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- Destinations
- South America
- Nicaragua
Nicaragua
In the past Nicaragua has swayed violently from right to left,
but the momentum has long settled and left the country clear to be
seen for its dramatic scenery. And yet, although the violence ended
two decades ago, the country has yet to re-brand itself from the
stigma of the past into the major tourist destination it might be
in the future. It is only a matter of time before more tourists
catch wind of what the lucky few visitors already have found;
Nicaragua has an entire geographical world within its borders. The
country is positioned between Costa Rica, to the south, and
Honduras to the north. It is flanked by oceans on two sides; the
Atlantic Caribbean stretches along its eastern shores and the
Pacific to the west. Lago de Nicaragua, a 92-mile (148km) long
freshwater and shark inhabited lake, dominates the terrain of the
southwest. Networks of interlacing rivers connect it all. As though
the land felt threatened by so much water, active volcanoes
smoulder and ooze lava fields. Rainforest blankets much of the
lowlands. The highlands shoot up mountain peaks and are the origin
of high-quality coffee beans. Incredible animals make their home in
these environments. Millions of sea turtles are born in the sandy
western beaches. Jaguars and three-toed sloths roam jungle
canopies. People of widely different languages and cultures inhabit
the less populated Caribbean coast. These reggae cultures, more in
tune with Caribbean lifestyle, are an ideal place to relax. The
less placid Pacific coastline produces great waves for surfing
vacations. The capital city, Managua, isn't a picturesque city but
is used by travellers for its modern facilities like airport and
hospitals. Other cities and towns are adorned with colonial style
architecture. These make romantic destinations more akin to their
days of Spanish colonisation than to the modern world. However
tourist infrastructure is not yet well developed. For some this can
mean unwanted difficulties, for others, a boon to the traveller who
enjoys unique experiences and undigested attractions.
Information & Facts
Climate
Nicaragua has a tropical climate with two seasons. The wet
season from June to January is defined by short heavy rainfalls
that can occur daily. On the east coast rains can last longer into
the year. The dry season from December to May has almost no rain
although temperature differences between the two seasons are
slight. Temperature fluctuations result from elevation. These range
from sea level and lowlands to highlands and highland peaks.
Lowland daytime temperatures average above 86
°F (30
°C) with sometimes 84 percent humidity and highlands above
75F
°(24
°C)
.
Communications
The international access code for Nicaragua is +505. The
outgoing code is 00 (00 44 for the United Kingdom) followed by the
relevant country code. The city area code for Managua is 2. Mobile
phones operate on GSM and 3G networks. Local mobile phone calls are
cheapest with locally bought SIM cards. Internet is widely
available in all cities although the connection speed is mostly
limited to 56k.
Customs
It is usual for adults in Nicaragua to live with their parents
and visitors should greet the oldest or most important person in a
group first. When shopping, it is customary to bargain for goods.
Homosexuality was just made legal in March 2008.
Duty Free
Visitors to Nicaragua may import up to 200 cigarettes/500g of
tobacco, three litres liquor, and one large or three small bottles
of perfume. Meat, dairy and leather products as well as matches are
restricted. Firearms require an import license.
Electricity
Electrical current in Nicaragua is 120 Volts, 60Hz.
Flat blade plugs are used.
Health
Medical facilities in Nicaragua are only found in major towns,
the best of which are in Managua. Rural communities lack modern
hospitals and equipment. If a hospital is needed, travellers should
indicate they desire a private hospital. Insect repellent should be
used to avoid malaria and dengue fever, both of which are carried
by mosquitoes. They should take choloroquine, for two weeks before
travel through four weeks after, to prevent malaria. Hepatitis A
and B, and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for travellers and
rabies vaccinations for travellers in contact with animals. The
most common affliction is traveller's diarrhoea which is
preventable by safe water and food consumption. Travellers should
not drink tap water and use common sense when addressing uncooked
foods. Visitors from a yellow fever infected area in the Americas
or Africa are required to prove they have had vaccination before
entry.
Language
The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish. Some
communities on the Caribbean coast speak indigenous languages.
English is understood at some tourist destinations.
Money
The currency is named the Córdoba but commonly referred to as
the peso. American dollars can also be used for common
transactions. Bills must be in good shape to be accepted and
damaged bills can be exchanged at banks. Only some banks will
exchange travellers cheques. All major cities have ATMs and most
hotels and restaurants accept credit card payments.
Passport Visa
Travellers entering Nicaragua must have at least six months'
validity remaining on their passport. Travellers from most western
countries do not need to arrange a visa prior to entry. Tourist
cards are granted on arrival for USD 10 and are good for stays up
to 90 days for travel among any of the C-4 countries (Nicaragua,
Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala). Extensions are possible for a
fee of USD 2 per day. All visitors must be in possession of onward
or return tickets, documents for their destination outside of
Nicaragua and at least USD 200.
Safety
Although rural areas in Nicaragua are particularly void of
police, there has been a recent increase in crime in these areas.
Theft and violent crime are becoming more common in the usually
safe country. Travellers should be careful of muggings in taxis and
only use official taxis with a red license plate. Buses should not
be used after dark. Resulting from poor road conditions, highway
driving is especially dangerous during night and should be avoided.
Despite these risks, Nicaragua is still one of the safest countries
to travel in the region.
Time
Local time is GMT/UCT -6.
Tipping
Tips of 10 to 15 percent are expected at restaurants in
Nicaragua. Standard tipping is usual at hotels. Taxi drivers do not
usually expect to be tipped.