El Salvador Travel & Emergency Guide

Emergency Numbers in El Salvador

Key Travel Facts

Driving Rules & Speed Limits in El Salvador

Toll & Vignette: No road tolls on highways in El Salvador.

Tipping & Etiquette

Recommendation: 10 percent tip standard in restaurants. A 10% tip is standard in sit-down restaurants. In traditional local pupuserías, leaving small cash coins is appreciated.

• DO Eat freshly griddled pupusas by hand in a local 'Pupusería', topped with tangy curtido cabbage slaw and tomato sauce.
• DO Catch world-class Pacific waves in 'Surf City' (El Tunco, El Sunzal, Punta Roca) or book a surf lesson.
• DO Explore the scenic 'Ruta de las Flores' mountain coffee towns (Juayúa, Apaneca, Ataco) and waterfalls.
• DON'T Never eat pupusas with a knife and fork – locals always eat them by hand with fingers!
• DON'T Avoid walking alone at night on secluded Pacific beach stretches.
• DON'T Never underestimate powerful Pacific rip currents – swim only at designated safe beaches.

Power Sockets & Tap Water

Plug Type & Electricity: Type A & B (115V, 60Hz – US socket standard).

Tap Water: Tap water is not safe for travelers to drink. Use only sealed bottled water for drinking and oral hygiene.

Insider Tip: Currency Tip: The US Dollar has been the official currency since 2001 – carry small bills (1, 5, 10 USD)! Bitcoin (Lightning) is widely accepted along the coast in El Tunco and El Zonte ('Bitcoin Beach'). A 12 USD tourist entry card is payable at airport immigration.