Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the entry requirements?
Most of citizens don’t need a visa to visit Nicaragua; you just need to pay the tourist card (US $ 5) at your entrance in Nicaragua (airport or borders).
Citizens from the following countries need a visa to visit Nicaragua:

What are the customs regulations in Nicaragua?
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes an array of items for personal and professional use, as long as they do not appear in quantities that suggest commercial intent. Nicaragua laws require that baggage be examined and that travelers submit customs declarations listing all articles acquired abroad, whether you enter through the airport or a border.

When is the best time to travel to Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has 2 “seasons”: the dry and the green season. The dry season lasts from mid-November to mid-May; no rain during this time, the most pleasant period being from December to March. April and May are getting a little warmer.
Nicaragua generally gets good amounts of rain at the start ant the end of the rainy season, in June and October. But nothing terrible: we usually have between 0 and 2 hours a day, in the late afternoon.
Landscape is most beautiful between June to January.
Most tourists from North America and Europe come to Nicaragua between November and April, or in July and August.

Is bus transportation available?
Nicaragua has a cheap and quite efficient bus system. We recommend to avoid using public transportation in Managua, as you will be an easy target for pickpockets when the bus is loaded… If you want to use it to travel to the departments, it is inexpensive, quite efficient and with good frequency in most cases. But don’t expect to get a/c in public transportation, and don’t forget the temperature will range between 85 and 100 degrees (30 to 38 Celsius) year round…

What about taxis?
Taxis abound in most cities. They are quite inexpensive, but never forget to negotiate the fare before you aboard the cab; many times they charge per person. Also taxis are not always safe, mostly in Managua. And don’t forget you are an easy target… You’d rather go for hotels taxis, more expensive but safe, to street taxis.

Which special precautions do I need to have?
Please consider the following precautions during your trip, which are the same wherever you travel around the world:
Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger’s luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt.
Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers checks are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of your passport, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers. Valuable items should be left in a safe box. Avoid crowds as well as dark and lonely places, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons. In other words, take the same precautions you would have when visiting any other country, but do not let that decrease your enjoyment of this experience.

Should I drink the tab water?
If the water is safe to drink in all areas of the country, it still will be different from the one you are used to drink. So we suggest you to buy bottled water for drinking. If you purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, wash them with water before eating.

Telephone, fax, internet:
Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is: 116, local information: 112, long distance information: 124. .

What are the taxes in Nicaragua?
Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$32.00. (Subject to changes).
There is a 15% sales tax at hotels, restaurants, rental cars and most service industries, and an additional 10 % for service will be added at your restaurant and bar tab.

How should I plan a perfect trip to Nicaragua?
Find an advisor that knows the country. Many tourists are looking for the best deal which many times do not match with quality. Nicaragua is a new country regarding to tourism, so there are still some people in this business who are not very professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask for references when you are dealing with a travel agent or hotels. Nicaragua Adventures is a full service tour operator and ground transportation company with 8 years experience in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and have our offices in Managua, the capital. Our owners are European and moved to Central America in 1996. We are well established in Nicaragua and you can ask for references by the Ministry of Tourism (INTUR): imagen@intur.gob.ni

What should I bring?
Walking shoes, sunscreen, swim suits, casual clothes for nightlife and fine dining, insect repellent, map of Nicaragua, sandals - sunglasses & hat, necessary medications, rain jacket, a pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary, a small first aid kit, binoculars – Digital or regular camera with film, passport, traveler's checks – cash (in US Dollars only, Euro are never accepted here!) Credit cards, driver’s license.

What is the time zone in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time, but does not observe daylight savings time. Sun rise is around 5.30. am, sundown about 6.15. am all year long.

What are the business hours?
Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Governments offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses in shopping centers and malls are open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Most commercial business open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.

Tips about driving!
To rent a car you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a credit card (Visa, Amex or MasterCard). Gasoline is available at stations throughout the country, most are open 24 hours. You need good car insurance, which is included in your contract with the car rental.
If you are involved in a traffic accident: Do not loose your temper, do not leave the place of the accident, do not move the car, cooperate with the legal authorities, do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability, and contact your rental car company immediately. For more information, please look at our section: car/van rental

How much should I tip?
Most bars and restaurants will add a 10 % tip to your bill so read your bill before paying a tip. However you are free to tip the waiter, as well as your tour guide and driver, if you are happy with the service you have been given!

Our Reservation Policies
Reservations can be made through one of the following methods.

-By e-mail, the best way: send a mail to: info@nica-adventures.com
travelnicacr@yahoo.com
You will receive a confirmation of your request within 24 hours.

-By fax if you don’t have a mail: (505) 276-1125

-By mail: Nicaragua Adventures
P.O. Box LM 246
Managua, Nicaragua.

Our Cancellation Policies
The following fees will be charged:
23 days or more before arrival: 15 % of the amount + transfer fees;
22 to 15 days: 20 % + transfer fees;
14 to 7 days: 50 %;
Less than 7 days: no refund.
Those conditions do not apply for groups (10 or more people).