El Salvador has launched Bitcoin Country, a new official government platform designed to serve as a public-facing gateway into the country’s Bitcoin economy.

The website, available at bitcoincountry.gob.sv, went live in January 2026 and was introduced by the National Bitcoin Office as part of a broader effort to make El Salvador’s Bitcoin infrastructure easier to understand, navigate, and access from anywhere in the world.

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Importantly, Bitcoin Country is not the only government website related to Bitcoin. El Salvador already operates multiple official platforms under the .gob.sv domain that handle regulation, digital assets, institutions, and programs.

What makes Bitcoin Country different is its role: it is the international, user-friendly interface that connects all of that into a single experience for visitors, investors, and Bitcoin users.

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A New Layer in El Salvador’s Bitcoin Infrastructure

Behind the scenes, El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy is supported by legal frameworks, regulatory bodies, and government offices — each with its own official website and responsibilities.

Bitcoin Country sits above those systems.

It doesn’t replace regulatory portals or institutional websites. Instead, it translates them into something usable for people who want to:

• Visit the country
• Spend Bitcoin
• Open a business
• Invest
• Or relocate

In that sense, Bitcoin Country acts as the front door to El Salvador’s Bitcoin ecosystem.

What Bitcoin Country Is Designed to Do

From our analysis, the platform is built around two main functions:

1. Show where Bitcoin works in real life

Bitcoin Country includes an interactive map of businesses that accept Bitcoin. These are not scraped listings — businesses register themselves to appear. The map covers hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, and services across the country.

This gives users something Bitcoin has always lacked: a reliable, official way to know where BTC is actually usable.

2. Introduce the people building the Bitcoin economy

The site features interviews and profiles of entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and operators who have chosen El Salvador as their base. These stories give visitors a human view of what it means to build with Bitcoin inside the country.

This is especially important for people considering moving or investing, because it shows who is already there and what they are building.

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A Digital Front Door to the First Bitcoin Nation

With Bitcoin Country, El Salvador is doing something no other government has done: building a public, Bitcoin-native showcase for a national economy.

Other official websites still handle regulation, law, institutions, and digital assets. Bitcoin Country serves a different but equally important role:

it shows the world where and how Bitcoin is already being used across El Salvador.

It gives visitors, investors, and Bitcoin users a clear way to discover where they can participate in the country’s Bitcoin economy — before they even arrive.

And that is what makes this platform strategically powerful.

The post Bitcoin Country: The Official Portal Showcasing El Salvador’s Bitcoin Economy appeared first on El Salvador EN.

El Salvador is the world’s first Bitcoin nation — but for most travelers and investors, the real question is simple:

Where can I actually spend Bitcoin when I’m there?

Until recently, finding real Bitcoin-accepting businesses meant relying on scattered maps, Telegram groups, or outdated directories. That has changed with the launch of Bitcoin Country, the official Bitcoin portal of El Salvador.

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings: Check the Live National Reserve Count!">

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The official Bitcoin map of El Salvador

The website bitcoincountry.gob.sv is run by El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office and serves as the official interface for the country’s Bitcoin economy.

One of its most powerful tools is a live interactive map that shows:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Shops
• Tourism services
• Local businesses

All of them accept Bitcoin payments.

These are not random listings. Businesses appear on the map because they registered themselves as Bitcoin-accepting merchants, making this the most reliable directory currently available.

If you’re planning to travel, relocate, or just spend time in El Salvador using Bitcoin, this map becomes your real-world spending guide.

What makes this map different from other crypto directories?

Most global crypto maps rely on third-party data or user submissions that are rarely verified. Bitcoin Country is different:

• It is operated by El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office
• Businesses opt in to be listed
• It is designed for tourists, investors, and Bitcoin users
• It is actively promoted by the government and Bitcoin ecosystem

In other words: this is the closest thing to an official Bitcoin merchant network that exists anywhere in the world.

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Where Bitcoin spending is most common

While Bitcoin is used across the country, certain areas are especially Bitcoin-friendly:

San Salvador & La Libertad

These are the economic and tourism centers of the country. You’ll find a high concentration of Bitcoin-accepting:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Cafés
• Shops
• Services

Bitcoin Beach (El Zonte)

This is where El Salvador’s Bitcoin movement started. Many businesses here operate almost entirely on Bitcoin and Lightning payments.

Berlin, Usulután

A growing Bitcoin city with a surprisingly large number of local businesses accepting BTC — from food to hardware stores.

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Important things every Bitcoin traveler should know

1. Businesses on the map do accept Bitcoin

Bitcoin acceptance is voluntary nationwide — but if a business appears on the Bitcoin Country map, it means they actively accept BTC. The map is not theoretical. It reflects real, working Bitcoin commerce.

2. The map is growing

Not every Bitcoin-accepting business is listed yet. New merchants are being added as they register. This means the directory becomes more powerful over time.

