El Salvador

El Salvadorhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvadorEl Salvadorhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/crime-in-el-salvadorIs violent crime or gang violence a threat to travelers in El Salvador? Learn how to stay safe before you go with these travel tips.2024-10-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/crime-in-el-salvadorhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Whether you’re <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking to the top of a volcano</a>, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">catching waves</a> or exploring archaeological sites—it's hard to believe that El Salvador presents significant safety challenges for visitors. While the country has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, gang violence is rarely directed at travelers. However, exercising caution is crucial to <a href="/stories/connection/homestays-and-military-escorts-in-el-salvador">staying safe during your trip</a>.</p> <p>Here’s what travelers need to know to stay safe in El Salvador now.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#safe"> General travel safety tips </a></li> <li><a href="#emergencies">Emergency numbers to call in El Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#safe"> Safe places to go in El Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#gangland"> Gangs and violent crime in San Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#shootouts"> Taxis and shootouts </a></li> <li><a href="#atm"> ATM and credit card safety in El Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#nighttime"> After dark in El Salvador: Is it safe? </a></li> <li><a href="#followed"> If you’re being followed </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="safe">General travel safety tips</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Stay updated</strong>: Before traveling, regularly check travel advisories from your government or trusted sources for updates on safety conditions in El Salvador.</li> <li><strong>Travel insurance</strong>: Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">theft</a>, medical emergencies, and unexpected incidents.</li> <li><strong>Secure your valuables</strong>: Keep your belongings out of sight, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and store your passport in a secure place (carry a photocopy with you instead).</li> <li><strong>Vaccinations</strong>: Consult your doctor about any <a href="/travel-insurance/why-buy/vaccinations-and-travel">necessary vaccinations</a>. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/what-you-need-to-know-about-dengue-fever">dengue</a> or Zika, can be prevalent, so wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing, especially at dawn and dusk.</li> <li><strong>Stay connected</strong>: Share your travel itinerary with friends or family back home, and check in regularly.</li> <li><strong>Local laws and customs</strong>: Familiarize yourself with El Salvador’s local laws and respect cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention or conflict.</li> </ul> <h2 id="emergencies">Emergency numbers to call in El Salvador</h2> <p>Keep a list of local emergency numbers and your embassy or consulate's contact details handy.</p> <ul> <li><strong>For police, fire or <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/overseas-medical">medical emergencies</a></strong>: dial 911</li> <li>POLITUR are the tourist police, who regularly patrol key tourist areas. If you experience a crime, get a police report.</li> <li><strong>American embassy emergency number</strong>: dial 2501-2999</li> </ul> <h2 id="safe">Safe places to go in El Salvador</h2> <p>Safe places to visit in El Salvador include Escalón, San Benito, and Zona Rosa in San Salvador, which are known for their security.</p> <p>Suchitoto offers a peaceful colonial town experience, while El Tunco is popular for surfers. The Ruta de Las Flores is a scenic, safer route through charming towns like Juayúa and Ataco.</p> <p>For nature enthusiasts, El Imposible National Park is a safer option for hiking, especially with a guide. Santa Ana and La Libertad are also safe destinations for visitors.</p> <h2 id="gangland">Gangs and violent crime in San Salvador</h2> <p>Gang-related violence is a persistent issue in El Salvador, with around 4,000 murders reported annually. While tourists are generally not targeted, it’s essential to avoid high-risk areas.</p> <h3>Places to avoid:</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Downtown San Salvador</strong>: Certain areas, such as Soyapango, Apopa, and Mejicanos, are known for high criminal activity. These neighborhoods are best avoided, especially after dark.</li> <li><strong>Public buses</strong>: Gang-related violence on buses is a serious problem. Armed robberies and even grenade attacks have occurred. If you need to travel within the country, opt for private transportation.</li> </ul> <h3>Travel safety tips in high-crime areas:</h3> <ul> <li>Stick to safer districts, such as Escalón, San Benito, Zona Rosa, Maquilishuat, La Gran Vía, and Multiplaza.</li> <li>Plan routes carefully and use reliable transportation. Avoid wandering in unfamiliar areas.</li> <li>Be cautious in crowded places like bus stations. For instance, the area near Tica Bus Station is notorious for street crime, so take a taxi rather than walk, even during the day.