Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in El Salvador

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Renting a car in El Salvador—or any foreign country, for that matter—can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re traveling solo like me. However, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Trust me!

I traveled solo through Central America for several months, and renting a car made my time in El Salvador SO MUCH BETTER! I was able to get around a lot more quickly and see more of the country than if I was only getting around by bus. Those infamous chicken buses are fun but time-consuming.

Having a car for even just a few days allows you to visit places that many tourists miss out on! I never would have had time to see so many towns in Ruta de las Flores if I had to wait for the bus each time.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of El Salvador car rentals? Let’s get to it!

Skip Ahead to the 19 fast tips for driving in El Salvador if you’re in a rush.

Where to Rent a Car in El Salvador

With so many El Salvador car rental companies to choose from, finding a reliable and affordable service can be daunting. 

Look no further than DiscoverCars, an online platform that helps simplify the rental process and find the best deals.

I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price, and I recommend DiscoverCars to everyone who travels.

Whichever company you choose, always ask what insurance policies are included and what the cancellation policy is.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

Booking Your El Salvador Rental Car Online

Booking a rental car in El Salvador is easy online. 

First, research and compare the car rental companies to ensure you get the best price. 

To save time, use DiscoverCars to compare all the options available quickly. You can then book your rental car directly from the website with just a few clicks. 

In high season, booking in advance is always recommended so that you don’t miss out on the best deals or find yourself without wheels when you need them. 

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Is It Safe to Rent a Car in El Salvador? (Is Driving in El Salvador Safe?)

If you’re like me, the first question I ask about driving in another country is “Is it safe to rent a car in El Salvador?”

Renting a car in El Salvador is generally safe and can be a great way to explore the country’s beautiful scenery. However, I recommend that you be a very confident driver to attempt it because driving in El Salvador will be a little different than driving at home.

With some of the best road conditions in Central America, this is a good place to try out renting a car. As with all countries, driving in San Salvador and other major cities can be more challenging due to traffic and parking.

Although Salvadoran drivers are usually calm, you should exercise extra caution at night when the roads may not be well-lit and cars may not have headlights.

Also, during the rainy season, there is a risk of getting stuck in traffic due to mudslides, so plan accordingly. It’s good I left extra time on my way to Juayua for the Seven Waterfalls Hike because I needed it!

And don’t forget to download offline maps just in case you don’t have a signal everywhere! And Speedbumps often pop out of nowhere – so take it slow.

It should be noted that although El Salvador is generally a safe place for tourists and has become increasingly safer in recent years, some neighborhoods are still unsafe to drive through. It’s always a good idea to stay on major roads and ask your accommodation for any advice before getting off the tourist track.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the journey – you’ll make some amazing memories with your rental car in El Salvador.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car in El Salvador

Pros of Renting a Car in El Salvador:

– More freedom and flexibility to make your own schedule.

– Ability to visit off-the-beaten-path places and hidden gems, like stunning waterfalls

– Air conditioning, which the local buses don’t have.

– Easier to carry luggage around, and you always have a seat.

– Can stop to taste El Salvador food along the way.

Cons of Renting a Car in El Salvador:

– Generally more expensive than other forms of public transportation, with additional expenses for rental fees, insurance, gas, and parking.

– Can be stressful being the driver due to rough roads, mudslides, potholes, or getting lost.

– You don’t get to experience getting around by the chicken buses as the locals do

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Is Renting a Car in El Salvador Worth it?

Some travelers find renting a car in El Salvador worth it. I did! You can rent a car on the days you need one and take the bus on other days, if you want.

It allows you more freedom and flexibility when planning your own schedule and visiting places that many tourists miss out on.

On the other hand, it’s generally more expensive than public buses, which will cost less than a dollar or two. Riding on El Salvador’s “chicken buses” (so named because it’s not unheard of for live chickens and other animals to be transported on the bus) is an activity in and of itself that I recommend you try at least once just for the experience.

I recommend that travelers consider a hybrid option—rent a car on the days that it makes sense, take public buses when you can, and even sign up for an awesome day tour from San Salvador. This is exactly what I did, and it worked out perfectly!

