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The Ultimate Guide to the B2B Gift Card Market in El Salvador

Discover the latest trends, top brands, and insights into the B2B gift card industry in El Salvador

GENERAL FACTS ON

El Salvador

6.3M

Population

San Salvador

Capital

Spanish 

Official language

United States Dollar

Currency

National holidays

Holy Week (March or April), Fiestas Agostinas (August 4th-6th), Independence Day (September 15th), Christmas (December 24th – 26th)

El Salvador gift card market size

No exact data exists for the current size of the Salvadoran gift card market. However, greater market trends have been observed in Latin America. The gift card industry in Latin America will continue to grow over the forecast period and is expected to record a CAGR of 9.1% during 2024-2028. The gift card market in the region will increase from US$ 12.9 billion in 2023 to reach US$ 20.2 billion by 2028. 

El Salvador has been severely lagging behind other countries in terms of digitalisation. Low internet penetration, the absence of mobile banking options and little trust in digital services have hindered the growth of e-commerce and digital payments. Four years of bitcoin serving as a currency saw a sharp rise in digital payments, but the growth potential for the domestic gift card market remains unexhausted.  

Continued digitalisation will undoubtedly affect the gift card market. A significant factor in El Salvador’s economy is the reliance on remittances, accounting for almost a quarter of the country’s GDP. Many Salvadorans living abroad use gift cards as a method to send support to their families. With the increase of cross-border gifting solutions, this is a trend likely to continue and further develop in importance.  

Country gift card market size

El Salvador gifting traditions

  • Culture: The country’s cultural markup is characterised by a Mix of Native American and Latin American cultures, present in festivals, cuisine, and social customs 


  • Religion: Roughly half of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, while just over a third are Protestant Christians. Thus, while Catholicism played a major role in the history of the country, today’s religious landscape is more diverse  


  • Occasions: Salvadorians give gifts for birthdays, Christmas or New Year, as well as religious events in a person’s life. A girls quinceañera (her 15th birthday) is lavishly celebrated 


  • Etiquette: Gifts are generally opened when received 


  • Business Culture: Much like the rest of Latin America, in El Salvador business is conducted only after a relationship has been established, and time should be dedicated to this process  


  • Corporate Gifting: Business gifts are not expected at an initial meeting but will usually be appreciated. If invited to a Salvadoran home, it is appropriate to bring a gift to express gratitude for being hosted  

Gift card regulations in El Salvador

Here are some general points about gift card regulations in El Salvador as of January 2025: 


  • Validity of gift cards is set by the provider 

  • Gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash or refunded 

  • The issuer is not required to replace lost or missing gift cards 

  • Rights of consumers are safeguarded by the Salvadorian Consumer Protection Agency in charge of applying the Consumer Protection Law  

  • Terms and Conditions are set by the provider  

  • Any labels associated with the gift card must be in Spanish  

It's important to note that regulations may change, so always check the latest guidelines with El Salvador's government or appropriate regulatory bodies. Moreover, the specifics and prerequisites might differ based on the gift card type, its provider, and other considerations.

If you're considering buying or utilizing gift cards in El Salvador, ensure you read the issuer's terms and conditions and consult with legal experts if necessary.

Popular gift cards in El Salvador

Popular gift card brands
  • Taco Bell: A globally recognised fast-food chain, Taco Bell offers Salvadorans a convenient and tasty way to enjoy their favourite Tex-Mex dishes 


  • Siman: Known as a top department store in El Salvador, Siman provides a wide variety of products, from clothing to home goods 


  • Puma: A leading brand in sportswear and casual apparel, Puma appeals to fitness enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals alike 


  • La Curacao: A trusted retailer for electronics, appliances, and furniture, La Curacao gift cards are perfect for practical and high-value gifting 


  • Farma Value: Offering essential health and wellness products, Farma Value gift cards provide recipients with a practical option for everyday needs  


  • Hotels Online: The ultimate gift – the gift of travel! This versatile gift voucher offers a world of possibilities as it can be used at an impressive selection of over 400,000 hotels worldwide 

Benefits of B2B gifting in El Salvador

  1. Boost Brand Loyalty in a Competitive Market: Corporate gifting helps build strong emotional connections between brands and their customers, fostering long-term loyalty. By incorporating local Salvadoran culture or addressing specific customer needs, businesses can create a sense of belonging and personal touch that increase repeat engagement and positive word-of-mouth 


  2. Reward Employees, Boost Productivity: In El Salvador, where employee retention and motivation are key challenges for many businesses, corporate gifting pays an essential role in fostering job satisfaction. Offering rewards like gift cards for exceptional performance or during holidays can help employees feel appreciated and valued 


  3. Strengthen Relationships with Business Partners: Gifting partners and clients can strengthen business relationships and foster goodwill, essential for long-term partnerships. In the Salvadoran business environment that is built on trust and personal relationships, gifts can show appreciation and commitment, bridge cultural gaps, and enhance collaboration 


  4. Maximise Corporate Visibility: Corporate gifting enhances brand visibility in both the corporate and consumer spheres. In El Salvador, where digital and social media marketing are booming, sending branded items or gift card to key stakeholders, customers or influencers can generate organic online exposure 

The Global Gift Card 

Want to enhance business relationships in El Salvador’s people-first professional environment? Recognizing moments like Independence Day or end-of-year milestones with a well-selected gift helps show appreciation and long-term commitment. With GoGift, your business gesture will always leave a positive impression.

Physical and digital versions of The Global Gift Card
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