Nicaragua | North America

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, characterized by its volcanic landscape, colonial history, and an economy primarily based on agriculture and remittances; the capital city is Managua.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, all visitors must pay a $10 USD tourist entry fee in cash (exact change recommended). A $35 USD departure tax is usually included in air tickets, but land departures require a $10 USD exit fee (cash only). Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Prohibited items strictly enforced at customs include drones, binoculars, and high-end photography/videography equipment, which are subject to seizure.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English is common on the Caribbean coast (Bluefields, Corn Islands) and among tourism professionals in Granada and San Juan del Sur. In the rest of the country, Spanish is essential for daily interactions. Nicaraguan Spanish is noted for "voseo" (using vos instead of tú) and the aspiration of the final "s."

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO), though the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and functions as a secondary currency for tourism and larger transactions. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in major supermarkets, malls, and upscale hotels in Managua and Granada. Cash is mandatory for most local transport, small eateries (comedores), and markets. US dollars must be in pristine condition (no tears or markings) to be accepted.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is dominated by "chicken buses" (repurposed North American school buses) and more comfortable "Expresos" (minivans or larger coaches). There is no passenger rail system. Domestic aviation is handled by La Costeña, primarily serving the Caribbean coast and Corn Islands. For nautical transit, ferries and "lanchas" are the primary means to reach Ometepe Island and the Pearl Lagoons.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Claro and Tigo. 4G/LTE is reliable in major cities and along the Pacific corridor. As of 2026, 5G trials are underway in Managua, but commercial rollout remains limited. Public Wi-Fi is available in many municipal parks, though speeds are inconsistent. Remote regions in the Northern Highlands and the Caribbean coast have limited connectivity.

Climate & Seasonality

Nicaragua has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (Verano) runs from November to April and is the peak time for travel. The wet season (Invierno) spans from May to October, with peak rainfall in September and October. The Caribbean coast is significantly wetter and more prone to tropical storms year-round.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria and Dengue are present; use of insect repellent is advised. Tap water is generally not safe for direct consumption; bottled or purified water is required. Public expression of political views is discouraged due to local regulations. The emergency number for Police is 118 and for Fire is 115.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Pacific Lowlands: Hub: Granada (Colonial) and San Juan del Sur (Surf).

Western Highlands: Hub: León (Culture/Volcano boarding).

Northern Highlands: Hub: Estelí and Matagalpa (Coffee/Tobacco).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 35 NIO ($0.95 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 60 NIO ($1.65 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 600 NIO ($16.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world known to contain "freshwater" sharks (Bull sharks that swim up the San Juan River). Local folklore centers on "La Cegua," a shapeshifting witch who appears as a beautiful woman to unfaithful men, only to reveal a horse's skull face. Historically, Nicaragua is the only Latin American nation colonized by both the Spanish (Pacific side) and the British (Mosquito Coast), resulting in its distinct dual-cultural identity.