Etiquette and Manners in El Salvador

El Salvador has also experienced a bloody civil war, devastating natural disasters, and a pernicious gang problem. Despite these difficulties, Salvadorans have an uncanny resilience, as well as a wonderfully endearing friendliness and hospitality toward visitors. As their guest, keep in mind that this is a conservative culture in which politeness and respect are expected of both foreigners and locals. Here's a primer on making a good first impression:

• Meeting and Greeting
  • Salvadoran women often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.
  • Close friends may hug and kiss on the right cheek.
  • Men shake hands with other men and with women, although they wait for the woman to extend her hand.
  • While shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias"(good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening).
  • In many ways El Salvador is a formal culture where only close friends and family use first names.
  • Refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Senor or Senora) and their surname until invited to move to a first name basis.

• Gift Giving Etiquette
  • Salvadorians give gifts for birthdays, Christmas or New Year, as well as religious events in a person’s life.
  • A young girl’s 15th birthday is considered a special date and is much celebrated.
  • If invited to someone's home, bring flowers, good quality spirits, pastries, imported sweets for the hosts.
  • A bouquet of roses is always well received.
  • Do not give lilies or marigolds as they are used at funerals.
  • Do not give scissors or knives as they indicate you want to sever the relationship.
  • If you know the person well, perfume is an excellent gift.
  • Gifts are generally opened when received.

• Dining Etiquette
  • Salvadorans enjoy socializing and are extremely hospitable.
  • It is rude to leave immediately after eating; you are expected to stay for at least an hour after dinner to converse with your hosts and the other guests.
  • Never arrive on time when invited to a home. Although it may sound strange you should arrive a little later than invited, i.e. 30 -45 minutes late.
  • Dress well as this affords the host respect.
  • Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.
  • It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.
  • Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
  • Guests are served first.
  • The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.
  • Food is always eaten with utensils. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork.
  • It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
• Tipping
  • Tipping isn’t really part of the culture in El Salvador.
  • You will find that most restaurants include a 10% tip in their bills and, although you can give an additional tip, it’s not expected.
  • Likewise, tips are not expected by taxi drivers or other service providers.
  • However, if you choose to give a tip to porters in a hotel for carrying your baggage, then this is a more common practice.