Overland El Salvador Travel
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Contents
At the border
Correct as of: February 2010
Required Paperwork
- Passport of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
- Vehicle registration (original and 1 copy).
- Drivers license of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
Process at border
- The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (migración), including a stamp in their Passport.
- The owner must show the new passport stamp, drivers license and the original vehicle registration to customs (aduana).
- The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
NOTE: You will encounter pushy locals offering to help you with paperwork to get across the border. See Central America Border Crossings for advice.
Cost of entry
Free.
Permitted length of stay
90 days.
Extension of stay
Unknown.
Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
(unknown)
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
- The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs.
- The registered owner is stamped out of El Salvador at immigration.
Overland Essentials
Vehicle Insurance
Insurance requirements
Nil.
Cost of insurance
N/A
Where to purchase insurance
N/A
Driving license
Technically an International Driving Permit is required.
In reality, showing a license from anywhere in the world seems to be good enough.
Driving side of road
Right.
Right hand drive vehicles are permitted without problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
None.
Roads
General Road quality
Roads in El Salvador vary greatly. The Pan American is paved and good quality for the length of the country, as are most other highways. Lesser roads are gravel and can be very bumpy and rutted.
Road signs
Road signs are uncommon, and can not be relied upon.
Toll roads
None.
Bribery
Police bribery is relatively common in El Salvador, so you should expect it to happen. See the bribery tips page for advice.
Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common in El Salvador. You'll primarily be asked to show your Passport, Vehicle registration, drivers license, and the temporary import permit you were issued at the border.
Traveling with pets
Unknown.
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gasoline / Petrol / Diesel
Last updated: January 2010
Price
Currency and unit to display:
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | ?? |
| Super (90) | ?? |
| Premium (95) | ?? |
| Ultra (97) | ?? |
| Normal Diesel | $0.77 USD per Liter[1] |
| Diesel (low sulfur) | ?? |
Gasoline Availability / Frequency
Gasoline is common.
Gasoline Quality
Unknown.
External information about gasoline
Safety / Security Considerations
Driving at night
Driving at night is absolutely not recommended in El Salvador, due to safety considerations.
Vehicle parking
Find a secure parking lot to park for any length of time. Price unknown.
Special driving considerations
None.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for El Salvador - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Camping
Camping is popular in El Salvador anywhere along the ocean. Roadside camping is generally not recommended.
Camping guide books
Unknown.
Drinking water
Tap water in El Salvador is not safe to drink.
Paper maps
Purchase maps before arriving, good ones are very difficult to find in El Salvador.
GPS
- Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.[2]
- Garmin: Apparently no map of El Salvador.
- TomTom: No map of El Salvador. [3]
Directions and GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc.
- Camping Sites: El Salvador - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free.
- Central America Camping Locations - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites.
- Camping Log 1: Central America - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates.
- White Acorn camping log page - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites]
Overland Travel Interest
Special Overland interests
Guide Books
Vehicle Maintenance
Dealers
4x4s / Trucks
- Toyota Global Dealer Locator
- Land Rover International Dealer Locator
- Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
- Jeep International site locator
Motorbikes
Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.
Buying and selling vehicles
Buying a vehicle as a foreigner
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.
List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.
Selling a foreign-plated vehicle
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
