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Salinas, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#595
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Salinas is a coastal resort town located in the Santa Elena Province of Ecuador, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps, adequate for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD, and international credit cards are widely accepted. Cash is also needed for smaller vendors. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro provide good coverage and affordable SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Pichincha and Banco Guayaquil are available, offering online banking services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb is popular, with average monthly rentals ranging from $400 to $800 for apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit cards; however, cash is preferred for small purchases. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostal Villa mE serve as affordable places starting from $10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Malecón area is ideal for tourists, offering beach access and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | La Libertad neighborhood is recommended for a tranquil environment and decent internet connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coco Beach Coworking offers a comfortable space for remote work with amenities such as high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plaza is known for its relaxing vibe and good coffee, perfect for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Salinas Entrepreneurs Meetup occurs monthly, providing networking opportunities for professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Salinas Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and activities tailored for the expat community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Cabify are available for easy transportation around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are accessible at several kiosks along the beach promenade. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Salinas Beach is right in the town and offers a beautiful shore for relaxation and water sports. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines provides regional flights to major Ecuadorian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines offer international connections via Guayaquil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route S-40 connects Salinas to major highways leading to Guayaquil and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Train services are limited, with bus services being the primary form of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares generally cost $0.25 within Salinas and surrounding areas. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently connect Salinas to other cities along the coast, including Guayaquil and Montañita. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Salinas Medical Center is a modern facility offering general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | El Taller de Yoga provides regular yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sport Club Salinas offers various fitness facilities and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido offers affordable laundry services with quick turnaround times. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is popular for food delivery in and around Salinas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche is a must-try Ecuadorian dish, widely available at local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ceiba Vegan Cafe offers a variety of plant-based dishes for health-conscious diners. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Palmera is famous for its artisanal ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermaxi is a budget-friendly supermarket chain with various food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for shopping various goods online in Ecuador. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi's app provides grocery delivery services to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront bars along the Malecón area are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Salinas offers local brews with brewery tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca offers a variety of South American wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the local Empanadas at street vendors around the beach for delicious snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Barranquito serves a range of international pizza and pasta dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The La Chocolatera viewpoint offers stunning ocean views and is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Salinas, focused on local history and culture, is worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The local church, Iglesia San Joaquín, features beautiful architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Joaquín is a community hub and integral part of local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Salinas Carnival in February features parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Malecón is the cultural center, offering art displays and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Salinas screens popular films and hosts local artistic performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Salinas Market offers locally sourced products and crafts every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be enjoyed at bars along the Malecón. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals enhance the scenery along beach pathways, showcasing local art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at various local businesses for those interested in Ecuadorian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work at Galería Salinas on weekends. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic oceanfront houses add charm to the cityscape. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The fishing culture is significant in Salinas, evident in local festivals and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Machalilla National Park offers hiking, wildlife, and pristine beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park is the primary national park, famous for its diverse ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront promenade is perfect for cycling or leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lighthouse on La Chocolatera provides panoramic ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas near the Salinas Marina are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow for bonfires after sunset. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services deliver packages reliably in Salinas. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servicio Técnico provides electronics repair services throughout Salinas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community parks often have table tennis facilities for local players. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes catered to foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library services are limited; cafes serve as popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Salud serves as both a community health and recreational center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes provide gaming options for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Salinas offers various gaming experiences in an upscale environment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends distributed abroad. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Ecuador enforces CFC rules for tax purposes on foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value at 1.0%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate for property purchases is 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers a tax exemption of up to $11,000 for foreign source income for expats. |