Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in El Salvador take card payments at check-in
During my trip, I found that hostels in El Salvador are split: tourist-heavy areas like El Tunco lean card-friendly, while smaller towns stay strictly cash. For example, at a Santa Ana hostel, their POS system failed mid-check-in, and I had to rush to a nearby BAC Credomatic ATM. Having cash avoids these situations. Dollar notes in smaller values ($5, $10) are more useful than $50s since hostels often can’t change large bills. Better safe to withdraw early.
El Salvador is a bit mixed. While hostels in San Salvador or along the Ruta de las Flores may accept card, many outside the city run on cash only. When I stayed in Suchitoto, the owner laughed at my question about card payments. US dollars are the official currency, so no need for exchange, but you will need physical bills. ATMs from Banco Cuscatlán worked fine with my Revolut card. If you want to avoid last-minute runs, carry small denominations in advance.
In El Tunco and El Zonte, surf hostels often ask for cash to dodge fees. I stayed at Papaya Lodge in El Tunco, and they said “card is possible but cheaper if you pay cash.” The machine was also down once. In San Salvador’s Zona Rosa, however, the hostel was professional and took Mastercard easily. You’ll find ATMs all along the main beach strip, but weekend crowds can empty them fast. Always arrive with enough cash for at least two nights.
El Salvador runs on the US dollar, and while hostels in San Salvador and El Tunco often take cards, you’ll still encounter plenty that want cash. My hostel in Santa Ana charged me extra 5% for using Visa, so I ended up paying in cash. ATMs from Banco Agrícola and Davivienda are easy to find in cities, but they sometimes have withdrawal limits. If you want to avoid headaches, bring cash for smaller hostels and keep your card for bigger, touristy ones.