Make the preparation part of your order
Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. [source] Ask about preparation before you pay or sit down. You can request a freshly prepared dish and ask when it will be ready. Ask specifically how your dish will be prepared.
Avoid raw meat and seafood. [source] If you are unfamiliar with a dish, ask what is in it and whether the meat or seafood is cooked. The name on a menu may not answer either question. Point to the item and ask the person taking your order to explain it.
Use the food allergy request guide to prepare a fill-in English and Spanish card for naming a specific allergy before ordering. Use the pupusa ordering guide for the dough and filling words used to make a simple order.
When the bill arrives, use the restaurant bill and tipping guide to read the tip and total before paying.
Decide how you will handle drinks
Use bottled drinking water and check the seal. [source] [source] For other drinks, ask about ice before preparation. Skip it when you cannot establish that it was made with safe water. [source]
Keep the wording simple: “Sin hielo, por favor” means “Without ice, please.” If you want ice, ask “¿El hielo está hecho con agua purificada?” — “Is the ice made with purified water?” The drinking water page covers water at your accommodation and when brushing your teeth.
What should you do with fruit?
Peel fruit yourself or wash it with safe water. [source]
Wash your hands before eating or preparing food. [source] Plan for that step when you stop for lunch, especially if you have been handling money, luggage or shared equipment.
Plan where to get help before you need it
Save the medical care information with your accommodation details. Check travel insurance arrangements before departure, and keep the emergency page accessible on your phone.
Common questions
What should I check before ordering?
Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot, and avoid raw meat and seafood. Before ordering a drink, ask what water was used to make the ice. Skip the ice if you cannot establish that it was made with safe water. [source] [source] [source]
How should I handle fruit and drinking water?
Peel fruit yourself or wash it with safe water. Wash your hands before eating or preparing food. Use bottled drinking water in El Salvador and check that the seal is intact before opening it. Skip ice if you cannot establish that it was made with safe water. [source] [source] [source] [source] [source]
Sources
- Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
- Avoid raw meat and seafood.
- Peel fruit yourself or wash it with safe water.
- Use bottled drinking water in El Salvador.
- Check that bottled drinking water has an intact seal.
- Skip ice when you cannot establish that it was made with safe water.
- Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.