Location:

Located in the very heart of the Americas, Nicaragua borders to the north with Honduras, South with Costa Rica, East by the Caribbean Sea and west by the Pacific Ocean. With an extension of 130.668 Km2 Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America.

Population

The population is about 5,500,000 inhabitants. The more representative ethnic groups are Mestizos: 69%, European descendants 17%, African descendants 9%, Amerindian 5%. Catholicism is the predominant religion with 95% of the population.

Language

Spanish is the official language. English creole is widely spoken on the Caribbean as well as Miskito and other Amerindian languages.

Electricity

110 Volts, 60 Hz. Visitors from Europe and some other countries will need both a converter and an adapter with two parallel flat pins (as the used in North America) for any appliances they plan to bring along.

Weather

Temperatures are between 27ºC and 32ºC (81ºF y 90ºF) along the rainy season (locally called "invierno") and between 30ºC and 35ºC (86ºF and 95ºF) during the dry season (called "verano"). The Verano season runs approximately from November to April and Invierno from May to October.

Time

Nicaragua shares the Central America time (GMT-6). There is not daylight-saving time in Nicaragua.

Currency

The local currency is named Córdoba.You can exchange your traveler’s checks in most banks. The accepted credit card branches are MasterCard, Visa, Dinners Club and American Express.

Taxes and tips

The IVA (Value Added Tax) is the only tax that tourists must pay in Nicaragua which is 15%. Tips are voluntary, although most of the restaurants request 10%.

Security

Nicaragua is considered the safest country in Central America and the second one for Latin America.

Requirements to enter the country

When entering via the airport you have to buy a US$ 5.00 tourism card and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of entry. (The exit tax at the airport is US$ 35.00). If you enter the country by land, you have to pay an immigration tax of US$2.00 and a municipal tax of US$1.00.