Home › Travel Guides › North America Travel Guide › El Salvador › Money & duty free for El Salvador

Money & duty free for El Salvador

Currency information: 

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Note: US Dollars were introduced as dual currency in 2001 and have now completely replaced the Colón.

Credit cards: 

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, whilst Diners Club has more limited use. There are ATMs in the main cities as well as in shopping malls and service stations.

ATM: 

There are ATMs in the main cities as well as in shopping malls and service stations.

Travellers cheques: 

These may be cashed at any bank or hotel on production of a passport.

Banking hours: 

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1345-1700; Sat 0900-1300 (limited service).

Note: Most banks are closed for balancing the books on 29-30 Jun and 30-31 Dec. These dates may vary for individual banks.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared upon arrival.

Currency exchange: 

Visitors are advised to change currency only at banks and official bureaux de change.

El Salvador duty free

The following goods may be imported into El Salvador without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
• 2L of alcoholic beverages.
• Up to six units of perfume.
• Other goods to the value of US$500.

Note: There are restrictions on import and export of fruit, vegetables, plants and animals; meat products: ham and sausage are only allowed if sterilised by heat, boneless and hermetically canned.

Travel Deals

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Africa, the way it should be seen
We´re cutting the cost of Africa overland trips by up to a whopping 40%. 25% off many trips departing by 30/6/12.
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.