Travel to Nicaragua to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Nicaragua

Intro

Backpacking in Nicaragua?

  • Nicaragua is not yet overrun by mass tourism. This makes it a good destination for adventurous backpackers looking for an authentic and budget-friendly travel experience. There is plenty to do: from climbing volcanoes and surfing in the Pacific Ocean to ziplining through the rainforest and kayaking on volcanic crater lakes. Bonus: Nicaragua is known for its excellent surfing.
  • Features: laid-back atmosphere, generally safe destination, budget-friendly, beautiful nature

Traveling in Nicaragua?

  • Cities to spot: León (colonial city with a vibrant art scene), Granada (on the shores of Lake Nicaragua: volcanoes, boat trips), San Juan del Sur (surfer and beach lover’s paradise), Managua (capital, metropolis with a rich culture and history).
  • Activities to spot: popular surf destinations León and Popoyo (with waves for all levels), Isla de Ometepe (large volcanic island: climb volcanoes, swim in waterfalls, hike through the rainforest and kayak), Somoto Canyon (long gorge with steep walls: rafting, climbing, kayaking, ziplining)
  • Nature to spot: Bosawás Biological Reserve (largest and most biodiverse area in Central America), Volcán Telica (active volcano; hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking), Indio Maíz Reserve (mangrove boat trips, rainforest hikes), Isla de Ometepe (nature lover’s paradise), Reserva Natural Península de Cosiguina (nature reserve on a peninsula in northwestern Nicaragua, with active volcano Cosiguina)
  • Animal spotting: jaguars, monkeys, sloths and numerous bird species in Bosawás, Indio Maíz Reserve (among others monkeys, sloths, jaguars, pumas, tapirs, snakes and frogs), Volcán Masaya Nature Reserve (monkeys, sloths, coyotes, foxes and deer), Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río San Juan (one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in Central America; also monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caimans).

Study in Nicaragua?

  • Language: The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, so this is the language most commonly spoken in higher education. Some universities offer programs that are taught partly in English, or are bilingual. Here too, a basic knowledge of Spanish is often useful.
  • Studies: broad study opportunities, but additional opportunities in the field of business administration (growing economy), tourism (important sector in the Nicaraguan economy), agriculture (agricultural land), international relations and sustainable development (environmental protection, environmental management).
  • Study cities: Managua (largest city and the most important centre for higher education, large number of universities), León (colonial city, lively, art scene, nightlife; number of renowned universities), Granada (a popular city for both national and international students due to its location on the lake), Estelí (coffee plantations, rich culture, number of universities)
  • Learn Spanish: Granada (colonial city with many language schools), Léon (progressive, music & art are often discussed), San Juan del Sur (beach town)

Internships in Nicaragua?

  • Internships: many directions possible; above all in the areas of tourism (important sector in the Nicaraguan economy), agriculture (agricultural country: agricultural technology, sustainable agriculture and rural development), education (shortage of qualified teachers in Nicaragua), environmental protection (rich biodiversity, environment is under pressure), development aid (many international NGOs active)
  • Internship cities: Managua (capital, largest centre for higher education and businesses), León (education, sustainable development and environmental protection), Granada (popular city with a number of NGOs and international organisations), Estelí (agricultural sector, tourism and sustainable development), San Juan del Sur (hotels, restaurants, tour operators)
  • Characteristics: always be respectful and polite to managers (hierarchy!), remain formal in dealing with colleagues (at least until you receive other signals), regularly adapt to changes in schedules and priorities (also: work extra hours or pick up tasks last-minute), slow decision-making due to more focus on consensus and consultation.

Volunteering in Nicaragua?

  • Volunteer projects: plenty of opportunities in almost all sectors; also education (qualified teachers), environmental protection (national park, sea turtle conservation, tree planting), health care (hospital, clinic, orphanage, education), development aid, construction (houses, schools or clinics in poor communities), agriculture (helping on a farm or cooperative, teaching agriculture)
  • Animal/nature projects: animal welfare (shelters, dog shelters) and wildlife rehabilitation, environmental and nature conservation, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, seal sanctuaries, horse rescue (abuse or neglect), sea turtle conservation,
  • Features: volunteer work possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months. There are many possibilities in Nicaragua, also to make your contribution sustainable together with communities and sustainable projects. Informal working atmosphere, be flexible because tasks and schedules can change suddenly.

Working in Nicaragua?

  • Jobs: temporary and permanent work, especially in the areas of tourism (hotels, restaurants, tour operators, diving and snorkeling centers), education (shortage of qualified teachers, especially in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics), development aid (agriculture, health care, education), IT (software development, web design, network management), journalism, law (law firms and human rights organizations), care (qualified nurses and other care providers)
  • Features: strong emphasis on personal relationships, respect, community and cooperation. Spanish is of course the main language. Avoid direct confrontation; communication in Nicaragua is often indirect (non-verbal signals!). Despite an informal working atmosphere, it is important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings. Be prepared to work extra hours or take on tasks at the last minute. In Nicaragua, it is important to be a team player and be willing to help your colleagues.
  • Long working hours (>48 hrs/week) and often relatively few paid vacation days.

