ATM Fees in El Salvador
US Dollar / Bitcoin (USD) • Updated April 2026
El Salvador uses the US Dollar and Bitcoin as legal tender. Cards are accepted in cities. Bitcoin adoption is growing but cash remains king for most transactions.
Tips for El Salvador
- • US Dollar is the primary currency
- • Bitcoin is legal tender but cash more practical for tourists
- • Chivo Wallet app requires Salvadoran ID (DUI) - difficult for tourists to use
- • Bitcoin Lightning wallets (Wallet of Satoshi, Muun) work at Bitcoin-accepting merchants
- • Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas
- • Keep small bills for local purchases
Airport tips
- • San Salvador International Airport has ATMs
- • USD cash recommended
- • Some airport vendors accept Bitcoin via Lightning
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in El Salvador, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
USD/day
≈ $38.00-82.00 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
USD/day
≈ $110-230 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
USD/day
≈ $260-540 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in El Salvador.
Credit card acceptance
ModerateCards accepted in cities. Cash (USD) widely used. Bitcoin accepted at participating merchants via Lightning Network.
You'll need cash for
- • Local markets
- • Pupuserías
- • Buses
- • Small shops
- • Rural areas
Cards usually accepted
- • Hotels
- • Restaurants in cities
- • Shopping malls
- • Gas stations
- • Some tourist businesses
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Agrícola | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 100 | Largest bank |
| Banco Cuscatlán | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 80 | Acquired Scotiabank operations |
| BAC Credomatic | $2-4 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 50 | Regional bank |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Agrícola | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 100 | Best coverage |
| Banco Cuscatlán | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 80 | Major cities |
| BAC Credomatic | $2-4 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 50 | Regional coverage |