El Tunco, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1046
13.494834, -89.382861
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A popular beach town on the Pacific coast known for surfing, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents, with fluctuations due to tourism. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with some cafes offering faster Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD since El Salvador uses the US Dollar. Major banks include Banco Agrícola and Davivienda. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 115V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, with prepaid options available from $5. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. ATMs are readily available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and beachfront bungalows, with prices averaging $15-$50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, though cash is still preferred in many local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available, with prices starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Tranquilo offers dorms starting at $12/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café 09, known for its relaxed vibe and good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | La Guitarra Café, popular among digital nomads for its coffee and connectivity. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups, check Facebook for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular beach parties and surf competitions offer networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby San Salvador, while local taxis are available in El Tunco. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Locals offer scooter rentals for around $20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Tunco is right in town, known for its surf breaks. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Volaris serve San Salvador International Airport, 40 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines provide flights to and from the U.S. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the CA-2 highway connects El Tunco with other coastal towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; buses connect El Tunco with major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local buses are inexpensive at around $1. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from El Tunco to San Salvador are available for about $1. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer, located in nearby San Salvador. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Paz y Luz offers yoga classes overlooking the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center El Tunco provides affordable memberships, around $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats offer wash-and-fold services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Gett is popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas, a traditional dish made of corn tortillas filled with various ingredients. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant El Tunco offers vegan meals with local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Pampa is known for delicious ice cream and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in town sell fresh produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to El Salvador, but delivery times can vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart El Salvador offers limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Tunco's beachfront bars such as 3 Cocos are popular spots for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Superior produces a popular local lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks and stalls along the beach serve local delicacies at low prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and burgers are widely available, with several restaurants offering varied menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The nearby San Salvador Volcano is a popular hiking destination. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo de Arte de El Salvador showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic town of Suchitoto, a short drive from El Tunco. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica de la Paz in San Salvador is a notable location. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local surf competitions are held during the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nearby San Salvador has vibrant neighborhoods rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional de San Salvador hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Ex-Cuartel in San Salvador offers crafts and local food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in various bars in El Tunco. |
| 🎨 Street Art | El Tunco features colorful murals and graffiti artwork. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Several local chefs offer cooking classes to learn traditional recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries in San Salvador display local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic churches can be found throughout San Salvador. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town celebrates its surfer culture with various surf-related events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Tunco is close to beautiful beaches and hiking trails in national parks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanoes National Park and El Impossible National Park are within driving distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beaches and paved coastal roads are popular for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador La Curva offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural reserves nearby provide opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow bonfires for nighttime gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer delivery services to and from El Tunco. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in San Salvador can assist with device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer tables for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various schools in San Salvador offer Spanish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide a relaxed atmosphere for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | El Tunco has a small community center for events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; most gaming is done casually in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos directly in El Tunco; nearest are in San Salvador. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income is taxed based on local rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is levied annually based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% applies during property purchases. |