Hey, Planning a Trip?

The first step in planning a trip to Nicaragua is to be flexible.
The most rewarding experiences in Nicaragua are often unplanned and that is usually why they are so defined. Whether it is a flat tire, a gracious invitation to someones home or a rainy day a the beach it all happens for a reason and having a flexible positive attitude will enhance your Nicaraguan Experience. Be yourself and don't be afraid to stay a little longer, explore a little further and draw yourself into the Nicaraguan lifestyle.
When planning a trip to Nicaragua it is important be creative and
explore a wide variety of options before selecting a travel route or intinerary.

Passports and Visa Requirements
Every traveler in Nicaragua is required to have a valid passport
validfor at least six months following the date of entry. A visa is
required for travelers from: Afganistan, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Columbia, Cuba, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya,
Nepal, Pakistan, China, North Korea, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
and Yugoslavia. Everyone esle automatically recieves a 3 month
visa which can be extended by going to the office of immigration.

Health
Your health will be dependent on the choices you make. So use
common sense, make sure you do all the things your mom told you when you were little. Eat food that is well cooked, be wary of all uncooked foods, especially salads and unpeeled fruits.
Allow Nicaragua is said to have some of the cleanest water in
Central America, stay away. Don't drink the water. The main reason is that bottled water is so cheap, there is no reason to chance it. Nicaragua is located at 12 degrees of latitude from the equator, thus the suns rays strike the Earth's surface at a more direct angle than in most countries. You will burn faster so pack plenty of at least 30 sun block.
Before you go make sure to consult the "Mexico and Central
America" page of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
website for up to date health recommendations. Make sure your
tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and polio vaccines
are up to date.

Safety
Believe it or not, Nicaragua is considered one of the safest countries in all of Latin America. If you use common sense, stay to well lit areas at night, pay attention as you explore town you will have no problems. Most cases of harassment involve alcohol, so watch howmuch you drink and where you hang around. The most dangerous part of Nicaragua is the area around the northeastern Jinotega mining towns of La Rosita, Bonanza and Siuna. The area is poorly policed and home to group of rouge bandits. It is almost impossible to accidently travel here but be aware of the danger.

Money
The Nicaraguan currency is the Cordoba. As of December 1,
2003, the exchange rate was C$15.67 per dollar. To find the latest exchange rate visit the Central Bank of Nicaragua. Nicaragua is a budget travelers paradise, you can comfortably survive on $20 a day,or easily survive on $10-$15 a day. Bring $US to Nicaragua, bank machines are few and far between however if you are in a big city you should be able to find one. Travelers checks are accepted at some major banks. Visa debit cards work best and carry a back upcredit card for emergencies.

What to Bring
Nicaragua is in the tropics thus your clothing should be light and
breathable. If you plan on visiting the mountainous areas, you will need a bit warmer duds. Packing for this trip should be easy, don't bea safari guy and don't get too flashy. Most travelers are surprised tosee how much a neat appearance means to Nicaraguans. Nicaraguan men don't typically wear shorts and women concerned about recieving negative attention should make an effort to dress in conservative clothing. Make copies of your passport, a pocket dictionary and a flash light are things that could be valuable. A small first aid kit is always a
good idea to pack and a hat will keep you in the shade. Overall its just about being confortable and not drawing too much attention to yourself.

Please write us at Experience Nicaragua if you have any questions:
info@experiencenicaragua.com