Some Americans, Canadians seek new lives in Nicaragua Expats from the United States and Canada have found Nicaragua to be a cheap and safe place to reside outside of their home countries. If you travel to remote areas, hire a reputable local guide. Read More : Granada, Nicaragua Beach Safety: Exercise caution at the beach. While there is petty theft throughout the area just as you would fine in practically every area of the world, more serious crimes are very rare and seldom ever an issue at all. Nicaragua and Costa Rica have stationed security forces at Harbor Head (also called Isla Calero) at the eastern end of the San Juan River. Fax: +(505) 2252-7250 Family of four estimated monthly costs: $1,776 (62,030 C$) Single person estimated monthly costs: $674 (23,536 C$) WARNING! Several bags with a total of 20 to 30 pounds of fresh, organic produce cost less than $10. Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. Foreigners Who Live in Nicaragua Enjoy Its Low Cost of Living Expats who live in Nicaragua are able to enjoy living in an amazing country that offers a low cost of living in combination with a high quality of life. Managua is the capital and biggest city. Government hospitals are understaffed and  some hospitals throughout the country may not be able to assist in emergencies. Arrest Notification: Nicaraguan authorities may not notify the Embassy when a U.S. citizen has been detained, especially if the arrestee has dual nationality. The government of Nicaragua arbitrarily enforces laws for political purposes. Nicaragua is one of Latin America’s poorest countries and suffers from high unemployment rates and a large external debt. Do not move your vehicle, unless a police officer tells you to do so, or you will be legally liable for the accident. Here's what they told us. There are few sidewalks and pedestrian road crossings. Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Nicaragua. These protests were severely repressed by the police resulting in 63 deaths. The city is very spread out and it's difficult to walk anywhere. That said, there is no debate on Nicaragua’s current status as a nation at peace. Maintain adequate supplies of food, cash, potable water, and fuel in case you need to shelter in place. The Embassy is unable to assist with the customs or import process. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and review the, For visitors other than tourists, the Nicaraguan government recommends that you pre-register your trip by following the instructions available on the, Many travelers must show proof of yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days before travel in order to be permitted entry to Nicaragua. If you use a passport of a different nationality than you did on prior trips to Nicaragua, Nicaraguan authorities may deny you entry. Hiking in volcanic or remote areas is dangerous. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or, limited financial support in cases of destitution. All U.S. citizen employees of the U.S. government and their family members should inform the U.S. Embassy in Managua, regardless of whether they are entering Nicaragua by car, plane, or boat and regardless of whether they are traveling on their official/diplomatic/regular passports. Throughout Nicaragua, government officials and law enforcement continue to target those opposed to the rule of President Ortega. Nicaragua offers quite a few different expat lifestyle options: Colonial. by providing their own, while still offering the benefits of living in Nicaragua, including beautiful beaches, low cost of living, lots of sunshine, etc. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime. Arbitrarily detain pro-democracy advocates. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. While Nicaraguan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, in practice such discrimination is widespread in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of state services. Nicaragua is in a seismically active region. Telephone: +(505) 2252-7100 By Joel Stott-Jess, We often get asked what the process is like buying real estate in Nicaragua as a foreign citizen. T… Outside of this hospital, there is some good primary care in places such as Granada and scattered about Nicaragua, but not much. I've hopped on Nicaraguan buses, I've zigzagged across the country, and I've taken taxis in Nicaragua, alone, and I've never had a problem. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, even for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. See our webpage for further information. Exercise caution while traveling. Nicaragua’s Sovereign Security Law and its Terrorism and Money Laundering law allow for discretionary interpretation of unlawful activities that threaten the peace and economic stability of Nicaragua. Tourist card at airport. Public Transportation: Buses, moto-taxis, and ferries often lack proper safety equipment. They have lived there for 10 years. Assistance visit organized by NGOs, religious groups, schools, or any other group doing this type of work in Nicaragua. When asked about safety in Nicaragua, about half of the Nicaraguan expats immediately respond that Nicaragua is the second safest country in Latin America, as reported by the UN. I love the people, I love the culture and basically everything about it. So I put together this guide … There are reports of increases in crime in Nicaragua since April 2018. After achieving peace, Nicaragua vanished completely from the world news radar. After the Embassy learns of an arrest, it may be several days or weeks before the Government of Nicaragua permits a consular official to visit. Nicaraguan law requires that police take a driver into custody for: The minimum detention period is 48 hours. When entering with your vehicle, you must have the original registration and title. During the rainy season, roads may become flooded or have additional damage. Travelers should expect delays returning to the U.S. and there is reduced availability of flights. American products that have to be imported will cost about the same as in the U.S. or a bit more. These estimates are currently based on just a small amount of data. The Nicaraguan Navy has challenged vessels passing through its exclusive economic zone. Since the 2018 civil unrest, Nicaraguan authorities have denied entry to or expelled foreigners, including NGO workers, academics, and journalists, for political reasons, including perceived support of pro-democracy or human rights movements. There is no travel warning listed for Nicaragua. Roads may be closed, and public transportation may be disrupted due to large crowds celebrating the following holidays: Repliegue Historico a Masaya (early July); July 19 celebration of the Sandinista Revolution; Celebration in Managua of Santo Domingo, the Patron Saint of the city (August 1st and August 10th); Day of the Nicaraguan Army (September 2); Nicaraguan Independence Day (September 14 and 15); and. Nicaraguan customs officials routinely delay or block import of goods, including items intended for donation. Along the Pacific Coast from San Juan del Sur and stretching 80 miles or so to the north are several gate guarded, beachfront communities. Relatively Safe Nicaragua is one of the safest sections of South America to live, and a good place to raise families or just to call home. Police presence is extremely limited outside of major urban areas. