Travel Tips: El Salvador

The small Central American country of El Salvador offers visitors an exotic landscape to explore. Active volcanoes, breathtaking coastline and inviting sandy beaches welcome visitors to this beautiful tropical locale.

El Salvador is not typically found on most top ten lists of advertised travel hot spots even though it is a lovely destination. Fear of violence and crime keep many from visiting and although these things do occur, it is not an overtly dangerous destination if the traveler uses common sense and is aware of their surroundings.

Culture and Etiquette

El Salvador is blessed with the natural beauty that abounds in Central America and is also a surfer's paradise, featuring some of the best surf breaks in the world at Punta Roca, one of the few beaches in the country that attracts large crowds. One of the delightful aspects of visiting El Salvador is the lack of crowds, allowing those who venture there to enjoy pristine beaches and lush forest trails in near solitude.

The El Salvadoran people are typically very friendly and hospitable, offering a warm welcome to both friend and stranger, but it is a rather conservative and somewhat formal culture. It is considered polite not to address a person by their first name unless they request it and to wear reasonably modest attire in most settings. When greeting a stranger or acquaintance, a handshake is the accepted form of greeting.

Even though the residents of El Salvador exhibit a wonderful attitude of hospitality, it is always a good idea when visiting any new culture to have a basic understanding of what is acceptable and expected while there.

If you plan to take photos while on your vacation, care should be taken not to include military personnel or facilities or other sensitive areas as your subjects.

Travel Documents and Legal Requirements

When planning a visit to El Salvador, you will need to have several things completed in advance of your departure date.

You will want to be sure that you possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months left before it expires along with photocopies of the passport to keep in a safe place in case your passport is lost or stolen.

You will also want to be sure you have obtained all required visas from your country of origin. Information can be obtained through country specific government websites and embassies. Visitors from the U.S. will need either a Salvadoran visa or a one entry tourist card in addition to a valid passport. These can be obtained on arrival at the airport in San Salvador or, if arriving by ship, at the seaport.

Visitors from the United States are not required to receive any additional vaccinations prior to traveling to El Salvador, although it is always recommended that you check the U.S. State Department website prior to departure for any updates or new requirements.

Upon leaving El Salvador by sea or air, visitors are charged an exit tax. This is normally included in the cost of round trip airfare.

Safety Considerations

While visiting El Salvador, most tourists do not fall victim to local crime, but the possibility does exist for tourists as with the local citizenry. Following a commonsense approach during your stay will go a long way to keeping you safe and allowing you to enjoy your visit.

For your safety while staying in El Salvador it is advisable to avoid being out at night, especially alone, and do not flash valuables or cash in public at any time. If you must head out after dark, by all means call a taxi! If you need to conduct any banking activities, be alert to your surroundings and for signs of being followed.

It is also advisable to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program with your embassy prior to your visit. This will keep you updated with the latest security and safety information and will also help in locating you in case of an emergency involving family or friends should they need to contact you during your stay.

Although the civil war in El Salvador ended 20 years ago, occasionally political protests and demonstrations are held. It is strongly advised that tourists avoid these gatherings.

If you have health insurance, do not immediately assume that it will be honored when traveling abroad. Check with your insurance carrier prior to departure and if it does not cover international travel, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance.

The weather in El Salvador is tropical with a rainy season from June to November. During the rainy season, flooding and landslides are not uncommon and can result in roads and bridges being damaged or washed out. Earthquakes are also fairly common in the region.

Transportation During Your Stay

Rental cars are available at the airport and in the city of San Salvador from both domestic and international companies. No special permit or international drivers license is required for U.S. citizens that have a valid U.S. drivers license to legally drive when visiting El Salvador for a stay of up to 30 days.

El Salvador has good public transportation with bus service running between the major towns and cities but be prepared for delays in bad weather. Pickup trucks are also available for hire if traveling to more remote locations.

Taxi hire is readily available in most towns but cabs are not metered. Be sure to agree on the price for your ride before getting in.