What safety precautions should I take when visiting El Salvador?

Standard travel precautions will serve you well in El Salvador. Use Uber or DiDi rather than hailing random taxis. Keep your phone in your pocket when walking in busy areas. Don't carry large amounts of cash ??? ATMs are widely available. Use your hotel safe for passports and valuables. In beach towns, don't leave belongings unattended on the sand. Avoid walking on the beach alone at night. In San Salvador, stick to well-known neighborhoods (Escalon, Zona Rosa, Santa Elena) and use rideshares between destinations. Learn a few Spanish phrases ??? locals appreciate the effort and it helps in any situation. Register with your embassy before traveling. Keep digital copies of your passport and important documents. Drink bottled water in rural areas (tap water in cities is generally safe). Most importantly, connect with the local community ??? Salvadorans are incredibly warm and helpful, and locals are your best source of current safety information.