Welcome to the country page

Discover & understand El Salvador

Your comprehensive guide to travel, immigration, cost of living and taxes in El Salvador.

Photo: Óscar Badillo Pérez · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Currency

US dollar (USD)

Capital

San Salvador

Official language

Spanish

Climate

Tropical · Pacific coast & volcanoes

Time zone

UTC−6 · no daylight saving

Dial code

+503

Population

approx. 6.3 million

Power plugs

Type A / B · 115–120 V

Topic areas

Choose a subpage for detailed information

Travel & Discover

Routes, sights, safety, best travel seasons & insider tips

Immigration & Visa

Visa types, residency, entry rules, bureaucracy guides & residence rights

Living & Costs

Rent prices, grocery costs, health insurance, best neighborhoods & daily life

Taxes & Law

Tax system, company formation, bank accounts & finances

News & Updates

Fresh weekly posts, reports & current developments in the country

Background & lifestyle

Land, people & culture in El Salvador

Surf City, volcanoes & pupusas

El Tunco & Surf City

On the Pacific coast of La Libertad, El Tunco is one of the country’s best-known surf towns. The Surf City initiative promotes coastal spots with waves, hostels and beach life. Seasons and swell change; local schools and guides help beginners. Inland, the Ruta de las Flores (including Juayúa and Apaneca) links highland towns with markets and coffee culture.

Photo: Rodrigo var351 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Santa Ana & Lake Coatepeque

Santa Ana volcano (Ilamatepec) and crater lake Coatepeque shape the west. Hikes and viewpoints require current park and safety rules. In San Salvador, the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace anchor the historic centre — iconic capital landmarks.

Photo: ogwen · CC BY-SA 3.0

Pupusas & everyday culture

Pupusas — stuffed corn or rice tortillas — are the national dish, often served with curtido and salsa roja. Markets, pupuserías and festivals shape daily life. Spanish is official; indigenous traditions and a young tech scene are part of today’s picture.

Photo: Ll1324 · CC0