A typical route through Nicaragua links the colonial cities of Granada and León with the volcanoes around them, the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua and the surf beaches around San Juan del Sur, with the Corn Islands in the Caribbean as a longer detour. Many visitors arrive overland from Costa Rica. Nicaragua is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so European plans bill roaming there at their own rates, usually per day.
Key facts for Nicaragua
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Claro (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 911; police 118; Red Cross ambulance 128
- Embassies: in Managua
Local laws to take seriously
Foreigners are banned from any political activity, including protests, and can be arrested, detained or deported for taking part; even using the blue and white of the national flag in a protest can lead to arrest. Drones are prohibited, so leave yours at home. The US government warns that laws are applied arbitrarily and that foreigners face a risk of wrongful detention, so keep your opinions about local politics offline while you are there.
Entering the country
If you arrive by land or sea, for example from Costa Rica at Peñas Blancas, the immigration pre-registration form has to be sent at least seven days before you travel; for flights, the airline handles it or sends you a link.
Granada, León and the volcanoes
Coverage is good in Granada, León and Masaya. Several volcanoes are active, including Masaya, Cerro Negro near León, where visitors slide down the slope on boards, and Concepción on Ometepe: hike only with an experienced guide, and follow local warnings.
Ometepe, San Juan del Sur and the Corn Islands
Ferries cross to Ometepe from San Jorge, and the signal holds in the island's villages but drops on the volcano trails. On the Pacific coast, strong currents have caused drownings and there are no lifeguards. On the Corn Islands, coverage is limited, and the only hyperbaric chamber is on the mainland, five hours away by speedboat, so dive conservatively.
Getting around
In Managua, take care around the old cathedral, the markets and the bus stations, and do not walk there after dark. Use radio taxis or authorised taxis with red plates, check that the driver's ID is visible, and avoid shared minibuses. Main highways are unlit, so avoid driving at night.
Paying
The currency is the córdoba, and US dollars are widely accepted. Cash machines give both. Avoid street money changers; use the authorised ones at bank entrances.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up at home connects when you land in Managua or cross the border from Costa Rica, and your own number still receives texts and bank codes. A Latin America or Americas plan also covers Honduras and El Salvador.
Nicaraguan prepaid SIMs from Claro or Tigo are sold in phone shops; you need your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Nicaragua
- 911 reaches the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade; the police also answer on 118, and the Red Cross ambulance service on 128.
- Embassies are in Managua. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Nicaragua, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app's emergency phrases in Spanish are ready to show on screen when you need them.
Nicaragua travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about Nicaragua
Does my EU plan work in Nicaragua?
No. Nicaragua is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's roaming rates apply.
Can I bring a drone?
No. Drones are prohibited in Nicaragua.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Nicaragua?
Claro, with 4G where available.
What is the emergency number?
911, or 118 for the police and 128 for a Red Cross ambulance.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you go, leave the drone at home, stay out of politics, hike volcanoes with a guide, avoid night drives, and save 911.
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