FAQ
Do I need a visa to enter Nicaragua?
Visitors with a valid passport from the USA, Canada and most of Europe (Denmark, Finland, Holland, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea get a tourist card upon entry to Nicaragua (costs $5). Those from other countries should contact the Nicaraguan Consulate nearest them or call Nicaraguan Migration at +505-244-2111 for current entry requirements. Tourist cards are issued for 30 to 90 days and visas for 30 days. Both can be extended another 30 days at a time up to 90 days by visiting the Migration office in Managua and paying a $20 fee (per 30 days extension) or by leaving the country (to Costa Rica or Honduras) for a few days and then returning.
Do I need special immunizations to visit Nicaragua?
The Nicaragua government does not recommend nor require any special immunization to enter Nicaragua. Unless you are planning to go out to the campo and deep jungle, you don’t need any special shots or immunization to be able to enjoy yourself safely in Nicaragua, but make sure your normal vaccinations are current. Practicing good personal hygiene and being careful about what and where you eat outside of your home stay is your best defense against catching a tropical illness. If you do get sick, there are plenty of experienced doctors who can treat you at affordable rates (A typical medical consultation may cost between $10 and $15).
What are the Nicaraguan Holidays and are there classes on those days?
The schools observe the more important Nicaraguan holidays; there are no classes on those days, but activities and home stay are not affected, and the missed class hours are made up the following Saturday. The Holidays are: January 1st, Catholic Holy Thursday or Good Friday in March/April, May 1st, July 19th, August 1st, August 10th, September 14th or 15th, and December 25th.
How can I communicate with my family when I’m in Nicaragua?
Your family and friends can get in contact with you through your schools’ addresses and phone numbers provided by the schools, or through your family home stay. You can make long-distance calls from the local TELCOR office in each town or city. Economical e-mail and web phone service is also available in all of the towns or cities near where the schools are located. When you are settled in your home stay, you can contact your family and give them your home stay phone number and e-mail contact address.
How should I take my money and how much will I need?
We suggest you take your money in US dollars in $50 and $20 cash bills and American Express traveler’s checks and also bring a credit card. US dollars in small denominations are accepted as readily as córdobas for many transactions but it is easier to use córdobas, and you will usually get your change in córdobas. You can get US cash from “Credomatic” in Managua and córdobas from ATM´s in some Departments capital cities or tourist towns like SJDS or Granada using your credit or debit card. All banks change US dollars into córdobas. As of this update (Feb 2010), US$1 = C$21 (You can get the current exchange rate at www.xe.net/currency). It is generally safe to leave your money at your home stay and your home stay family should provide you with a locking drawer or cabinet in your room.