£1 NIO 49.28
Today
9:56 pm
-6h from you
Weather in Nicaragua
Nicaragua
34°
Partly cloudy
Wed
24
34
Thu
23
34
Fri
24
34
Sat
24
34
Sun
24
35
SPF level in Nicaragua
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Nicaragua
Tipping in Nicaragua
Tipping is becoming more common in Nicaragua, especially in tourist areas. While not always expected, it is greatly appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
10% of the bill
Bar/Café
10% of the bill, or round up
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
10-20 NIO per bag (~£0.20-0.40)
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 NIO per day (~£0.40-£1)
Tour Guide
10% of the tour cost
Safety in Nicaragua
Tips for British travellers
Nicaragua is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep car windows closed and doors locked due to attacks on people in vehicles.
Avoid walking after dark around markets, bus stations, or poorer areas of towns.
Only use radio-dispatched or authorised red-plate taxis to avoid express kidnappings.
Do not take a taxi that has been called for you by someone you do not know well.
Avoid exchanging money on the street as you could be assaulted or mugged.
Bonus tips:
Swim with caution on the Pacific coast due to strong currents and no lifeguards.
Avoid driving at night due to poor road conditions and low driving standards.
Driving in Nicaragua
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
45 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Nicaragua drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
118
Save 118 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Nicaragua
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Nicaragua uses 120V electricity. UK travellers will need a plug adapter for Type A and Type B sockets. Voltage converters may be required for some devices.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is growing, particularly in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, cash is still widely preferred.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Nicaragua
ATMs are mainly found in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural locations. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled for easier transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Nicaragua. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates and packages before traveling. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard international roaming rates will apply.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 300 NIO (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Claro, Tigo
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
While WiFi access is available in many establishments, the speed and reliability can vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more consistent data access, especially if traveling outside the main tourist hubs.
Health & vaccinations in Nicaragua
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation, as GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Nicaragua. Check the policy details carefully to ensure it covers all activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
It is crucial to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus and malaria are risks in Nicaragua, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling Nicaragua
Country code
+505
To call Nicaragua from the UK, dial 00 505 followed by the Nicaraguan number. There are no area codes.
To call the British Embassy in Managua from the UK, you would dial 00 505 2266 8000.
The country code for Nicaragua is 505. No area codes are used. When calling from abroad, dial the exit code of your country, followed by 505, then the local number.
UK Embassy in Nicaragua
British Embassy Managua
Edificio AVIA, Piso 12, Modulo B, Km 4 Carretera a Masaya, Managua, Nicaragua
Airport in Nicaragua
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.