Moving to Nicaragua

"Spend as much time prior to moving as possible in different months of the year to experience the seasonal changes. Also, try to stay as near as your choice property if not in/on it to experience everything that will be around you. Roosters crowing, dogs barking, pigs grunting, early street cleaners or whatever can make a real difference, good and bad," said one expat who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

"Before moving to Nicaragua, it is important to get up-to-date travel vaccinations and risk information from a doctor or travel provider. Additionally, expats should be familiar with the language and cultural challenges they may confront. It is advisable to research the local area to get a sense of the general cost of living and rental costs for accommodations. Expats should also consider their personal safety and security, ensuring they are aware of the local crime and natural disaster risks. Bank accounts from abroad may not be transferable to Nicaragua, so expats should look into local banking options, as well as international money transfer services. Finally, expats should greatly consider the political climate, as Nicaragua is a politically unstable country," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"One way to find a place to live in Nicaragua is by researching online. There are several websites dedicated to helping people find accommodation in Nicaragua, such as Encuentra24, Encuentra Viviendas and CercaCasa. These websites allow you to search for properties in different cities and regions in Nicaragua. Additionally, you can use websites like Airbnb where you can find apartments, houses, and villas for rent in Nicaragua. If you prefer to look for an accommodation in person, the best way to do so is to ask around in the city or towns you are interested in; many people rent or let out rooms or apartments through word-of-mouth. Facebook groups can also be a great way to find a place to live; many Nicaraguans join such groups in order to list properties for sale or rent," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"I would stay in different parts of the town each time I came to get a feel for the different sights, sounds etc," said one expat in San Juan del Sur.

"A large old Colonial house, right on the main street in town, just across the street from the ocean. This house is one of only 2 in this town. Most of the expats live either on the hillside or just out of town," explained one expat living in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Nicaragua is likely to have tiled floors throughout, as this is a common feature in Nicaraguan homes. The walls may also be painted in vibrant colors, as this is a popular decorating aesthetic in Nicaragua. Furniture usually consists of wood framed sofas and chairs, with bright and cheery fabric to embrace the local aesthetic. Many homes also have built-in wardrobes and cupboards in their bedrooms, which make it easy to store clothing, linens, and other personal items. Additionally, a typical expat home or apartment in Nicaragua typically has a generous amount of outdoor space in the form of terraces, balconies, gardens, or verandas. This extra space is often used for relaxation or entertainment, and makes for a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the fresh air of the tropical country," said one expat in Nicaragua.

"In comparison, the housing is less expensive than in the US New construction is around $40.00 a sq. ft. Upscale, 3 bedrooms with a view and pool are renting for $500-700.00 per month. Smaller local houses rent for $200-300.00," replied a member in San Juan del Sur.

"The cost of housing in Nicaragua varies greatly depending on the size and location, but generally speaking, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city is around $200 to $400 per month. Renting a room in a shared flat is even cheaper and most rural accommodations can be found for less than $100 per month," commented one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"I doubt that a typical home purchase in Leon, or anywhere in Nica, is a good investment at this time (2/2023), That is unless you really know what you are doing. However, due to the ongoing "issues" in Nica, you may be able to find real estate at discount prices if you know where to look. Stuff you see after a 2 minute google search will not be in this category. Prices online seem to have been set when the market was much better and conditions were good, and remain sticky at unrealistic levels. These online listings I see don't seem to reflect the new reality on the ground. If you're looking to buy in a gringo area from another gringo, go online. If you want a good deal, better to network extensively in the area you have targeted. The market is local, word of mouth, and fragmented, you will need a lot of contacts to get access to the best properties. Many properties never appear online, and searchable databases/sites are not the default sales method. I doubt there will be price growth for years or until there is dramatic political change," remarked one expat who made the move to Leon.

"The decision of whether to buy or rent a home in Nicaragua depends on a variety of factors. It is important to research housing costs, local neighbourhoods and taxes in any location before making a decision. It is also important to consider how long you plan to stay in the area and how easily you can move if necessary. Buying a home can be beneficial for people who plan to stay longterm and want the security of owning their own property. However, renting can be a more economical option for those who plan to be in Nicaragua for a shorter period of time and want the flexibility of moving when needed. Ultimately, it is a personal decision that should be considered carefully before committing to a purchase or lease," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"We bought a home but I recommend you rent first for at least six months. Not everyone likes it here. You do not have to be a resident to buy a home or own a business in Nicaragua. It is fairly easy to buy a home but be careful! Everyone will try to sell you property and many of them are not stellar examples of character. Work with a known real estate agency. It is easy to forget to do the normal due diligence when you are looking from your potential property watching the sun set over the ocean," said one expat in Granada.

