How to Ship to El Salvador from the US
El Salvador has a large diaspora community in the US — particularly in the Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York areas — and family shipments (remesas en especie) are a major part of this corridor. El Salvador uses the US dollar as its official currency since 2001, making declared values and duty calculations straightforward. In 2021, El Salvador also adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, though this doesn't affect package shipping.
El Salvador's customs (DGA) charges import duties plus IVA (13% VAT). El Salvador applies simplified clearance for personal-use packages up to approximately $200 USD. Above that, standard tariff rates (0–20% depending on HS code) plus IVA apply. El Salvador is part of CAFTA-DR, which provides reduced duties on many US-origin goods.
Typical 1 lb cost
$35–$55 USD
Typical transit
4–15 business days
Carrier Options to El Salvador
DHL Express Worldwide
Best for El Salvador. 2-4 business days to San Salvador. Strong Central America network.
FedEx International Priority
2-4 business days. Good tracking and reliable delivery.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
3-5 business days. Good coverage in San Salvador metro.
USPS Priority Mail International
7–21 business days via Correos de El Salvador. Budget option for non-urgent items.
Customs Forms Required
CN22 for items under $400. CN23 + commercial invoice for higher-value shipments.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Firearms without Policía Nacional Civil authorization
- ✕Illegal drugs and narcotics
- ✕Counterfeit goods
- ✕Fresh agricultural products without SAG permit
- ✕Pornographic material
El Salvador-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 El Salvador uses USD — no currency conversion needed for declared values or duty calculations
- 💡 CAFTA-DR: many US-origin goods qualify for reduced or zero duty — check HS code eligibility
- 💡 Personal packages under ~$200 USD often receive simplified DGA clearance
- 💡 IVA (13%) applies to all imports regardless of value
- 💡 Include recipient phone number — San Salvador addresses use zones (zonas) and streets that can be unfamiliar
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping to El Salvador take?
Does CAFTA-DR help reduce duties?
Is El Salvador a reliable destination to ship to?
What taxes will the recipient pay?
Can I ship smartphones to El Salvador?
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