7/24/09

Crossing this border onto the CA-2 highway in El Salvador was a bit of a long, hot process.  We had to get the Guatemalan vehicle permit canceled, which took about 20 minutes, and get a new permit from El Salvador which took 3+  hours.  The Guatemalan side stamped us out, even though the CA-4 tourist visa is supposed to be good for all four countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua) for the duration of 90 days.  On the El Salvador side, the immigrations officer just pointed to the original stamp in our passports and said we didn’t need a new one, so we will see what happens when we cross the next border.  

Luckily, the El Salvador customs and immigration area is full of friendly vendors so you won’t go hungry or thirsty while you wait.  There are money changers on both sides of the border, we used our wait time on the El Salvador side to change our money into dollars.  That’s right, U.S. dollars!  It seems strange to be using the dollar again, but it is highly functional. There are lots of people around and even a goat wandering through the offices so you won’t lack for entertainment.  However be prepared for a potentially long wait and lots of people cutting the line.  Be persistent and happy that you will be crossing onto well-signed, nicely paved roads!