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most roads on the Caribbean Coast are unpaved. Drink only purified bottled water. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. For being involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death. Prevent certain individuals from departing Nicaragua by air or land for political reasons. Lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available. Medical services outside Managua are limited, including for victims of crime. Updated December 31, 2019. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Nicaragua. It's kind of dangerous and chaotic. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Nicaragua should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the Maritime Administration website. These regulations also apply to drivers in rental vehicles. However, if you have a serious health condition that would require you to be very close to a hospital, you would need to live close to Managua. Nicaragua has changed, and is definitely worth consideration as a place to live for North American expatriates. Arbitrarily seize and/or search private property including personal phones and computers for anti-government content. If you are at a coastal area when an earthquake occurs, move swiftly to higher ground (when safe to do so) to avoid possible tsunamis. But, there is a high violent crime rate. Granada is 25 away, some of the Pacific beach developments are one hour to 90 minutes away, and even San Juan del Sur is only a bit more than 80 miles away. Recommended Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 11 with compatibility view or Google Chrome. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. It even has an entire department for medical tourism headed by manager Arlen Perez. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in major cities. If you possess multiple nationalities, you should carry a valid passport for all of them. The legal system operates arbitrarily, which can result in prolonged detentions of U.S. citizens without charges or due process, often for political reasons. Traffic Laws: If you are involved in a traffic accident, you must wait for the police and insurance company representatives to arrive. While Nicaraguan laws provide for a fair and transparent judicial process, it is not always provided in practice by Nicaraguan authorities, particularly in cases of politically motivated arrests. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See our Road Safety page for more information and the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism and National Transit Authority. Nicaragua is actually the safest country in all of Latin America. Ensure your U.S. passport is valid and available for a quick departure from the country, if needed. This city is very well known for its thriving expat community. After five trips there, they decided Nicaragua it was the place they wanted to live. Ambulance services provide transportation and basic first aid only and are unreliable throughout the country. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. If you must or want to live in the capital city of Managua, and you don’t own your place, US$1,300 won’t be enough to cover rent and living expenses. Demonstrations or strikes may occur throughout the country; in the past, these have turned violent. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Nicaragua. Most expat areas, however, are located fairly close to Managua. While the city has affluent parts that are safe to live in, there is not a definable city center, which means selecting a place to live … Is Nicaragua a safe place for a American to live? If transit police demand a bribe in lieu of a fine, request a receipt and the officer’s name and badge number. Before excavating archaeological materials or buying historical artifacts, you must consult with the. However, common crime appears not to be the central issue for those considering a visit to Nicaragua. Coastal Disputes: Be aware of the following border disputes: Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. In the event of a diving injury, the only hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Cabezas, over 100 miles from Corn Island where most tourists dive. Adjusting to Life in Nicaragua. The more expensive homes tend to be closer to the center, and if you buy an existing home and want to remodel it, you will have to adhere to strict architectural codes that maintain the colonial character of the area. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). How Safe Is Nicaragua? Typhoid fever and Leptospirosis), Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (the legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content); or. Please review the requirements on. See our website for more information. We feel safe, we feel free to walk around and enjoy the outdoor bars and restaurants, and we feel safe in our homes and businesses. Consider arrangements to depart the country quickly. Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to COVID-19, limited healthcare availability, and arbitrary enforcement of laws. Now it's a rapidly growing tourist destination with a 1940s California surf town vibe, a small town center and multiple developments radiating outward that can range in price from what someone living only on Social Security could afford, to multimillion-dollar mansions. