Colón (SVC; symbol SV¢) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of SV¢200, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of SV¢1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars have been accepted as dual currency since 2001, are now widely used and will eventually completely replace the Colón. US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Note: Visitors should reconvert all unspent Colones before leaving the country.

Visitors are advised to change currency only at banks and official bureaux de change.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, whilst Diners Club has more limited use. There are ATMs in the main cities as well as in shopping malls and service stations.

These may be cashed at any bank or hotel on production of a passport.

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1345-1700; Sat 0900-1300 (limited service).

Note: Most banks are closed for balancing the books on 29-30 Jun and 30-31 Dec. These dates may vary for individual banks.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	SV¢17.27
$1.00=	SV¢8.75
Eur;1.00=	SV¢11.68

The following goods may be imported into El Salvador without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
• 2l of alcoholic beverages.
• Up to six units of perfume.
• Other goods to the value of US$500.

Note: There are restrictions on import and export of fruit, vegetables, plants and animals; meat products: ham and sausage are only allowed if sterilised by heat, boneless and hermetically canned.