Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Nicaragua depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for NicaraguaEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 118
- Ambulance
- 128
- Fire
- 115
Currency
- Name
- Nicaraguan Córdoba
- Code
- NIO
- Symbol
- C$
USD widely accepted alongside córdobas. ATMs available in Managua, Granada, and León. Cards accepted at larger hotels; carry cash for most restaurants and transport.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 120V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
CST (UTC−6) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–April is the dry season — ideal for Granada and León's colonial architecture, Ometepe Island, and volcano boarding down Cerro Negro. May–October is wet season; the Pacific lowlands get heavy afternoon rains. The Caribbean coast (Corn Islands) is warm and accessible year-round.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Not always expected — appreciated in tourist restaurants |
| Taxis | Agree fare before | No meters in most cities — negotiate before entering |
| Guides | $5–10 USD per tour | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Modest dress in churches — Colonial churches in Granada and León are beautiful; cover shoulders and knees
- Practical clothes for volcano hiking and jungle tours
Social Etiquette
- Nicaraguans are proud, direct, and politically aware — the Sandinista revolution (1979) and US involvement are part of the national consciousness
- Hospitality is warm and genuine
- Ometepe Island (two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua) is one of Central America's most magical places
- The political situation (under President Ortega) is tense — exercise caution with political conversation and photography near government facilities
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- The political situation has restricted civil liberties significantly since 2018 — check your government's travel advisory before visiting
- Drug trafficking carries severe sentences
- LGBTQ+ activity is not criminalised but social attitudes are conservative and mixed — legal protections are limited
- Photography near government buildings, military, and police requires caution
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola / Buenas | OH-lah / BWEH-nahs |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| Dude / friend (slang) | Chochito / Nica | choh-CHEE-toh / NEE-kah |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto es? | KWAHN-toh es |
| Beautiful | Qué chévere / Qué bacán | keh CHEH-veh-reh / keh bah-KAHN |
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