Getting there :

Several international airlines such as American Airlines, Continental, Copa, Grupo Taca, Iberiaand Sol Air operate into ManaguaInternationalAirport. There are also national airlines such as La Costeña and Atlantic Airlines that operate domestic flights.

Clothing:

Nicaraguais a warm tropical country; therefore you should include fresh and light clothing. If you visit the Northern Area (Matagalpa, Estelí, Ocotal, etc) or plan to hike, you will need a light jacket. When you visit cloud forests such as Mombacho Volcano or Maderas, or humid zones such as the San Juan River, you should use waterproof clothing and shoes.

To not forget:

Do not forget to bring a photo camera, sun protector lotion, bathing suits, caps and insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites that are typical in a tropical climate.

Travel Documents:

Passport valid for at least six (6) months as of the date of entry into the country. Visas are not required for visitors from most of the countries in the world; only a US$ 5.00 tourist card purchased at the airport is required upon entry into Nicaragua.

For those countries requiring a visa, please consult the updated list in our web page.

If you wish to extend your visit in our country beyond thirty days, you could request an extension at the Immigration Offices in Managua.

Shopping:

When visiting Nicaragua, reserve space in your luggage for Arts and Crafts that you will purchase: hammocks, hand-carved wood or other souvenirs. Do not forget to visit our shopping centers: Centro Commercial Managua, Metrocentro and Plaza Inter, the Roberto Huembes Market and the Masaya Arts and Crafts Market.

Taxes and Tips:

15% Sales taxes apply to all purchases. Tips vary between 10% and 15% over service value.

Taxi drivers do not receive tips, but in hotels and at the airport a US$ 0.50 tip for each piece of luggage is reasonable.

Electricity:

110 Volts, 60 Hz.

Driving Permits :

Visitors can use their driver's license or permits from their country of origin for thirty-days as of their entry to Nicaragua.

Telephone Code :

(505) and the seven (7) digit telephone number

Currency Exchange to Cordobas:

You can exchange money at the Airport bank branches and in most banks and hotels in the city. Most banks have branches in other cities where it is possible to exchange money. American Dollars are easier to negotiate than other foreign currencies.

Traveler's Checks:

Most banks change American Dollars Traveler's Checks.

Credit Cards:

Most establishments accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express.

News Media:

Nicaraguahas two main newspapers and six television channels. There are several private and government radio stations, and cable television is available in almost the entire country, including the main USAtelevision channels.

Work Hours:

Most government offices open to the public from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 12:30m. and from 1:30 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.Private enterprise and banks share similar work schedules, including Saturdays till noon.

Transportation and Travel in Nicaragua:

There is an array of car rental services for traveling to most tourism destinations. Traveling on public buses is a great opportunity for those seeking to know Nicaraguans.

Ferry and boat services are available in Lake Nicaraguaand the San Juan River, reaching destinations with interesting tourism attractions.

Domestic Flights:

Domestic flights to several destinations in the country including the Islandsin the Caribbean, are served by national airlines.

* Source: Nicaragua Institute of Tourism - www.intur.gob.ni