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El Salvador Facts & Figures

Facts About El Salvador


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Facts About El Salvador

Aerial view of Santa Ana Volcano with lake and mountain cloud backdrop
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Key Takeaways: El Salvador Facts And Figures in 2026
  • The official currency is the US Dollar.
  • Sales tax is set at 13%.
  • There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership.
  • Primary exports include coffee, sugar, and textiles.
  • Tourist cards cost $10 upon arrival.

Spanish is the official language of El Salvador, however, caliche, or Salvadoran slang, heavily inflects the language.

Also, even if you are a proficient Spanish speaker, getting used to the idioms may take a while.

Basic English is spoken widely, as an elementary level is taught in schools.

It’s a good idea to pick up some Spanish phrases, as locals will appreciate any effort to speak their language.

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Kathleen Peddicord

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

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Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026.
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Information Type El Salvador Data
Population 6,338,193 (Sept. 2024 est.)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $110.79 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita $4,620 (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate 1.17% (Sept. 2024 est.)
Currency US Dollar
Exchange Rate 1:1 (US Dollar is the official currency)
Language Spanish (official), Nahua (among some Amerindians)
Capital San Salvador
Population of Capital City 1,123,000 (2024)
Time Zone UTC/GMT -6 hours
Seasons Rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands
International Dialing Code 503
Electricity 115V, 60Hz
System of Government Republic
Income Tax Rate for Residents Residents are only taxed on their Salvadorian-sourced income at progressive rates, from 10% to 30%. Non-residents are taxed via withholding at 20% or 25% on certain types of Salvadorian-sourced income.
Property Tax 0.00% (Other fees include; 0.63% for registration, 3.00% for transfer, 0.15%-1.00% notary)
Capital Gains Tax Capital gains earned by non-residents from selling property in El Salvador are taxed at 10%
Inheritance Tax Inheritance is subject to income tax rates
Rental Income Tax Non-residents are charged 30% tax on net income derived from leasing properties.
Sales Tax 13%
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property No
Local Chamber of Commerce
American Chamber of Commerce
Primary Exports offshore assembly exports, coffee,sugar, shrimp, textiles, chemicals, electricity
Residency and Visa Requirements To enter the country by air or sea, U.S. citizens must present a current U.S. passport and either a Salvadoran visa or a one-entry tourist card. The tourist card may be obtained from immigration officials for a ten-dollar fee upon arrival in country at an airport or seaport.
Residents or Retirees no
National Airline Avianca
Kathleen Peddicord

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

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El Salvador Facts & Figures- FAQs

While in El Salvador, keep in mind that tap water is unsafe to drink. So, we advise to use bottled water and avoid tap water, especially in less populated areas or outside the main cities.

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