Money, budget, and shopping in El Salvador

Money

Currency

Currency: US dollar (100 cents).

Banknotes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents + $1.

Exchange:

It was in 2001 that the US dollar replaced the former Salvadoran currency, the Salvadoran colón, which had been in circulation in the country since 1892.

Exchange

If you didn’t bring enough dollars with you, you can always exchange your currency at banks or, more simply, use ATMs.

Payment methods

Card payments are possible mainly in large hotels, car rental agencies, and some shops. But watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals. It’s best to bring enough cash in dollars.

Returning home

Since you’ll be using US dollars during your trip, there’s no problem exchanging any leftover money afterward—or simply using it on another trip.

Budget

Like many other Latin American countries, El Salvador remains quite affordable to travel in, though daily life is slightly more expensive than in neighboring Guatemala. If you use local transport, eat in small restaurants or markets, and stay in budget hotels, you can get by on around 25 to 35 € per day for two people. However, for more comfort and convenience, a slightly higher budget is more realistic.

Note that, as with all countries using the US dollar, the exchange rate—especially against the euro—can make the destination more or less expensive depending on the time and current rate.

What can be expensive

What can be inexpensive

Eating local.

Local bus rides.

Price range

Budget double room: around $15–20.

Mid-range double room: the $30–40 range offers good options in this category.

Snacks, local restaurant meals: you can find meals for $2 or $3 in markets and local eateries.

Mid-range restaurant meals: around $10 and up.

Budget car rental:

One hour of local bus travel: around $0.50 per hour in "chicken buses," or two to three times more in "classic" buses.