Mexico & Central America
El Salvador
Small, cheap and far safer than a decade ago, with surf towns, volcano hikes and colonial villages close together. Heavy policing, few foreign tourists and little English are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa89 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- Price level41%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Ambulance 132 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; refill jugs (garrafones) are cheap.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSocially conservative, and the government has rolled back LGBTQ+ programmes.Details
- Internet137 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 38 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightHome licences are valid for 90 days; El Salvador doesn't accept the IDP. Drink-driving rules are zero-tolerance.
Where to go in El Salvador
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El TuncoBeach town | 4/5 | $1,500–2,300 | Nov–Apr | 39/100 |
| El ZonteBeach town | 4/5 | $1,500–2,300 | Nov–Apr | 39/100 |
| San SalvadorCapital city | 3/5 | $1,300–2,000 | Nov–Apr | 43/100 |
When to visit El Salvador
Dry season November–April is sunniest. The June–October rains bring afternoon storms; surf is biggest and most consistent March–October.
Good to know
Entry
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds; get your passport stamped at every border.
- Travelers with Indian or African passports pay a US$1,130 fee when flying in or transiting.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Always carry ID; police detain suspected gang members, and tattoos draw scrutiny at checkpoints.
- Foreigners are banned from political activity, including protests.
- Any detectable alcohol while driving can mean arrest.
Etiquette
- Use 'usted' and polite greetings; formality is valued.
- Avoid joking about gangs, prisons or the president with strangers.
- Cover visible tattoos at checkpoints and government offices.
Tipping
Restaurants usually add a 10% propina; it's voluntary but customary. Tip surf instructors and guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: El Salvador
- Government of Canada travel advice: El Salvador
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
- Speedtest Global Index: El Salvador
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.