The best souvenirs are hand-made goods, including ceramics (especially in Ilobasco), hand-painted wood (in La Palma) and wicker furniture (in Nahuizalco). Various goods can be bought at the
Mercado Cuartel craft market in San Salvador. The city also has several modern shopping centers including
Multiplaza,
Galerias,
Metrocentro,
Gran Vía,
Hiper Mall and
Cascadas.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1400-1800. Some shops, especially those selling food and drink, open until late.
Currency Information:CurrencyColón (SVC;
symbol SV¢) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of SV¢200, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of SV¢1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars have been accepted as dual currency since 2001, are now widely used and will eventually completely replace the Colón. US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Note: Visitors should reconvert all unspent Colones before leaving the country.
Currency ExchangeVisitors are advised to change currency only at banks and official bureaux de change.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, whilst Diners Club has more limited use. There are ATMs in the main cities as well as in shopping malls and service stations.
Traveller's ChequesThese may be cashed at any bank or hotel on production of a passport.
Banking HoursGenerally Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1345-1700; Sat 0900-1300 (limited service).
Note: Most banks are closed for balancing the books on 29-30 Jun and 30-31 Dec. These dates may vary for individual banks.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | SV¢17.27 |
| $1.00= | SV¢8.75 |
| €1.00= | SV¢11.68 |
Next Page »
