El Salvador
In
The United Kingdom and Ireland

• El Salvador's code to receive international calls is 503.

• In El Salvador there are a wide facilities of fax, telex, cable, radio, microwaves, optic fibre, PCS, Internet and television. Several international carriers that compete in the most open telecommunications market in Central America can directly activate international calls.

• Immigration requires that visitors entering El Salvador have their passport and one of the following documents: visa or tourist card. Visas are issued by the Consulate of El Salvador accredited in the countries where these type of diplomatic missions exist; and the tourist card is generally issued for 90 days and can be purchased for US$10 at the port of entry. Passports of certain countries might need to obtain a visa before entering El Salvador. Visa for U.S. citizens is free. Some countries pay a fee for the issuance of the visa.

• Passengers leaving the country by air must pay a tax of US$ 27. For those travelling by sea or land the tax varies according to the area. Any travel agency can check the actual amounts.

• The majority of goods and services are levied with 13% Value Added Tax (IVA, for its initials in Spanish). Hotels add 10% to the bill. It is customary to tip at least 10% in the majority of restaurants. Check your bill before paying because some restaurants add the tip to the bill.

• El Salvador's national currency is the American Dollar ($) To check the current exchange please see: XE Traveller's checks can be easily cashed at all bank; credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Work Schedule

Government: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Banks: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays (limited number)

Business: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All this schedules are subject to change without previous notice.

Operator: 0

Emergencies: 911

Enquiries: 114

National Police (PNC, Policía Nacional Civil) : 231-0000

Fire-fighters: 221-2661

Transit Department: 225-3030

Salvadorean Red Cross: 222-5155

If you need any other number, please refer to the "Salvadorean Yellow Pages": Paginas Amarillas