3. Lightning Network is widely used

Most payments are processed through Lightning wallets, making transactions fast and cheap. Make sure your wallet supports Lightning before arriving.

4. Some merchants auto-convert

Some businesses receive Bitcoin and instantly convert to dollars, while others hold BTC. Either way, you pay in Bitcoin.

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Why this matters for Bitcoin users

El Salvador is not just holding Bitcoin — it’s building an entire spendable economy around it.

The Bitcoin Country map removes the biggest friction Bitcoiners face:
“Where can I actually use my BTC?”

Now you can:

• Plan your trip
• Choose hotels and restaurants
• Find local services
• Live off Bitcoin

…all from one official portal.

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Bottom line

If you want to know where to spend Bitcoin in El Salvador, the most reliable source is:

Bitcoin Country — bitcoincountry.gob.sv

It’s the world’s first government-backed Bitcoin merchant map, and it turns El Salvador into something no other country is yet:

A place where Bitcoin actually works in daily life.

The post Where to Spend Bitcoin in El Salvador: A Practical Guide for Visitors & Bitcoiners appeared first on El Salvador EN.

Stanley Hernández is living proof that age is just a number when passion runs deep. For more than half a century, he has dedicated his life to surfing the waves of El Salvador, becoming one of the country’s most respected and legendary surfers.

Stanley began surfing in 1974, at a time when surfing was still largely unknown in El Salvador. He started riding waves in the El Tunco area, long before it became an international surf destination. Back then, the true value of El Salvador’s waves was understood only by local surfers and a small number of foreign surfers who visited the country and could compare its waves with those around the world.

Over the years, Stanley built his experience not only through countless hours in the ocean, but also through competition. He surfed alongside athletes from countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Portugal, and the United States, and was part of El Salvador’s national surfing team.

His achievements include podium finishes in national championships, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

Now in his seventies, Stanley continues to surf with the same respect for the ocean that defined his early years. For him, the sea is a place where age, status, and background disappear. In the water, everyone is equal — whether it’s an eight-year-old catching the perfect wave or a veteran surfer with decades of experience.

His journey has not been without sacrifice. Over the years, the ocean has tested him physically as well. A surfboard once struck his ear, perforating his eardrum and forcing him to surf with an earplug ever since.

On another occasion, after falling off a wave, his board came back and hit him, breaking three of his ribs. Despite these injuries, none were enough to keep him out of the water, only strengthening his respect for the sea and his commitment to surfing.

For Stanley Hernández, surfing is more than a sport. It is freedom, discipline, community, and gratitude. Above all, it is a lifelong connection to the ocean and to the exceptional waves of El Salvador — waves he has been riding for half a century, and counting.

As an extra note, in our post titled ‘Why El Salvador Has Become a Top Surf Destination’, we explain the reasons why the waves of El Salvador are so good and highly valued worldwide for surfing. That post was inspired by words spoken by Stanley Hernández himself and his extensive knowledge of the subject.

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The post Half a Century Riding Waves in El Salvador appeared first on El Salvador EN.

El Salvador is undergoing one of the most ambitious agricultural transformations in its modern history: the nation is working toward producing 100% of its maize and beans by 2029, significantly reducing — and eventually eliminating — dependence on imports.

This national effort, led by the government and supported by experts, combines modern technology, new genetics adapted to local conditions, and the most intensive agronomic training program ever implemented in the country.

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How a Chance Connection Triggered a National Transformation

The origins of this shift trace back to July 2022, when Óscar Domínguez — then a technician at the Ministry of Agriculture — began conversations with Ernesto Cruz, the Mexican agronomist who holds the Guinness World Record for producing more than 44 tons of maize per hectare.

Domínguez later described this moment publicly, recalling that these talks marked “the beginning of a gigantic step that El Salvador would take in maize production.”

From there, the government began incorporating high-tech agricultural machinery, specialized technical assistance, and a new production model developed by ATIDER, the organization led by Cruz.

The first demonstration plots at CENTA showed highly promising results, inspiring the creation of a Salvadoran team trained directly in high-yield maize techniques. Those specialists then trained young agronomists who would participate in nationwide trials.

Ernesto Cruz’s First Visit: Shock and Opportunity

In a video published by Cruz, he described his first technical visit to El Salvador in August 2022. What he found was both surprising and revealing:

• He estimated that plant population density in the field he inspected “did not exceed 30,000” plants per hectare.
• He stated that the production system used in the country was “a system of production from a thousand years ago, and it is still used.”

But the visit was not only about limitations. He highlighted the country’s enormous natural advantages:

• “This is a natural greenhouse,” he said.
• “There are never frosts.”
• Temperatures “do not exceed 38 degrees.”
• Annual precipitation is “between 1,900 and 2,300 ml.”
• Soils are volcanic, slightly acidic, and “very fertile.”

