Living in Nicaragua

"Expats should research Nicaragua's healthcare system before retiring in the country. A comprehensive medical insurance plan is often advised due to the limited public health system. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with local visa regulations, as well as taxation regulations for foreign nationals. Quality of life is generally good and very affordable, so expats may consider their budget in advance. Expats may also want to investigate living arrangements before relocating, as there can sometimes be difficulties finding appropriate housing. Lastly, expats should be aware that the infrastructure in some areas of Nicaragua can be unreliable at times," wrote one member in Nicaragua.

"Again, spend as much time prior to moving as possible. Patience, that is the key word for Nicaragua. Be prepared for late appointments or on the other side of the coin, the appointee will show up way ahead of the scheduled time. As soon as you learn to go with the flow, relax, no stress, you will adjust much easier. Remember, we will always be a guest in the host country, and smile," remarked one expat who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

"Standard advice is to visit Nicaragua before committing to anything - that is even more essential in your case. Visit areas you might want to live, local stores, etc," explained one expat living in Managua, Nicaragua.

"There are currently no clubs available although this is a small town and it won't take you long to meet all the expats and locals too. There are several restaurants that are frequented by the expats and word spreads REAL fast," said one expat in San Juan del Sur.

"Expats in Nicaragua often join activity-based clubs such as hiking, golf, tennis and sailing. Additionally, there are social clubs for expats to meet and socialize such as Rotary or Lions Club. Other ways to meet people when living in Nicaragua can include attending festivals, getting involved in local charities, attending language meetups, and joining community sports teams. Attending events such as locally hosted dinners, art classes and other local social activities can also be a great way for expats to meet new people and form friendships," said one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nicaragua is generally very pleasant and enjoyable. The country is known for its beautiful scenery, low cost of living, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. Nicaragua offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, from sun-kissed beaches to tropical rainforests and stunning volcanoes. Gringos (expats) and digital nomads flock to Nicaragua to take advantage of excellent food, breathtaking nature, and relaxed working environment. Additionally, the vibrant culture, world-class healthcare and modern infrastructure make it a great place to live and work. Life in Nicaragua can also be quitechallenging due to the lack of stable internet, limited banking options and erratic electricity. However, it’s still a great place to live, work or explore," remarked one expat living in Nicaragua.

"The expat community is largely made up of retirees. There are some who are in small businesses but for the most part everyone enjoys the sea, fishing, boating, walking, jogging, biking and trips to nearby cities to explore the volcanoes, lakes and great food," wrote one member in San Juan del Sur.

"Nicaragua has experienced levels of crime that vary by region. Organized crime is an issue in certain areas, though generally the level of such activities is limited. Common criminal activities include robbery, burglary, assault, and theft. Drug trafficking is a growing concern in Nicaragua, primarily related to the production and trafficking of cocaine sourced from Colombia and Peru. Illegal mining and logging are also problems in certain parts of the country. However, the tourist areas in Nicaragua are generally considered safe and visitor crime is rare," commented one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"It is relatively safe and we have experienced less crime here than in the states. We use common sense such as using taxis after dark, not driving at night, etc. Having said that, Nicaragua is a poor country and there is more common theft. For example, if you lay your phone, IPod, laptop on your table at a restaurant and turn away, it will be gone. It is important to have good neighbors and to form friendships with them. Our home has never been robbed in the past five years here," remarked one expat living in Granada, Nicaragua.

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Nicaragua. Nicaragua is home to many different ethnicities, languages, and cultural backgrounds. Nicaraguans are generally very accepting of these differences, respecting and celebrating the diversity that exists within the country. Nicaraguans are known for their warmth and hospitality, and for embracing individuals from different cultures and backgrounds," wrote a member in Nicaragua.

"The majority of the local citizens are Catholic, the remainder mostly Protestant. They are very accepting of all religions," commented one expat who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

"Look around. Make sure you tour the school and think twice if your child does not speak English," wrote an expat with kids at American Nicaraguan School in Managua.

