Practical Information

Visas/Formalities

Documents needed to enter the country as a tourist:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival required by all.
• Most travelers don't need a visa to enter Nicaragua and will obtain a 90 days Tourist Card on arrival for US$10 (EU and US citizens, and some Latin American countries). Other national do need to get a visa prior to their trip. Please consult the Nicaraguan embassy in your country. 

Money

Nicaragua's money is the Córdoba (C$) (also called peso, real or cord).  US dollar is also accepted almost everywhere.

There are plenty of ATMs in touristic areas. You will have more troubles withdrawing money in more remote areas such as Ometepe Island and the Caribbean coast.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, bars and restaurants, though you can sometimes avoid an extra 15% tax by paying cash.

Health and Safety

 Health

Consult your doctor at least two months before leaving for Nicaragua. These shots/pills may need to be taken before departing or during your stay:
    - Yellow Fever. Compulsory.
    - Hepatitis A. Recommended.
    - Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Typhoid Recommended for a stay more than    3 months.
    - Malaria. Recommended only if leaving for very remote places.

The most important to remember while on vacation in Nicaragua is to always watch what you consume. It is a rare find that tourists fall sick because of the food they eat, but some have upset stomach (and even intestine parasites) from the water they drink. Bottled water is consequently an astute choice to drink at all time during your stay in Nicaragua. It is cheap and accessible even in the smallest villages. Also always have in your backpack or pocket a mosquito repellant. It is quite effective considering mosquitoes living in the tropical areas could be the cause of Yellow Fever, Dengue or Malaria.

Safety

Just like traveling to any other parts of the world, bear in mind the safety precautions when traveling to Nicaragua. The country is acknowledged to be the safest in Central America although occasional minor thefts and robberies do take place here. But extreme violence and kidnapping are rare conducts, and therefore there should be minimal worry when visiting Nicaragua.

However, always use common sense and do a little research before exploring new places. That will help you find out which areas are safe and which are less safe. It also will help you avoid possible crimes. Nicaraguans in general are very friendly and helpful in containing you with useful information regarding safety. They will let you know which places you should be careful at if you ask them politely. It is normally around the bus stations at night when safety starts to be a concern in the country. Therefore, taking a taxi when the sun is already down may be a wiser option than walking.
It is also advised not to walk on the beach alone at night.

It is best not to tempt robberies while you are in the public places. Displaying your wealth stuffed in your bulky wallet is highly not advisable. Always take some necessary amount of money when you get out of the hotel. If you do have to bring more, keep it in a separate pocket or wallet inside your bag. It is also a good thing to keep an eye on your luggage.

Take caution when you are staying in a place that is lacking infrastructure and communication facilities. This is especially at the undeveloped nature reserves and small islands.

Again, Nicaragua is considered the safest country in Central America, but bearing these tips in mind and always using common sense are a good start to do your Nicaraguan adventure.