×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Moving to Nicaragua ... the Challenge

11 years ago
I wanted to pick up on a forum topic that was started in Expat Exchange and continue suggestions for the newcomer

I too am a newcomer (by 3 months) and despite all the research I did prior to coming to Nicaragua, nothing prepared me to understand the impact of my decision. Being here quickly taught me “how it is”.

Marilyn’s (my roommate) expectation was “to be happy here.” My only expectation was to be free of living on a budget that was too small for ‘comfortable’ US living and find a way to ‘live’ … not just exist. I was too nervous / scared about moving to another country (with no Spanish speaking skills) to think beyond that goal. I saw Nicaragua as an “opportunity” to ‘live’.

CHALLENGE: letting go. Let go of the ‘standard’ that you are used to in your country of origin and embracing the different. SUGGESTION(S): (1) decide that what you are used to in your country of origin does not exist in the new country. If you discover similarities, that’s great! Just don’t expect it to be the same. (2) avoid comparing your new country to your country of origin. (3) accept that the way of doing things in your new country as the norm, not the exception. (4) learn to ‘go with the flow’. Learn to shrug your shoulders and ‘relax’. What’s the big deal anyway?! Patience is hard-won but a necessity when creating a new life for yourself. (5) Gently remind yourself that this was your decision to move and to experience a new way to live and it doesn’t come with an instruction manual. So, you learn by doing / experiencing and move on to the next adventure, with no expectations and with an open mind. Repeat: OPEN mind. I think ‘open mind’ is more challenging than patience … for what it’s worth.

I hope this will invite other expats to write their ideas of “challenges and suggestions” to keep this thread going for all those new expats out there that are looking / searching for information / help.

William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Nicaragua GuideLiving in Nicaragua Guide

Did you know that lots of homes in Nicaragua don't have hot water? Did you know that it's very easy to meet other expats in Nicaragua? Expats share their tips for living in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Forum Nicaragua Forum
Join our Nicaragua forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Nicaragua.

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Best Places to Live in Nicaragua Best Places to Live in Nicaragua

If you're dreaming about living in Nicaragua, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Nicaragua in 2023.

Healthcare in NicaraguaHealthcare in Nicaragua

Expats living in Nicaragua discuss health insurance and quality of medical care in Nicaragua. Additional topics include health insurance for 65+, in-home nursing care, prescription medicines and more.

Cost of Living in NicaraguaCost of Living in Nicaragua

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nicaragua.

Moving to NicaraguaMoving to Nicaragua Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. Expats offer realistic and honest advice about cost of living, learning the language, poverty, renting vs.

Real Estate in NicaraguaReal Estate in Nicaragua

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Nicaragua.

Pros Cons of Living in NicaraguaPros & Cons of Living in Nicaragua

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Nicaragua.

Retiring in NicaraguaRetiring in Nicaragua

Advice for people retiring in Nicaragua.

10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua

If you've recently arrived in Nicaragua, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Nicaragua.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides