Author: marksbigtrip

El Salvador ATM Travel Guide

ATMs in El Salvador have a reputation for being unreliable as there can sometimes be issues with the computer links, or the machines can run out of money. Examples being El Cuco, El Zonte, El Tunco and Las Flores.
ATMs, known as cajeros automáticos, can frequently reject your card or simply not work away from the cities.

If there are no ATMs close by, the ATMs in El Salvador are not working with your card, or you want to avoid paying ATM fees / make larger withdrawals, check back here for our guide below. It explains how you can send yourself money online and pick it up at an authorized local cash pick up point.

It is a very similar process to buying something online with your debit card and is probably the quickest way to send money to yourself in El Salvador.

As this method is especially useful in Intipucá, we have provided a separate guide (click link for destination specific guide):

Intipucá

Here are two useful links to find the nearest ATMs in El Salvador : Visa / MasterCard

El Salvador ATM Fees & General Information

Most ATMs in El Salvador charge fees. These usually range from 3 to 5 USD, though standalone machines in shops and tourist areas can be even higher. People have reported paying no fees at the Scotiabank ATMs, so that’s worth trying first if available.
You will also probably get charged a fee by your own bank.

Having a Wise (formerly TransferWise) MasterCard can help reduce your home bank fees and gives a great exchange rate on purchases. With their borderless account / card you can hold your money in more than 40 currencies and use the debit card to get your cash out with low conversion fees and zero transaction fees. Click here for more info.

Withdrawal limits depend on the bank, and it’s worth noting that in small villages, cash machines may have limited funds available. With the method of sending yourself money to El Salvador outlined below, you can send much more than ATM withdrawal limits and avoid having to make multiple withdrawals and the associated fees.

Major hotels take debit/credit cards, but cheaper accommodations, tourist sites and restaurants tend to only take cash. It’s best to have small denominations as change can be a problem in smaller businesses.

You’ll find Visa and MasterCard are equally accepted by ATMs in El Salvador.

Unfortunately, ATM fraud in El Salvador is not uncommon….. Where possible, avoid private/standalone cash points and stick to those attached to banks. Check out our Travel Money Tips for what to look out for and more general information covering pre-trip planning, fees, scams, and general safety.

– Send Money To El Salvador & Pick Cash Up Locally

With so many overseas workers now sending money home to their families, there are lots of local cash pick up points to collect these funds.

By tapping into this network, you can use your ATM card (debit/credit) or bank details to securely send yourself funds online through a reputable International money transfer service. See below for online services that have partnerships with domestic money transfer agents in El Salvador where you can pick up your money within a few hours.

This means when there’s no ATM you can still withdraw cash within a few hours, and what’s more, it’s often more convenient, safe and cheaper than paying ATM withdrawal fees.

Option 1: World Remit

Check to see if there is a local authorized cash pick-up point where you are. Click HERE for a list of locations.
In El Salvador, this is any branch of:

• Banco Agrícola
• Credomatic El Salvador
• Banco Azteca El Salvador
• Fedecredito
• Fedecaces
• Davivienda El Salvador

If there’s a branch locally, then download the World Remit App HERE.
Make your transfer and use the promo code ‘FREE’ to get your first transfer FEE-FREE!

They also offer £5 cashback once you send £50 or more by signing up using refer a friend code MARKT64

Option 2: Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo

Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo all work the same way as WorldRemit.

Explore what transfer you may make and what options you have to pick up cash somewhere close by.

Follow this link for Ria Money Transfer, this link for Panda Remit, this link for Sendwave and this link for Transfergo and
This may involve making an account / downloading their app.

Option 3 :

Moneygram and Western Union also offer similar services but can be a little pricier.

Sending Money To A Bank Account Instead

Option 1: World Remit

You can also use the above method to quickly transfer money to an overseas bank account, perhaps to pay for your accommodation or an activity.

For more information visit this FAQs section.

Option 2: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

This another service that also offers bank transfers. If you are new to the service, and follow THIS LINK, you will automatically pay NO FEES on your first transfer of up to £500 (or the equivalent amount in any other currency).
Arguably the best thing about them is that they give you the mid-market rate on the currency exchange, so it’s much cheaper than a traditional bank to bank wire transfer. You won’t need any SWIFT or IBAN numbers, just the name of the account holder, their account number, the bank name and branch location.

Option 3 : Xe Money Transfer or OFX

Xe Money Transfer have a handy app for converting currencies quickly. You can also send money directly through their app. Follow this link to see options.

OFX also offer bank to bank transfer, either through their website or app. Follow this link for more info.

We update this guide every month or so, however, if you have any feedback to help keep this guide up-to-date or make it more comprehensive and easier for others to follow, please Message us on Facebook

Useful Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Salvador