El Salvador Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Currency
- United States Dollar (USD $)
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from November to April offers sunny days ideal for surfing and hiking, while year-round warm water suits surfers anytime.
Visa requirements
Many travelers, including US, EU, and Canadian citizens, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement; some nationalities purchase a tourist card on arrival.
Getting around
Chicken buses and microbuses are the cheap local option, while rental cars, shuttles, and Uber in San Salvador offer more comfort for travelers.
Safety
Security has improved dramatically in recent years following major crackdowns on gangs, making tourist spots like El Tunco and Suchitoto much safer. Still, exercise normal caution, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables discreet.
Tipping customs
A 10% service charge is often included at restaurants; if not, leaving 10% is customary and appreciated.
Travel tips
The country uses the US dollar and also recognizes Bitcoin as legal tender, though dollars remain dominant. Carry cash for rural areas and small vendors. Learning basic Spanish greatly helps as English is not widely spoken outside resorts.