El Salvador — Shopping
Shopping
The best souvenirs are handicrafts, including ceramics (especially in Ilobasco), handpainted wood (La Palma) and wicker furniture (Nahuizalco). You can also pick up bargains at the Mercado Cuartel craft market in San Salvador (only go there with a Salvadoran). The shopping malls, including Multiplaza, Galerias, Metrocentro, Gran Vía, Hiper Mall and Cascadas, sell upmarket souvenirs.
Shopping hours: Vary. Mostly Mon-Sat 0830-2000. Malls 1000-2000. Limited opening Sundays. Some local shops, especially those selling food and drink, open until late.
Currency
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: US Dollars were introduced as dual currency in 2001 and have now completely replaced the Colón.
Currency Exchange
Visitors are advised to change currency only at banks and official bureau de change.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, while Diners Club has more limited use. There are ATMs in the main cities as well as in shopping malls and service stations.
Travelers Checks
These may be cashed at any bank or hotel on production of a passport.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared upon arrival.
Banking Hours
Generally 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
| 1.00 GBP = 1.6 USD |
| 1.00 EUR = 1.41 USD |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
