El Salvador, important visitor information

Capital
San Salvador

Language
The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken. For business deals, it is important to have a good knowledge of Spanish.

Currency
The US Dollar has completely replaced the local currency called the colon. Some establishments still put prices in dollars and in colon.

Time Zone
UTC - 6

Government
Republic

Climate
El Salvador has a rainy and dry tropical climate. Hottest months are April and May. Rainy season start late May thru October.

Religion
78 % Roman Catholic

Office and Banking Hours
Generally Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM . Saturday 9AM - 1 PM

Health
Water used for drinking, brushing one's teeth or making ice should be boiled or sterilized. Bottled water from a reliable source is the safest to drink during one's stay in the country. Medical facilities are limited and usually accepts cash payments only. Consult doctor for recommended vaccination before traveling.

Cuisine
The Central American cuisine relies on traditional ingredients such as maize or corn. The national dish is the "Pupusa" which is a corn flour patty filled with various ingredients such as cheese, pork or beans. It is served with "curtido"- a type of local sour krout. Restaurants offer Chinese, Mexican, Italian, French and local cooking. There is also a food market selling cheap food in stalls.

Nightlife
San Salvador has some nightclubs and cocktail lounges, cinemas, dance halls and theaters.

Tipping
10% in Hotels and Restaurants. 15% for smaller bills. Tips are not usually expected by taxi drivers except when the taxi is hired for the day.

Best Time to go - Business - September to March - definitely avoid Christmas period.

Dress Code
Suits are considered appropriate for business wear. Conservative casual wear is acceptable for everyday wear.

Visa -
Tourist and Business visa are valid up to 30 days for single entry and 6 - 12 months for multiple entry. The immigration office in El Salvador accepts visa renewals.

Social Conventions
First names are not used to address someone unless specifically invited to do so. It is considered impolite to point one's finger or foot at anyone.