• Budget: US$5-10
  
• Mid-range: US$10-15
  
• Top-end: US$15 and upwards
  
  

You'll pay more for accommodation and food in El Salvador than in neigh boring countries, but at least bus transportation is cheap. Budget travellers willing to be resourceful should be able to live on US$10 a day; travellers wanting more comfortable accommodation and a few sit-down meals should expect to spend US$20-25 a day; and anyone in search of the finer things in El Salvador should budget at least US$30 a day.

In January 2001, the US dollar became the legal currency, and the colón is gradually being phased out. It's best to bring US dollars, as it's the only currency that you can be sure of exchanging. Few banks change travelers' checks readily and easily, and the policy seems to differ not only between banks but between branches as well. Be sure to change any leftover colónes before you leave El Salvador. A value-added tax (IVA) of 10% is applied to all goods and services in El Salvador; make sure you know whether it's already included in the listed price.