San Salvador, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1045
13.698993, -89.191424
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador, known for its vibrant culture and modern amenities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.6 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (USD is the official currency). Major banks include Banco Agrícola, Banco de América Central. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo, Claro, and Movistar, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options include international services like HSBC, and digital banking apps like Revolut are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to short-term rentals on Airbnb and local listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at most establishments, but cash is still predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices averaging $30-$80 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Casa de Mamapan and Selina San Salvador. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café D'OP, offering great amenities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café el Taller is popular for its good coffee and work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups held at various spots like the El Salvador Digital Nomads group on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various meetups organized through Facebook groups, including potlucks and city tours. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is safe and widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are limited bike rental services; however, electric scooters can be found through apps like Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Costa del Sol, about 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates several domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United offer direct flights to the USA. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access via the CA-1 Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The city lacks a traditional train system; buses and taxis are primary transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are affordable, with fares around $0.25-$0.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect to nearby cities like Santa Ana and La Libertad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Especialidades, known for its comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en El Salvador offers classes tailored for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Lavado Express are widely available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of corn dough. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at restaurants like El Cafe de Don Pedro. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafetería La Ciudadela is famous for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado Central offer local products at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | El Salvador's equivalent to Amazon is Linio. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super Selectos offers online shopping and home delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Rosa and El Tunco are known for vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Suprema is a local brewery worth visiting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Praia, known for its extensive wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets in downtown San Salvador offer affordable and delicious options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizza Hut and KFC are present, alongside local favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Metropolitan Cathedral and San Salvador Volcano are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE) showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Teatro Nacional is a historical icon and cultural venue. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basílica de Guadalupe is an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival Internacional de la Ciudad de San Salvador takes place in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Centro Histórico offers rich history and vibrant life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Presidente hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanías is perfect for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music venues like Jazz Cafe host live performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Calle El Espiritu Santo showcases impressive murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | San Salvador Cooking Classes offers local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Mena is a well-known contemporary art space. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio Nacional is an architectural masterpiece. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage is strong with influences from the indigenous Pipil people. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Verde National Park offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Imposible National Park is a great spot for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parque Bicentenario offers paved paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Los Planes de Renderos is an excellent viewpoint. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Chorros de la Calera is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas in La Libertad allow bonfires, so check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have operations for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Look for FixIt shops in malls for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural de El Salvador offers Spanish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional provides a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Francisco Gavidia provides several community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone offers various gaming options for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de San Salvador is a popular 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. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax based on value is applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 4% on property transactions. |