Nicaragua Travel Information

Bring a printed copy of this information with you on your trip by downloading our free travel guide.

Arriving at the Managua International Airport
When entering customs, or “aduana” at the Managua International Airport, you will be required to pay a US $5.00 entry fee which is payable ONLY in cash with U.S. Dollars or Nicaraguan Cordobas.  Upon payment, you will receive a tourist card and passport stamp.  If you plan to stay in a Managua hotel that does not have airport transportation, you will find plenty of taxis available for hire. Make sure to only hire a taxi with a red bordered license plate, as these are properly registered taxi service providers. Since some airlines only arrive late at night or leave early in the morning, we recommend staying in Managua for the night in order to avoid driving after dark. For an updated list of conveniently located hotel recommendations, download our Nicaragua Travel Guide.

Nicaragua Weather
Nicaragua has two distinct seasons: WET:  lasts from mid May to November, with May and October being the wettest.  Temperatures in the wet season usually range from 27°-32°C (80°-90° F).   During the wet season expect short daily showers and a lush, green environment.  The wet season coincides with the best surfing months in Nicaragua, as this is when swells from the southern hemisphere make their way up to Nicaragua. DRY:  lasts from December -April, with April being the hottest and driest. December and January have historically been the most popular travel months for tourists coming to Nicaragua because rain is very unlikely, the landscape is lush, and temperatures are very pleasant. There are times during these months when you actually want a sweater at night in San Juan del Sur, believe it or not. Temperatures in the dry season usually range between 30°-35° C (88°-95°F).  The dry season can be very dry and windy.    

Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets throughout Nicaragua are 110 volts, the same you will find in the United States and Canada. Both type A (2 parallel flat prongs) and type B (2 parallel flat prongs with a round “Earth connector”, or ground are used, but grounding should not be counted on, even if the socket has the ground connection.  Power surges are common, so be careful when plugging in a laptop or other expensive electronic devices.

Passports and Visas Information
Foreigners visiting Nicaragua must have a valid passport to enter the country. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.  Citizens of most countries are automatically given a tourist visa good for 90 days.  If you stay in Nicaragua for longer than 90 days, you will have to pay a fine at the airport or international border prior to your departure. Under this scenario, you will be stopped by customs when they check your passport for the stamp you received when entering Nicaragua. The fine is based on the number of days your visa is overdue and can only be paid in cash (again with US Dollars or Nicaraguan Cordobas). If you are flying out of Nicaragua and your visa is overdue, make sure to allow yourself enough time before your flight to deal with customs. If you wish to extend your visa during your visit, you will have to visit the Office of Immigration in Managua (Telephone +505.244.0741).  Extensions are valid for one month at a time and cost US$25.00 but are not always granted. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you may find it easier to cross the border into Costa Rica or Honduras and then return the same day.  If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to contact your embassy. All foreign Embassies and Consulates are located in Managua.

Safety and Health
Although Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in all of Latin America, you should always exercise common sense when it comes to your personal safety. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, lock your car, travel with other people, and don’t wander around alone late at night.  Registered taxis ALWAYS have license plates with red borders.  Most crime here is associated with alcohol consumption.  Be extremely careful driving at night, especially on Sunday night when a lot of the country has been drinking.  Swimming in the Pacific Ocean can be dangerous.  Lifeguard services in Nicaragua are extremely limited, so be aware of rip currents, rocks, and waves, and always swim at your own risk. Wash vegetables and fruits before eating them and do your best to avoid drinking the tap water.  Purified & bottled drinking water is cheap and easy to find.  Most restaurants serve purified water and virtually all ice comes from a national distributor that manufactures only with purified water.  Nicaragua is often hot and sunny so remember to use sunscreen and to stay hydrated.  It is a good idea to consult the Mexico and Central America page of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for up to date health recommendations and vaccination information. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionCentralAmerica.aspx

Medical Care
San Juan del Sur is equipped with a Health Clinic (Centro de Salud) that can address minor medical problems.  The closest major hospital is in Rivas, but we highly recommend going to Managua if you are in need of serious medical attention.  The most modern and reputable hospital in Managua is Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas, providing excellent medical care in a state of the art facility. 

There are a number of pharmacies (farmacias) in San Juan del Sur that sell a wide variety of medications, first aid products, and toiletries.  Most medicines are available without a prescription. 

Telephone Numbers at Hospital Metropolitan Vivian Pellas
From the USA or Canada: +1.305.396.2351
From Nicaragua:  255.6900
http://www.metropolitano.com.ni

Money
Nicaragua’s official currency is the New Cordoba, although US Dollars are widely accepted in most towns.  The New Cordoba is on a scheduled devaluation against the US Dollar, with its exchange rate changing daily.  There are four ATM machines and three banks in San Juan del Sur, where you can withdraw either Nicaraguan Cordobas or US Dollars.  There is also a Western Union for sending and receiving wire transfers.  Travelers Checks are not advisable as they are difficult and expensive to spend in Nicaragua.  Most businesses do not accept them and you may even have trouble cashing them at a bank.  Take your passport if you are going to the bank.  They will require it to complete any type of transaction including simply exchanging money.  Sales tax in Nicaragua is 15%.