El Tunco, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1046
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | El Tunco is a charming beach town on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, known for its surf culture and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000 residents, though this swells during tourist season. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, varies with providers. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD since the US Dollar is the official currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include local banks like Banco Agrícola and international options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options ranging from hostels to beachfront bungalows, with an average monthly rent of $300-$600. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; major credit cards accepted in many establishments but cash is preferable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer numerous rentals, particularly during peak tourist season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de Mar is a popular choice with rates starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area, known for its proximity to restaurants and surf spots. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas close to the main surf breaks where many cafes and co-working spaces are located. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mundo Loco Coworking: a vibrant space that offers high-speed internet and flexible working areas. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe El Tunco: offers good coffee, free Wi-Fi and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local entrepreneurs, usually announced on community Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly beach bonfires and surf contests are popular among both locals and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and the Uber app are widely used, and rides are typically inexpensive. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals for about $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The main beach at El Tunco is just steps away and offers great surf opportunities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates the main domestic flights from San Salvador. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines are among the popular options flying into El Salvador. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the CA-2 coastal highway provides easy travel north and south along the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses are the primary method of transit for longer distances. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate frequently but do not have formal ticketing systems; pay directly when boarding. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available from San Salvador to El Tunco and cost around $1. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital El Salvador in San Salvador is the nearest reputable hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | La Casa de los Sueños offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit & Fun Gym is a local option with affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are available for use, and laundry services start at around $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Domicilios.com are popular choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with various fillings) are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Buenaventura Vegan Café offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream Shop Tunco serves local flavors and is very popular. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in town provide affordable fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to El Salvador; however, local stores are used more commonly. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services provide grocery deliveries in the area, usually for a small fee. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The main street by the beach is vibrant with bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Salvadoreña is the well-known local brand, offering tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Tapas offers a selection of international wines by the glass. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like fried plantains and tacos along the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste of Italy offers great pizza and pasta options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Tunco Beach and the iconic rock formation known as 'La Maquina' are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | There are not many formal museums, but local art galleries showcase Salvadoran art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The nearby ruins at Tazumal provide a glimpse into ancient Mayan history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church is a charming spot, reflecting the town's culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The El Tunco Surf Festival occurs annually, attracting surfers worldwide. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beachfront area is lively with local artisans and small shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local beachside bars occasionally host live performances and poetry readings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekend market features local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is a regular feature in a variety of bars, showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | El Tunco features vibrant murals that celebrate local culture and surf heritage. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focused on local cuisine can be arranged through local eateries. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries near the beach display works from Salvadoran artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Salvadoran architecture can be admired around the town's central areas. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | El Tunco celebrates its indigenous history and surfing culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | National Parks such as Parque Arrivillaga provide hiking opportunities and nature views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Verde National Park is a few hours away and offers stunning mountain views and trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are scenic paths along the beach for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at La Maquina Beach provides excellent sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local wetlands are great for spotting diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beach allows for bonfires, creating a great social atmosphere. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services operate for nationwide and international parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local hostels offer table tennis as part of their amenities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors and schools offer Spanish language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Basic facilities for reading and study can be found in local cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers occasionally host art and music workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | While not common, some cafes offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in El Tunco, but nearby San Salvador offers options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² with examples like studios starting at $75,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² with studios around $60,000 outside the main tourism area. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² with one-bedroom units starting around $90,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² with one-bedroom apartments from $70,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m², typically starting around $120,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² with two-bedroom apartments starting from $100,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%, though various incentives for foreign investments are available. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial system; local income is taxed while foreign income is not. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules, promoting a welcoming environment for international businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Minimal property tax, incentivizing ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | El Salvador offers attractive tax incentives for digital nomads with no tax on foreign income. |