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Guide
Salvador, Brazil π§π·
#77
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Salvador, the capital of Bahia state, is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 2.9 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps, ranging up to 100 Mbps in some areas |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 BRL β 0.20 USD |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommend bottled water |
π Power | 127V, 60Hz, π Type N sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers like Vivo, Claro, and TIM offer good coverage. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Major cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; banking options include Banco do Brasil and ItaΓΊ. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels in neighborhoods like Barra and Pelourinho. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, many shops and restaurants accept cards, but cash is also commonly used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer short-term rentals across the city. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostel Galeria 13 and Pousada da Luz offer affordable options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Pelourinho, known for its historical significance and lively atmosphere. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Barra is recommended for its co-working spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | COWORKING Salvador, offering high-speed internet and a collaborative environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Tannat, known for its great coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | TechMeetups Bahia and various expat community groups on Facebook host regular events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook and frequent meet-ups in areas like Rio Vermelho. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and 99 are popular and reliable ride-sharing apps. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent a bike through local services like Bike Salvador for exploring. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Praia do Porto da Barra, known for its calm waters and sunset views. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines offers regional flights around Brazil. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines connect Salvador with major cities in the US. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | BR-324 connects Salvador with neighboring cities like Feira de Santana. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Salvador has a limited train system; buses are the main form of public transit. |
π Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased for around 3 BRL per ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Salvador with nearby towns and cities, like Itaparica and Santo Amaro. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital da Bahia, offers comprehensive medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | EspaΓ§o K Yoga and BioYoga provide good yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech have multiple locations around the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lavanderia Facil offers affordable laundry services across Salvador. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | iFood is the most popular food delivery service in Salvador. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Moqueca, a traditional fish stew with coconut milk and dendΓͺ oil. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante OrgΓ’nico and Vegan Venturas serve excellent plant-based meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Bacio serves delicious gelato. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Modelo offers local produce and souvenirs at reasonable prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Americanas and Mercado Livre are popular online shopping platforms. |
π Grocery Delivery | Supermercado BompreΓ§o offers delivery through their website. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Rio Vermelho is famous for its nightlife and bars. |
π» Local Brewery | Cervejaria da Cidade produces local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar da MΓ£e offers a curated selection of wines from Brazil. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Find acarajΓ© stalls at various locations, especially in Pelourinho. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Tavares serves a mix of Brazilian and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Pelourinho, Elevador Lacerda, and Igreja de SΓ£o Francisco. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museu de Arte da Bahia is a highlight for art lovers. |
π° Historical Sites | The Catedral BasΓlica offers stunning architecture and history. |
π Religious Sites | Igreja de SΓ£o Francisco, noted for its ornate decorations. |
π Annual Events | Carnaval is the biggest event, attracting thousands to the streets in February. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Pelourinho is the cultural heart, known for its Afro-Brazilian culture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Castro Alves hosts concerts and performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Bahia's Mercado do Ouro features local crafts and food. |
πΌ Music Scene | O Barquinho is known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art festivals displaying works around the city are common. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Take classes at Baian Cuisine to learn traditional cooking methods. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Museu de Arte da Bahia showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The fortifications of SΓ£o Marcelo are a historical attraction. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Salvador's Afro-Brazilian heritage is prominent, influencing culture and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Chapada Diamantina National Park is ideal for hiking and nature. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Parque Metropolitano de PituaΓ§u offers green spaces and trails. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenade in Barra is popular for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Farol da Barra provides stunning ocean views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lagoa do AbaetΓ© is good for birdwatching and relaxing. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Praia do Flamengo has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Correios offers reliable postal services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Locally owned stores like TΓ©cnicos do Futuro provide computer repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Find local table tennis clubs at Parque da Cidade. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Cultura Brasileira offers Portuguese language classes for foreigners. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca PΓΊblica do Estado da Bahia is a good study venue. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Centro de Cultura ContemporΓ’nea is a vibrant community space. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can meet at places like Gamers Pub Salvador. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos, but watch for gaming events in bars. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$6,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = R$260,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = R$180,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = R$432,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$5,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = R$300,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$6,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = R$528,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$4,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = R$336,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% on profits, with an additional surtax depending on income. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Residency taxes based on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27.5% on income over R$55,976 annually. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard rate is 17% in Bahia. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Brazil enforces regulations on taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary, averaging around 1% of assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Brazil has established the 'Digital Nomad Visa', offering some favorable tax rates for foreigners. |