These conditions, he noted, are ideal for high-performance agriculture — but the missing ingredient was modern technique and technology.

The Meeting With President Bukele

Cruz later recounted his first meeting with President Nayib Bukele. The president expressed a clear objective: achieving national food self-sufficiency, particularly in maize and beans.

Bukele asked whether El Salvador could reach 6 tons of maize per hectare.
Cruz replied no.
Then 5 tons?
“No.”
Four?
“Impossible.”

Instead, Cruz insisted that the starting point should be 10 tons per hectare — a radical jump from the country’s traditional yields of 2.6 to 3 tons per hectare.

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Developing Local Genetics and New Technology

In April 2025, Cruz stated that the team was now advancing a crucial element of the long-term strategy:
developing maize genetics specifically adapted to El Salvador’s tropical conditions.

As he explained, “What we are doing here is developing genetics for the farmers and the conditions of the Republic of El Salvador… the vision that guides us is that President Bukele set the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in maize and beans for El Salvador.”

This includes genetics for maize grain, maize elote, and maize silage — all necessary for a fully integrated agricultural system.

Pilot Tests and the First Major Results

By early 2023, the government launched extensive pilot programs using:

• pneumatic planters,
• improved tractors and implements,
• drones,
• new harvesters,
• and teams of trained agronomists.

According to Domínguez, these pilots covered more than 500 manzanas across cooperatives and independent producers.

The results were striking:
They exceeded the national average, doubled yields in most areas, and reached nearly 15 tons per hectare, all without using transgenics.

These results demonstrated that El Salvador’s yield ceiling was dramatically higher than previously thought.

More Than 10,000 Manzanas of Maize Officially Seeded

By late 2025, the government officialized the sowing of more than 10,000 manzanas of maize nationwide.

Although the announcement did not detail every technical component, it is widely understood that these lands will incorporate:

• the techniques learned with ATIDER,
• new machinery,
• modern planting densities,
• improved genetics,
• and continuous technical supervision.

If the same knowledge applied in the pilot plots is implemented at scale, the country could leave behind the old yields of 2.6–3 tons per hectare and progressively approach high-performance levels.

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The 2029 Goal: A National Mission

Although Cruz originally mentioned 2028 as the target during a 2024 interview, he later clarified in 2025 — through a program presentation on his YouTube channel — that the official objective is now to reach full maize and bean self-sufficiency by 2029.

The program objectives begin with:

• Self-sufficiency in maize grain and beans by 2029
• Efficiency improvements in maize elote and maize silage

With new genetics, trained personnel, mechanized planting, and tens of thousands of manzanas already included in the plan, the country is positioning itself to meet — or even surpass — this goal.

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The post El Salvador Aims to Produce All Its Maize and Beans by 2029 appeared first on El Salvador EN.

This is a collection of delivery services in the form of apps (applications) that operate in El Salvador.

Delivery apps in El Salvador, or delivery service apps, or home service apps, as everyone prefers to call them, have grown in recent years, especially since what happened in 2020 (the quarantine).

All of them share the common feature of working through a mobile app, primarily offering food delivery services but also providing other types of shopping services, such as groceries and errands.

These apps usually start with small coverage, initially focusing on specific areas of the metropolitan zone and gradually expanding, so the service coverage of each one may vary.

If you are planning to travel to El Salvador or if you are already in El Salvador, you can find these applications in the official stores of the operating system your cell phone or tablet uses.

If you use Android, look in Google Play; if you use iOS, look in the App Store; and if you use another type of cell phone or tablet, you should likewise search in the corresponding official store.

PedidosYa

An application that was already operating in other countries and entered El Salvador around mid-2021.

It is one of the largest delivery services in El Salvador, especially after the company that owns PedidosYa bought Hugo App and merged operations in early 2023.

Hugo App was a Salvadoran delivery company that started in 2017 and had grown significantly. After being absorbed by PedidosYa, PedidosYa is now the largest delivery company in El Salvador.

Previously (in other countries), what we now know as PedidosYa was called Glovo. In El Salvador, the company entered from the beginning under the name PedidosYa.

The name change is due to PedidosYa purchasing Glovo’s operations in Latin America.

Uber Eats

The Uber app but specialized in food delivery. Being part of Uber already says a lot, as it is an internationally recognized company.

Uber Eats El Salvador has been operating in the country for several years and has been expanding its service coverage. Like most apps on this list, it offers purchase and delivery of other items, not just food.

To see the restaurants, stores, and places affiliated with Uber Eats El Salvador, you can visit the official Uber Eats website (ubereats.com) and choose El Salvador. The associated businesses and daily offers will appear.

Yalo

It was previously called Pedilo SV, but now it is called Yalo or Yalo App. The name change occurred around the end of September 2023.

