Key facts
Nicaragua is a country located in Central America. There are 2 countries (Costa Rica, Honduras) that Nicaragua shares its borders with. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. Traveling across Nicaragua if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Nicaragua was ranked 76th out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Nicaragua is Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO). The córdoba (C$) is subdivided into 100 centavo.
Nicaraguan
Banknotes
C$10C$20C$50C$100C$200C$500
Nicaraguan
Coins
5102550C$1C$5C$10
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Nicaragua is 73.42 Mbps and mobile is 26.59 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density It may be difficult to locate an ATM in Nicaragua.21.66 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration You can buy a SIM card in Nicaragua without having to register it with your ID or passport.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Nicaragua. Type A & Type B are widespread in North America (incl. the U.S.), Central America, Japan, and the Philippines.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Nicaragua will celebrate 12 national public holidays. The next one Labour Day will take place on May 1.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day | |
| February 1, 2024 | Air Force DayAir Force Day | |
| April 4, 2024Moving holiday | Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday | |
| May 1, 2024 | Labour DayLabour Day | |
| May 27, 2024 | Army DayArmy Day | |
| July 19, 2024 | Liberation DayLiberation Day | |
| September 14, 2024 | Battle of San JacintoBattle of San Jacinto | |
| September 15, 2024 | Independence DayIndependence Day | |
| October 12, 2024 | Indigenous Resistance DayIndigenous Resistance Day | |
| December 8, 2024 | Immaculate ConceptionImmaculate Conception | |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas DayChristmas Day | |
| December 31, 2024 | New Year’s EveNew Year’s Eve |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Nicaragua?
There are no Mariott hotels in Nicaragua.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Nicaragua.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Nicaragua.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Nicaragua.
There are no Radisson hotels in Nicaragua.
There are no Accor hotels in Nicaragua.
What fast food chains are present in Nicaragua?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Nicaragua.
The KFC chain does not operate in Nicaragua.
The Burger King chain operates in Nicaragua.
The Subway chain operates in Nicaragua.
The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Nicaragua.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Nicaragua.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Managua?
Weather data for Managua (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are no passenger trains available.
Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.
Taxi Apps Unfortunately neither Uber nor Bolt are available in Nicaragua.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Nicaragua
Sources
- Nicaragua Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Nicaragua (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban No known rules against smoking, or no information is available.
Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.
Sources
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)