salvador, Reyna’s insights will inspire you to see Bitcoin in a new light. If you haven’t visited yet, Reyna and I agree—get down here and see it for yourself.- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Connect with Reyna:X: https://x.com/reynachicas2Website: https://es.myfirstbitcoin.io/Mi Primer Bitcoin X: https://x.com/MyfirstBitcoin_Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:20 - How did Reyna Chicas get involved with Bitcoin in El Salvador?1:33 - What is Reyna Chicas' personal journey with Bitcoin?2:17 - What is life like growing up in El Salvador?2:54 - What challenges do people face in El Salvador with extreme weather?3:13 - How did Reyna’s family encourage her education and career?5:38 - How did the 2008 financial crisis impact El Salvador?6:03 - Did the US economic crisis affect Central America?7:27 - What’s it like working in a call center in El Salvador?8:25 - Are call center jobs different in the US vs. El Salvador?9:38 - Why did Reyna move to Guatemala? Her journey into Bitcoin13:07 - How did the COVID pandemic impact Antigua, Guatemala?16:36 - How did Reyna Chicas join Mi Primer Bitcoin in El Salvador?17:04 - When did Reyna start buying Bitcoin?18:35 - How did Reyna get involved with the Bitcoin community in Guatemala?20:57 - What is it like to teach Bitcoin in Guatemala? 23:47 - How do cultural differences affect Bitcoin education in Guatemala?24:38 - Why is teaching Bitcoin to kids easier than teaching adults?31:17 - What was Reyna’s experience speaking at a Bitcoin mining conference?36:07 - How is Bitcoin changing El Salvador? Reyna’s perspective on social impact38:31 - What’s the impact of Bitcoin on safety and opportunity in El Salvador?44:23 - How are Bitcoin and foreign businesses changing El Salvador?48:58 - What’s the cultural impact of Bitcoin on responsibility and growth?54:55 - How can people support Mi Primer Bitcoin’s mission?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Bitcoin Beach Twitter Spaces - Grants Winners Edition, we will host a space with a project from #NairobiTune in to hear all about @AfribitKiberaLive From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Jeni, who shares her incredible story of relocating to El Salvador during the pandemic with her five daughters. What started as a world-schooling adventure quickly turned into a new life, filled with unexpected twists—including meeting her husband and launching a successful relocation business, Livin’ Like a Local. We dive into her journey of adjusting to life in El Salvador, from her initial plans to skip the country to realizing it was the perfect place to call home. Jeni talks about the challenges of moving here, starting over after a tough divorce, and helping others do the same by offering personalized relocation tours that show what it’s really like to live in El Salvador. Jeni also discusses her passion for fostering community, sustainability, and cultural change in El Salvador, while sharing how Bitcoin plays a key role in giving Salvadorans and expats more financial freedom. If you’re thinking about moving here or just curious about life in El Salvador, this episode is full of great insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories. Tune in to hear how Jeni turned a leap of faith into a life she loves.- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Connect with Livin’ Like a Local:Website: https://www.livinlikealocal.com/X: https://x.com/__elsalvador__FB: https://www.facebook.com/LivinLikeALocalSVLive From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I finally got the hardest guests to get on the show – Lexi Cross and Roman Martinez! In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of real estate in El Salvador, especially buying property with Bitcoin. We talk about the challenges and quirks of the local market, like how listings can have multiple prices and how anyone can call themselves a real estate agent.Lexi and Roman share how Bitcoin is simplifying real estate transactions for buyers worldwide, making it easier and faster than traditional bank transfers. We also cover what you can expect to pay for a property in El Zonte, and how opportunities exist beyond the beachfront, including great deals in pre-construction projects and renovation-ready homes.If you’re curious about buying property in El Salvador, especially using Bitcoin, this episode is packed with tips and insights. Whether you’re looking for an investment, a vacation home, or a plan B, this is a must-listen for anyone thinking about making El Salvador their next move!Don’t miss this inspiring episode!