Working as a digital nomad in Nicaragua?

  • Favorite locations: San Juan del Sur (coastal town, many coworking spaces), Granada (relaxed atmosphere, rich historical center), León (center for culture and art), Ometepe Island (for the nature lovers among digital nomads), Isla de la Maiz (archipelago of small islands off the coast of Nicaragua, pace is much slower than on the mainland).
  • Features: lots of flexibility (tuning to your own biorhythm and productivity), relaxed informal atmosphere, strong reliable internet connections, abundance of coworking spaces, relatively low cost of living, active and diverse digital nomad community.

Living in Nicaragua?

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, throughout the country. Knowledge of Spanish is essential for optimal integration into Nicaraguan society.
  • Quality of life: Living in a tourist city like San Juan del Sur is considerably more expensive than in a small town or village. Cost of living is relatively low, but is rising (depending on your location). Food, rent, transportation, and entertainment are still affordable. Nicaragua is increasingly popular with retirees from North America and Europe.
  • Characteristics: Pleasant tropical climate. Nicaraguans are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Relaxed lifestyle: less hurried pace. Roads can be poorly maintained, power outages can occur. Bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating (around visas, residence permits, or administrative tasks). Nicaragua has a turbulent political history and experiences political unrest, which affects the stability and security of the country.
  • Healthcare: The quality of healthcare in Nicaragua varies. Quality care is often only available in private clinics, which are (too) expensive for many. Access to care is more limited in less urbanized areas. Preventive care is important: the number of chronically ill (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) is also increasing in Nicaragua. Ask for advice on insurance that provides sufficient coverage for the right care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

Supporting content

Nicaragua Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Nicaragua Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Content about Nicaragua on WorldSupporter

How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

What is the quality of healthcare in Nicaragua?

  • Healthcare in Nicaragua is of fairly good quality and consists of both private and public institutions. Furthermore, healthcare is also quite cheap.
  • As in most countries, healthcare is better in cities than in smaller villages and rural areas.
  • Many doctors in Nicaragua have been trained in the United States, Europe, Cuba or Mexico.
  • For this reason, most doctors working in cities also speak English, while doctors and healthcare workers in rural areas often do not speak English.
  • There are many pharmacies in Nicaragua. The pharmacies are also used by locals as a kind of first stop for medical care, especially if they cannot afford to visit a doctor. Many medicines can be obtained without a prescription. If you bring your own medicine, make sure you bring a doctor's note in Spanish.
  • In Nicaragua, you have the option of choosing private, international insurance, or you can also get insurance at some local hospitals.

How does the public healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

  • The public healthcare system consists of a mix of military and public healthcare institutions. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) provides a universal system, free for everyone and consisting of clinics and hospitals.
  • In addition, there is also a mandatory insurance system, Instituto Nicaragüense de Seguridad Social (INSS). People with a job are required to contribute to this. The INSS provides coverage for certain care, for both the insured and dependents.
  • Every region/department in Nicaragua has a public hospital and several public clinics. Public hospitals provide free emergency medical care.
  • Waiting times in public hospitals are often (very) long and the medical staff often only speak Spanish.

How does the private healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

  • Private healthcare in Nicaragua consists of both profit-making and non-profit institutions. The latter include NGOs and churches, for example.
  • Private hospitals often offer health insurance, which offers a discount on all care you receive in the hospital.
  • Private healthcare is often unaffordable for locals, while it is often relatively cheap for foreigners.
  • Certain specific treatments are not possible in Nicaragua. It is therefore wise to take out insurance that covers medical evacuation in these cases.
  • Even though more people speak English in private institutions, it can still be useful to speak some Spanish to explain your medical situation properly.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Nicaragua?

  • In Nicaragua you will find GPs in both the public and private facilities. In general, foreigners and wealthy locals choose private GPs.
  • The easiest way to find a good GP is to look for a “médico general” at a private clinic or to ask other expats for advice.

How is the dentist arranged in Nicaragua?

  • There are more dentists than general practitioners in Nicaragua. Many dentists have been trained abroad.
  • Dental care is reasonably priced and it is a popular country for medical dental tourism.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Nicaragua?

  • In urban areas such as Managua, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer prenatal and maternity care. The quality of care generally varies between public and private institutions. Private hospitals and clinics usually offer a higher standard of care, with more modern facilities and English-speaking staff. It can be useful to do some research of the available facilities and care providers.
  • You can expect good quality prenatal - and postnatal care and testing in private institutions.
  • Abortion is completely prohibited in Nicaragua, with no exceptions, even in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. This strict legislation has been in place since 2006 and has raised concerns about the impact on women’s health and well-being. Women who undergo abortions face prison sentences of up to two years, while medical professionals who perform the procedure can face sentences of up to six years.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Nicaragua?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Nicaragua?

  • While Nicaragua is generally considered safer than some of its neighbors, crime such as theft and muggings do occur, especially in urban areas. It is advisable to remain vigilant, not to carry valuables on display, and not to travel alone at night.
  • Since 2018, Nicaragua has experienced political unrest and protests. Authorities have responded harshly to demonstrations, and participation in them can result in arrest or deportation. It is advisable to avoid political gatherings and protests and to stay up-to-date on local news. 
  • Nicaragua is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. It is important to be familiar with evacuation plans and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of an emergency.
  • Be careful with unregistered taxis, as there have been cases of taxi kidnappings. Always choose a taxi with a red license plate. Also, do not take the bus at night.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Nicaragua?

  • Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, transmitted by mosquitoes, are common in Nicaragua. It is advisable to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
  • Drinking tap water is generally discouraged due to the risk of waterborne diseases. It is safer to consume bottled or filtered water and to be careful with ice cubes and raw foods.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Nicaragua?

  • Infrastructure in Nicaragua is limited, especially outside the major cities in the Caribbean. Roads can be poorly maintained, and traffic laws are not always followed. If you plan to drive yourself, be prepared for unexpected road conditions and unpredictable behavior from other road users.
  • In the cities and more developed areas, driving can be a good option.
  • It is mandatory to have local insurance when entering the country with a car, or when buying a car there.
  • Buses and taxis are the main forms of public transportation. Although they are affordable, they can be overcrowded and may not meet the safety standards you are used to. It is advisable to use reliable taxi services.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Nicaragua?

  • Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Nicaragua if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Although it is generally not mandatory to have insurance for a visa application for Nicaragua, most foreigners still take out their own private insurance. This guarantees good coverage for (unexpected) care and also medical evacuation or repatriation, which may be necessary in a country like Nicaragua.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

 

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From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

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      Zo, ik ben weer in een compleet nieuwe wereld beland, inclusief nieuwe knotsgekke ervaringen. Uhri it is, je kent het wel. Uhri is een piepklein dorpje aan de Rio Coco in het noorden van Nicaragua, met enkel houten huisjes en een kerk. Er groeien hier naranjas, toronjas, cashewnoten, bananen, exotis...

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      Ik mis Nicaragua, en het meest mis ik het eten. Gelukkig kwam ik deze sites tegen. Ik heb voor mijn vrienden en mijn ouders al wat Nicaraguaanse recepten geprobeerd, ze vonden het lekker! www.aroundtheglobe.nl/reizen/nicaragua/eten-drinken-nicaragua-si15495.html www.trudomundo.be/node/27  

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      Interessant project gestart door studenten van de TU Delft voor het maken van betaalbare woningen uit bamboo in Niceragua. Kijk op de website voor meer informatie: httppublic://blog/sm-bum-bamboe-nicaragua-school-kitchen-4.jpgwww.bambusocial.com/

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      WereldOuders biedt structurele hulp aan kwetsbare kinderen en gezinnen in negen landen in Latijns-Amerika. Door medische zorg, een veilig thuis en goed onderwijs komen kinderen uit de armoedespiraal en maken daarmee kans op een betere toekomst voor zichzelf en hun omgeving. WereldOuders biedt ook vr...

      El Arbol

      El Arbol is een Nederlandse stichting die zich samen met lokale partijen inzet voor het milieu, armoede en gelijke rechten voor mannen en vrouwen in Nicaragua.

      Eirene

      Eirene zet zich in voor duurzame vrede via onder andere geweldloze communicatie en projecten voor onderwijs, educatie en zelfredzaamheid in onder andere Bosnië-Herzegovina, Niger, Bolivia en Nicaragua. De stichting staat open voor (financiering van) nieuwe projecten rond internationale vrede.

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      SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

      FAVORITES
      Volunteering in Central America an overview

      After 5 months there has come an end to my time in Central America, these past few months have been filled with travelling, meeting new people, volunteering, and above all learning. I have learned so much about new cultures, new languages and most of all; myself. I have had the opportunity to experi...

      El Arbol

      El Arbol is een Nederlandse stichting die zich samen met lokale partijen inzet voor het milieu, armoede en gelijke rechten voor mannen en vrouwen in Nicaragua.

      Safety and insurances in Nicaragua

      How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

      How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

      How does the healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

      What is the quality of healthcare in Nicaragua?

      • Healthcare in Nicaragua is of fairly good quality and consists of both private and public institutions. Furthermore, healthcare is also quite cheap.
      • As in most countries, healthcare is better in cities than in smaller villages and rural areas.
      • Many doctors in Nicaragua have been trained in the United States, Europe, Cuba or Mexico.
      • For this reason, most doctors working in cities also speak English, while doctors and healthcare workers in rural areas often do not speak English.
      • There are many pharmacies in Nicaragua. The pharmacies are also used by locals as a kind of first stop for medical care, especially if they cannot afford to visit a doctor. Many medicines can be obtained without a prescription. If you bring your own medicine, make sure you bring a doctor's note in Spanish.
      • In Nicaragua, you have the option of choosing private, international insurance, or you can also get insurance at some local hospitals.

      How does the public healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

      • The public healthcare system consists of a mix of military and public healthcare institutions. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) provides a universal system, free for everyone and consisting of clinics and hospitals.
      • In addition, there is also a mandatory insurance system, Instituto Nicaragüense de Seguridad Social (INSS). People with a job are required to contribute to this. The INSS provides coverage for certain care, for both the insured and dependents.
      • Every region/department in Nicaragua has a public hospital and several public clinics. Public hospitals provide free emergency medical care.
      • Waiting times in public hospitals are often (very) long and the medical staff often only speak Spanish.

      How does the private healthcare system work in Nicaragua?

      • Private healthcare in Nicaragua consists of both profit-making and non-profit institutions. The latter include NGOs and churches, for example.
      • Private hospitals often offer health insurance, which offers a discount on all care you receive in the hospital.
      • Private healthcare is often unaffordable for locals, while it is often relatively cheap for foreigners.
      • Certain specific treatments are not possible in Nicaragua. It is therefore wise to take out insurance that covers medical evacuation in these cases.
      • Even though more people speak English in private institutions, it can still be useful to speak some Spanish to explain your medical situation properly.

      How is the general practitioner arranged in Nicaragua?

      • In Nicaragua you will find GPs in both the public and private facilities. In general, foreigners and wealthy locals choose private GPs.
      • The easiest way to find a good GP is to look for a “médico general” at a private clinic or to ask other expats for advice.

      How is the dentist arranged in Nicaragua?

      • There are more dentists than general practitioners in Nicaragua. Many dentists have been trained abroad.
      • Dental care is reasonably priced and it is a popular country for medical dental tourism.

      How is pregnancy care arranged in Nicaragua?

      • In urban areas such as Managua, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer prenatal and maternity care. The quality of care generally varies between public and private institutions. Private hospitals and clinics usually offer a higher standard of care, with more modern facilities and English-speaking staff. It can be useful to do some research of the available facilities and care providers.
      • You can expect good quality prenatal - and postnatal care and testing in private institutions.
      • Abortion is completely prohibited in Nicaragua, with no exceptions, even in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. This strict legislation has been in place since 2006 and has raised concerns about the impact on women’s health and well-being. Women who undergo abortions face prison sentences of up to two years, while medical professionals who perform the procedure can face sentences of up to six years.

      How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Nicaragua?

      What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Nicaragua?

      • While Nicaragua is generally considered safer than some of its neighbors, crime such as theft and muggings do occur, especially in urban areas. It is advisable to remain vigilant, not to carry valuables on display, and not to travel alone at night.
      • Since 2018, Nicaragua has experienced political unrest and protests. Authorities have responded harshly to demonstrations, and participation in them can result in arrest or deportation. It is advisable to avoid political gatherings and protests and to stay up-to-date on local news. 
      • Nicaragua is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. It is important to be familiar with evacuation plans and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of an emergency.
      • Be careful with unregistered taxis, as there have been cases of taxi kidnappings. Always choose a taxi with a red license plate. Also, do not take the bus at night.

      What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Nicaragua?

      • Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, transmitted by mosquitoes, are common in Nicaragua. It is advisable to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
      • Drinking tap water is generally discouraged due to the risk of waterborne diseases. It is safer to consume bottled or filtered water and to be careful with ice cubes and raw foods.

      What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Nicaragua?

      • Infrastructure in Nicaragua is limited, especially outside the major cities in the Caribbean. Roads can be poorly maintained, and traffic laws are not always followed. If you plan to drive yourself, be prepared for unexpected road conditions and unpredictable behavior from other road users.
      • In the cities and more developed areas, driving can be a good option.
      • It is mandatory to have local insurance when entering the country with a car, or when buying a car there.
      • Buses and taxis are the main forms of public transportation. Although they are affordable, they can be overcrowded and may not meet the safety standards you are used to. It is advisable to use reliable taxi services.

      What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Nicaragua?

      • Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

      What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Nicaragua if you are going to live there for a while?

      • Although it is generally not mandatory to have insurance for a visa application for Nicaragua, most foreigners still take out their own private insurance. This guarantees good coverage for (unexpected) care and also medical evacuation or repatriation, which may be necessary in a country like Nicaragua.
      • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

       

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