EL
SALVADOR TRAVEL TIPS
A collection
of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Situated
on the Pacific coast of Central America, El Salvador has Guatemala to
the west and Honduras to the north and east. It is the smallest of the
Central American countries, its area equal to that of Massachusetts, and
the only one without an Atlantic coastline. Most of the country is on
a fertile volcanic plateau about 2,000 ft (607 m) high. If you plan to
travel El Salvador take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will
help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in El Salvador.
EL
SALVADOR GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 21,041 sq km (8124 sq miles).
Population: 6,517,300 (official estimate 2002).
Population
Density: 314.6 per sq km.
Capital: San Salvador.
Population: 485,847 (official estimate 2001).
Government: Republic. Head of State and Government: Elias Antonio Saca since
2004. |
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Language: The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken.
Religion: 78 per cent Roman Catholic; there are also some other
Christian denominations.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz.
GEOGRAPHY: El Salvador is located in Central America
and is bordered north and west by Guatemala, north and east by Honduras
and south and west by the Pacific Ocean. Most of the country is volcanic
uplands, along which run two almost parallel rows of volcanoes. The highest
are Santa Ana at 2365m (7759ft), San Vicente at 2182m (7159ft) and San
Salvador at 1943m (6375ft). Volcanic activity has resulted in a thick
layer of ash and lava on the highlands, ideal for coffee planting. Lowlands
lie to the north and south of the high backbone.
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EL SALVADOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Immigration requires that visitors entering El Salvador have their passport
and one of the following documents: visa or tourist card. Visas are issued
by the Consulate of El Salvador accredited in the countries where these
type of diplomatic missions exist; and the tourist card is generally issued
for 90 days and can be purchased for US$10 at the port of entry. Passports
of certain countries might need to obtain a visa before entering El Salvador.
Visa for U.S. citizens is free. Some countries pay a fee for the issuance
of the visa. Click here for Visa Informations
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GETTING AROUND EL SALVADOR
El Salvador is tiny, so it takes only a few hours to get from the capital
to any point in the country by car or bus. The bus system is excellent;
vehicles may be crowded, but they're cheap and run frequently. Most towns
in El Salvador have taxis; fares are negotiable.
There
are car rental agencies at the airport and in San Salvador. Drive on the
right and keep in mind that only a small percentage of the country's roads
are paved. Carjackings and car theft are not uncommon, but you're more
likely to fall foul of locals' erratic driving habits and animals who
think the highway is a fun place to graze.
There
are some domestic flights in El Salvador, but it's absurd to spend large
sums of money on puddle-jumps. Domestic airlines use Ilopango Airport,
13km (8mi) east of the capital.
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EL SALVADOR DUTY FREE
The following goods may be imported into El Salvador without
incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 2l of alcoholic beverages; up to six units
of perfume; gifts to the value of US$500.
Note:
There are restrictions on import and export of fruit, vegetables, plants
and animals.
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EL SALVADOR COMMUNICATIONS
El Salvador code to receive international calls is 503.
In
El Salvador there are fax, telex, cable, radio, microwaves, optic fiber,
PCS, Internet and television facilities. Several international carriers
that compete in the most open telecommunications market in Central America
can directly activate international calls.
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EL
SALVADOR BUSINESS PROFILE
Economy: The long-running civil war caused a significant
decline in El Salvador’s mainly agricultural economy. Although there
has been a steady recovery since the political settlement took hold, El
Salvador remains one of the poorest economies in the region. The economy
is also still vulnerable to the vagaries of the regional climate –
hurricanes, floods and drought. The principal commercial crop is coffee,
which is the country’s major export earner. Other important crops
are cotton, sugar, maize, beans and rice; in addition, shrimps and honey
have become important export commodities. There is a sizeable manufacturing
sector – the largest in Central America – producing footwear,
textiles, leather goods and pharmaceuticals. Hydroelectricity and imported
oil are the main sources of energy. Tourism is the main service industry.
