Nicaragua Travel Guide

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Shopping

Local items include goldwork, hand-carved wood, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Traditional crafts are available, particularly in Masaya, at the handicrafts market. There are several shopping malls in Managua, and markets selling everything from clothes to food to household goods. Try Mercado Huembes or Mercado Oriental, Nicaragua's biggest market.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1800.

Currency

Nicaraguan Gold Córdoba (NIO; symbol C$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of C$500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of C$5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, at banks and at official bureau de change in major cities. US Dollars are the most easily exchanged currency and are also accepted as payment throughout the country.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Major credit cards are widely accepted. There are ATMs in most tourist areas.

Travelers Checks

These can only be changed in some banks.

Currency Restrictions

The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration of amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$5000 on arrival. There are no restrictions on the export of local and foreign currency.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1630, Sat 0830-1230.

Exchange Rate