Updated in 2022.
San Salvador, El Salvador.
Not many tourists come to San Salvador, as the media claims El Salvador to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Even people who backpack Central America usually skip this country. Most foreigners here are American. But how is life here? Let’s get into it!
POPULATION: 570,000
IS SAN SALVADOR SAFE?
San Salvador is safe enough to walk during the day. However, at night you should be careful, especially outside of the university area. Robberies do happen here, especially if you look lost. Take a taxi at night to get back to your hostel. Feels safer these days than Colombia or Brazil.
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RENT AN APARTMENT IN SAN SALVADOR
$300.00-400.00 for a nice, private apartment in the university area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT SAN SALVADOR
The best time to visit San Salvador (like all of Central America) is in the dry season. Dry season in San Salvador is from late November to early March. You’ll find the climate less humid, less rainy more sunny, less hot, and overall more agreeable. More and more expats are living year-round in El Salvador, so for expats who are houser hunting or looking for apartments to consider what the climate will be like in the wet season.
BEST BARS & NIGHTLIFE IN SAN SALVADOR
6/10
Take your time with nightlife in San Salvador to make the city digestible. It feels dangerous, but if you’re careful you should be ok. Also, knowing Spanish helps, but if you stay around the university area (where many clubs and bar are located), many girls are happy to practice their English with you.
My Latin Life recommends:
Anchor Bar & Restaurant: Has over 1000 review on Google Maps so at least its well frequented. It’s a Hooters or Señor Frogs type of vibe.
The Bunker Bar: Cheap drinks, high energy, reggaeton music bar.
Bar Circo: Nightclub recommended by locals.
Republik Bar: Posssibly the best and most popular bar in San Salvador. 1700+ reviews on Google maps.
COST OF LIVING IN SAN SALVADOR
The following data is from Expatistan, a crowdsourced database of prices and cost of living around the world. In our experience, the data tends to underestimate cost of living, so take the following as the minimum you might need to live here.
*Figures are listed in USD
You’ll need a minimum of $1370 USD/month to live in San Salvador, El Salvador
FINAL THOUGHTS
We wouldn’t suggest it as a first destination for backpacking trip. Knowing Spanish helps, but not a must. Many students know enough English to communicate.
Also, carry a wallet with 10 or 20 dollars to give up in case you get robbed, and keep the rest of your money elsewhere.
OVERALL RATING: 6.5/10
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