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Santa Tecla, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1047
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Tecla is a vibrant city located just west of San Salvador, known for its modern infrastructure and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 160,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with fiber options available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (the US dollar is the official currency). Most banks provide services for expats. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advised to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 115V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Sim cards available from Tigo, Claro, and Movistar; monthly packages typically start around $10. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like Banco Agrícola, Banco Cuscatlán, and Scotiabank offer services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from apartments to houses, with Airbnb options starting at $25 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is still advisable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rental sites provide a variety of short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Casa del Alma with beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Colonial area near Parque San Martín is popular for its accessibility and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Plaza Merliot is great for modern conveniences and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HUB Santa Tecla offers flexible spaces and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café el Zócalo is recognized for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Facebook groups and local expat communities frequently organize meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup gatherings often happen at various cafes and restaurants; check local Facebook Messenger groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local app InDriver are commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and electric scooters can be rented through local services in urban areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | El Tunco Beach, approximately 45 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca serves domestic routes efficiently. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and American Airlines offer regular flights to the USA. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate CA-1 connects Santa Tecla to major destinations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Tecla does not have a train station; buses are the main transit method. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Prepaid cards are available for public transit; buses are the main form of transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses are available for travel to nearby cities, such as San Salvador. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer for general and emergency care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Restauración Holística offers yoga and wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SmartFit and Gold's Gym have several branches in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Paraíso offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in Santa Tecla, with many local restaurants available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas (thick corn tortillas with various fillings) are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Natura offers a great variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Hija de Chocolate serves delicious local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Paseo El Carmen has local vendors and shops for affordable produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local services like Mercado Libre provide options for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super Selectos offers delivery options within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Rosa is known for its nightlife, with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal La Cerveza is a popular local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café La Habana offers a selection of house wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors are abundant, especially near Parque San Martín. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Pampa offers Argentinian steaks and cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Casa de la Cultura and Parque San Martín are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE) is located nearby. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Monumento a la Paz is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Santa Tecla is an architectural highlight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas Agostinas celebrated in August features traditional music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Colonial Santa Tecla showcases historical architecture and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional de San Salvador is a short trip away for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Santa Tecla is great for local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music, showcasing local and regional talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Galleries and murals can be found throughout the city, especially in La Libertad. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary experiences are available at Finca Santa Rosa, where you can learn to cook local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Casa de la Cultura features various local art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic architecture can be seen in the colonial heart of Santa Tecla. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Pupusas are an integral part of Salvadoran culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Verde National Park is a stunning escape, only an hour away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanes National Park is accessible by car, featuring amazing hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Paseo del Carmen provides a scenic walkway popular among locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Boquerón National Park offers panoramic views of the San Salvador Volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Gálvez Nature Reserve is excellent for seeing native bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like La Libertad have designated bonfire areas, perfect for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have office locations for parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech services such as iFixit provide reliable repairs for devices in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro Cultural Salvadoreño of offers Spanish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional provides a quiet study space and local resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Ciudadano offers cultural events and community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer spaces for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de San Salvador nearby provides nightlife and gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income earned within El Salvador is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules; taxes are based on local income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates are low, typically around 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% transfer tax during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | El Salvador offers a favorable tax system, especially for remote workers with no additional tax obligations on foreign income. |