El Zonte, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#2088
13.497544, -89.441396
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | El Zonte is a coastal village located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, known for its surf culture and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (US Dollar is the official currency). ATMs available, but many places only accept cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It’s recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 115V, 60Hz. Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Tigo and Claro, with reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; banking services available in larger towns nearby. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and beachfront bungalows ranging from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance; cash is king in most small shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels available. Prices vary from $20 to $80 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Zonte Surf House' offer dorms starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coco Coffice offers a relaxed workspace with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mister Donut is a popular choice with decent Wi-Fi and a supportive vibe for remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups for digital nomads and expats, often organized through local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various beach bonfires and gatherings usually take place; follow local expat groups for updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby larger towns like La Libertad; local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Check out rental services like El Zonte Surf for beach cruisers. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | El Zonte Beach is renowned for its surf breaks, just steps away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca serves El Salvador with international connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, United, and Spirit offer services to the country. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close to CA-2 highway, connecting with other major towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train, but buses to San Salvador are frequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; local buses operate on a pay-as-you-go system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel frequently to nearby towns like La Libertad for $1-2. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer in La Libertad; limited medical facilities in El Zonte. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available on the beach at places like 'Hotel Zonte'. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No formal gyms; outdoor options include beach workouts and calisthenics. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local services available; convenient laundry mats are offered near main cafes. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use ‘Glovo’ for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Pupusas', a traditional Salvadoran dish available in many local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants, including the tourist-friendly eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafes at the beach often serve excellent coconut flan. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in nearby towns offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon is accessible, but shipping times vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Basic grocery delivery offered by local supermarkets in adjacent areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Beachfront bars like ‘El Tunco’ are lively, popular choices on weekends. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Tropical offers local craft beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; a few restaurants serve a select variety of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls along the beach offer a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza places and international cuisine can be found in El Zonte. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The colorful murals in nearby surf towns are worth exploring. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited local art venues; check community boards for pop-up events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby attractions include ancient ruins at Tazumal, approximately 1 hour away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Churches in nearby towns offer a glimpse into local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Surf competitions and cultural festivals occur throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Experience the laid-back coastal lifestyle and surf culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Minimal; community performances may be held at local venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets in La Libertad offer local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events happen at beachfront bars regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists use the village walls for creative expression. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local studios focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit local artisan shops for handmade crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old houses reflecting Spanish colonial architecture in La Libertad. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore native traditions and surf culture, vital to the area’s identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore La Libertad’s natural beauty and coastal scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Verde National Park is a short drive away, with trails and volcano views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths for walking and biking along the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views from the cliff overlooks nearby the beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Spot various species along the coast or at nearby natural reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach bonfires are popular in designated areas along the shore. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services and DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops; consider shipping devices for major repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; check with hostels for setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes available with local instructors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few public spaces to study; mostly focused on cafes and co-working spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural activities often occur at community centers in La Libertad. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available; local cafes often have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Las Vegas Casino in San Salvador is the nearest gambling venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporate entities. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat income tax rates apply; foreign income is generally not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable; no formal CFC legislation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Estimated at 1% of the assessed value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate on property transactions. |