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SAFETY AND THE POLICE |
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Sadly, given the beauty of the country and the character of the
people, El Salvador can be a dangerous place to travel in. Since the
signing of the Peace Accords in 1992 street crime and delinquency have
risen, and levels of civil violence continue to spiral upwards. Carrying
weapons is commonplace, and holidays and festivals in particular can act
as flashpoints. While the chances of being caught up in a violent
incident are low, basic rules should be followed.
In San Salvador , very few people stay on the streets after dark,
particularly in the centre, and the streets themselves are generally
poorly lit. Outside the centre, the intimidation and threat is usually
more potential than actual, but do not walk around alone (this
especially applies to women), and always take taxis after dark, even if
you are only travelling a short distance. Outside the capital things are
more relaxed, but when walking around cities stick to the main roads and
take taxis at night. On the street don't flash large amounts of money or
obviously expensive cameras, watches or jewellery. Try not to look too
obviously lost and walk with confidence; if you think you've
inadvertently strayed into the wrong part of town simply retrace your
steps. The civil police are plentiful in San Salvador and other city
centres, and a pilot tourist police force has recently been set up in
the Zona Rosa and richer parts of the capital.
Bus hold-ups occasionally occur and there is nothing much you can do
about it; keep a close eye on the latest news about various areas before
you decide where to travel. Generally hold-ups are still comparatively
rare and affect the local population far more than tourists; whatever
happens, your life is far more important than anything you might be
carrying. Police checks occur on some buses entering the capital. Don't
be alarmed if you are asked to get off the bus to have your bag and body
searched. Be polite and patient and have a copy of your passport ready
for presentation.
Emergency numbers
Police tel 121 Cruz Roja (ambulance) tel 222 7749 or 222 4054 Fire tel
271 2227
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