Remittances from Salvadorans working abroad are a vital source of income
for many families. The Flores government adopted a number of radical measures
in an effort to kick-start the economy, including fixing the Colón
(the Salvadoran currency) to the US dollar. It has also made substantial
investments in national infrastrusture and the education system, but these
will take some time to show results. In 2004, GDP growth was 1.4 per cent.
El Salvador still relies heavily on aid from the US and the EU, as well
as loans from the International Monetary Fund. El Salvador is a member
of the Central American Common Market. The USA is the country’s
largest trading partner, followed by Guatemala, Germany and Japan.
Business: Businesspeople are expected to wear suits. Although some local businesspeople
speak English, a good knowledge of Spanish is important. Visiting cards
are essential. The best months for business visits are September to March,
avoiding the Christmas period. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0800-1200.
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EL SALVADOR SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: There are numerous Chinese, Mexican,
Italian, French and local restaurants, plus several fast-food chains.
The food market (one of the biggest and cleanest in Central and Latin
America) has many stalls selling cheap food.
Nightlife: San Salvador has a few nightclubs and cocktail lounges with dinner and
dancing, some of which require membership. There are many cinemas, some
showing English-language films with subtitles; there are also some ‘jukebox’
dance-halls and theatres.
Special
Events: For full details of special events and festivals in El
Salvador, contact the National Tourism Institute or Embassy (see Contact
Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated
annually in El Salvador:
Jan Sugar Cane Festival, Cojutepeque; Street Festival of Ahuachapán.
Apr Semana Santa. May Flower Fiesta, Panchimalco. May 3 Day of the Cross.
May 10 Mothers Day. Jun 17 Fathers Day. Jun 22 Teachers Day. Jul July
Festival, Santa Ana. Aug August Festival (El Salvador del Mundo), San
Salvador. Aug 6 La Bajada (The Descent). Sep El Salvador Independence
Day. Oct Balm Festival, Santa Tecla. Nov Straw Festival, Zacatecoluco;
Carnival, San Miguel. Dec 12 Feast of the Indians.
Social
Conventions: Visitors should not point their finger or their
foot at anyone. First names should not be used to address someone unless
invited to do so. Conservative casual wear is acceptable. Photography:
Sensitive (eg military) areas should not be photographed.
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EL SALVADOR HEALTH
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers
over six months of age coming from infected areas.
2:
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate
is no longer a condition of entry into El Salvador. However, cases of
cholera were reported in 1996 and precautions are essential. Up-to-date
advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should
include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3:
Typhoid is common and vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.
4:
Very low malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax form, exists
all year in Santa Ana Province and in rural areas of migratory influence.
Food
& drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially
contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should
have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised
and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is recommended,
but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products
that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked
meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry
increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other
risks: Dengue fever (including dengue haemorrhagic fever) is
reported to be on the increase. Travellers should ask their doctor for
advice before travelling. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in this country,
as well as cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmanisis. Hepatitis A occurs
and precautions should be taken; see the Health appendix for further information.
Rabies is widespread, particularly in dogs and bats. If you are bitten,
seek medical advice without delay. For persons at high risk of exposure
on a continuing basis, it may be advisable to have a course of rabies
vaccine. Persons taking animals to El Salvador should be certain that
the animals are immunised against rabies.
Health
care: There are about 50 state-run hospitals with a total of
more than 7000 beds. Medical facilities are limited and doctors and hospitals
expect immediate cash payment. Health insurance is essential as there
is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
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EL SALVADOR SAFETY TIPS
As in a number of places around the world, crime in many parts of Central
and South America seems to be increasing. Visitors should take common
sense precautions:
• Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind. Dress conservatively;
a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist.
Use travelers checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport personal
information page and your airline tickets with someone at home and carry
an extra set with you.
• Use a money belt or a concealed money pouch for passports, cash and other
valuables.
