Apaneca, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#2089
13.861868, -89.803645
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Apaneca is a charming town located in the Ahuachapan department, known for its coffee production and pleasant climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 9,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. 1 USD is equal to 1 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo and Claro, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco Agrícola offer services, as well as international options like TransferWise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options are available, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, ranging from $15 to $50 a night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are accepted in many places, but carrying cash is advisable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available, prices ranging from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Apaneca is a popular choice with prices starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces; cafes with good Wi-Fi can be used. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café El Mirador offers great coffee and a conducive working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes posted on Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local events are often announced on social media; check expat Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services available in nearby cities, though local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rental options are limited; consider local shops for rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Playa El Tunco, about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is a major airline servicing regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines offers flights to and from major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to CA-1 highway connects to major cities and beaches. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses and shuttles are available for transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; local buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Ahuachapan and Santa Ana are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital El Salvador, located in nearby Santa Ana, is the nearest major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness retreats are available, but specific centers in town are limited. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few local gyms; consider outdoor activities like hiking. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, with wash-and-fold service costing around $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No prominent food delivery apps; local eateries provide takeaway services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options available at local markets or friendly eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café El Miracle serves excellent local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and snacks at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to El Salvador, but local options are more common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major grocery delivery services currently available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars at the town center provide a relaxed nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries exist but are not widely recognized. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local shops offer a selection of Salvadoran wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors throughout town serve affordable snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options for Italian and American cuisine available at local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the main square and the historical church of Apaneca. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums; local galleries feature Salvadoran artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old colonial buildings offer a glimpse into the area's past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Paz is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de San Isidro held in June offers local cultural displays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town itself is a cultural hub with rich coffee heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theaters; community events occur in the town square. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The town market is lively, especially on weekends, and features local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Small, local bars host live music events on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists display works on various town buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs occasionally offer cooking classes focusing on Salvadoran cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries showcase local talent and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Charming colonial architecture is present throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Apaneca is known for its rich coffee heritage and scenic landscapes. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Cobanos beach and various hiking trails are located nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Verde National Park, about an hour's drive away, offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails in and around Apaneca cater to outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Apaneca offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Volcanes National Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks allow bonfires; check local regulations before setting up. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office offers parcel delivery; UPS also operates in major cities. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; nearby Santa Ana has electronic shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library available but limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local center hosts various community activities and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; local cafes provide recreational gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Closest casinos are in major cities like Santa Ana. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applicable to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income earned within El Salvador is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No stringent CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 0.3% annual property tax assessed on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate applied during property purchases. |