"The American Nicaraguan School children and parents are not friendly nor acceptable to foreigners or diversity. If you are a foreigner DO NOT enroll your children in this school, it doesn't matter what grades they are in. I had children in elementary, middle and high school, and they all experienced the same treatment as well as with the parents. It will make your children suffer of severe depression and low self-esteem. I had to withdraw them from this school. My children were not the only ones suffering and even though we parents spoke to the director this is not on their priority list. The administration is very much aware of the problem but doesn't do anything because the foreigners leave within 1-5 years. What they don't understand is that others are coming and the treatment towards us does not change. A requirement to enter this school should be native born Nicaraguan with a very well known last name. They claim the school has an American environment but it's not, it's a Nicaraguan environment. If you don't speak Spanish you are not accepted by your peers and become an outcast. OVERALL, THIS IS A VERY POOR SCHOOL!!!!! Saint Augustine Prep School, Nicaragua Christian Academy, Notre Dame and Lincoln can be potential options. LOOK AROUND!!," commented one expat when asked about American Nicaraguan School in Managua.

"Live like a Nica on $500 a month or buy your expansive colonial home and entertain lavishly. We find we can live on around $1500 a month but emergencies do happen and that does not include flights back home. The world is different now with many things being fairly expensive now like gas, flights overseas, rising food costs, etc. We do have concerns on the falling dollar," wrote one member in Granada.

"The cost of living in Nicaragua varies greatly depending on the location. Generally, the coastal cities and towns tend to have a much higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country. Most cities in Nicaragua offer inexpensive rentals compared to those in the United States. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in most cities of Nicaragua can be rented for approximately $250-400 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment usually costs around $400-600 per month. Eating dinner in a moderately priced restaurant in Nicaragua can cost around $10 per person," remarked one expat living in Nicaragua.

"As in most foreign countries when it comes to the cost of living, you can pretty much find what you're looking for. Nicaragua is no exception. You can find moderate to expensive pricing options on most things from food to lodging, but the LOW cost items are more easily found in abundance here than in most places. Food is obviously less expensive here. It is not difficult to find $2.00 USD lunches. There are many hostels and hotels that seem to cater to the budget-minded traveler as well. Even retiring in Nicaragua is very low cost and stress-free: In order to qualify for Nicaragua's "Pensionado Visa" you must prove a monthly income from retirement or a pension or from any investment of only $600 USD and you're good to go! That's the LOWEST retirement income requirement of any country in the world," said one expat living in Granada.

"Going swimming in a nice clean swimming pool is an option open to anyone in Granada. At least 2 hotels I know of offer this. For about $5 you can spend the day at the pool or pool-side bar and enjoy the company of other expats or locals. The ChocoMuseum in Granada is one of my favorite places to do this. The Hotel Granada on Calle la Calzada down by the lake is another great option. It has a beautiful pool," said an expat in Granada.

"In Nicaragua, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The country's coastline provides access to a number of beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and enjoy the sun and surf. Nicaragua also has a number of national parks, which offer a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. Additionally, Nicaragua is home to a number of lakes and rivers, which provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. For those looking for a more urban experience, Nicaragua's cities offer a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters," remarked one expat in Nicaragua.

"Granada is hot and humid but not as much as Leon. It is quite bearable. Living in a home with only a fan is do-able too as I found. But A/C is a much nicer option," wrote one expat living in Granada.

"The weather in Nicaragua is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. The dry season runs from November to April, with the hottest months being March and April. Nicaragua is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms during the rainy season," commented one expat who moved to Nicaragua.

"I found that just about everything I could ask for was either along Calle la Calzada or within a few blocks of this most popular street. Restaurants owned by expats and locals, as well as bars and nightclubs with live entertainment were all very easy to find," remarked one expat living in Granada.

