El Salvador, with its stunning Pacific coastline, vibrant cities, and rich Mayan heritage, offers an unforgettable travel experience—but knowing how to manage your money ensures a smooth trip. Whether you’re surfing at El Tunco, exploring colonial towns, or dining on pupusas at a local eatery, this guide provides all the details—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in El Salvador (United States Dollar (USD) and Bitcoin (BTC)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll navigate El Salvador’s unique financial landscape with confidence and avoid unnecessary fees.
How to pay in El Salvador – cash or card?
In El Salvador, cash remains the predominant method of payment, though card usage is gradually increasing. 25%+ accept debit and credit cards, and just 20% accept Bitcoin. It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards when traveling in El Salvador. While card acceptance is growing, especially in urban areas, cash remains essential for certain transactions and in rural regions.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Buses and local transit systems primarily operate on cash payments.
- Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
- Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
- Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
- Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
- Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets in larger cities commonly accept cards.
- Online Services: E-commerce platforms, online bookings for flights, accommodations, and other services typically require card payments.
- Fuel Stations: While many accept cards, it’s advisable to confirm beforehand, as some may prefer cash.
What’s the best currency to take to El Salvador
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency of El Salvador. Paying or withdrawing money in USD comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too. While Bitcoin is also legal tender, its acceptance is not widespread, and many businesses prefer USD. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry USD, especially in smaller denominations, as larger bills may not be accepted in some places.
Euros or Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get money in El Salvador
There are 3 main ways to get cash in El Salvador. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in El Salvador
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in El Salvador
If you’re withdrawing money in El Salvador from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some machines accept only Visa and some only Mastercard (even from the same bank). Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to El Salvador
There is no need to exchange money before traveling to El Salvador because the country uses the U.S. Dollar (USD) as its official currency. If you already have USD, you can use it directly for all transactions. If you don’t have USD, you can purchase USD in your home country or use ATMs in El Salvador.
El Salvador also recognizes Bitcoin (BTC) as legal tender, but cash remains the preferred payment method in most places. While some businesses accept Bitcoin, adoption is not universal, so having cash or a card is essential.
ATMs are widely available in cities, airports, and tourist areas, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards. However, international withdrawal fees may apply, so check with your bank beforehand.
Where to withdraw currency in El Salvador
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in El Salvador are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Hipotecario
- Banco Agricola
- Davivienda
- Cuscatlan
- Industrial
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There is a Global ATM Alliance member bank – Scotiabank which allows fee-free withdrawals for member banks in El Salvador.
Where to exchange currency in El Salvador
Common places to exchange currency in El Salvador are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
- Currency Exchange Offices: In El Salvador, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as casas de cambio. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. These offices offer competitive rates comparable to those provided by banks.
- Banks: Major banks such as Banco Agrícola, Banco Promerica, and Banco Davivienda offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until noon.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including El Salvador.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Safety of carrying cash in El Salvador
Carrying money in El Salvador is not always safe. While there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in recent years, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching remain common, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. It’s advisable to exercise caution and be discreet when handling cash.
Ensure to carry only necessary amounts, withdraw cash as needed from ATMs located inside banks or hotels for added security, when using ATMs or handling cash in public, be particularly discreet to avoid drawing attention, keep your wallet in a front pocket or use a zippered bag.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
