Landing at SAL, and getting out of it.

SAL is small, modern and easy. It is also further from the capital than from the beach, which quietly determines how most trips start.

Arrivals, in order

1. Immigration. Have the address of your first night written down.
2. The tourist card. $12, cash, for most nationalities. There is an ATM before the desk if you need it.
3. Baggage and customs. Bags are scanned on exit. It is quick.
4. The arrivals hall. ATMs, a Tigo counter for SIM cards, car rental desks, and a great many people offering taxis.

Getting out

• Official taxi — $45–60 to the coast, $30–40 to San Salvador. Book at the desk inside, not from the kerb.
• Shared shuttle — $20–30 to El Tunco or El Zonte. Best value if you are not in a hurry.
• Uber — works, and is cheaper, but the pickup point is across the car park.
• Rental car — all the major agencies. Read the car rental guide before you accept the counter insurance.
• Bus 138 — under a dollar to San Salvador. Slow, safe, with luggage a nuisance.

Departures

Check-in opens three hours out and the queues for Avianca’s morning bank are long. There are two decent cafes and one restaurant past security. Nothing opens before 4am, so eat before you come.

Keep $12 in cash spare if you plan to re-enter the country on the same trip.