The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador published an update marking the first anniversary of its Mi Viaje Financiero bus, a technology-enabled financial education initiative it describes as unique in Central America. Since 20 May 2024, the bus has toured all 14 departments and delivered interactive training to more than 27,000 students aged 13 to 18, visiting over 125 educational centres as well as public parks and squares in both rural and urban areas. The programme uses virtual reality headsets, touchscreens, mobile phones and other devices to simulate everyday digital financial services, including opening a savings account, using a debit card and ATM, making transfers via Transfer365, paying utility bills using the Electronic Payment Number (NPE) code, shopping online, making QR and point-of-sale payments, and an introduction to how a digital wallet works. The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador positioned each stop as a practical way for students to experience available digital financial services and build financial habits. The bank indicated that the first anniversary marks the start of further challenges and future tours, without setting out a detailed next-phase timetable.
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador 2025-05-20
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reports first-year results for Mi Viaje Financiero financial education bus
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador marked the first anniversary of its Mi Viaje Financiero bus, a financial education initiative using technology to teach digital financial services to over 27,000 students across 14 departments. The program uses virtual reality and other devices to simulate activities like opening savings accounts and making digital payments. The bank plans to continue the initiative with future tours, though specific timelines were not disclosed.