San Salvador, El Salvador

• San Salvador sits in a volcanic valley at about 2,200 feet elevation, so the weather stays mild year-round. Since President Bukele's security reforms in 2022, the murder rate has dropped dramatically - 2024 was the safest year in modern Salvadoran history. You'll see the difference most in tourist areas like Zona Rosa and Centro Histórico, where families actually walk around in the evenings now.
• The city splits into very different worlds. Wealthy areas like San Benito, Escalón, and Santa Elena have shopping malls, restaurants, and heavy security - they look like any modern Latin American city. Working-class neighborhoods are still poor and you shouldn't go there. The whole city is built for cars, not walking, so expect to use Uber for almost everything between the safe zones.
• Outside of hotels and tourist restaurants in Zona Rosa, hardly anyone speaks English. You'll need basic Spanish. The 911 emergency number works and tourist police (POLITUR) patrol the main areas. Street harassment through catcalling is still common, especially outside the tourist zones.
• El Salvador is conservative and people care a lot about appearance. Locals dress neatly even for casual outings - showing up looking sloppy is seen as disrespectful. Most places expect smart-casual dress, and you won't see locals wearing shorts unless they're at the beach. Zona Rosa has nightlife that goes late with decent security, but don't walk around isolated areas after dark.

Spanish is the main language. Upscale hotels, Zona Rosa restaurants, and some tourist police speak English. The 911 service has some English-speaking operators. Outside tourist areas, you'll need Spanish.

• People here care a lot about how you look. Dress neatly - looking scruffy is seen as disrespectful. Nobody wears shorts outside beach towns. Even casual dining in Zona Rosa expects smart-casual dress.
• Outside upscale hotels and tourist restaurants in Zona Rosa, almost nobody speaks English. Learn basic Spanish: 'hola' (hello), 'gracias' (thank you), 'por favor' (please), 'disculpe' (excuse me). Keep Google Translate handy.
• At churches and religious sites, dress conservatively - no tank tops, shorts, or hats. Take your hat off inside churches. El Salvador is mostly Catholic and people take religious customs seriously.
• Greetings matter. Shake hands and smile when you meet people. Use 'Señor' for men and 'Señora' for women. Keep eye contact when talking. Being loud or aggressive doesn't go over well.

• Use Uber. It's available 24/7, rides are cheap ($3-8 for most trips), and drivers are generally professional. Download it before you arrive because this city isn't walkable.
• Don't take public buses. They go through unsafe areas and pickpocketing is common. The government is supposed to launch a modernized bus system with GPS tracking in 2025, but until then, use Uber or call a taxi through your hotel.
• Official taxis are fine if your hotel calls one for you, but don't flag random taxis on the street. Uber is safer and usually cheaper anyway.
• San Salvador is built for cars, not people. Even in safe neighborhoods, you can hit a sketchy block just a few streets away. Take Uber between places rather than trying to walk long distances, especially at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore San Salvador with local guides and curated experiences.