As we understand it, the app primarily focuses on the departments of Santa Ana and Sonsonate since it originates from there; that is, they mainly operate in the western region of El Salvador. So it’s a very, very local delivery app.

It is a small app but adds to the list of delivery apps in El Salvador. At the time of checking, their app was available for Android phones and Apple devices.

The delivery personnel of this app wear a blue uniform with the Yalo App logo. Over time, these types of apps expand their coverage area according to their growth. (See: Facebook page)

goEAT

An app that, at the time of gathering information, offered service in cities such as Sonsonate and Santa Ana.

It is a fairly local delivery service by app, similar to the previously presented case.

In case of doubts, you can check their social media to see how much they post, as this indicates whether the app is still in operation. (See: Facebook page).

2Go App

It is an app that works for some businesses in El Salvador. Essentially, it allows people who are abroad, for example in the United States, to shop for their family members in El Salvador.

In other words, it allows orders to be placed from the United States to El Salvador. It is available for Android and Apple at the time we checked their official website. (See: Facebook page).

These apps are the ones currently operating, but rest assured that there are more delivery services available. However, they are not through apps but rather independent individuals who deliver food in certain areas, for example, in neighborhoods or residential areas.

These are people who dedicate themselves to running errands independently and do so at reasonable prices.

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Is it mandatory to give a tip?

Regarding the topic of tips: In El Salvador, tipping is not mandatory. If you wish to tip the delivery person, it is better to give it directly to them so you can be sure that the tip you intended to give was indeed received, as delivery apps sometimes are not transparent about this.

Price difference between buying directly from a restaurant vs. buying with a delivery app

If you compare prices on the apps with the prices directly from the restaurant menus, sometimes (or most of the time) the price is slightly higher on the app. Making a quick comparison, the price difference in the products is around 15%.

Despite that, it’s still cheaper to buy through the app, because going in person to make a purchase involves time—not just the time spent driving or heading to the place (restaurant)—but it also involves spending on gas. Depending on the location, it might also involve parking expenses. And that’s not to mention the traffic.

The post Delivery apps in El Salvador appeared first on El Salvador EN.

In October 2023, during the inauguration of the 3 de Febrero Hydroelectric Plant, President Nayib Bukele offered an unusually transparent look into the negotiations between El Salvador and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His remarks confirmed that the IMF had brought two notable demands to the table:

1. That El Salvador increase its Value Added Tax (VAT)
2. That the country revisit the legal-tender status of Bitcoin

These points had not been officially disclosed prior to that public event.

Below is the translated exchange that revealed these details.

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Journalist’s Question (Translated to English)

“Good afternoon, President. I wanted to ask whether you foresee El Salvador reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund soon, and whether the discussion about the validity of Bitcoin as legal tender is a point of contention in the negotiations.”

President Nayib Bukele’s Response (Translated to English)

“Yes, well, we remain in conversations with them. I understand there was a meeting about a week ago or so; I also understand that the IMF’s spokesperson said that the meetings had been positive and that they saw a movement toward an agreement.

I personally said the same thing—even to some investors, to some investment banks in the United States during my visit to the United Nations—that we are going to work and do everything possible to reach an agreement as quickly as we can.

I understand that nothing is written in stone; obviously, they have their demands and we have our counter-proposals. For example, they wanted us to raise the VAT. We said that was off the table—that we were not going to raise the VAT. So there are normal discussions in a negotiation, and that’s why it’s called a negotiation. At the end of the negotiation, God willing, we will reach an agreement.

I would expect that agreement to be reached after the elections. I imagine they won’t want to announce anything before the elections. But, to repeat what the IMF’s spokesperson said: there have been very productive conversations, and we hope that there will be an agreement in the future, if we are able—redundantly—to reach consensus on those small points where we are willing to work things out, and I understand that they…”

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Bitcoin as Part of the IMF’s Demands

In addition to the VAT issue, Bukele also made clear that the IMF had concerns over Bitcoin being legal tender.

During the negotiation process, one of the practical agreements reached was that El Salvador would no longer require businesses to accept Bitcoin mandatorily. Instead, Bitcoin acceptance became voluntary, which addressed a major IMF objection without eliminating Bitcoin from the Salvadoran financial ecosystem.

This adjustment aligned with the IMF’s request, yet it preserved the core of the Bitcoin Law: Bitcoin remains legal tender in El Salvador.

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El Salvador Did Not Abandon Bitcoin — Quite the Opposite

Despite easing the obligation for merchants, El Salvador continued to strengthen its Bitcoin strategy. Two years after the 2023 negotiations:

• The nation’s Bitcoin reserves have continued to grow, month after month.
• Only this month, according to public tracking sources, the national holdings increased by more than 1,000 additional bitcoins.