• In
a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight.
A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window and grab a
watch from a persons wrist or a purse or package from the seat while you
are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.
• When
you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot. Lock the car and
keep valuables out of sight.
• When
walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys and crowds. Do not
stop if you are approached on the street by strangers, including street
vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small children, as well as
men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner
front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear
the shoulderstrap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against
thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying your purse away
from the street.
• Use
official taxi stands rather than cruising taxis. Illegal taxis can be
decoys for robbers.
• Whenever possible, do not travel alone. If you travel in isolated areas,
go with a group or a reputable guide.
• Avoid travel at night.
• Do not take valuables to the beach.
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EL SALVADOR LOCAL CURRENCY
Local currency is the Colón (¢), which is divided into 100
cents. The official exchange rate is ¢8.75 colones per US$1 dollar.
Since January 1st, 2001, the US dollar is also officially accepted as
legal tender in El Salvador and now is widely used in any type of commercial
transactions. US dollars can be obtained at any ATM.
Traveler's checks can be easily cashed at all bank. U.S. Dollars are accepted
almost everywhere, as well as credit cards. U.S. currency can be exchanged
at all bank and hotels.
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EL SALVADOR SHOPPING
Various goods can be bought at the Mercado Cuartel crafts market, including
towels in Maya designs. Other shopping centres can be found at Basilea,
Galerias Escalón, Metrocentro, Metrosor and Villas Españolas.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1900.
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EL SALVADOR TAXES & TIPPING
The majority of goods and services are levied with 13% Value Added Tax
(IVA, for its initials in Spanish). Hotels add 10% to the bill.
Departure Taxes: Passengers leaving the country by air
must pay a tax of US$ 27. For those traveling by sea or land the tax varies
according to the area. Any travel agency can check the actual amounts.
Tipping: 10 per cent in hotels and restaurants; 15 per
cent is appropriate for smaller bills. Taxi drivers do not expect tips,
except when the taxi has been hired for the day.
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EL SALVADOR CLOTHING/ATTIRE
Due to the climate, the most recommended clothing is light, thin, usually
made of cotton. Soft sole and comfortable shoes for walking are advisable.
A sweater or light jacket is all you need to go out at night or in cold
seasons.
In
El Salvador's business and professional environment formal clothing is
usually worn. For men, business suits are recommended although in a relaxed
environment, a long sleeve shirt and tie should be enough. For women,
a business suit or dress is recommended.
For
trips to the mountains, we recommend a good pair of boots and a jacket
for unforeseen temperature changes due to the altitude.
For
outdoor trips or to the beach, sunglasses and any type of head protection
is highly recommended, as well as solar skin protectors. For trips to
areas with humidity it is convenient to be prepared with some type of
mosquitoes repellent.
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EL SALVADOR SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Watersports: The eastern coast is renowned for having
the most attractive beaches, the best of which include El Icacal and El
Tamarindo. Surfing is popular, with the biggest waves rolling in at Punta
Roca and Los Cóbanos. Boat excursions on the Gulf of Fonseca, a
large stretch of water shared by El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua,
are also possible, including stopovers at the many volcanic islands dotting
the Gulf. For an inland resort, the western region of Lake Coatepeque
at the foot of the Santa Ana volcano is recommended and offers a range
of watersports. It also has several good hotels, restaurants and lodging
houses. Canoeing and whitewater rafting are possible on some of the rivers,
notably the Tórtola. Visitors can also practise fishing, sailing
and boat racing, which is available in private clubs only.
Other: Organised cultural tours to El Salvador’s archaeological sites,
as well as hiking and trekking expeditions to the volcanoes, lakes and
parks can be booked through private operators. Ecological tours to study
the fauna and wildlife in the parks and nature reserves are also available.
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EL SALVADOR TIME ZONE
El Salvador is in Middle of America, bordering the North
Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras. El Salvador Standard Time
is GMT-6
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