Playa El Tunco, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#2090
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa El Tunco is a small beach town on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, known for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD, USD is the official currency, most transactions are cash-based. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 115V, 60Hz, ⏚ Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available; credit/debit cards accepted in many establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Diverse options, from hostels to beachfront villas, available through Airbnb and local agents. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Visit platforms like Airbnb, Hostels have options too. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Tunco and Casa De Mar are popular budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Beachfront area near restaurants and surf schools. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Options available near the beach and coworking spaces like Selina. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Coworking, offering high-speed internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mangoes, known for good WiFi and a relaxing environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups organized by expat Facebook groups and hostels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly events at Mangos and Sunrise Bar. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby cities, but local taxis are also readily available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are available at various shops in town. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Tunco is directly accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Volaris operate flights within Central America. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Spirit Airlines and American Airlines have routes to San Salvador. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-2 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bus transport from San Salvador to El Tunco available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; mainly bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Use buses for affordable travel to nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer in San Salvador is the nearest major hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Gaviota Yoga offers beach yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms available, such as El Tunco Fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats available in major cities, limited in El Tunco. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Veggie offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Barbecue spots like Chiltepe serve local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in the town center for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local sellers available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major services, but local stores offer varied selections. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sunrise Bar is popular for nightlife by the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Pilsener is a local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; check local eateries for offerings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks and stalls can be found near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants offer Italian, Mexican, and seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The iconic El Tunco rock formation. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nearby San Salvador has museums like the Museo de Arte. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the nearby ruins of Tazumal. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Churches in nearby towns showcase local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Surf competitions and beach festivals happen throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local artisans and market stalls line the beachfront. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check local listings for performances in nearby towns. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets in the nearby city of La Libertad offer local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at bars is common during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found throughout El Tunco. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops offered at some local eateries. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit local galleries for Salvadoran art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | La Libertad's colonial architecture is notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | El salvadoran culture and traditional crafting are prominent. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The coastal cliffs and National Parks like El Boquerón offer stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby Cerro Verde National Park provides hiking options. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal walking paths available alongside the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points near the cliffs provide stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal region is rich in birdlife, especially during migrations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with local authorities, but beach bonfires are common. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services for shipping packages. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; nearest tech repairs in La Libertad. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some hostels and community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide quiet spaces for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events held at local community spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearest casinos in San Salvador. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system applicable to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules on foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for those earning outside El Salvador. |