
Planning to move to El Salvador? Whether you’re renting an apartment, a house, or settling in a remote area, here’s how Starlink fits into your connectivity plans—plus key advice to save time and money!
1. For Apartment Renters: Check Existing Internet First!
Many apartments in cities like San Salvador, Santa Ana, or La Libertad already include internet in the rental agreement. Before buying Starlink:
✅ Ask the landlord: Confirm if the apartment has a working connection (often fiber or cable from providers like Tigo or Claro).
✅ Compare costs: Existing plans may be cheaper (e.g., $30–$50/month for 100 Mbps) vs. Starlink’s $59/month.
✅ Avoid duplication: No need for Starlink if the included internet meets your needs for streaming, work, or gaming.
If you plan to settle in an urban area and stay there for several months or permanently, it will be more convenient to hire residential internet service from local companies like Claro or Tigo. You can see an example of this (watch the video) with a family who moved from Canada to El Salvador (permanently) and hired internet from a local company.
2. For House Rentals (Especially Rural Areas): Starlink Shines!
If you’re renting a house in the countryside, mountains, or beaches where traditional ISPs don’t reach:
Why Starlink?
- No infrastructure required: Works anywhere with a clear sky view.
- Fast setup: Install the antenna yourself in minutes—no waiting for technicians.
- Flexibility: Take it with you if you move again.
Compare with Local ISPs:
In cities or suburbs, check if Tigo, Claro, or another ISP offers fiber/cable. These plans are often cheaper (20–40/month) and faster (up to 500 Mbps). In rural zones, Starlink is likely your only high-speed option.
Tip: You can check out Facebook groups about Starlink in the country (such as this one) to get an idea of whether people are experiencing issues or if everything is working well with the internet.
3. Buying Starlink in El Salvador: Quick & Easy
Skip the wait for international shipping—buy locally:
La Curacao Online (visit) and Siman (visit) sell Starlink kits (Standard or Mini) with same-day pickup.
- Cost: $524 for the standard kit or $524 for the Standard Kit (router, antenna, cables), or $200 for the portable Mini.
4. Activating Your Service
Even if you buy the antenna locally, you’ll need to:
Create a Starlink account online. Choose your plan:
- Residential Lite: $35/month for basic use;
- Residential: $59/month for faster speeds.
Enter your Salvadoran address to ensure coverage.
5. Key Considerations
- Upfront cost: The $524 hardware fee is worth it for rural homes, but not needed if your apartment already has good internet.
- Weather: Heavy rain may briefly slow speeds, but service recovers quickly.
- No long-term contracts: Cancel Starlink anytime if you move or find a better option.
In summary, regarding consistency, the best option is local internet, but in “remote” areas of El Salvador where regular internet service doesn’t reach properly, the only option is Starlink.