</li> </ul> <h2 id="shootouts">Taxis and shootouts</h2> <p>Shootouts between gangs and law enforcement can occur, and firearms are common. To stay safe:</p> <ul> <li>Use registered taxis or transportation recommended by your hotel. Confirm with the hotel which companies are reliable.</li> <li>If a dispute occurs near you, move away quickly and discreetly. Do not attempt to intervene or confront anyone.</li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/overseas-medical">Learn how travel insurance could help you in a medical emergency.</a></strong></p> <h2 id="atm">ATM and credit card safety in El Salvador</h2> <p>Credit card fraud, especially skimming, is a risk in El Salvador. When withdrawing money, follow these tips:</p> <ul> <li>Use ATMs inside well-lit, secure areas like shopping malls or banks.</li> <li>Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering. Look for hidden cameras or anything suspicious attached to the machine.</li> <li>Try to change money at banks or reputable hotels rather than using random ATMs.</li> </ul> <h2 id="nighttime">After dark in El Salvador: Is it safe?</h2> <p>Like in many Central American countries, the risk of crime increases after sunset. Both walking and driving at night present risks:</p> <ul> <li>Stay indoors after dark whenever possible. If you must go out, travel with a group and use registered transportation.</li> <li>When driving, lock your car doors and keep the windows rolled up, especially in remote areas where carjackings are more common.</li> </ul> <h2 id="followed">If you’re being followed</h2> <p>Some criminals have been known to follow tourists from the airport or hotels. They may target you if they believe you're carrying valuable items:</p> <ul> <li>Stay vigilant when leaving the airport and avoid secluded routes.</li> <li>Don't resist if you’re being robbed. Your safety is more important than material items. Comply with demands to minimize the risk of escalation.</li> <li>Hikers and climbers in remote areas should consider hiring an armed guard for protection, as robberies can occur on popular hiking trails.</li> </ul> <p>By staying aware and cautious, travelers can enjoy El Salvador without unnecessary risks.</p>iStock/cnicbc 0545664294 iStock A security guard stands on watch at a gate just behind the property of Mister Donut, a fast-food chain in El Salvador

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/el-salvador-healthFind out how to stay on top of hygiene, and deal with electricity troubles, poor temperature control in showers, and dengue fever.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/el-salvador-healthhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#showers"> Temperamental Shower Taps </a></li> <li><a href="#electricity"> Electricity Troubles </a></li> <li><a href="#dengue"> Dengue Fever </a></li> <li><a href="#self-driving"> The Dangers of Driving Yourself Around El Salvador </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="showers">Temperamental Shower Taps</h2> <p>When we say "Suicide Shower", many images must spring to mind – none of them pleasant, I'm sure. In fact, it's the term given to a contraption that sits over the showerhead – which kind of looks like something MacGyver put together in a cleanliness emergency.</p> <p>Popular in Central America, but now found in other tropical nations, it's essentially a cheap hot water system for places that don't have (or can't afford) a permanent heating system. You'll definitely come across them in El Salvador, so it's best to know a bit about them so you don't get too much of a shock – electric shock that is.</p> <p>No hot water heater? No worries, just attach these wires from the electrical mains directly into the contraption clamped onto the showerhead. "Water + electricity = a great combination!" Said nobody, ever.</p> <p>Despite their frightening appearance, suicide showers can be enjoyable if they're well maintained, and if you know how to use them. Even though the name suggests otherwise, nobody has actually died from using one.</p> <p>The heat is controlled by the water pressure. If you want scorching hot, let the water trickle. If you want luke warm, turn the taps on a bit more. A word of warning: don't tamper with the switch on the showerhead itself, it will already be set to a specific temperature that shouldn't be changed.</p> <h2 id="electricity">Electricity Troubles</h2> <p>Some travelers have said that when they've turned on the shower it's used so much electricity that the lights go dim. This might be disconcerting, but it's not something to worry about.</p> <p>A few travelers have experienced slight electric shocks. Obviously, some electric showers are going to be better quality than others. Luckily, most of us know to wear a pair of rubber thongs in the shower – in El Salvador this doubles for both safety and hygiene.</p> <p>Even most middle class hotels would have upgraded to hot water systems by now, but there's still a chance you could come across one in poorer parts of town.</p> <h2 id="dengue">Dengue Fever</h2> <p>Apart from temperamental shower systems, there are a few other health concerns you need to take into consideration when traveling to El Salvador. The major one is Dengue Fever.</p> <p>Dengue Fever became an epidemic in 2010, when there were approximately 2,400 confirmed cases. The majority of these were treatable, only causing flu like symptoms such as severe headaches and joint pain. But, for young children and the elderly it's common they'll contract dengue hemorrhagic fever – which can be fatal.