Traveling to El Salvador- first time traveling abroad?

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makawao_kane

Your trip to El Salvador sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

As for the airport in El Salvador, Once you deplane, you will walk down the hallway where you'll find some shops and bathrooms. If you are hungry or need to use the bathroom, this is the place to do it as you'll be standing in line for a while. Follow the signs towards baggage claim, immigration and customs. They are located downstairs.

You will first go through immigration. If you are Salvadoran or of Salvadoran parents, you can take the "express" lanes. If not, you will need to take the visitor/tourist lanes. You will pay a small fee (around $10) for a tourist visa that will be stamped on your passport. Keep in mind that once you have cleared immigration, you will not be allowed to go back upstairs.

As you exit this line, look to your right. That is where you will find baggage claim. You will also find many men in white shirts and black slacks. They are porters and they will be glad to help with your bags. Make sure to bring a lot of singles for your trip. If you don't speak Spanish, it will be useful for you learn a few lines. Could you help me with my bags? (Â¿Me puede ayudar con mis maletas?) comes to mind.

Once you have collected your bags, you and the porter will make your way down the hall towards customs. They have many ways of deciding which bags to check. Some of the more memorable ones are a roulette wheel with red and green sections and a button that would give you either a red light or a green light (no profiling here, bag checks are all up to chance). But even if your bags are checked, it is a minor event and should be done quickly.

As soon as you are through customs, you will take 10 steps and be outside the doors. Look for family who has come to greet you (keep in mind that it might be THE WHOLE FAMILY), or take a taxi to your destination. Taxis in El Salvador are fairly cheap, and they are regulated by the government.

Some things to keep in mind:

Comalapa international airport is notorious for losing bags. Make sure you put the important items and all valuables in your carry-on.

If your bags don't make it, be prepared to file a claim at the lost baggage office, located directly across from baggage claim.

Be prepared to make a mad dash, as everyone whose bag did not make it will be running and cutting in line to file their claim.

Contrarily to what may be suggested, you don't need to keep coming to the airport to see if your bags have arrived. They will deliver them if you provide them with your destination and a contact phone number.

Best of luck on your trip.

fourestking

The carts to carry your luggage are $2 each, and I think you can get by with 1. Like someone said before carry singles so you can buy a cart and tip the porter that helps you.

Carlos N

-Pretty much what the other people said bring all you're **important stuff in you're carry on**. What happened when i went in March was crazy, was me and bunch of family maybe 15 all our bags were left in Toronto so none of us had clothes. Filed a baggage claim then went straight to Plaza Mundo bought some clothes and went to my aunts house in Soyapango which was 5 min away from the Plaza. And we had to file a claim with the airline and we got some money back for our troubles because we didnt get our clothes till last couple of days.
-Thast my story of of what happened with the airline TACA dont know if you will be flying with them.
Hope this helps have fun on you're trip :)

criscard1432

Always keep your valuables in your carry-on. Last time I went to El Salvador, I decided to leave my mp3 player in my baggage because i was unable to recharge it, I never saw it again!!! I hate saying this because i'm salvadorian but it's the truth, someone stole it at the airport. Don't worry about customs and baggage, everything is easy just follow the signs. At the end if you need help, just ask for it and someone will be willing to help you, you'll see the guys standing around in case you need help! Good luck and hope you enjoy the stay!!!

justagorilla

you sure are taking a lot of crap! hopefully it's all gifts

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