"One of Nicaragua's most popular restaurants is La Terraza de San Juan, located in the city of Granada. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Nicaraguan dishes, as well as international cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. Another popular restaurant in Nicaragua is El Churrasco, located in Managua. This restaurant specializes in grilled meats, and is known for its delicious steaks and other grilled dishes. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also offers a variety of traditional Nicaraguan dishes, as well as international cuisine. Finally, La Casa de los Sabores is a popular restaurant located in the city of Leon. This restaurant specializes in traditional Nicaraguan cuisine, and is known for its delicious and authentic dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, as well as a selection of local beers and wines," said one expat living in Nicaragua.

"In Granada I found small mom and pop stores as well as decent grocery stores all within walking distance of central Granada. As a bonus, a car is not needed in Granada. It's very easy and fun to be able to walk to everything you need here. A small backpack is all that's necessary to take to the store and load up with a week's worth of items," commented one expat who moved to Granada.

"People living in Nicaragua typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people may purchase items from larger department stores or online retailers," said one expat.

"In order to enter Nicaragua, visitors must first obtain a visa from a Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate, as well as a valid passport to travel. Visas cost around $50 depending on the applicant’s nationality and include a multiple entry permission of up to three months. To apply for a visa, applicants need to fill in an application form and submit it along with a valid passport, documentation which proves the purpose of the trip, two passport photos and a valid return ticket. For those looking to move to Nicaragua for an extended period of time, applying for residency is the way to go. To apply for residency in Nicaragua, foreign nationals need to present a valid passport, two passport photos, a copy of their police record from their home country, and proof that they can financially support themselves during their stay in Nicaragua. Additionally, applicants sticking around for longer than 90 days must prove that they have purchased health insurance. The process then involves submitting this documentation to the immigration authority, where their request is evaluated. Depending on the outcome, successful applicants are then granted residency in the country," remarked one expat in Nicaragua.

"As mentioned earlier in this report, retiring in Nicaragua is very affordable: In order to qualify for Nicaragua's "Pensionado Visa" you simply prove a monthly income from a retirement, pension or any investment of $600 USD. That has proven to be the LOWEST retirement income requirement of any country in the world," wrote one expat living in Granada.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Nicaragua can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance can vary depending on the type of services needed and the type of insurance plan chosen. Generally, the cost of healthcare services is higher than in other countries, and health insurance plans can be expensive for those who do not qualify for government subsidies. Additionally, the quality of healthcare services in Nicaragua can be lower than in other countries, making it difficult to access quality care," remarked one expat living in Nicaragua.

"I've used both the public system, and "private doctors", and been satisfied with both. Almost all Nicaraguan doctors work for the government in the morning, and then hold private office hours in the afternoon. A private doctor's visit is inexpensive, $20 - $30. If you want to queue up at the clinic, it's free. It may take you a while to be seen, depending... Private labs do blood work inexpensively. Most medications are available without prescription, and are reasonably priced. I maintain a "footprint" in the US, I''m registered to vote here, and have an address where I receive mail. This enables me to have a no premium Medicare Advantage plan. I've been very happy with it. I also have relationships with both a primary care provider and various specialists. I feel it's important to establish these relationships before you leave the US. I'm only a 5 hour flight from Managua. I recently had some heart work done that was billed to the plan for $160K. An angioplasty and a couple of stents plus the diagnostic work that led to the operation. My nut was only $600, for a co-pay for a night in the hospital and specialist co-pays, and a co-pay on one of the diagnostic tests. My prescriptions are shipped to my mailbox and I pay nothing, or very little, for a 90 day supply of the medications I need. Although this work would have been available and probably cost significantly less in Nicaragua, maybe $20K, it's still a lot of money. The diagnostic tests (stress EKG and Echo Cardiogram) that led to the decision to go into my heart WOULD be harder to come by in Nicaragua. All of this has to be arranged before you leave. But, it's not complicated, and is 99% on-line, or by phone. This has been my solution to my medical needs, and it has worked very well. Yours might be different. ," said one expat living in Nicaragua.