Only 2 percent of the country's population can be considered wealthy, while an additional 8 percent from a struggling middle class. The government's planned aggressive economic reforms should help cut an already low import tariff that will result in lower retail prices for the consumer on a variety of items from candy bars to expensive televisions. San Salvador's three modern shopping malls are well stocked with almost all merchandise found back home. Exclusive boutiques in the more affluent Zona Rosa and Colonia Escalon cater to the more discriminating taste. Prices vary at supermarkets and local farmers' markets, but like in all Central American countries, consuming local produce and meat could cut your grocery bill in half.
Real estate is considered reasonable to rent or buy.
Salvadorans, in general, can be some of the least punctual people in Central America. The business community however, does tend to be somewhat more conscious of the clock. A handshake is always offered as a greeting. Man and women who already know each other or who would like to become aquatinted will usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Winter, or the wet season, runsfrom May to October, while summer, or the dry season, runs between November to April.