We’re super excited that you’re planning on celebrating with us!
A few things to keep in mind…
Traveling to El Salvador
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS EARLY. Flights to El Salvador are ALWAYS packed. My people (Carlos speaking) love going home, especially during the holiday season.
The airport is called:
Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport.
If you’re flying out of Portland, try to find flights through LAX, Houston, or Dallas FTW; those flights are more direct. There are also direct flights from bigger international airports in the US.
The most common airlines: Avianca (cheap and crappy, you’ve been warned), United, American, Delta, Spirit
Visas are not required from the USA, but you must pay a fee of $35 (CASH ONLY) upon entry.
The local currency is the US dollar. Although it’s primarily a cash economy, your cards will work, especially in touristy areas.
Customs & Immigration
Double-check your passport!
Cannot expire within 6 months of entry.
Have the address of your hotel or Airbnb ready.
The purpose is tourism.
Renting a Car / Taxi Cabs / Ubers
Standard car rental services are available at the airport:
Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Dollar, et cetera
Reserve car 2-3 months in advance if possible due to holiday demands
Vehicles with higher clearance are ideal. Speed bumps are high and of all kinds of shapes. Beware of missing manhole covers and potholes.
Your international license will allow you to drive for two weeks. When getting the car, you should receive a tarjeta de circulacion (circulation card) that you MUST keep on you and be able to provide.
You can also take a cab to your destination with ACACIA TAXI (+503 7885 2302). Ask for them as you leave the airport; they are a safe taxi service. They wear light blue shirts that say ACACIA TAXI and take CASH ONLY ($35-$40) to San Salvador.
You can also contact them for service in the city, but they only speak Spanish.
Lastly, a word of warning: driving in El Salvador is an experience. There is lots of traffic, and offensive driving is the name of the game.