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

19 Essential Tips for Renting a Car in El Salvador

If you’re short on time, here are some at-a-glance tips for renting a car in El Salvador:

1. Rent from a reputable company that you know and trust. I use Discover Cars to find the best rates.

2. Check your rental contract carefully to ensure there are no hidden fees or extra costs. If there are terms you’re not sure about, ask questions.

3. Bring all necessary documents with you when you pick up the car, such as a passport, driver’s license, and International Driver’s Permit if you have one (although I rarely ever get asked for mine).

4. You must be at least 18 to drive in El Salvador, but the minimum age to rent a car in El Salvador is 21. Most agencies charge an additional fee for those under 25.

5. An International Driver’s Permit may be necessary if your license is not in English or Spanish.

6. Insurance may not be required by law, but most agencies require it – look into purchasing additional coverage as needed. I always use my travel credit card to rent the car because I have some coverage included as one of my credit card perks.

7. Check rental cars in El Salvador for any damages before taking them off the lot. I like to take a video walking around the car because I’ve heard of some agencies trying to claim damage that was there before.

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8. Have emergency numbers such as Police (911), Fire (132), and Ambulance (913) handy just in case there are any unexpected events while driving around El Salvador.

9. Ask your rental company for instructions about what to do if you’re in an accident or get stuck. I always get the Whatsapp number of the person helping me, too.

10. Report any accident/incident immediately to your rental company so they can advise you on what to do accordingly. I once made the mistake of waiting until I returned the car to report a scratch—without a police report, the insurance wouldn’t cover it, and I had to pay a couple of hundred Euros out of pocket!

11. Cars in El Salvador drive on the right side of the road. Passing/overtaking should always occur on the left with a light honk as a warning – you’ll notice that the locals often do this!

12 . Use turn signals when turning or passing another vehicle and hazard lights to signal stopped traffic up ahead.

13. Pay attention to speed limits which usually range between 50km/h in cities and 90km/h on rural roads. Not all roads have speed limits marked.

14. Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads, faulty headlights, and unexpected obstacles such as speedbumps, potholes, and animals.

15. Download navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps (or Maps.me) before setting off on your trip – it is also best to download their offline versions just in case! You won’t have cell reception everywhere. Waze worked well for me in El Salvador.

16 . Remember that Google driving times are always underestimated in El Salvador- add at least 30 minutes more for delays and traffic.

17 . Be prepared for heavy mudslide traffic during the rainy season. I got stuck in mudslide traffic every day, waiting in a long line of cars until the workers could clear the road.

18. Park in well-lit areas. Consider paying for extra security when parking your car, as cars tend to be targets of theft in El Salvador. Don’t leave anything valuable in the car.

19. Have a designated driver or take alternative transportation if you plan on drinking alcohol, the blood-alcohol limit is 0.05% and El Salvador takes it seriously.

Those are just the highlights. Keep reading for everything else you need to know before you rent a car in El Salvador!

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Cost of Renting a Car in El Salvador

The cost to rent a car in El Salvador can vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose and when and where you pick up and drop off your rental.

The cost of renting a car in El Salvador ranges from $20 to $45 USD per day.

Prices are typically higher if you rent at the airport and even more so when you have different starting and ending points for your rental. Prices go up during the busy season in El Salvador.

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) tend to be more expensive than regular sedans or hatchbacks, so it’s best to choose a smaller car if you are trying to save money. But keep in mind that a small car may not be able to go everywhere you want since some roads require higher clearance.

You should also factor in any additional insurance coverage, the cost of gasoline, and parking fees that may be involved with your rental car – more on that below.

There are no toll roads in El Salvador, so you won’t need to worry about any additional charges in that regard.

Fortunately, plenty of affordable car rental options are available in El Salvador, and I recommend using Discover Cars to find the cheapest car rental.

Pro Tip: Ask some other solo travelers at your hostel if they’d like to split the car rental with you. Three other solo travelers and I split the $35 USD/day and had a blast on our El Salvador road trip!

Gas Prices in El Salvador

The cost of gasoline in El Salvador is relatively inexpensive.

