Capital: Managua
Time zone: GMT – 6
Telephone services: Country Code: 505
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 118, Fire – 265 0162, Ambulance – 265 1761.
Tourist information: Instituto Nicaragüense de Turismo (Inturismo), Hotel Intercontinental, 1 cuadra al Oeste y L cuadra al Lago, Managua, Nicaragua Tel: (2) 281 137 or 227 185 Fax: (2) 281 187
Passport information: Valid passport required by all, valid for a further 6 months (minimum). Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure
Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the UK for up to 90 days (all other nationals do require a visa) Nationals of Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hungary, Honduras, Liechtenstein, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists in the Vivax variety from June to Dec in the rural areas and the outskirts of towns
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Rabies
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Nicaraguan Gold Córdobe (NIO) = 100 centavos.
Credit cards have limited use. Travellers cheques are accepted, preferably in US dollars.
ATM availability: Unavailable.
Cost of living: Relatively inexpensive but accommodation is in short supply.
Languages: Spanish. English is also spoken along the Mosquito Coast.
Weather: Tropical climate. Raining season = June – Nov. The mountains in the North are much cooler
Electricity: 110 Volts AC, 60 Hz
Post: Up to 2 weeks. Poste Restante is available in Managua
Transport: ROADS: Tarred roads exist to San Juan del Sur and Corinto. CAR HIRE: Available in Managua or at the airport. This is the most convenient way of travelling because public transport if often over crowded. DOCUMENTATION: National licences are only valid for 30 days. BUS: There is a service to the main towns, booking seats in advance is recommended. TAXI: Fares should be agreed in advance.
Special information: HIGH RISK: Hurrican Keith in 2000 caused severe flooding. Travel is still affected but conditions are improving. Check with embassy on arrival. Violent outbursts and bandit like activities do take place preceding major political events. Be prepared for for pick pocketing during your stay. Do not walk alone at night. PHOTOGRAPHY: Avoid taking photos of military installations.