One of the first questions we get asked about moving our family of five from Canada to El Salvador is: “But can you get everything you need?”
The short answer is yes—but the experience is an adventure all on its own.
When we landed in August 2024, we had to furnish a home, stock a kitchen, and navigate a new currency (thankfully, it’s USD!) and a new language. Shopping here isn’t just about buying things; it’s about discovering how modern convenience blends with local culture. From massive, shiny malls like Metrocentro to hidden gem furniture depots, here is our guide to shopping in El Salvador based on our real-life transition.
1. Furniture & Home Decor: The “Casa Depot” Experience
If you are moving here, you are likely starting from scratch with furniture. We were surprised by the quality and variety available if you know where to look. One of our favorite finds was Casa Depot. It felt like a treasure hunt finding pieces that made our new rental feel like a true home.
I have found great home decor there like the PVC wall panels in my bedroom as well as kitchen items like nice glass canisters like I had in Canada. I also picked up pet carriers and $6 white Christmas trees when it was close to Christmas time.
We took you along for the ride during one of our biggest shopping days where we tackled home decor and furniture in one go.
2. The Marathon Shopping Days
Moving often means multiple trips to the store in a single day. Whether it’s finding appliances or just getting the basics for the kids, be prepared for “marathon” days. Traffic in San Salvador can be heavy, so we learned quickly to group our errands together.
In this video, we document the chaos and fun of a full moving day combined with a massive shopping haul.
3. Delivery & Setup: How It Works
Buying a fridge or a sofa is one thing; getting it into your house is another! Delivery services here are generally reliable, but they operate on “island time” occasionally. We documented the reality of getting our appliances set up and what the delivery process actually looks like for an expat family.
4. Grocery Shopping & The Cost of Food
This is the big one for families. Is food expensive? What brands can you find? We did a full breakdown of our first week of groceries.
Pro-Tip: While supermarkets like Super Selectos and Walmart offer familiar comforts, you save significantly by buying produce at local markets. However, for a family of five adjusting to a new life, those familiar cereal boxes and snacks from the big chains are worth the extra pennies for comfort!
Key Takeaways for New Expats:
- Safety is solid: Malls like La Gran Vía and Metrocentro are incredibly secure, modern, and clean. You will see security everywhere, which is reassuring.
- Cash vs. Card: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in malls and big stores (Super Selectos, Walmart), but always carry small bills ($1, $5, $10 USD) for smaller vendors or tips.
- Patience is key: The pace is different than in Canada. Embrace it!