This demonstrates that El Salvador did not step back from Bitcoin as a national asset; instead, it shifted the implementation model to satisfy negotiation pressures while continuing to accumulate BTC at the state level.

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings: Check the Live National Reserve Count!">

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Conclusion

The 2023 disclosure by President Bukele confirmed what many had speculated: the IMF’s negotiation package included a request to raise VAT and concerns over Bitcoin’s legal tender status.

El Salvador rejected the VAT demand outright, but found a middle ground on Bitcoin by making its acceptance voluntary rather than mandatory.

Far from abandoning its crypto strategy, the country has doubled down, expanding its Bitcoin reserves significantly in the following two years.

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The post In 2023, the IMF “Demanded” That El Salvador Increase Its VAT appeared first on El Salvador EN.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: most “independent” journalists criticizing President Bukele aren’t actually independent.

Follow the Money Trail

• USAID funded over 6,200 journalists across 707 media outlets in El Salvador
• 279 “journalistic” NGOs received international funding
• Global foundations with specific political agendas bankroll Latin American journalists

That’s without even mentioning other sources of money with which these media outlets are funded.

Interestingly, in El Salvador, a law was created to make these ‘media’ and NGOs start paying taxes on the money they received as funding, and curiously, independent media from El Salvador and some NGOs began to leave.

Didn’t they want it to be known where their funding came from, and instead preferred to leave with the excuse of being ‘politically persecuted’ or that ‘free expression is being suppressed’?

These reporters claim independence while their paychecks come from organizations with clear political objectives. Can you truly be independent when your salary depends on pleasing your international funders?

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The Anti-Bukele Coalition

1. Feminists: They despise Bukele because he rejects their anti-family, anti-natural ideology (these people align with the gender agenda, which goes by various names or refers to some of its components: gender perspective, gender-based violence, gender equality, inclusive language, etc.) that undermines traditional society. That without mentioning ‘the interruption of pregnancy,’ a way to whitewash the genocide of the unborn.
2. Socialist/Marxist Activists: They detest Bukele for various reasons. For the socialists/communists ideology, anyone who is not part of their group is an enemy. And with Bukele, it’s worse because on several occasions he has made comments that expose how destructive and failed the socialist policies are that are implemented in countries seeking to be socialist or that consider themselves socialist/communist.
3. LGBTQ+ Activists: Most oppose Bukele because he doesn’t align with their agenda, particularly after removing gender ideology from schools.
4. Pro-Crime Activists: The most dangerous group – those hiding behind “human rights” rhetoric while systematically defending criminals, gangs, and organized crime. Their funding depends on the problem persisting – they’re furious because Bukele actually solved the gang crisis they profited from.
5. Displaced Political Parties: Supporters of ARENA and FMLN (socialist) – parties rejected by Salvadoran voters.

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The Real Issue

This isn’t about legitimate criticism. Questioning government policies is healthy. The problem is:

• Opposing everything just because
• Systematic mockery without substance
• Lying and fabricating stories to attack the government
• Being political activists disguised as journalists

Important Clarification

We’re NOT saying Bukele’s government is perfect. Scrutiny is essential – we must watch for any irregularities or suspicious activities, as long as it’s based on facts, not lies.

These “journalists” don’t seek truth – they seek to impose their agenda and their own political interest. When their international funding gets threatened, their true colors show.

Independent journalism or funded activism? The answer lies in who signs the checks or rather, where the transferred money comes from.

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The post Why are there journalists so hostile toward El Salvador and Nayib Bukele? appeared first on El Salvador EN.

When comparing El Salvador to other Central American countries, it is not the most expensive in the region—Costa Rica holds that position due to its higher cost of living and prices. However, compared to the rest of Central America, El Salvador can still be considered relatively expensive.

Keep in mind this comparison is only relative to other Central American countries. I believe Nicaragua is the most affordable country in the region, and I cannot comment on Belize as I’m unsure how expensive or affordable its cost of living is.

For example, comparing El Salvador to Guatemala, I understand Guatemala is slightly cheaper.

When it comes to Honduras, I couldn’t say for certain, but since Honduras has a larger territorial area, the cost of living (food, housing) should be cheaper compared to El Salvador.

Now, comparing prices in El Salvador to other countries, it all depends. Clearly, if we compare it to wealthier nations, El Salvador is an affordable country.

Currently, I consider the “expensive” aspect (and I put “expensive” in quotes, as it depends on one’s perspective) to be the cost of housing, whether renting a house or apartment. At least for the local population, housing prices far exceed the current wages in El Salvador.

However, for a foreigner from a country where salaries average around $3,000 USD, renting an apartment or house might seem very affordable.

As I mentioned earlier, it all depends.

Regarding the above (and before moving on), it’s important to note that the most expensive aspect in El Salvador is renting a place to live. Everything else, such as food and transportation, I consider affordable.

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What are food prices like in El Salvador?