</p> <p>There's no vaccination against Dengue Fever, so you need to take precautions to try and prevent it. Mosquitoes are the culprits when it comes to spreading the disease, so, you should always carry insect repellent, try to wear long sleaved shirts, and be a real dag by tucking your pants into your socks – especially in places where there's a lot of stagnant water or at night.</p> <p>It's a good idea to place mosquito netting over your bed when you sleep, so check with your accommodation to see if they have any handy.</p> <h2 id="self-driving">The Dangers of Driving Yourself Around El Salvador</h2> <p>Driving in El Salvador is an appealing option, as public transport is overcrowded, and often quite dangerous. But there are a few dangers that come with self-driving.</p> <p>Carjackings are common, especially on rural roads. Always keep windows up and doors locked at all times. If you can, try and travel in a convoy.</p> <p>Roads are poorly maintained, and visibility can be an issue due to lack of lighting, so try to avoid driving at night.</p> <p>Know that there's still the danger of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout the country, mostly in the Chalatenango and Morazan districts.</p> <p>When it comes to actually driving itself, drive defensively and keep a lookout for pedestrians and animals, who have a tendency to wander out onto the road.</p>iStock/helovi 0821587572 iStock Street market in San Salvador

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/el-salvador-natural-disastersEl Salvador is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, and has active volcanoes. Here's how you can stay safe if a natural disaster occurs in El Salvador.2019-10-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/el-salvador-natural-disastershttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><span>Mother nature can be unpredictable, but there are some places that have felt her wrath </span><span>far</span><span><span> </span>too frequently to ignore. </span>Lying in the danger zone on the Pacific Coast, El Salvador is prone to earthquakes and hurricanes. Pop a few active volcanoes into the mix, and you have a country primed for natural disaster.</p> <p>A lot of El Salvador's appeal is the picturesque volcanic landscape and impressive beaches, but, if you're planning to take advantage of its natural attractions, you've got to be careful (<a href="/travel-safety/central-america/el-salvador/crime-in-el-salvador" target="_blank" title="Crime in El Salvador">and not just of crime</a>). Here's what you need to know to stay safe during wild weather, if a volcano erupts or while surfing in El Salvador.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#hurricane"> Hurricane season and heavy rain in El Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#volcano"> Active volcanoes in El Salvador </a></li> <li><a href="#surf"> Surfing in El Salvador: How to stay safe</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="hurricane">Hurricane season and heavy rain in El Salvador</h2> <p>The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from June–November, coinciding with hurricane season in the Caribbean. During this time, when it rains, it pours in El Salvador.</p> <p>Afternoon thunderstorms and massive downpours don't make for pleasant travel weather, and mountainous areas are vulnerable to landslides during the wet season, so it's a better idea to choose another time of year to travel to El Salvador.</p> <p>Back in November 2009, constant, heavy rain over a four-day period led to extreme flooding and landslides. Around 200 people were killed, 76 went missing, and another 14,000 left homeless. </p> <p>Instead, travel during summer, from December–April, when the weather is dry, hot, and hazy.</p> <h2 id="volcano">Active volcanoes in El Salvador</h2> <p>There are a number of active volcanoes in El Salvador. The Chaparrastique volcano in eastern El Salvador, which is 86mi (140km) from the capital city, erupted in December 2013. The country's highest volcano, the Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), erupted in October in 2005. Two people were killed and seven injured. It was several months before locals could return to the area. Check for government alerts to keep up to date with volcanic activity.</p> <p>Climbing volcanoes is big on traveler's to-do lists in El Salvador. Hiking volcanoes alone isn't recommended, and you should hire a guide or find a reputable company that offers group climbs.</p> <p>If you want to hike the Izalco volcano, for example, if you meet at the entrance of the park in the morning before 10:30, there will be guides and policemen there to help travelers.</p> <p>Having a trustworthy guide is essential, not only for physical safety, but visitors are often targeted on volcanoes and in remote areas by thieves. Always try to finish hiking before nighttime – climbing at night is extremely dangerous.</p> <h2 id="surf">Surfing in El Salvador: How to stay safe</h2> <p>Surfing in El Salvador has been dubbed by many as the best in the world. But, even for the most experienced swimmers and surfers, undertows and currents at the coastal Pacific beaches and the country's lakes can be very risky.</p> <p>A number of tourists have drowned at El Salvador's beaches. Even if you feel you may be indestructible with home-town beach culture knowledge, be careful while surfing in El Salvador. Ask the locals for advice on the best (and safest) wave breaks, and try to stick to where other people are surfing in case anything goes wrong.</p>iStock/lanabyko 0477614196 iStock The peak of the active Izalco volcano in El Salvador