Despite El Salvador's past reputation as one of the most dangerous country's in the world, that is absolutely no longer the case. It's amazing how quickly and effectively the country's leadership has turned things around. During each of my three visits last year, at no time did I feel anxious or unsafe. Take the same common-sense precautions you would in the US (although I personally feel safer in El Salvador). Infrastructure: hot water isn't widely available. Make sure to specifically ask this question when booking accommodations if this will be an "inconvenience" for you. Also, the plumbing systems can't handle toilet paper in most areas. Be prepare to dispose of your paper in waste baskets. Some places do not have toilet paper dispensers but there usually will be an attendant who will provide you with paper. I carry a pack of wipes just in case. Debit and Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is king - in small denominations. $10s, $5s and $1s, especially for street vendors. Don't be rude: don't complain about the heat (of course it's hot); don't complain about resources the locals use to navigate their daily lives (chicken buses, etc.); and don't complain about what they don't have. Plan your visit without delay before gentrification takes over and spoils everything.😉
These are great tips; well said! Keeping a positive attitude and take the general precautions when exploring another country is very important. I appreciate you watching the video and sharing your thoughts.
I don't know how long ago was this but since 2023 el salvador has change so much good road's safer than United States of America. & so many thing have changed in el salvador for better. .
Thank you for your positive outlook of our country and our people. I'm glad that, in general, you had a good experience in ES. Your recommendations are very practical and useful. Wishing you success in your many travels !
Thank you for sharing your kind words. El Salvador is a beautiful country with wonderful people. Travelling is different to everyone and our video is just one of many considerations to take when looking at exploring a location. All the best!
I really enjoyed this country. Nice warm weather. Many good people. Just wish they had a system to accommodate toilet paper. :) But you get used to it. Like you mentioned, go to the volcano tour early. Nice video, very informative.
Sure. Some of the eateries and restaurants that we visited are as follows: Pupuseria Ingrid, Fulanos Cafe, Picnic Steak House, La Pampa, Beto’s and Casa 1800 Cerritos Verde. All had delicious food and beverages.
Absolutely! If you are a mountain biker, I would say visit the area around Santa Ana Volcano or the Ruta de las Flores for a scenic ride through some beautiful landscapes. You're welcome!
I live half yr there and iv tried using the coins and our machines sometimes except n sometimes not.but as a expat I personally love the police or army on the streets but I'm used to it iv been living for 20yrs Elsalvador. Personally I think the united states need police everywhere.the crime is getting worse.
We were there 10 months ago. Thoroughly enjoyed even with our rudimentary Spanish. Looking forward to going again later this year. The dollar coins and armed security guards were two unexpected things for us. Also the many stray dogs. Traffic is a bit crazy, although if you commute during rush hour in any major US city, you'll fit right in. That said, driving at night is often taking your life in your hands as a non-local. Food and people were amazing without exception. Tourist areas are nice, but if you can take some time to experience local life, it's well worth it - pick a town and spend the day wandering the streets, talking to the locals, going to the church or a park, and going to the markets.
Agreed! The food and the people were amazing and visitors should experience the local areas. Thank you so much for sharing a bit more about your travels, the things that stood out to you, and your first hand experience.
The one dollar coins are good in the USA, I had some before and used them here, they get heavy in you packets and that is the only reason why people do not like them, there are life guards in some beaches but not all of them, most of the mayor roads are en very good conditions, depending on what you would like to do, you can choose where you want to stay, there is a bit of everything for everyone, but the most important thing it that the country in very safe.
That depends on you and your travel plans. If you have time and can be flexible, then wait until the dry season. If you’re the type that doesn’t mind wet conditions and exploring even though the weather isn’t ideal, then visit in July. I enjoy taking photos and my gear doesn’t like rain, so I would wait but it’s up to you.
The roads and street are much better here en el salvador them the California highways, even tho paying for my car registration has increased, but rods are much better now all over el salvador specially the main roads, but yes there's still some dust rods but if you enter rivers
I appreciate you taking time to speak about my native country but a lot of your information is misleading. I have never had a problem paying with my left over dollar coins here in the U.S. and I have never heard of people tampering with soft drinks at traffic stops.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This was the information that we received from locals, travel authorities and our friend who guided us through your country, who was a former resident. It’s hard to ignore information when it’s been shared by many.
