Santa Ana, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1748
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Ana is the second-largest city in El Salvador, known for its coffee production and rich cultural history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 25-40 Mbps available in various neighborhoods |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD. USD is the official currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 115V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like BAC Credomatic and local options such as Banco Agrícola. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb options available; prices typically range from $25 to $70 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer diverse accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa Verde offers dorms starting around $12 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near Parque Libertad, is great for attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Zona Rosa offers a good mix of amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de la Calle is a popular workspace with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe El 7 offers a comfortable atmosphere and good wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events advertised on local Facebook groups or Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups are active on social media platforms and often host meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Santa Ana for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; scooters can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Libertad Beach is about an hour's drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca provides regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and American Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American Highway is easily accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses are the main mode of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive; no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Santa Ana to San Salvador and other regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Santa Gertrudis provides decent medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga+ Santa Ana offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Power Gym is popular, with membership fees around $25/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Sol provides affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com offers various local restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas, traditional stuffed corn tortillas, are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan El Salvador offers plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Miko serves delicious artisanal ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is great for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular option for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super Selectos offers home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The downtown area comes alive at night, especially around Parque Libertad. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza artesanal La Constancia offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Santa Ana has a good selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Parque Libertad are popular for local fare. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante La Pampa serves Argentine parrilla. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Teatro de Santa Ana and the Cathedral are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de El Salvador showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic downtown area features beautiful architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia El Calvario is a prominent church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas Agostinas in August celebrate local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico offers a glimpse into local history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de Santa Ana hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanías is great for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music Latin rhythms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found around various city blocks, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are available at local culinary schools upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte is a local gallery promoting Salvadoran artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old city hall showcases colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The coffee culture is a significant aspect of Santa Ana's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional Cerro Verde offers stunning views and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanes National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails are available in the nearby mountains. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro Verde offers breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area around Lake Coatepeque is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Cerro Verde National Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers parcel services in Santa Ana. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors available for Spanish lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is a good place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Santa Ana provides entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based primarily on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxes for income earned outside of El Salvador. |