The “worst” place to buy fruits, vegetables, and legumes is supermarkets due to their high prices. The quality is average, but the prices are the highest compared to other locations. Although there seems to be one day a week when fruits and vegetables go on sale, supermarkets are still not the best option for purchasing these items.

Supermarkets are highly frequented by Salvadorans. I believe the only issue with supermarkets is that the prices for fruits and vegetables aren’t competitive or considered attractive by most people. However, if you visit a supermarket, you’ll see people purchasing staples like meat, fish, food items, canned goods, toilet paper, cleaning products, and so on.

With that said, if you want to get an idea of food prices in El Salvador, we’ll share the names of some Salvadoran supermarket websites where you can check the prices:

Super Selectos (Website: superselectos.com): This is the largest supermarket chain in El Salvador. Despite the country’s small size, this chain operates over 110 supermarkets nationwide.

Walmart (Website: walmart.com.sv): There are currently six Walmart stores in El Salvador. This chain adds to the range of supermarket options available in the country.

Pricesmart:(Website: pricesmart.com/es-sv) This U.S.-based chain is the Latin American equivalent of Costco. There are three Pricesmart locations in El Salvador. They sell a variety of products, including unique items, and these stores (which function more like warehouse-style outlets than traditional supermarkets) add to the shopping options in El Salvador.

Note that a membership is required to shop here, and their focus is on selling products in bulk or semi-wholesale sizes.

Maxi Despensa (Website: maxidespensa.com.sv): This chain appears to be owned by the same company as Walmart in El Salvador but focuses more on budget-friendly shopping. The store layouts are simpler (some might even call them a bit unattractive), but Salvadorans don’t mind. They remain a solid option for affordable purchases.

It’s worth clarifying that, based on my observations, Salvadorans don’t typically choose supermarkets based on prices. Instead, they prioritize convenience, opting for whichever supermarket is closest to them or along their route home.

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Where can you find the cheapest prices (for food)?

Municipal markets used to be the places where you could buy cheaper (retail, not wholesale) and are still a good option for shopping. However, around 2023, places called “agromercados” (agromarkets) began to be created, and in 2024, they were promoted more, with the government investing additional funds in logistics and promotion for them.

Agromercados are sales points designed for national producers to sell their products at lower prices. Why lower or cheaper? The idea is that prices are cheaper because the products pass through fewer hands.

When a product goes through more intermediaries than necessary, its price increases, but if that supply chain is shortened and things are done properly, prices become cheaper.

There are several agromercados in El Salvador, and they are managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador.

The place where you can buy even cheaper is at the “central de abastos” (wholesale market). Currently, at the time of writing this, there is only one central de abastos, located in the Soyapango district, municipality of San Salvador Este.

At this wholesale market, you can buy retail, but it is primarily intended for wholesale purchases, such as boxes of tomatoes, avocados, meat, cheese, etc. If someone wants to buy just 5 pounds of tomatoes, they can do so without issues, but it is mainly designed for food businesses.

Unfortunately, there is only one wholesale market, but even so, the agromercados are also a good option.

Cost of Electricity

The cost of electricity varies depending on the area where you live.

Cost of Potable Water

The cost of water can also vary and depends on the location where you live.

Regarding potable water, people typically do not drink tap water. For drinking water, people purchase water in large jugs (garrafones). There are several companies that distribute drinking water, such as “Agua Cristal” and “Agua Alpina,” which are the most well-known.

A garrafón (just the water) costs $2.70 USD (I believe this is the current price at the time of writing) for 5 gallons of water. To purchase, the same water vendors typically deliver door-to-door, but if you live in apartments or gated communities, you’ll likely need to buy the water in person at stores.

If you’re only staying in El Salvador for a few days, you can buy water in bags (“bolsas con agua“) or bottled water at stores or supermarkets.

Garrafones are generally for people already settled in El Salvador, not tourists or short-term visitors.

Housing Cost

For someone planning to visit El Salvador for a few days or weeks, the best options are hotels or Airbnb. However, if you want to get an idea of rental prices for houses or apartments, you can search on Facebook Marketplace or classified sites like Encuentra24.com.

You might also like: Apartments for Rent in El Salvador: Key Insights for Expats

Transportation Cost

Public transportation is cheap. One of the complaints from public transport operators is precisely that fare prices have not increased in years. It should also be noted that public transport providers receive government subsidies.

Using public transportation can be an option if you are not elderly. Additionally, it is feasible if you travel during off-peak hours, as during the most congested times, buses are overcrowded, sometimes packed like sardines in a can.

If you prefer to travel via ride-hailing apps like Uber, you can do so. You can read here our page discussing the transportation apps that operate in El Salvador.

If you plan to rent a car or motorcycle, you should be aware that traffic fines in El Salvador are high (you can view the list of traffic violations and their costs here). Additionally, if you drink alcohol, you must not drive, as this will lead to serious consequences: you will be handcuffed, jailed, and required to face legal proceedings.

