Santa Ana, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1748
13.991168, -89.555159
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Ana is the second largest city in El Salvador, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD; ATMs are widely available with international card acceptance. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity standard is 115V, 60Hz; Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Tigo and Claro offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Agrícola provide services to expats, including international transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options like Airbnb, and local guesthouses are available for varying budgets. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous listings in and around the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostal Casa Verde offer beds starting at $10 a night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Colabora is a popular coworking spot with flexible membership plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Esperanza provides a chill atmosphere with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in El Salvador Facebook groups can connect you to local gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the Uber app for reliable transportation in Santa Ana. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing is not common, but local stores rent bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | El Tunco is approximately 45 minutes away by car, known for beaches and surfing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is the main regional carrier serving Central America. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines offers direct flights to/from the USA. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the CA-1 highway, connecting to major cities and regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Ana does not have a train station; bus terminals are the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fare is around $0.25 for local routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to nearby cities like San Salvador and Ahuachapán. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Juan de Dios is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Santa Ana offers classes in a peaceful setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness center with classes available, such as Sky Gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available, with prices around $5 for full service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for food delivery in Santa Ana. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas are a must-try traditional dish, widely available in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Café de la Luna offer vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulcería y Repostería La Visión is famous for local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online shopping platform in El Salvador. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets like Super Selectos offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Centro Histórico has various bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Constancia is a well-known local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out Wine Loft for a nice ambiance and selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer a range of local snacks, especially in the evenings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Taco Bell and Dominos are available for international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Ana Cathedral is a striking example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de El Salvador showcases local artists and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Teatro de Santa Ana is a historic theater with various performances. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia El Calvario is a notable church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas Julias in July include parades, culture, and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic district features colorful buildings and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional de Santa Ana hosts local performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market is vibrant and the best place to find local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music performances can often be found at both bars and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Santa Ana is home to many murals and community art projects around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local community centers, often focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Santa Ana showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Palacio Municipal for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Santa Ana is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Verde National Park offers scenic hikes and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanes National Park features active volcanoes and diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths around the city are good for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Santa Ana offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Go birdwatching in the nearby national parks, especially Los Coquitos. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Cerro Verde National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair centers for phones and laptops can be found, such as iPhone Repair Santa Ana. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish lessons are available at various language schools around the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de El Salvador offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges provide a fun environment for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Santa Ana offers gaming and 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. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in certain cases. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the property value, typically around 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% on property transactions. |