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Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador, known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximately 1.4 million people live in the metropolitan area.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking Currency is the US Dollar (USD), widely accepted; banks like Banco AgrΓ­cola and Banco Promerica are popular.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Providers include Tigo, Claro, and Movistar; prepaid plans start around $5.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; services like Revolut are usable.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options range from Airbnb rentals to local guesthouses; prices average $30-$100 per night.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available via Airbnb and local rental websites, with prices starting at $25 per night.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Hostels like Los Almendros and local inns offer beds starting at $10 per night.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Zona Rosa is the preferred area for tourists due to its safety and dining options.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads The Historic Center offers a mix of culture and modern amenities, along with coworking spaces.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space Nos Coworking in Zona Rosa provides a creative environment for digital nomads.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work CafΓ© de la Gran Via is popular among remote workers for its wifi and ambiance.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Events like Startup Grind San Salvador and tech meetups are held monthly.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats The El Salvador Expats group on Facebook is a great way to connect with the community.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App Uber is widely used for convenient rides throughout the city.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals are available through RedBike in various downtown locations.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby La Libertad Beach, known for surfing, is approximately 30 minutes away.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Avianca operates regional flights connecting to Central American cities.
✈️ Top International Airline American Airlines and United Airlines operate flights to and from the U.S.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Major highways like CA-1 connect San Salvador to other parts of the country.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub The main bus terminal is Terminal de Oriente, offering various intercity routes.
🚍 Public Transport Passes A prepaid transit card can be used for various bus services.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses and shuttles are the main options for travel to nearby cities like Santa Ana and Suchitoto.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Hospital de DiagnΓ³stico is a top-rated private hospital located in the city.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga with Mel offers classes for all levels; classes cost around $10.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Basic-Fit San Salvador provides affordable fitness memberships starting at $20/month.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundromats like Lavado RÑpido offer wash and fold services across the city.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App PedidosYa is a popular choice for food delivery in the city.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of corn tortillas with various fillings.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Pura Vida serves a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes in a cozy setting.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots La Casa de las Tortas offers delicious traditional sweets and pastries.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Mercado Central, known for local produce and snacks, is a budget-friendly choice.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Walmart.com.sv serves as an option for online grocery shopping.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery CayalΓ‘ Express allows users to order groceries online for home delivery.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Zona Rosa has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs.
🍻 Local Brewery Cervecería Independiente offers craft beers with local flavors.
🍷 Wine Bars Vino y MÑs is a popular wine bar offering a variety of international wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors selling Pupusas and Yuca frita can be found near La Plaza Barrios.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Restaurants like El Zocalo serve Mexican cuisine and are well-reviewed.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Monumento al Salvador del Mundo is an iconic landmark in San Salvador.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE) features contemporary local art.
🏰 Historical Sites The National Palace is an essential historical building with tours available.
πŸ• Religious Sites The San Salvador Cathedral is a notable site featuring beautiful architecture.
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events Feria de San Salvador in August celebrates the city's patron saint with festivities.
🎨 Cultural Districts The Historic Center is rich with culture, restaurants, and shopping options.
🎭 Theater Venues Teatro Nacional de San Salvador hosts numerous performances throughout the year.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets Mercado Nacional de ArtesanΓ­as showcases local handicrafts and souvenirs.
🎼 Music Scene Live music can be found at various venues, particularly in Zona Rosa.
🎨 Street Art Barrio San Jacinto has vibrant street art reflecting local culture.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes El Gourmet offers cooking classes focusing on traditional Salvadoran dishes.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries GalerΓ­a de Arte de El Salvador showcases contemporary Salvadoran artists.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings The Teatro Nacional is an architectural landmark worth visiting.
🏴 Local Heritage The emblem of El Salvador features five volcanoes representing the country's landscape.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Parque Nacional El BoquerΓ³n, located nearby, offers hiking and stunning views.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Parque Nacional Cerro Verde is known for its diverse ecosystems and hiking trails.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The Bicentenario Park has dedicated trails for walking and cycling.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints El BoquerΓ³n provides picturesque views of the San Salvador volcano.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Los Ojos de Agua is good for birdwatching, situated near the national park.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Some beach areas near La Libertad allow bonfires in designated spaces.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services throughout the city.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Repair services are available through locations like iFix and local phone repair shops.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Various community centers offer facilities for table tennis enthusiasts.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Instituto Cultural offers Spanish language classes tailored for foreigners.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots La Biblioteca Nacional provides a quiet space for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers Centro Cultural de España hosts cultural events and workshops for expats.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges ESports Salva offers a space for video game enthusiasts to gather.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Casino Lux provides gaming options and entertainment in the city.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000)
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000)
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax The standard corporate tax rate is 30%.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax The withholding tax on dividends is 5%.
🏦 Tax System El Salvador operates on a territorial tax system.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%.
🧾 VAT The standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, CFC rules apply.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, based on the property's value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Standard rate is 3% on property transactions.
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No income tax for foreigners working remotely, making it an attractive destination.

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