Mexico & Central America
Nicaragua
Cheap and uncrowded, with Granada, León, Ometepe and Pacific surf towns. Street crime is moderate, but the authoritarian government can refuse entry, detain or expel foreigners, so travel quietly.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa89 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyNIOUS$1 ≈ C$36.80Details
- Price level34%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency118Police 118 · Ambulance 128 · Fire 115
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; many hostels offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalGranada, León and San Juan del Sur are fairly relaxed for visitors; rural areas are conservative.Details
- Internet103 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 28 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are accepted for tourist stays; carry your passport and expect police checkpoints. An IDP helps.
Where to go in Nicaragua
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan del SurTown | 3/5 | $1,030–1,630 | Dec–Apr | 60/100 |
| GranadaCity | 4/5 | $815–1,360 | Dec–Apr | 79/100 |
| LeónCity | 4/5 | $679–1,140 | Dec–Mar | 88/100 |
| OmetepeIsland | 4/5 | $679–1,140 | Dec–Apr | 90/100 |
When to visit Nicaragua
Dry season December–April is best on the Pacific side; March–April is very hot. May–November is green and rainy, and the Caribbean coast is wet year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Pay a US$10 tourist card in cash on arrival; the departure tax is usually included in air tickets.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds; stays can be extended up to 30 days for a fee.
- Airlines send passenger data in advance; journalists, clergy, NGO workers and government critics have been refused boarding or entry.
- Drones and e-cigarettes are banned and confiscated at the border.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Foreigners may not take part in political activity, including protests or campaigning with blue-and-white flags.
- Owning or flying drones is banned under a 2024 law.
- E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal to import, sell or use.
Etiquette
- Don't discuss politics or the government with strangers.
- Never photograph police, military or official buildings; ask before photographing people.
- Say 'buenas' when entering shops or boarding buses.
Tipping
Restaurants often add 10% service; leave about 10% if not. Tip guides and surf instructors.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Nicaragua
- Government of Canada travel advice: Nicaragua
- Speedtest Global Index: Nicaragua
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.