San Salvador, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1045
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador, known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.4 million people live in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the US Dollar (USD), widely accepted; banks like Banco Agrícola and Banco Promerica are popular. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo, Claro, and Movistar; prepaid plans start around $5. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; services like Revolut are usable. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb rentals to local guesthouses; prices average $30-$100 per night. |
| 💳 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. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Los Almendros and local inns offer beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Zona Rosa is the preferred area for tourists due to its safety and dining options. |
| 🏙️ 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. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Gran Via is popular among remote workers for its wifi and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events like Startup Grind San Salvador and tech meetups are held monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The El Salvador Expats group on Facebook is a great way to connect with the community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 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. |
| 🏖️ 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. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways like CA-1 connect San Salvador to other parts of the country. |
| 🚉 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
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Diagnóstico 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. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit San Salvador provides affordable fitness memberships starting at $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Lavado Rápido offer wash and fold services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 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. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central, known for local produce and snacks, is a budget-friendly choice. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Walmart.com.sv serves as an option for online grocery shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Cayalá 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 Más 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. |
| 🍕 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. |
| 🏛️ 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. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The San Salvador Cathedral is a notable site featuring beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 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. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Nacional de Artesanías 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. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | El Gourmet offers cooking classes focusing on traditional Salvadoran dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de El Salvador showcases contemporary Salvadoran artists. |
| 🕰️ 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
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional El Boquerón, 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. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Boquerón provides picturesque views of the San Salvador volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Ojos de Agua is good for birdwatching, situated near the national park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas near La Libertad allow bonfires in designated spaces. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services are available through locations like iFix and local phone repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers offer facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers Spanish language classes tailored for foreigners. |
| 📚 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. |
| 🕹️ 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) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax on dividends is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | El Salvador operates on a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 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. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for foreigners working remotely, making it an attractive destination. |