Travel Essentials › Nicaragua
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 120 V. Emergency: Police 118, Ambulance 128, Fire 115. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants if not already included; small tips for guides and porters. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types A and B, 120 V
| Police | 118 |
| Ambulance | 128 |
| Fire | 115 |
About 10% in restaurants if not already included; small tips for guides and porters.
Greetings. A handshake is standard on first meeting; friends often greet with a cheek kiss; taking time for polite conversation before business is expected.
Family and respect. Family is central to Nicaraguan life; showing respect to elders and asking about family is appreciated small talk.
Modest, casual dress. Dress is generally casual but neat; swimwear should be limited to beach and pool areas.
Nicaragua is relatively safe for tourists compared to some neighbors, with low rates of violent crime against visitors, though political tensions and poor road conditions/road safety are ongoing concerns worth checking before travel.
Inflated taxi fares. Taxis often lack meters; agree on a price before getting in, and use licensed taxis or hotel-arranged transport.
Fake tour operators. Unlicensed operators may take payment for tours that don't materialize; book through verified, reviewed agencies.
Online romance/authority scams. Scammers pose as romantic interests or claim to be officials demanding money; never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
Card skimming and unsolicited ATM help. Be wary of strangers offering to help at ATMs and check card readers for skimming devices.
Women travelers. Solo women travelers generally report Nicaragua as manageable with standard precautions; avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious with new acquaintances.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 2008 and some workplace/health discrimination protections exist, but same-sex marriage and adoption are constitutionally banned, and the overall human rights climate under the Ortega government has worsened for LGBTQ+ people along with civil society broadly.
| Coffee (café) | NIO 45 | $1.25 |
| Local bus or metro ride | NIO 5-15 | $0.15-0.40 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | NIO 180-360 | $5-10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | NIO 180-500 | $5-14 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | NIO 900-2,000 | $25-55 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | NIO 2,300 | $65 |
2026-09
The dry season, November to April, is best for sunny days and easy travel; the wet season (May-November) coincides with hurricane season and can bring landslides and flooding, especially on the Caribbean coast.