Nicaragua Vacation Rentals Nicaragua Vacation Rentals

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Weather

Nicaragua has two distinct seasons....Wet and Dry. WET: lasts from mid May to November, with May and October being the wettest. Temperatures in the wet season usually range from 27°-32°C (80°-90°F). During the wet season expect short daily showers and a lush, green environment. The wet season coincides with the best surfing months in Nicaragua, as this is when swells from the southern hemisphere make their way up to Nicaragua. DRY: lasts from December to April, with April being the hottest and driest. December and January have historically been the most popular travel months for tourists coming to Nicaragua because rain is very unlikely, the landscape is lush, and temperatures are very pleasant. Temperatures in the dry season usually range between 30°-35°C (88°-95°F). The dry season can be very dry and windy.

Electric Outlets

Electrical outlets throughout Nicaragua are 110 volts, the same you will find in the United States and Canada. Power surges and power outages are very common.

Unit Conversions

Nicaragua is based on the metric system.
1 meter = 3.28 feet
1 foot = 0.3048 meter
1 kilometer = .621 mile
1 mile = 1.609 kilometers
1 US gallon = 3.785 liters
1 liter = .264 US gallon
1.73 acres = 1 manzana

Hospital Metropolitan Vivian Pellas

24 hour emergency room
From the USA or Canada:
+1.305.396.2351
From Nicaragua: 255.6900
http://www.metropolitano.com.ni

Nicaragua Travel Information

Arriving at the Managua International Airport

When entering customs, or “aduana” at the Managua International Airport, you will be required to pay a US $5.00 entry fee which is payable ONLY in cash with U.S. Dollars or Nicaraguan Cordobas. Upon payment, you will receive a tourist card and passport stamp. You will find plenty of taxis available for hire outside of the airport. If you arrive late at night or leave early in the morning, we recommend staying in Managua for the night in order to avoid driving after dark. Contact us for information about accommodations in Managua.

Airport Shuttle to San Juan del Sur from Managua

A great option for safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation between the Managua International Airport and San Juan del Sur is with Adelante Express, an airport shuttle service offering both one-way and round-trip service in an air-conditioned van. Contact us to make a shuttle reservation or visit the link on the right side of the page. Enjoy the Ride!

Rental Cars

We recommend renting a 4x4 as many of the roads leading to beaches and other activities are not paved. The majority of autos available for rent have standard transmissions. Alamo Rent a Car has a local office in San Juan del Sur. Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Avis, and Hertz have offices at the airport in Managua. Local, reputable rental car companies include Targaand Lugo, which also have offices at the Managua International Airport. Book your rental car online ahead of time to ensure the vehicle of your choice.

Passports and Visas

Foreigners visiting Nicaragua must have a valid passport to enter the country. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Citizens of most countries are automatically given a tourist visa good for 90 days. If you stay in Nicaragua for longer than 90 days, you will have to pay a fine at the airport or international border prior to your departure. If you wish to extend your visa during your visit, you will have to visit the Office of Immigration in Managua (Telephone +505.244.0741). Extensions are valid for one month at a time and cost US$25.00 but are not always granted. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you may find it easier to cross the border into Costa Rica or Honduras and then return the same day. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to contact your embassy. All foreign Embassies and Consulates are located in Managua.

Money, Tax, and Tipping

Nicaragua’s official currency is the New Cordoba, although US Dollars are widely accepted in most towns. The New Cordoba is on a scheduled devaluation against the US Dollar, with its exchange rate changing daily. There are four ATM machines and three banks in San Juan del Sur, where you can withdraw either Nicaraguan Cordobas or US Dollars. There is also a Western Union for sending and receiving wire transfers. Travelers Checks are not advisable as they are difficult and expensive to spend in Nicaragua. Most businesses do not accept them and you may even have trouble cashing them at a bank. Take your passport if you are going to the bank. They will require it to complete any type of transaction including simply exchanging money. Sales tax in Nicaragua is 15%. A 10% tip is usually included in your bill at a sit-down restaurant. Leaving an extra 5%-10% is customary if you received good service and is much appreciated.

Safety and Health

Nicaragua has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America. Regardless, exercise common sense and keep an eye on your personal belongings, lock your car, travel with other people, and don’t wander around alone late at night. Registered taxis ALWAYS have license plates with red borders. Be extremely careful driving at night, especially on Sunday night when the weekend parties are in full swing. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean can be dangerous. Lifeguard services in Nicaragua are extremely limited, so be aware of rip currents, rocks, and waves, and always swim at your own risk. Wash vegetables and fruits before eating them and do your best to avoid drinking the tap water. Purified and bottled drinking water is cheap and easy to find. Most restaurants serve purified water and virtually all ice comes from a national distributor that manufactures only with purified water. Nicaragua is often hot and sunny so remember to use sunscreen and to stay hydrated. It is a good idea to consult the Mexico and Central America page of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for up to date health recommendations and vaccination information.

Medical Care

San Juan del Sur is equipped with a Health Clinic (Centro de Salud) that can address minor medical problems. The closest major hospital is in Rivas, but we highly recommend going to Managua if you are in need of serious medical attention. The most modern and reputable hospital in Managua is Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas, providing excellent medical care in a state of the art facility. There are a number of pharmacies (farmacias) throughout the country that sell a wide variety of medications, first aid products, and toiletries. Most medicines are available without a prescription.