Therefore, you should not drive even if you only consumed a single alcoholic beverage. You can read our publication “Warning: A Single Drink Behind the Wheel Can Mean Prison Time“ for more details on this topic.

Cost of Internet and Telephony

To learn about the cost of internet and phone services, we first recommend reading our publication “Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in El Salvador: A Complete Guide“, where you’ll find the list of internet providers. By visiting their websites, you can check their prices.

These same companies also include telephony providers. The main telecommunications companies are Claro, Tigo, Movistar, and Digicel, though the latter is overshadowed by the first three.

Income Tax

This is the most annoying tax. Unfortunately, in 2014 (I don’t recall the exact year), the socialist government increased the income tax percentage under the excuse that “those who earn more should pay more.” Obviously, taxes are already percentage-based to ensure higher earners pay more, but socialists and their destructive policies are like that.

If you’re wondering what happened to that socialist party, it is the party that lost the 2019 elections to Nayib Bukele. Since then, it has been rejected by the vast majority of Salvadorans, save for a few remaining fanatics here and there. That political party has been in decline, and given the current trajectory, it is on the verge of disappearing.

If I’m not mistaken, everyone used to pay 10% as income tax, but currently, the rate increases to 20% or even 30% if a certain income threshold is exceeded. Hopefully, the current government will change this in the future.

There have already been some improvements, as—to my understanding—income earned abroad is not subject to income tax. I need to look into this topic further.

Additionally, the government has implemented other policies to incentivize the inflow of foreign capital and encourage foreign investment. Among these policies are the “Law for the Promotion of Innovation and Technological Manufacturing of El Salvador“ and initiatives related to high-rise building investments, which we briefly discuss in our publication “Why El Salvador is Becoming the Skyscraper Capital of Central America“.

If you simply want to visit El Salvador and spend your money without being questioned, as of late 2024, stores or businesses are prohibited from requesting identification for purchases under $25,000 USD. We covered this in our publication “No ID for Purchases Under $25,000 in El Salvador“.

You might also like: Nayib Bukele: “We are going to make this country prosperous”

On-Site Experience

If you want to understand what life and the cost of living are like in El Salvador, the best approach is to visit the country for a few weeks and see and experience it firsthand.

In tourist areas, food and goods will obviously have higher prices, but in places where the local population typically shops, you’ll find normal prices.

We hope this guide helps you understand the cost of living in El Salvador. If you’d like to watch related YouTube videos, search in Spanish for “costo de vida en El Salvador” (cost of living in El Salvador) and activate the English subtitles.

The post El Salvador’s Cost of Living: Food, Housing, Transportation, and Utilities appeared first on El Salvador EN.

Months ago, discussions on the internet created confusion about El Salvador supposedly “eliminating its external debt” after statements made by President Nayib Bukele in 2024. Much of the commentary circulated without full context, leading to a partial or inaccurate understanding of the situation.

In reality, El Salvador has made progress in managing its debt and reducing reliance on new foreign loans — but it still maintains a significant external debt burden.

The Current Situation

As of early 2025, El Salvador’s external debt stands at around US $24–25 billion, according to data from the World Bank and Trading Economics.

This means the country continues to owe substantial amounts to foreign creditors, development banks, and international markets.

However, El Salvador has successfully avoided default, even after facing heavy skepticism in 2022 and 2023. The government repaid an $800 million bond in full in January 2023 and has since repurchased and refinanced other bonds to improve its debt profile.

Why El Salvador Still Has Debt

When Nayib Bukele took office in 2019, the country’s finances were nearly depleted.

Previous governments — one from the right-wing ARENA party and another from the socialist FMLN — had emptied much of the state’s reserves, including gold reserves that fell to less than 7 % of their historical levels. Practically, the only significant public funds that remained were those belonging to the pension system.

The pension system itself, however, represented a heavy financial burden, forcing the government to allocate a large portion of annual revenue to meet obligations toward retirees.

Because of this, the new administration inherited a government with high debt, low reserves, and limited cash flow. During its first years, it had little choice but to seek new loans to sustain essential operations and fund infrastructure projects.

However, after stabilizing public finances, El Salvador has stopped requesting external loans to cover current expenditures in the General Budget of the Nation since 2024–2025, marking a significant shift toward greater fiscal self-sufficiency.

What Has Changed Under Bukele

Over the past few years, El Salvador has taken concrete steps to improve its fiscal position and reduce reliance on foreign borrowing.

President Bukele declared (2024):

“This September 30, we will present to the Legislative Assembly, for the first time in decades, the first fully financed budget. It will no longer be necessary to issue debt for current expenditures, not even for the payment of debt interest.”

