U.S. citizens resident in or visiting El Salvador should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures. Visitors to El Salvador should use caution when climbing volcanoes or hiking in other remote locations. Armed robberies of climbers and hikers are common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest u.s. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad , for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey.
Medical care is limited.
Emergency services, even in San Salvador, are very basic. Ambulance services are not staffed by trained personnel and lack life-saving necessities such as oxygen. Physicians in the major hospitals are generally well-trained, often in U.S. hospitals, but nursing and support staff are not up to U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors' fees.