Group trips to El Salvador

Find out the entry requirements for El Salvador, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for El Salvador – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

El Salvador is in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, which means it's 6 hours behind the UK. So, if it's 12 pm in the UK, it'll be 6 am in El Salvador. For the USA, if it's 12 pm in New York (Eastern Time), it'll be 11 am in El Salvador. El Salvador does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains constant throughout the year.

El Salvador uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Daily exchange rates might vary, but generally:

• 1 GBP is approximately 1.22 USD
• 1 EUR is about 1.05 USD
• 1 USD is, of course, 1 USD

You can exchange currency at banks and authorized exchange centers, although using USD directly is very common and convenient in El Salvador.

In El Salvador, you can pay using cash or credit and debit cards. The US dollar is used as the official currency, so there's no need to worry about exchanging money if you're carrying dollars. You can use major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard in most establishments, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops and rural areas where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available for withdrawing cash.

In El Salvador, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, you can leave around 10% of the bill as a tip if you are happy with the service. For hotels, it's common to tip bellhops a dollar or two per bag. Taxis don't typically expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Always check your bill in restaurants and hotels to see if a service charge is already included before tipping.

In El Salvador, you'll find that Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas, especially in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, coverage might be less reliable in remote or rural areas. We suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for more consistent access. Major providers like Tigo, Claro, and Digicel offer good coverage and affordable data plans. This way, you can stay connected on the go without relying solely on Wi-Fi.

In El Salvador, the official language is Spanish. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or want to use:

• What's up? - ¿Qué onda?
• Cool - Chivo
• Friend - Puchica
• It's okay - Está bien

Most people in El Salvador speak Spanish, so brushing up on some basic phrases can be really helpful for your trip.

El Salvador uses plugs of type A and B, similar to those in the USA. The electrical voltage is 115 volts with a frequency of 60 Hz. If you're coming from a country with different plug types, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter to keep your devices charged and ready.

In El Salvador, the main religion is Roman Catholicism, but there is a significant Protestant Christian community as well. Religious celebrations are important in Salvadoran culture, with one of the major holidays being Holy Week, which features processions and festivities. While there aren't strict dressing requirements due to religion, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.

For your trip to El Salvador, you'll want to pack efficiently to make the most of your adventure. Here's a handy guide to what you should put in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Light t-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long pants for evenings
  • Lightweight jacket or hoodie
  • Swimwear
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Flip-flops for the beach
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone with charger
  • Travel adapter (El Salvador uses type A and B plugs with 120V and 60Hz)
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic toiletries
  • Travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and any personal prescriptions

This list will help you stay comfortable and prepared while exploring everything El Salvador has to offer!

In El Salvador, the weather is generally warm and tropical throughout the year, but it can vary depending on the region:

• Coastal Areas: Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. The dry season is from November to April, and it's the best time to visit.
• Mountainous Regions: Cooler, with temperatures between 12°C to 25°C. The rainy season lasts from May to October, bringing afternoon showers.

The best time to visit El Salvador is during the dry season when you can enjoy outdoor activities without much rain.