Gas prices are around $1 per liter (under $4 per gallon). The bigger gas stations in El Salvador tend to accept credit cards, but not all.

You won’t have to pump your own gas in El Salvador – the stations are full-service stations. An attendant will ask what fuel type and how much gas you want. Tipping is not expected.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Car in Insurance While Driving in El Salvador

Travelers need to understand the risks involved in driving in El Salvador and ensure they are adequately insured while behind the wheel.

It’s not uncommon for local drivers in El Salvador to go without insurance, and minor accidents are usually handled by the parties involved – which could be challenging if you don’t speak Spanish.

Therefore, it is always a good idea to have some coverage before venturing out on your own with a rental car. Most car rental agencies will require some coverage.

Some travel credit cards may include insurance coverage when renting cars; so check yours before booking anything else.

Roads can be dangerous due to high rates of traffic fatalities that rank El Salvador #69 in the world according to World Life Expectancy’s statistics.

All these factors should be considered when planning your trip and deciding whether or not you need additional insurance for your rental car while driving in El Salvador.

Renting a Car in El Salvador: In the Airport Vs the City

Travelers planning to drive in El Salvador should consider whether it’s better to rent a car in El Salvador from the San Salvador International Airport or the city. Rental car locations will impact the price.

Renting a car at the airport is usually more convenient if you’re flying in and if you don’t plan to stick around in a major city, but can cost a bit more than renting from a rental company in town.

If you’re planning to stay in a major city, then I would recommend waiting to rent the car until you’re ready to head out of town, so that you don’t have to deal with the city traffic and parking.

👉 Book one of these private airport transfers for a stress-free arrival at any airport in El Salvador! Whether you’re heading to San Salvador or straight to El Tunco, these transfers are a great option.

Road Conditions While Driving in El Salvador

Driving in El Salvador is an adventure that can be both thrilling and daunting. The terrain ranges from main highways to off-the-beaten-path locations, each with its own unique road conditions.

While most main highways are paved, some roads require a 4×4 vehicle for higher clearance due to unpaved surfaces. Drivers should also expect unexpected speed bumps on certain roads, poorly-lit streets, or cars without working headlights at night.

Additionally, drivers must be prepared for animals and pedestrians sharing the side of the road with them and mudslides during the rainy season. While driving in El Salvador, I got stuck behind mudslide traffic daily, waiting behind a long line of cars for the road to be cleared.

Overall, I found driving in El Salvador to be fairly easy. The biggest challenges were city traffic and parking and the lack of light at night. We drove very slowly on the unpaved roads.

Renting a Car in El Salvador and Crossing Borders

Are you planning to rent a car in El Salvador and drive to other countries in Central America? If so, you’ll need to know all the tips and tricks for crossing borders with your rental car.

Although it may seem intimidating at first, it can be an easy process with some preparation.

You’ll need special documentation from your rental car company that allows you to cross international borders. This document can cost up to $150 and will require several days’ notice to complete the paperwork.

Additionally, most rental companies require full insurance coverage when crossing borders – so ensure you have this before setting out on your adventure!

And yes, driving to El Salvador is pretty straightforward from neighboring countries – you’ll need to be processed through border control like normal.

Is an international driver’s permit required to Drive in El Salvador?

If your regular driver’s license from your home country is written in English or Spanish, you do not need an International Driver’s License for driving in El Salvador.

However, you may be asked to show an international driver’s permit if your regular license is not written in one of these languages. International Driver’s Permits are very easy to get and inexpensive, so it may be a good idea to have one when you travel.

I paid about $20 to get one from AAA in the US. However, it’s only valid for a year, so I have to get a new one each time I return home.

If Something Goes Wrong with Your El Salvador Rental Car

No one likes to think about it, but sometimes, things can go wrong when renting a car in El Salvador. Whether it’s an accident or mechanical issues with the vehicle, it’s important to know what steps to take if something does happen.

The first step is always safety—make sure everyone involved is okay and call emergency services if needed (Police: 911; fire: 132; ambulance: 913).

Then contact your rental car company using their Whatsapp or emergency numbers they provided before you left. The fine print of most rental contracts usually requires that you file a police report for any accidents so that insurance will cover the damage.

