Travel advice for El Salvador.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for El Salvador.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in US Dollars (USD)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

  • For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

El-Salvador-Colón SVC

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

Transfer money worldwide with Send.

Send is the convenient and reliable money transfer service: you can send money quickly and securely to your relatives and friends abroad using your smartphone.

More about Send

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

- 7 h / - 8 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Capital

San Salvador

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

110 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

San Salvador, Pasteleria Lucerna, Paeso General Escalón 4363
Tel. +503 2264 1177

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 13.00 h and 14.00 - 17.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 12.00 h (Sat)

Stores

8.00 - 12.00 h and 14.00 - 18.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 12.00 h (Sat)

Driving
  • Swiss driver's license accepted; international driver's license recommended.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Risk of dengue fever.

  • Minimum risk of malaria.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

El Salvador has a number of active volcanoes and regularly suffers earthquakes.

Security

  • Travelers should pay close attention to their personal security.

  • Nighttime travel not advised. Inquire locally about safety in those areas to which you intend to travel.

  • Walking the streets after nightfall is not advised.

  • Relatively high crime rate, especially in the cities.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

Find out more about Travel

Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

Suggest a change