Electricity

Electrical current in El Salvador is 120 volts, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs and a plug with a third round grounding pin are standard.

Language

Spanish is the official language.

Money

The official currency of El Salvador is the US Dollar (USD). It's virtually impossible to change pounds sterling anywhere in El Salvador, so travellers should bring cash in US dollars. Smaller bars, shops and restaurants generally won't accept $50 and $100 notes, though visitors can exchange these at banks on arrival. It's advisable that travellers bring smaller denominations with them. ATMs are widely available but travellers should inform their banks that they're visiting El Salvador to avoid their cards being blocked.

Tipping

A 10 percent gratuity is automatically added to most restaurant bills, and taxi drivers don't expect a tip. No hard standard exists for hotel staff.

Health

There's a risk of chikungunya and dengue, so travellers should consult with a doctor before visiting. Medical facilities outside San Salvador are usually basic as state-run hospitals are generally understaffed, underfunded and ill-equipped. Travellers should use private clinics and hospitals whenever possible. Some hospitals may be reluctant to treat patients until they know they have medical insurance. It's essential to have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation. Most medical staff speak only a little English.

Safety

As petty crime, violent crime and scams are concerns, it's best to avoid walking alone or on remote trails, and to keep valuables, including passports, in a hotel safe if possible. Travellers should not withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks, and they should not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs at night or in badly lit areas.

Local customs

The people are warm, welcoming, and friendly. However, etiquette in El Salvador can be formal in address. Visitors should always use the formal pronoun 'usted' with strangers and acquaintances, and use titles of respect. Greetings are common in shops and in passing on the street, and it is considered rude not to return a greeting. El Salvador culture is patriarchal and women traditionally show respect to men. It is considered rude for anyone to put their feet up on a chair or table, or to yawn without covering their mouth.

Doing business

The business dress code in El Salvador is conservative, with a lightweight suit being is the most appropriate attire for business meetings. Foreigners should expect to shake hands before and after their meeting, and should not use a person's first name until a relationship has been solidified. Spending time forming a personal connection before jumping into business discussions is highly recommended.

Duty free

Visitors to El Salvador may import the following goods: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco in any form, 12 litres of alcoholic beverages, 6 units of perfume and gifts valued up to USD 500.

Communications

The international dialling code for El Salvador is +503. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards and WiFi is available at many cafes and restaurants, and nearly all hostels and hotels in urban areas.

Passport & Visa

All foreign visitors to El Salvador must hold return or onward tickets, and the required travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter El Salvador if passengers are arriving from or transiting through any yellow fever risk area. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

British citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival. British passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months; unless their passports are endorsed 'British National (Overseas)', in which case a visa must be pre-arranged. British visitors will be required to buy a Tourist Card (fee: USD 10) upon arrival if they do not have a visa.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival in El Salvador. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Useful contacts

Tourist Information Center, La Union: www.elsalvador.travel/en

911 (General Emergency Helpline)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of El Salvador, Washington, D.C. United States: +1 202 595 7500

El Salvador Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 224 9800

Consulate General of El Salvador, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 975 08152

Consulate General of El Salvador, Melbourne, Australia: +61 3 9686 9151

Consulate General of El Salvador, Melbourne, Australia: +61 9686 9151 (also responsible for New Zealand)

Embassies / consulates in El Salvador

Embassy of the United States in San Salvador, El Salvador: +503 2501 2999

British Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador: +503 2511 5757

Canadian Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador: +503 2133 1100

Australian Consulate in San Salvador, El Salvador: +503 2298 9447