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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Zona Rosa
hotelsEntertainment district - restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels. Where tourists stay. Safest area for nightlife. Walking ok in daytime. Good restaurants, modern feel. Tourist infrastructure concentrated here.
Santa Elena / Escalón
hotelsUpscale residential area - malls, restaurants, embassies. Where wealthy locals live. Multiplaza, Galerias. Safe, suburban feel. Good dining options. Modern El Salvador here.
Centro Histórico
hotelsHistoric downtown - cathedral, national palace, markets. Interesting but rough area. Daytime visits only, preferably with guide. Where city began. Cheap shopping, local life. Requires caution.
faq.title
faq.subtitle San Salvador
Most nationalities visa-free for 90 days (CA-4 zone) - US, EU, UK, Canada. Includes Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua. Stamp on arrival. Very easy entry. Country welcoming tourists actively now.
Yes! Bitcoin legal tender since 2021. Chivo wallet everywhere - scan QR codes. Many restaurants, shops accept it. ATMs for Bitcoin to cash. Fun to experiment! USD still dominant but crypto infrastructure real. World's first Bitcoin nation.
Improved dramatically under Bukele government - gang crackdown reduced crime significantly. Tourist areas (Zona Rosa, beaches) safe. Still use Uber, don't flash wealth, normal precautions. Much better than before but vigilance needed.
45 min from city - shuttle buses from Zona Rosa or Uber ~$25-30. Best surfing in Central America. Where most tourists spend time instead of city. Hostels, restaurants, beach vibes. The real El Salvador experience.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting San Salvador
Head to El Tunco beach - 45 min from city, best surfing in Central America. Where tourists actually stay. Black sand, waves, hostels, nightlife. San Salvador is transit point, El Tunco is destination.
Use Uber exclusively - non-negotiable safety rule. Very cheap ($3-8 city rides). Never street taxis. Apps work well. Hugo app alternative. Download before arriving. Safety dramatically improved but still precaution needed.
Try paying with Bitcoin for the experience - Chivo wallet, scan QR codes. World's first Bitcoin nation! Many places accept it. Fun experiment. ATMs convert crypto to cash. USD still works everywhere though.
Eat pupusas everywhere - national dish, $0.50-1 each! Stuffed corn tortillas with cheese, beans, chicharrón. Pupuserías on every corner. Best cheap food in Central America. Curtido (pickled cabbage) and salsa on side.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
25°
25°52%17 м/с
Today29°20°
29°20°Tomorrow29°19°
29°19°Wed30°17°
30°17°Thu30°18°
30°18°Fri29°19°
29°19°Sat30°16°
30°16°Sun29°20°
29°20°32°
17°Jan
33°
17°Feb
34°
18°Mar
34°
19°Apr
33°
20°May
31°
20°Jun
32°
19°Jul
32°
19°Aug
31°
19°Sep
31°
19°Oct
31°
18°Nov
31°
17°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
—location.transport.taxi
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
3 - 7 $
Mid-range
12 - 30 $
Fine dining
40 - 100 $
Street Food
Local dish
1 - 4 $
Drinks
Coffee
1.5 - 4 $
Local beer
1.5 - 4 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
0.5 - 1.5 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
10 - 20 $ / night
Guesthouse
25 - 50 $ / night
Hotel 3★
60 - 120 $ / night
Hotel 5★
150 - 300 $ / night
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.atms
common
location.payment.mobile_payments
Chivo Wallet
location.payment.cash
USD official currency! Bitcoin also legal tender since 2021 but rarely used. Cash dominant for daily transactions. Cards accepted hotels, malls. Markets, buses, street vendors cash-only. Bring small bills.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Banco Agricola, Banco Cuscatlan ATMs in San Salvador. Bitcoin legal tender since 2021 via Chivo Wallet but rarely used in practice. USD dominates. AVOID: Airport exchange - use ATMs. Multiplaza, Gran Via malls card-friendly. Central American capital - affordable.
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% appreciated in restaurants. Not mandatory. Round up for taxis. Service charge sometimes included - check bill.
Safety
Caution required
Avoid remote areas, especially at night
San Salvador has safety concerns - gang activity exists. Stick to Zona Rosa, Santa Elena, Escalón. Use Uber exclusively. Don't walk at night. Bitcoin country since 2021. Safety improved but caution needed. Most tourists visit El Tunco beach instead.