FAQs

Question

What do I need to enter Nicaragua?

Answer

When entering customs in Nicaragua you'll need a passport and $10 which gets your tourist visa and entry into Nicaragua. And they now require and negative covid test (PCR) within 72 hours of entering the country.

Question

When traveling between countries or heading back to the US

Answer

So in order to get back to the US or travel between countries you'll need you vaccination card and a negative covid test (72-48) before crossing the boarder. We found these authorized CDC tests that will work while traveling. They are approved PCR test, our suggestion in buying one so you can avoid paying more and inconveniencing your trip, there's only one clinic in Nicaragua that does an approved PCR test and it cost $150. The website is below let us know if you have any questions or concerns. https://www.emed.com/airline-travel?gclid=CjwKCAjw7rWKBhAtEiwAJ3CWLI_Kphr3r3oskDPu5U7O9AxzTicg-zo1zBRDoH_fyYC3vbGB_EIN0BoCTcAQAvD_BwE

Question

Airline Travel Info

Answer

Due to Covid only Avianca and COPA are traveling, October is the expected dates for everyone else. Nicaragua (MGA) is the Airport. United normally has a layover in Houston (IAH) Avianca always connects in El Salvador (SAL) other possible connection are Washington DC (IAD) American Airlines connects through Miami (MIA) Spirit connects through Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Our personal favorite when traveling from LA is Avianca for one main reason. It's the shortest total time from gate to gate. And when connecting in El Salvador you don't have to go through customs, just change gates. Total time from gate to gate is 7-8 hours from gate to gate, from LA. United is solid normally and probably the most expensive. The connections in Houston aren't too bad normally but total time would be around 8-10 hours gate to gate. American Arlines and Spirit are going to be the cheapest options, just be careful with Spirit's additional fee's.

Question

Covid Airline Info

Answer

We don't know specifics of each airline, we do know Avianca is requiring you to submit your negative covid test 36 hrs before the flight. So please check out your airlines specific policy

Question

Will I need a car?

Answer

We suggest to rent a car if you going to the beach, a 4x4 is better but not essential. If you choose to go taxi in Granada and San Juan Del Sur, we suggest agreeing on a price before taking a ride. In Tola there is no option of taxi, just move around in your own car or walk it's not a huge town.

Question

If we decide to rent a car how is driving around in Nicaragua?

Answer

It's honestly not bad, firstly we drive on the same side of the road and on the same side of the car, so no worries there. Second, speed limits are much slower than the states because all of the horses and ox and people share the same roads. The trickiest part is the roundabouts, they're not that big some up to 3 lanes roundabouts wide. However, this could be a deal breaker, most cars are not automatic, it's never too late to learn!

Question

How much should a taxi be from the airport?

Answer

To be honest we're not exactly sure. At most from Managua to Granada it should be $75 but let's see how good your negation skills are. We think the lowest would be around $40. A car rental would be cheapest starting at $65 (smart car) a week, up to $300 (4x4 pickup). Contact us if you have questions about this.

Question

Do I need my passport on me always?

Answer

No, but yes. Normally if your driving and you get pulled over they will ask for your passport. Other than that you wont need it, minus leaving the country, so take care of it. When going out your DL will work for your form of ID.

Question

Will my phone work?

Answer

Your phone will, only if you use any major cellphone carrier, like Verizon, At&t, etc. With Verizon they charge $10/day to use your phone like normal with limited data. If you're unsure call you provider and ask. Another less expensive option if you want is to buy a sim card, the providers in Nicaragua are Tigo and Claro. Most places have Wifi if you don't want to pay.

Question

If I decide not to pay for my phone how do I communicate with others?

Answer

We suggest you download WhatsApp before coming to Nicaragua. It's a way to text or call with others in your contacts using just the Wifi.

Question

What's the weather like?

Answer

Hot. Humid. It shouldn't be too rainy during this time of year but bringing a raincoat might ensure it doesn't rain. Also check the weather when your packing.

Question

What wildlife or bugs should I know about?

Answer

Wildlife is different from the states specially around the beach/jungles so keep an eye on scorpions, snakes and bugs. Bring your off for mosquitos bites. Dengue and zika are in Nicaragua but rare.

Question

Is the water ok to drink?

Answer

Drinking water from the tap is not the end world, Steven drank it for weeks and had no issues, you should not have issues either but if you want to feel more safe you can always buy bottles. Don't be too paranoid, at the very least you can use tap to brush your teeth.

Question

Do I need to worry about anything involving the food?

Answer

Nope! The food is amazing in Nicaragua. The meat is grass fed and you can taste the difference. Steven has never been sick from the food, on his many travels over the years.

Question

Anything else we should know about?

Answer

Well yes, I'm sure we missed a few things. Here are a couple links to a bunch more info about Nicaragua. https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/nicaragua-travel-guide http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/nicaragua-population/