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Get in touch with Good Life El Salvador for all your real estate needs:Website: https://goodlifeelsalvador.com/X: https://x.com/goodlife_svIG: https://www.instagram.com/goodlifeelsalvadorBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 - Introduction01:14 - How Are Real Estate and Bitcoin Connected?02:10 - What Is Lexi Cross's Background and Experience in El Salvador?05:23 - Exploring the Challenges of the Real Estate Market in El Salvador06:36 - How Is Real Estate Practice Evolving in El Salvador?10:06 - What Does an Informally Regulated Real Estate Market Look Like?11:23 - How Can Bitcoin Simplify Real Estate Transactions?13:34 - Why Is Choosing the Right Location Crucial for Real Estate Investment?17:05 - Why Use Bitcoin for Real Estate Transactions?24:51 - What Are the Current Property Prices in El Salvador's Hotspots?27:27 - Why Invest in El Salvador's Real Estate Market Now?31:32 - How Does Bitcoin Impact Real Estate Prices?36:01 - How to Find Investment Opportunities Outside Major Hotspots in El Salvador?45:44 - How Do Bitcoin Transactions Simplify Buying Property?48:11 - Overcoming the Challenges of International Banking in Real Estate50:30 - What Are the Benefits of Bitcoin in Real Estate Transactions?52:17 - Why Is El Salvador a Significant Place for Bitcoin and Real Estate?1:09:37 - Details and Costs of Upcoming Group Discovery Trip in El SalvadorLive From Bitcoin Beach

Bitcoin Beach Twitter Spaces - Grants Winners Edition, we will host a space with a project from #NairobiTune in to hear all about @btcnairobi featuring @MartinMutonga_Live From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I’m excited to bring you a fascinating conversation with Fabian, a true freedom enthusiast who's on a mission to transform healthcare as we know it. In this episode, Fabian shares his journey from the Netherlands to Australia, and eventually to El Salvador, in search of more freedom and self-sovereignty. We dive deep into his innovative project, The Salud Protocol, which aims to give people control over their own health data using a decentralized system built on Nostr. Imagine being able to securely own and manage your health records, deciding who gets access to your information, and even earning compensation for sharing it. Fabian is already piloting this with Paravida Hospital right here in El Salvador, working to digitize health records and put power back in the hands of patients.We also chat about how El Salvador is quickly becoming the epicenter for a new wave of financial and technological innovation, driven by Bitcoin and decentralized solutions. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the future of healthcare, digital identity, and the push for personal freedom.- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:12 - Fabian's Journey from the Netherlands to Australia00:02:00 - How Did Fabian End Up in Australia and What Influenced His Views on Freedom?00:04:37 - How Personal Experiences Influence Our Views on Freedom00:06:56 - Is Humanity Progressing Towards Greater Self-Sovereignty?00:08:06 - Why Did Fabian Move to El Salvador?00:10:22 - Fabian's Experience with Bitcoin at a Major Conference00:12:02 - Discussing the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Australia00:17:18 - How Did Fabian Settle In El Salvador?00:20:25 - How Welcoming Are Salvadorans to Newcomers?00:22:24 - Introducing the Salud Protocol: A New Approach to Healthcare and Data Sovereignty00:28:47 - How Does the Salud Protocol Empower Patients with Digital Identities?00:43:04 - Keeping Your Health Data Secure: What You Need to Know00:45:51 - Can Blockchain Technology Protect Patient Privacy?00:50:24 - What is the Future of Digital Health Records with Blockchain?00:58:01 - How Can Global Healthcare Benefit from Blockchain Technology?01:04:10 - Paravida Hospital: A Pioneer in Healthcare and Bitcoin Integration01:08:41 - How Will Other Hospitals React to Bitcoin in Healthcare?Learn more about The Salud Project:Website: https://illuminodes.com/X: https://x.com/illuminodesLive From Bitcoin Beach

