CURRENCY
US Dollar
Officially dollarized
No exchange needed for US travellers
ELECTRICITY
115V — Type A/B
Same as USA / Canada
EU / UK: adaptor needed
SIM / DATA
eSIM recommended
Activate before flying
Patchy in rural highlands
VISA
Free for US citizens
Tourist Card for many others
Check current requirement
KEY PHRASES
Gracias Thank yougrah-see-ahs
Por favor Pleasepor fah-vor
Disculpe Excuse medees-kool-peh
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much?kwan-toh kwes-tah
TIPPING
Not traditional
Appreciated in tourist restaurants
ESSENTIAL APPS
Google Maps Google Translate Uber / InDriver
WATCH OUT FOR
Carry your passport or a copy at all times, highway checkpoints are routine. Avoid driving intercity roads after dark. Check the current official travel advisory close to your dates, ratings have shifted. Stick to the main tourist corridor (San Salvador – Ruta de las Flores – coast).