Some things in El Salvador may not be as easy to find as they were in your previous home. I have taken many months to adjust my life and begin to find the products I like. Some, you just have to do without, others you will pay double. The good news is, mostly everything can be found here today.
Here are just a few places to find some of your favorite products.
Hiper Paiz (Las Cascadas Mall, San Salvador)
-Owned by Walmart. Identical to Walmart. Great place to get socks, t-shirts, basic appliances and anything else you would go to Walmart for. They have an ample food section and you can typically find much better cuts of meat here for BBQ's, etc.
Hiper Europa (Escalon, San Salvador)
-Same as above, except better. You can find TV Dinners and rare cheese here such as Gouda. This is just about the ideal and most exclusive place to shop as an expat here. Many many wealthy locals shop in Hiper Europa as well, mainly because of their vast selection and location in Escalon. Great selection of personal care products.
PriceSmart
-Think Sam's Club, Costco, etc. Membership is 30 dollars a year. You can find many products here. Great for holiday decorations, BBQ Grills, rare food items, rare beverages, electronics and even household things. They have plenty in the club and even more you can order online. Visit www.pricemsart.com
Despensa De Don Juan & Super Selectos
-Smaller food markets, resembling Food Lion or Shop Rite. They have a good selection. You can find most stuff you will find in other countries, including pasta sauces such as Ragu, Prego, etc. All vegetables, even baslamic vinegar. Cheese selection is limited and they don't sell Ricotta. They have a small selection of kitchen appliances, pillows (bedroom), sheets, etc. On Wednesdays La Despensa has "Miercoles frescos", all vegetables are half price or less.
Vitamins/Health Products
-Farmacias Economicas
-Farmacia San Nicolas
(Many other pharmacies as well, scattered around -- 24 hrs mostly)
GNC - Same as in the USA.
Clothes & Shoes
-Payless Shoe Source (Various Locations)
(Same selection and presentation as in USA)
-Regge (Second level Metrocentro, in front of Siman -- Unicentro and other locations also)
(Pacsun style)
-Prisma Moda (Various Locations including Plaza Merliot and Unicentro Lourdes)
-Dorians & Siman (Gran Via, MultiPlaza, MetroCentro)
(Think Sears & Macy's)