President Bukele emphasized, “El Salvador will no longer spend more than it produces annually”.

This statement reflects the government’s goal of covering all operational expenses with domestic revenue — something that previous administrations were unable to achieve.

You might also like: El Salvador Achieves Full Budget Self-Funding for First Time in Decades

In practical terms, El Salvador has:

• Paid off major bond maturities and repurchased some external debt early.
• Reduced reliance on foreign loans for current spending.
• Increased tax collection and domestic revenue, according to government data.
• Negotiated refinancing with international banks and institutions under improved terms.

At the same time, public investment has expanded, especially in infrastructure and security — areas that continue to require financing but are intended to strengthen the economy over the long term.

You might also like: Nayib Bukele: “We are going to make this country prosperous”

Is It True That External Debt Has Been Eliminated?

No, El Salvador has not eliminated its external debt.
What has happened is that the country has stabilized its debt situation and is reducing its dependence on new foreign borrowing, after years of fiscal crisis and empty reserves.

The government now aims to finance most of its annual budget without contracting new external loans, but existing debt obligations remain and continue to be serviced.

In short, El Salvador has made progress — but elimination of its external debt is not yet a reality.

You might also like: Countries El Salvador Wants to Emulate—and Which One to Avoid

Related terms: El Salvador president Nayib Bukele announces elimination of external debt.

The post El Salvador President Nayib Bukele Announces Elimination of External Debt — Is That True? appeared first on El Salvador EN.

If you haven’t visited El Salvador recently, your perception is probably outdated. The country has undergone one of the most dramatic security transformations in modern history. Here’s what you need to know:

 The Numbers Don’t Lie: Historic Security Achievement

• 1,000+ Days Without Homicides – The government recently celebrated this milestone, something unimaginable just years ago
• Homicide Rate: ~1.9 per 100,000 – Lower than Canada (2.2) and significantly safer than the United States (6-7)
• Kidnapping Virtually Eliminated – Once a major concern, now largely eradicated
• Central America’s Safest Country – Surpassing all regional neighbors in security metrics

You might also like: The Truth About Kidnapping in El Salvador Today

 What Changed? The Security Revolution

The turnaround began in 2022 with comprehensive security reforms that included:

• Massive Security Presence – Police and military maintain visible presence nationwide
• Territorial Control – No more “no-go zones” or dangerous areas avoided by authorities
• Rapid Response Capacity – Police can now focus on preventing even minor crimes

You might also like: Reddit El Salvador: Why It’s a Terrible Place to Learn About the Country

 Current Reality: What Safety Actually Looks Like

The Good News:
• You can travel comfortably throughout the country
• Public transportation, beaches, and tourist areas are generally safe
• Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare
• The state maintains effective law enforcement nationwide

The Reality Check:
Like any country with human beings, 100% security doesn’t exist. Current challenges include:

• Sporadic Interpersonal Violence – Occasional fights among intoxicated individuals
• Petty Crime – Recently, police dismantled a pickpocketing ring (mostly foreigners targeting public transport)
• Passional Crimes – Isolated incidents between acquaintances

You might also like: In El Salvador, being a gang member is an Extremely Serious Crime – Even If You’re “Just a Kid”

International Comparison: How El Salvador Stacks Up

Country	Homicide Rate (per 100k)	Safety Level
El Salvador	~2.0	Very Safe
Canada	~2.2	Safe
United States	~6.7	Less Safe
Regional Average	~20-25	Dangerous

 Traveler’s Guide: Practical Safety Tips

Do:
• Travel with normal precautions as you would in any developed country
• Use common sense in crowded areas
• Enjoy the amazing surf, culture, and landscapes
• Trust that authorities respond quickly to incidents

Don’t:
• Assume complete immunity from all crime (no country has this)
• Engage in drunken arguments or risky behavior

You might also like: Warning: A Single Drink Behind the Wheel Can Mean Prison Time

 The Bottom Line

YES, El Salvador is safe – remarkably so compared to its recent past and even compared to many “developed” nations.

The security transformation is real, sustained, and measurable. While critics debate methodology and classification of certain deaths, the lived experience of residents and visitors confirms the dramatic improvement.

You can walk the streets of San Salvador, explore Ruta de las Flores, and enjoy local markets with a level of comfort that rivals many European destinations.

You might also like: Nayib Bukele: A country at peace… is not profitable for human rights NGOs, nor for the globalist media.

 Final Thought

El Salvador has rewritten its narrative from “world’s most dangerous” to “safest country in the western hemisphere.” The country that once made headlines for gang violence now makes headlines for security achievements that seemed impossible.

Ready to discover the new El Salvador? The beaches are beautiful, the coffee is excellent, and the people are welcoming a new era of tourism with open arms.

You might also like: Safest country in the western hemisphere

The post Is El Salvador Safe? The Surprising Truth appeared first on El Salvador EN.