Overview
El Salvador put itself on the Bitcoin map by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. President Nayib Bukele's bold move means that businesses must accept Bitcoin (via the Chivo wallet) alongside the USD. For expats: foreign investors pay no capital gains tax on Bitcoin – Bitcoin profits are exempt from tax by law. The government actively courts Bitcoiners, selling "Volcano Bonds", planning a Bitcoin City near a volcano, and offering fast-track residency for Bitcoin investors. Beyond Bitcoin, El Salvador offers an affordable cost of living (you get much more for your money than in developed countries) and warm Pacific beaches (it's a surfer's paradise in spots like El Zonte, aka "Bitcoin Beach"). Drawbacks: The country historically had high crime, though there have been major improvements – crime rates have plummeted with the 2023 homicide rate falling to 2.4 per 100k, the lowest in the Americas after Canada. Infrastructure is developing. Education and healthcare are below first-world standards.
💰 Bitcoin Taxation0% Capital Gains
Zero capital gains tax on Bitcoin by law. Bitcoin profits are exempt from taxation. One of the most Bitcoin-friendly tax regimes in the world.
✈️ Visa & Residency
Fast-track residency available for Bitcoin investors. Government actively courts Bitcoiners with welcoming policies. Relatively easy process.
🛡️ Safety & Stability
Major improvements in recent years – 2023 homicide rate of 2.4 per 100k is the lowest in the Americas after Canada. Controversial crackdown has dramatically reduced crime, though some concerns remain.
💵 Cost of Living
Very affordable cost of living – you get much more for your money than in developed countries. Great value for digital nomads and retirees.
🎓 Education
Below first-world standards. Expat families often rely on private schools or overseas options for quality education.
₿ Bitcoin CommunityBTC Legal Tender
The birthplace of Bitcoin adoption! "Bitcoin Beach" (El Zonte), Volcano Bonds, Bitcoin City plans. Extremely engaged Bitcoin community and government support.
Bitcoin is legal tender alongside USD since 2021. A 2025 update relaxed requirements – Bitcoin is no longer mandatory for merchants but remains widely accepted.
🌐 Infrastructure
Developing infrastructure – may find inconsistent services outside urban or resort areas. Internet and power can be unreliable in some locations.
🏖️ Lifestyle
Tropical Pacific beaches, surfer's paradise, warm climate year-round. El Zonte is a famous Bitcoin destination. Spanish is the main language.
📸 Gallery
Photos from Unsplash. Click images for full credits.
Score Breakdown
Quick Facts
- Continent
- Central America
- Climate
- Tropical
- Cost Tier
- Budget-Friendly
- Safety
- Moderate
- Timezone
- Americas
- English-Friendly
- Limited
- Family-Friendly
- Limited
- EU Member
- No