Santa Tecla, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#1047
13.674298, -89.288041
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Tecla is a vibrant city located just a few kilometers from the capital, San Salvador, known for its cultural diversity and pleasant climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are around 30-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the US Dollar (USD). Banking services are widely available, including ATMs and local banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Claro and Tigo. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to purchase. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks accept USD, with Western Union available for international money transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit cards, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers many options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Cumbres del Volcán offers budget stays starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de la Luna is a popular coworking space with good coffee and fast Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café La Tertulia is known for its quiet ambiance and reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups for digital nomads can be found on platforms like Meetup.com, held monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in El Salvador' organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, providing reliable transport services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through local shops in Santa Tecla, but scooter rentals are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is El Tunco, approximately 40 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers domestic flights to other Salvadoran cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca also provides international connections from San Salvador International Airport, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Santa Tecla connects to the Pan-American Highway, facilitating regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; public buses serve as the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares range from $0.25 to $0.50, with no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shuttle services and buses connect Santa Tecla to San Salvador and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Santa Tecla is the main public hospital offering diverse health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en El Salvador offers classes for various skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit is a popular gym with decent membership packages. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Buen Pastor provides washing and dropping services in Santa Tecla. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com is the go-to app for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish, at Pupusería La Tertulia. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Casa de la Vida offers a range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | El Viejo y El Mar specializes in delicious desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Santa Tecla has affordable local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Visit LaCuracao's online store for home appliances and electronics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super Selectos offers grocery delivery services through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Centro Histórico is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Constancia Brewery offers local brews, including the famous Pilsener beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca wine bar offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food carts near Parque Francisco Gavidia sell tasty local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Manhattan Café serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parque Balboa is a central park featuring sculptures and areas for relaxation. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE) showcases contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Santa Tecla Church is a historic landmark with beautiful architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia El Rosario is a unique modern church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals occur throughout the year, with the Festival de Teatro being notable. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historic downtown for its architecture and local boutiques. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro President offers various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central is a vibrant spot for shopping local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in local bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Santa Tecla feature numerous murals reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cultural Cooking Class offers sessions on traditional Salvadoran cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Centro offers exhibits from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Municipal Palace is an architectural highlight in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture is a blend of Indigenous and Spanish influences reflected in local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional El Boquerón offers hiking and stunning mountain views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Verde National Park is within reach and offers outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are several paths in the parks around Santa Tecla ideal for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints in Parque El Boquerón allow for panoramic views of San Salvador. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Santa Tecla is close to various birdwatching spots, especially in the national parks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks allow bonfires, though permits may be required. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and FedEx are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Español Santa Tecla offers Spanish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal de Santa Tecla has a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Santa Tecla organizes events for cultural exchange. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular spot for video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Santa Tecla offers entertainment options, including gaming tables. |
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% for companies in El Salvador. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist governing foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is a 3% tax on property transactions. |