about Nicaragua

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How to get to Nicaragua: Many international airlines fly to the the International Airport of Managua, among them: American Airlines, Continental, Copa, Grupo Taca, Iberia and Sol Air. There are also local airlines for domestic flights such as La Costeña y Atlantic Airlines.
What to wear: Nicaragua is a tropical country, you will need to pack light clothing but if you plan to visit the Northern region (Matagalpa, Estelí, Ocotal , etc) or want to climb a volcano you must also bring cold weather garments. For visits to the cloud forest such as Mombacho volcano or Maderas, or rainy areas like the San Juan river water proof clothing and footwear is highly advisable
What not to forget: Your camera, sun screen, swimming suit, a good hat or cap and mosquito repellent (very handy in tropical weather)
Travelling documents: You will need a valid passport for at least 6 months (starting on the date of your arrival). No visa is required for most countries and only a tourist visa of US$5.00 is required which you can buy at your arrival at the airport. If you want extend your stay in our country for longer than your visa allows it, you must request an extension at the Foreign Office in Managua.
Shopping: When visiting Nicaragua leave some space in your suitcase to bring back home some of our beautiful handicrafts, a hammock, a sculpture or many of the souvenirs you will find. Do not miss visiting our shopping malls: Centro Comercial Managua, Metrocentro and Plaza Inter. And our colorful handicrafts markets: Roberto Huembes and Mercado de Masaya.
Taxes and tipping: The only tax paid by tourists is a 15% VAT (value added tax). Tipping may vary from 10% to 15 % of the value of your bill. It is not usual to tip taxi drivers. At hotels or airport a US$0.50 tip is fine per each piece of luggage.
Electricity: 110 Volts, 60 Hz
Driving permit: Visitors may use their driving license from their country for the first 30 days after their arrival in Nicaragua.
Telephone code: Dial the international Access code in your country, then 505 (Nicargua telephone country code) and finally the local 7 digit number.
Currency Exchange to Cordobas: You may exchange your currency at the “Banco de Producción” at your arrival in the International Airport of Managua or in most of the city banks and hotels (most banks also have branches in other towns). We advice you to bring US dollars since other currencies may not be so easy to exchange or at a will be at a very low rate.
Traveler checks: US dollars traveler checks will be Exchange in most of major Banks.
Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express are widely accepted by most commercial establishments.
Press: Nicaragua has two main newspapers and six television channels. Also many radio private and public radio stations. Cable TV is available throughout the country (including main American networks).
Working hours: Most public entities are open from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:30noon and then from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Private companies and banks use the same schedules and some will also open on Saturdays up to 12:00 noon.
Transportation in Nicaragua: There is a wide offer of rental cars to visit to most of the tourist destinations. Taking a public bus is an great opportunity to explore and enjoy the “nica” idiosyncrasy in your urban or inter-city trips. At the Nicaragua lake and San Juan river you will find ferry services and boats to the different attractions in the area.
National airlines: National airlines fly to many destinations including the Caribbean islands.