U.S. passport holders do not require a visa to enter El Salvador. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Most travelers exempt from a visa are allowed to stay in El Salvador for up to 90 days.

Most visa-exempt travellers are required to purchase a Tourist Card upon arrival. When you go through immigration control after landing, immigration officials will typically ask you to purchase a tourist card. They will process the payment there, usually in cash (US dollars). It costs USD 12.

The official currency of El Salvador is the United States Dollar (USD).

Please note that U.S. Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. Bringing notes in fairly good condition is best, with denominations lower than 100 USD.

We recommend a travel backpack or a medium-sized suitcase for your convenience. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Due to limited space on transportation, a maximum of one main piece of luggage per person is permitted. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage, so pack smart!

When traveling in El Salvador, it's best to prioritize lightweight, breathable, and comfortable clothing, due to its tropical climate. However, you should also be mindful of local customs and the specific places you'll be visiting.

Yes, tipping is customary in El Salvador, and it means a lot as a source of income for many service workers, especially those in tourism. 

If you’re satisfied with a service, you can leave small tips for hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides as a symbol of gratitude.

• At restaurants and bars, you can leave around 10% of the bill, or more for exceptional service.
• Show appreciation for the hotel staff, concierge, and room service 
• For taxi drivers or rideshare (like Uber), tipping isn’t expected, but you can round up the fare or add a small tip if the driver is helpful.
• For tour guides, the tip is based on the quality of service and the length of the tour.

If you travel from the US to El Salvador, most US appliances and devices will function without the need for a power converter or adapter.

El Salvadoran cuisine is a delicious combination of indigenous (Pipil) and Spanish influences, with corn serving as a foundational ingredient. It's incredibly flavorful, hearty, and generally affordable.

Typical Dishes

-Pupusas: You cannot visit El Salvador without trying pupusas! These are thick, handmade corn tortillas (though sometimes made with rice flour) stuffed with a variety of savory fillings, then grilled on a comal (griddle) until lightly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

-Tostones: Fried plantain slices.

-Sopa de Gallina India: "Indian hen" soup, made with a local breed of chicken, rich in spices, and served with rice and vegetables.

-Mariscada: A rich seafood soup, often containing various shellfish, fish, and vegetables.

-Riguas: Savory corn cakes made from fresh corn, often served with cheese or cream.‍

-Yuca Frita con Chicharrón: Fried yuca (cassava root) served with pieces of fried pork (chicharrón), often topped with curtido and tomato sauce. You can also find "yuca salcochada" (boiled yuca).

Drinking tap water in El Salvador is not recommended, especially for travelers. Although some areas, such as parts of San Salvador, have chlorinated water that meets basic safety standards, the overall water quality throughout the country is inconsistent and often compromised.

It would be wise to bring a sustainable water bottle so you can refill from the water coolers available at the accommodations. We always encourage travelers not to buy single-use plastic water bottles.

-You can bring a minimum of 300 USD in cash to use at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

-This amount is not the total cash that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Yes. Although hotels may not offer the service on-site, they can recommend it. Your Trip Leader can also assist you with locating nearby options.

Of course! This trip is yours, and you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. However, opting out of included activities will not change the trip's price.

Yes, we do! Through our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals, and sign up for the list to be notified.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com.