Salinas, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Salinas is a coastal city located in the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, known for its vibrant beach life and tourism. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, which may vary by provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. Most banks and ATMs accept major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz. Type A and B sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the main mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Wide acceptance of debit and credit cards; banks offer services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from beachfront hotels to rental apartments. Airbnb is popular in the region. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies offer various properties. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Marquez offers dormitory-style beds starting around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Beach Work Salinas provides a great remote working environment with ocean views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | La Dolce Vita is a popular spot with good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups occur monthly, check expat groups on Facebook for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | A weekly expat gathering takes place at the local community center. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Salinas, providing convenient transportation options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops along the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Salinas Beach is the main beach and is very accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights to and from Salinas. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta offer international flights from nearby Guayaquil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Ruta del Sol connects Salinas to major cities along the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Salinas does not have a train station; buses connect to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are around $0.25 on local routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel regularly to Guayaquil and other coastal towns, with main terminals located in Salinas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica Salinas is a reputable facility for healthcare needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Salinas Yoga Studio offers a variety of classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit Salinas provides gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Limpio offers laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for food deliveries from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche is a must-try local delicacy, found at various beachside eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Jardin Vegetariano offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Salinas serves delicious ice cream and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Plaza Salinas offers local produce and meals at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online marketplace in Ecuador. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers grocery delivery services in Salinas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Salinas Malecon hosts bars and nightlife spots popular with locals and tourists. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveceria Salinas offers craft beers brewed in the area. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cava Wine Bar features a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls along the beach serve flavorful snacks and meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and McDonald's are available in Salinas for a taste of home. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Malecon Salinas waterfront boardwalk is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Salinas presents local art and history exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cerro de Hojas is worth visiting for its scenic views and historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Clemente is a beautiful local church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Salinas hosts the Festival de la Ceviche every January, celebrating local cuisine. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal area is filled with local artisans and shops showcasing Ecuadorian crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Salinas hosts various performances and events throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanias is a vibrant market for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars frequently have live Latin music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Salinas features colorful murals along the beachfront promoting local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered at local culinary schools, teaching traditional Ecuadorian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte Salinas showcases local artists’ works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old lighthouse of Salinas is an iconic and historic landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Salinas is known for its fishing heritage and vibrant coastal culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | La Chocolatera offers beautiful landscapes and walking trails with mountain views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Machalilla National Park is a short drive from Salinas, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon features paved paths ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the top of Cerro de Hojas provide stunning panoramas of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Isla de la Plata is renowned for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Salinas Beach allow bonfires for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega are reliable for parcel services in Ecuador. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tech Salinas provide mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Salinas Sports Complex features table tennis tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Escuela de Español Salinas offers language classes for different levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library is a good place for quiet study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Arte Salinas organizes various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Zone Salinas offers a space for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Salinas is a popular venue for nightlife and gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate of 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuador operates a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Ecuador has rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates are typically around 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is set at 1.5% of the purchase price. |