Nicaragua is a breathtaking destination filled with lush jungles, captivating volcanoes, and charming colonial towns. However, traveling there comes with its own unique challenges and surprises. Before you pack your bags, there are a few things you need to know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Please keep in mind that these are generalizations and don't represent the entire Nicaraguan population. These were simply our experiences while in Nicaragua. We don't say any of this to discourage you from visiting, but rather to help inform you to help you set realistic expectations and to stay while abroad in Nicaragua.
Here’s a list of 10 things I wish I had known before visiting Nicaragua to help you prepare better than I did.
Corruption is a well-known issue in Nicaragua, and travelers should be prepared to encounter it during their visit. Bribes are incredibly common, and it’s not unusual to be stopped by police for minor or fabricated infractions. Often, these stops are an attempt to solicit a small "fine" to allow you to continue on your way. It’s advisable to remain calm and polite in such situations, and some travelers recommend carrying a small amount of cash specifically for these encounters. While we never advise paying for bribes, it on occasion has been the only way we've been able to continue on our way. Generally if you're patient and wait out the authority figure who is trying to get a bribe they'll eventually get tired of you and tell you to go along.
One example of us dealing with this is being pulled over by a police officer standing on the side of the road while we were driving by. He was claiming that I was passing illegally and that I needed to pay him. I truly didn't have any cash on me at the time so I couldn't even if I agreed to. He took my license from me and refused to give it back until I paid him. I told him he could follow us to the police station but that I was not under any circumstance leaving my license alone with him. He ended up giving it back and told us to go on but that next time I would be arrested. It should be noted that while we were sitting on the side of the road dealing with this, countless cars were speeding past and doing exactly what he was claiming I did. The only difference? I had an American license plate. He didn't even wave me down to stop until he could see we were clearly foreigners.
Note: We had many instances where people were trying to bribe us and make us pay them crazy amounts of money for absolutely nothing. Just be aware the bribery and " gringo taxes" (making you pay more because you're foreign) are very common in Nicaragua.
While Nicaragua is rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences, its infrastructure lags behind other countries in Central America. Roads are often unpaved or in poor condition, especially in rural areas. Public transportation can be unreliable and chaotic, so patience is key. Be prepared for long travel times between destinations, and if you're renting a car, try to get a four-wheel drive as it will come in handy for navigating rough terrain.
Healthcare facilities in Nicaragua are not up to the standards you may be used to. While there are hospitals and clinics in larger cities like Managua, the quality of care is inconsistent and adequate at best. Smaller towns often lack medical resources altogether. It’s crucial to make sure you're in good health before traveling. Also, invest in comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergencies, including airlifts to nearby countries if specialized medical attention is needed. Better safe than sorry! We always recommend SafetyWing which you can create a free account with HERE. We also have a complete review of our SafetyWing policy if you're curious what all it consists of and what it costs.
Unlike some other popular Central American travel destinations, English is not widely spoken in Nicaragua. Even in tourist areas, many locals primarily speak Spanish. Brush up on some basic Spanish phrases or download a translation app before you go—it will vastly improve your interactions and make traveling around easier. Checkout our guide to essential Spanish phrases every traveler should know to help you get started brushing up before your trip.
Note: In our experience when people did speak English they would pretend not to so they wouldn't have to deal with us.
While we met many locals who were incredibly kind and welcoming, generally speaking, the majority of Nicaraguans were not very friendly towards. We understand countries such as Nicaragua aren't exactly thrilled with seeing foreigners coming in, disrespecting their homes/cultures, and driving up prices. However, the level of hostility we experienced from locals repeatedly was so much greater than any other Central American country that we think it's worth noting here.
Packing for Nicaragua requires some extra attention. Certain items, like drones and night vision binoculars, are outright banned and can land you in serious trouble if brought into the country. Double-check Nicaragua’s customs regulations before packing your bags. Stick to the essentials, and avoid carrying anything that could raise eyebrows at the airport or borders.
Nicaragua uses the Córdoba as its official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many places. Still, it’s a good idea to always have local currency on hand, especially for small purchases at local markets or in rural areas. The dual currency system can be confusing—be sure you’re clear on whether prices are being quoted in dollars or Córdobas to avoid being overcharged.
While Nicaragua is generally safer than its reputation might suggest, petty crime such as pickpocketing and car break-ins are still fairly common. Always keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid leaving valuables in cars and use anti-theft travel bags to deter pickpockets. Awareness and preparation can go a long way in keeping you and your stuff safe.
If you're planning to stay connected during your trip, be aware that WiFi and cell coverage can be unreliable, particularly outside major cities. Some hotels and cafes offer WiFi, but the connection is often slow and inconsistent. It’s a good idea to download offline maps and save any essential travel information in advance.
Nicaragua’s natural beauty is one of its main draws, but it comes with risks. The country is home to active volcanoes, and earthquakes are fairly common in the region. Always check for active volcano warnings before setting off on hikes, and follow local advice and safety protocols. The lush jungles are also home to potentially dangerous wildlife, so staying informed and prepared is key.
While rare, wrongful detentions of tourists do occur in Nicaragua, often tied to misunderstandings or overly strict interpretations of local laws. It’s important to carry proper identification at all times and remain respectful toward authorities. Dealing calmly with any situations can make a big difference, and having the contact details of your country's embassy can provide added security.
When we were trying to cross the border out of Nicaragua into Costa Rica we ran into an issue where they were trying to wrongfully detain us. They wouldn't let us into Costa Rica but we also weren't allowed to enter back into Nicaragua. They wanted a bribe but we refused to pay it. As the offices were closing for the evening they eventually gave up and told us to go on to Costa Rica. This was a headache of an ordeal though and it was incredibly infuriating.
Nicaragua has been on the rebound from political turmoil, but civil unrest is still a reality in some areas. Protests and demonstrations can turn violent, so it’s best to avoid large gatherings altogether. Never discuss politics openly or with strangers to avoid misunderstandings. Monitor local news and government travel advisories to stay up-to-date on the situation during your visit.
Nicaragua is a country of contrasts—its breathtaking natural scenery and welcoming locals make it an incredible destination, but it’s also a place where preparation is crucial. If you keep these tips in mind and plan carefully, you can focus on enjoying everything Nicaragua has to offer while staying safe and stress-free.
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