Mexico & Central America

Money, cards and tipping in Nicaragua

Capital: ManaguaSpanish, EnglishUpdated October 2026

NIOCordoba

Money in Nicaragua

Mostly cash Córdobas for daily life; US dollars are widely accepted, especially in Granada and San Juan del Sur. Cards work in hotels and better restaurants. US$1 ≈ C$36.80 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Restaurants often add 10% service; leave about 10% if not. Tip guides and surf instructors.
ATMs: BAC and Banpro ATMs dispense córdobas or dollars; they're scarce outside cities, so stock up before Ometepe or Corn Islands.
Paying by phone: Rarely accepted beyond hotels and chains; plan on cash and cards.
Price level: about 34% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
San Juan del Sur	Mostly cash	Dollars and córdobas are both used. Cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants; ATMs are limited, so withdraw in advance.
Granada	Mostly cash	Dollars and córdobas are used; cards work in hotels and better restaurants. Plan on cash for taxis, markets and small shops.
León	Mostly cash	Córdobas and dollars both circulate; cards work in hotels and better restaurants. Cash for taxis, markets and small shops.
Ometepe	Cash only	Mostly cash. ATMs exist in Moyogalpa and sometimes run out; many lodges and shops are cash-only.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Nicaragua?

Restaurants often add 10% service; leave about 10% if not. Tip guides and surf instructors.

Is Nicaragua cashless?

Mostly cash. Córdobas for daily life; US dollars are widely accepted, especially in Granada and San Juan del Sur. Cards work in hotels and better restaurants.

What currency does Nicaragua use?

The Cordoba (NIO). US$1 ≈ C$36.80 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.