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified. Central America has long been a choke point for moving drugs from … Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites. Your circles remain small and your interests specific. The government and its affiliated groups have been reported to: Travelers should exercise increased caution and be alert to the risks of crime, including violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. What seems to worry most potential travelers to Nicaragua is not crime, but war. The Government of Nicaragua is authoritarian, limits freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, represses internal dissent, and monitors and responds to perceived threats to its authority. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging labeled with your doctor’s prescribing information. Among the most visionary developments is Gran Pacifica, conceived by a team headed by Mike Cobb. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Nicaragua has a coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Granada is a true colonial city, with 400-year-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, colonial architecture and a layout that includes a historic center with a cathedral. Managua, Nicaragua Be prepared for … Nicaragua and Colombia have an ongoing dispute over waters surrounding the San Andres Islands. Yet today Nicaragua boasts the title of being the safest country in Central America and is making a comeback. If you receive a traffic violation, police will confiscate your driver’s license until you pay the fine at a bank. Do not drive outside urban areas after dark. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Systematically target opposition figures (regardless of nationality), including former allies, political activists, business representatives, clergy, human rights advocates, and members of the press. Penalties for not having any of the above include fines and towing. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. In fatal accidents, drivers are held until they reach a legal settlement with the victim’s family. Must declare $10,000 USD or more in cash. With a population of just over 150,000, it has most of the amenities you need and good health facilities. Exercise caution in the face of possibly overloaded or unsafe ferries and boats. Nicaraguan law requires tourists hire a local guide for several volcanoes, including the two volcanoes on Ometepe Island (Maderas and Concepcion). No (90 days or fewer). U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Nicaragua International Travel Information, Central America-4 Border Control Agreement, prevention of international child abduction, victim’s compensation programs in the United States, insurance providers for overseas coverage, U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Patrimony Directorate of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture, Department of State's Human Rights report for further details, information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, Nicaraguan Ministry of Health's Pharmacy Department, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Road travel after dark is hazardous in all areas. Nicaragua can be characterized by its agricultural economy, its history of autocratic government, and its imbalance of regional development—almost all settlement and economic activity are concentrated in the western half of the country. Poor infrastructure in parts of the country limits the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies. In some places, swimming is forbidden completely. It is safer here compared to where I used to live in Costa Rica. Latest travel advice for Nicaragua, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK. 14 Things to Know About Buying Property in Nicaragua. Uniformed police or para-police commit violence and intimidate civilians throughout the country, often for political reasons. The majority of Nicaraguans live in poverty. The expats who choose to live there do because they believe in a future where individuals can make a difference and that Granada Nicaragua can help shape that difference. Incredibly some seem to believe Nicaragua is still at war, a bit surprising, since the Contra conflict ended over 26 years ago. Nicaragua has one hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International, Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas, located in Managua. Express kidnappings – where a taxi driver holds the passenger hostage by knifepoint and then takes them to ATMs around town until their bank is depleted – are occasionally reported in Managua, as well as in Granada, Masaya and San Jorge. Convictions under these laws are largely arbitrary and may result in long prison sentences. U.S. citizens have drowned at Nicaraguan beaches, lagoons, and lakes. Email: ACSManagua@state.gov. While violence against LGBTI travelers is uncommon, widespread discrimination exists. Other roads may have potholes, be poorly lit, be narrow, and lack shoulders. Horse carts, livestock, and pedestrians crossing roads in front of oncoming traffic are common, even on major roads in the main cities. Expats tell us that the care in this facility is up to big-city U.S. standards (sometimes better) and that the costs are extremely low. If you are detained, ask police or prison officials and friends or family to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Something that at least my generation has never experienced before. Customs Regulations: U.S. citizens planning to import items should contract a recognized local customs broker for assistance well in advance of their visit. Out here in San Juan del Sur, I do not worry about a thing. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. Demonstrations happen throughout the country and many have turned violent in the past. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details. Airports in remote locales often have short airstrips, minimal safety equipment, and little boarding security. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Road Conditions and Safety: Main roads between major cities are paved and in good condition. Road signs throughout the country are limited or non-existent. Here are Darrell’s thoughts on retiring at the age of 55 and living in Nicaragua. I have been to Nicaragua a few times this year, and I just love being there. They narrowed it down to Central and South America, and then narrowed it down again to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua and Uruguay. There are severe penalties, including imprisonment, for domestic violence, psychological abuse, and non-payment of child support. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Information may also be posted to the websites of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (select “broadcast warnings”).