CHURCHES
Throughout Latin America churches are plentiful and usually the centerpiece of every town. Catholic is by far the largest denomination, but most others can be found in the country. Check with your hotel front desk for more information.

BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices
(Mon. - Fri.) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Banks
(Mon. - Fri., Sat. limited number) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Business
(offices Mon. - Fri.) 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. All times are subject to change without notice.

CLIMATE
The climate generally remains constant year round. The rainy season is from May through October and the dry season from November through April. The average annual temperature is a high of 80F and a low of 64F.

CLOTHING
Light cotton clothing is recommended. A sweater or light jacket is usually all you will need for the evenings and the highlands. San Salvador's business world is very professional. Shirt and tie for men is recommended and a light business suit or dress for women. For a trip to the mountains a good pair of hiking boots is a must. For every day use, sneakers or soft-soled shoes are best. A hat and sunglasses are recommended when spending time at the beaches.

COMMUNICATIONS
Direct dial service is readily available as well as facsimile, telex, cable, radio, internet and television. Direct calls to the U.S. can be activated by dialing ATT-190, Sprint-191 and MCI-195. The international country code is 503.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELERS CHECKS
Travelers checks can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollars are widely accepted as well as most major credit cards. U.S. currency can be exchanged at most banks or at the front desk of most hotels.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the Colon and is divided into 100 centavos. Check with your hotel for the current exchange rate. At the time of publication the exchange rate was approximately 8.70 colones to one US dollar.

DEPARTURE TAX
Departing air passengers pay U.S. $23. Land and sea departures vary according to the area. Check with your travel agent for current rates.

ELECTRICITY
110 volt A.C. is found throughout the country.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Immigration requires tourists to have one of two documents. Both need to be accompanied with your passport; a tourist visa issued from an El Salvador embassy which is good for the life of your passport less one year. Visas are free to U.S. citizens, some nationalities are charged a fee. The other document is the tourist card. It is available for U.S. $10 and can be purchased at the point of entry. It is usually issued for ninety days. Requirements vary depending on your nationality so check ahead before traveling.

GOVERNMENT
The government is a democratically elected Republic and the President serves a five year term and cannot be re-elected.

HOSPITALS
Modern medical facilities are available countrywide.

LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in most tourist areas.

POPULATION
The population is approximately five and a half million and is divided into three ethnic groups. Those of pure European descent comprise one percent of the population, Mestizos, a mix of European and indigenous descent comprise 89 percent and indigenous Salvadorans the other 10 percent.

TAXES
Most goods and services are subject to a 13% value added tax (IVA). A hotel tax of 10% is also added to your bill.

TIME ZONE
El Salvador is one hour behind eastern standard time. It does not observe daylight savings time.

TIPPING
A ten percent gratuity is appropriate in most restaurants. Check before tipping, many establishments add it to the bill.

TOPOGRAPHY
The smallest country in Central America, it consists of highlands, valleys, volcanoes, a coastal plain, the Sierra Madre mountain chain and a 200- mile Pacific coastline.