I made a mistake once of waiting to report a scratch until I returned the car and doing this voided my insurance coverage. Learn from my mistakes!

Always be honest with your rental company about what happened and follow their instructions carefully regarding how to proceed—this may include paying for the damage in cash when the car is returned.

Finally, try to avoid driving in El Salvador at night or during bad weather conditions if possible, as these increase your chances of encountering problems with your rental car.

Hazards To Be Aware of When Driving in El Salvador

When you rent a car in El Salvador, there are a few hazards that you should be aware of before hitting the road:

– Stray animals crossing the road

– Lack of lighting at night

– Cars driving without functioning headlamps at night

– Potholes

– Speedbumps (they come out of nowhere)

– Mudslides and mudslide traffic

– Drunk drivers

– Although El Salvador is generally safe for tourists, it’s always a good idea to stay on major roads and ask your accommodation for any advice before getting off the tourist track.

Driving in El Salvador: Road Rules to Know

When you’re renting a car in El Salvador, there are some important road rules that you should be aware of before hitting the roads:

– Drive on the right side

– Carefully overtake on the left

– The maximum speed limit on major highways is 80km/h, and in cities, it is often 50km/h

– Seatbelts are required

– Drunk driving is illegal

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El Salvador Driving Speed Limit

When driving in El Salvador, it is important to know the speed limits of the roads.

The maximum speed limit on major highways is 80km/h, and it is often 50km/h in cities. It should be noted that these speed limits are not always posted, but most drivers respect them nonetheless.

Additionally, when driving at night or during bad weather conditions, it is best to drive more slowly as this increases your chances of encountering problems with your rental car.

Driving in El Salvador: Seat Belts

Seat belts are required by law for both drivers and passengers. So always buckle up!

It’s also essential to secure any luggage or items in the car, as they can become dangerous projectiles during an accident.

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Drunk Driving in El Salvador

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in El Salvador and can result in severe penalties, including fines, vehicle seizure, and jail time.

The blood alcohol limit in El Salvador is 0.05%, so it’s always important to stay within this limit if you plan on driving after drinking any alcoholic beverages.

Be extra careful of drunk drivers near party towns like El Tunco on the weekends.

Finding Your Way in Your El Salvador Rental Car

Getting around El Salvador in your rental car is a great way to explore the country, but you may get lost if you don’t have a good navigation system.

Google Maps and Waze worked well for us, and I recommend downloading them offline before your trip so that you can access them even without an internet connection. Additionally, Maps.me is a good backup if Google tries to take you in a weird way.

Just double-check your route on multiple maps before hitting the road!

Unofficial Way to Rent a Car in El Salvador

I debated including this controversial tip about finding cars for rent in El Salvador since it’s not legitimate or recommendable. Still, I figured I should let you make that call for yourself!

When I inquired about renting a car with my hostel, the owner said a friend would rent us his car for a couple of days. So that’s what we did.

He never asked for any information other than my WhatsApp. He didn’t know my name or verify my driver’s license.

When I asked about insurance, he said it’s best not to get in an accident. Obviously, that isn’t the right answer, but my other solo traveler friends and I were feeling adventurous.

Everything turned out fine, but you never know – so I don’t recommend doing this! It’s better to use Discover Cars for car rental deals (we paid $35 per day, which is probably what we would have paid doing it more legitimately).

FAQs about Renting a Car in El Salvador

Conclusion: Driving in El Salvador

Renting a car in El Salvador is an excellent way to explore the country and see more of what it has to offer. With knowledge about driving laws, navigation systems, and insurance requirements, you can have a safe and stress-free journey around this beautiful Central American nation.

While public transportation is always available for budget travelers, having your own vehicle allows you to be spontaneous with your itinerary — something that’s hard when relying on buses or taxis!

I recommend only renting a car in El Salvador when you are planning to venture out of town and using public transportation to the closer/more popular destinations. You can also consider doing one of these day trips from San Salvador to avoid the stress of renting a car.

I recommend Discover Cars to find the best prices in El Salvador.

If you plan to visit Ruta de las Flores, consider taking one of these popular tours!