Tipping and money in El Salvador
El Salvador uses the US dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
Last reviewed November 2026
- Currency
- USDUS dollar
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in El Salvador
Uses the US dollar. Carry small bills and coins for buses and street vendors.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Goway recommends cash in smaller towns and rural areas because cards may not be accepted. World Travel Guide advises against carrying bills above US$20 because many bars, restaurants and shops will not take them.
- ATMs
- World Travel Guide reports bank ATMs in all major cities, shopping malls and service stations, with limited access in smaller towns. It advises avoiding ATMs in small shops, where fees may be exorbitant.
- Foreign currency
- The US dollar is the official currency, and the former colón has been replaced.
- Exchanging money
- Journey Latin America says US dollar cash or travellers cheques can be obtained or exchanged at banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio). World Travel Guide says travellers cheques can be cashed at banks or hotels with a passport.
- Watch out for
- World Travel Guide warns of card skimming, especially in out of the way places. Goway says an ID card may be required when paying by credit card in most stores.
Tipping in El Salvador
Restaurants often add a 10% tip to the bill. Check before adding more.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: World Travel Guide, Goway, Journey Latin America, Under30Experiences, Freewheelings.
Convert to and from USD
Quick reference
| Amount | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.12 USD | 1.34 USD |
| 10 | 11.20 USD | 13.42 USD |
| 50 | 56.01 USD | 67.09 USD |
| 100 | 112 USD | 134 USD |
| 500 | 560 USD | 671 USD |
What each amount is worth in USD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does El Salvador use?
El Salvador uses the US dollar (USD).
Do you need to tip in El Salvador?
Appreciated. Restaurants often add a 10% tip to the bill. Check before adding more.
Can you pay by card in El Salvador?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Goway recommends cash in smaller towns and rural areas because cards may not be accepted. World Travel Guide advises against carrying bills above US$20 because many bars, restaurants and shops will not take them.
Are there ATMs in El Salvador?
World Travel Guide reports bank ATMs in all major cities, shopping malls and service stations, with limited access in smaller towns. It advises avoiding ATMs in small shops, where fees may be exorbitant.
More in Americas
Related guides: tipping by country, cash or card?, currencies.