"This is my 10th year traveling from US to Nicaragua. My suggestion is bring nothing. I know how that sounds. Lately, airport security and customs have been decidedly less cooperative. If you are prepared to lose some of what you bring, or pay exorbitant fees for permission," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"If you have money, anything you need is available. PriceSmart in Managua has upscale appliances, big TV's and many Kirkland (Costco) branded items. Sinsa in Masaya has an even nicer selection of the latest appliances, home furnishings. I would bring a mattress pad heater (electric blanket). It's rarely that cold (although we live up in the mountains), but this will keep your bed and linens dry. Impossible to find in Nicaragua and so nice to get into a warm bed. PriceSmart will have the same thick towels you find at Costco and quality sheets too. My wife went through MGA with a large suitcase with new stuff and a 50lb. carry on without any issue whatsoever. TSA in Tucson did confiscate two large cans of tuna from her carry on. Nicaragua has always been a moving target. What's true today doesn't necessarily hold true tomorrow," said one expat in Nicaragua.

"When moving to Nicaragua, it is important to pack comfortable clothing in light colors, as well as a supply of insect repellent, sunscreen, and other basic toiletries. It is also a good idea to bring along core documents such as passports, driver's licenses, and birth certificates. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary medication and a first-aid kit. To make the transition to Nicaragua easier, bring any small appliances you may need, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers. Extra batteries for electronics and a surge protector are also essential items. Finally, don’t forget to bring portable fans and a mosquito net to help stay cool and protected," said one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"Wish I had brought: More Frontline Plus for the dog, water hose caddy/reel, and back-up battery charger for the computer Wish I had left: Oreck vacuum cleaner (all tile floors), gas grill, automatic dog feeder," explained one expat living in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

"Mostly language stuff. I would say muy bien for "things" when I should have been saying muy bueno. I started mixing the Italian language with Spanish by accident. Words that I've heard my mother use slipped out of my mouth and didn't make sense to the person I was attempting (very badly attempting) to communicate with. My friend kept catching me on making up words in my desperate attempts to communicate. It made everybody laugh," remarked one expat in Managua, Nicaragua.

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Nicaragua. Being mindful of other peoples’ culture, customs and language is essential to showing respect. To help you avoid making a cultural faux pas, some things to avoid include wearing revealing clothing in public, pointing your feet (or any part of your body) at someone as this is considered rude, discussing sensitive political topics, touching people without their permission, accepting food or drinks with both hands, being loud and boisterous in public, and engaging in aggressive bargaining practices," said one expat in Nicaragua.

"Many foreigners either visit or move to Granada, Nicaragua because of the year-round warm climate, low cost of living and the novelty of a distinctive foreign country that is accepting of travelers and easily within reach of the US and Canada," commented one expat living in Granada.

"Nicaragua is a relatively inexpensive country to live in and the lifestyle is relaxed, providing expats with the opportunity to enjoy a great quality of life. The generous Nicaraguan people are known for their hospitality, and the cultural attractions, natural beauty, and wonderful climate are sure to please. With its location between two coasts, Nicaragua offers expats plenty of outdoor activities, from surfing and swimming to jungle trekking and mountain biking. Health care services, while limited, are adequate, and the local cuisine is renowned for its deliciousness, making Nicaragua an attractive destination for expats looking for an adventure," commented one expat who moved to Nicaragua.

"Healthcare services in Nicaragua are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in Nicaragua often use the public healthcare system for basic medical care, but they may opt for private healthcare for more specialized services," said one expat.

"Medical services in Nicaragua vary greatly depending on the region. In rural areas, access to medical care is limited and often of poor quality. In urban areas, there are more options for medical care, but the quality of care is still not up to the standards of many other countries. The public health system is underfunded and understaffed, and many people rely on private clinics and hospitals for medical care. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, but there is still a long way to go," stated one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"My wife and I are near age 70 - expat health insurance has become too costly. We have Medicare coverage in the USA, so plan to return there in case of required hospitalization (non-emergency). We joined a "health plan" that offers discounts at one of the best hospitals in the country," remarked one expat in Tola.