Bitcoin Beach Twitter Spaces - Bitcoin Circular Economies Grants Winners Edition we will host a space with a project from #NigeriaTune in to hear all about @BitcoinCalabarLive From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Jordan Urbs to dive into the behind-the-scenes of the retreats he and his partner Michael have been organizing in El Salvador. We talk about the challenges of pulling off these events, the amazing people who attend, and why so many are drawn to El Salvador—especially with the Bitcoin adoption. Jordan shares his story of moving to El Salvador, the surprising similarities, and how both places require you to embrace the unpredictable.We also chat about the growing community of sovereign individuals visiting El Salvador, many of whom are curious about Bitcoin and are ready to build new lives here. Jordan reflects on the personal connections formed during the retreats and how they’ve become more than just an introduction to the country—they’ve become a journey of personal growth and a chance to meet like-minded people.If you’ve ever been curious about visiting El Salvador, building a life here, or just want to hear about the magic happening in this country, this episode has you covered. Join us for an inspiring conversation about Bitcoin community and freedom.- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Connect with Jordan:https://x.com/jordanurbs https://x.com/sovstudioshttps://jordanurbs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@jordanurbs4u Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:25 - How did Jordan’s first retreat in El Salvador exceed expectations?00:05:30 - What makes the El Salvador Bitcoin retreat a life-changing experience?00:09:44 - Why is Bitcoin education a key part of retreats in El Salvador?00:24:01 - Why did Jordan move from Hawaii to El Salvador?00:31:16 - How does local tourism in El Salvador benefit from Bitcoin?00:35:06 - What progress has El Salvador made in recent years?00:45:42 - What challenges do foreigners face when renting a home in El Salvador?00:52:04 - What’s it like dealing with customer service in El Salvador?01:01:48 - How will El Salvador’s rapid development change the country in the next five years?01:14:16 - Why you need to attend the next Bitcoin retreat here in El Salvador?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Bitcoin Beach Twitter Spaces - Bitcoin Circular Economies Grants Winners Edition we will host a space with a project from #SouthAfricaTune in to hear all about @BitcoinLoxionLive From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Gabe Higgins, co-founder of BlockSpaces and co-author of Thank God for Bitcoin. We dive into his experience discovering affordable, high-quality dental care here (they even accept Bitcoin!) and how he’s now recommending it to friends and family as a clever way to save money while enjoying a vacation in paradise.We then get into Gabe's journey with Bitcoin, which started in 2012 during the Ron Paul era, when he first realized how broken the fiat system is. Gabe shares how his love for technology and sound money led him to Bitcoin, and how he’s been on a mission ever since to spread the word through meetups, education, and eventually starting BlockSpaces.Gabe talks about how BlockSpaces evolved from a small community space in Tampa to becoming a leader in helping businesses and financial institutions with Bitcoin adoption and the Lightning Network. We get into some of the exciting things they’re working on, including using Bitcoin as collateral to improve trust and transparency in financial systems.This episode is packed with stories about building in the Bitcoin space, lessons from the market cycles, and even some hard-learned security tips. You won't want to miss this one! Tune in now!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Connect with Gabe:Website: https://www.blockspaces.com/X: https://x.com/GabeBHigginsBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:33 - What brought Gabe Higgins to El Salvador if not Bitcoin?00:05:16 - How did Gabe Higgins get started with Bitcoin in 2012?00:06:35 - How did Ron Paul’s campaign lead Gabe Higgins to Bitcoin?00:08:40 - Is it too late to invest in Bitcoin in 2024?00:18:43 - What happened when Gabe Higgins got SIM-swapped and lost his Bitcoin?00:24:01 - How did Gabe Higgins stay positive about Bitcoin after being hacked?00:25:23 - How did Blockspaces evolve from Bitcoin meetups to blockchain development?00:29:32 - How is Blockspaces using Bitcoin as collateral for financial institutions?00:32:52 - Can Bitcoin prevent fraud in the financial system with transparent collateral?00:37:18 - What are Bitcoin lightning smart channels and how do they enforce collateral?00:45:03 - How is Blockspaces raising funds to build Bitcoin-native financial apps?Live From Bitcoin Beach