Nicaragua

Nicaraguahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/nicaraguaNicaraguahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/nicaragua-travel-alertWhat are the issues affecting travelers to Nicaragua? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-09-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/nicaragua-travel-alerthttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Nicaragua Anti-Government Protests – December 2018</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <p><strong>Update: </strong>Nicaragua has been placed in the "Reconsider all but essential travel" category for several government travel advisories. While the protests have simmered at the moment, there is still the risk for them to flare up. The UK Government travel advisory reports that it's illegal under Nicaraguan law for any foreigners to participate in political protests, you can be arrested and jailed.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/avoiding-crime-in-nicaragua">Crime</a> has also increased since the <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest">civil unrest</a> began in April. Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to secure their belongings while in the country.</p> <p>Thousands of locals have packed the streets of the capital, Managua, and other cities over the past week in response to government announcements regarding social welfare reform which would see some of the country's poorest workers being slugged more taxes and losing benefits.</p> <p>Unfortunately, things have gone from peaceful to violent with locals clashing with police, resulting in hundreds of people injured and the deaths of more than 300 people. Police were reported to be using live ammunition, tear gas and other ammunition against protestors.</p> <p>Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega announced on 22 April  that he would abandon the social welfare reforms. However, local anger has not died down, and protestors are calling for the resignation of the president due to incidents of nepotism and undermining the country's democratic system.</p> <p>With no signs of civil unrest abating, the US has removed some of its diplomatic staff from the country and reduced services available.</p> <h3>What to do if you get stuck in a protest</h3> <ul> <li>Don't get involved. While it may be tempting to watch what is going on, protests can often turn violent. Your travel insurance company may not pay out on claims if you are found to have knowingly put yourself in danger. Which means if you become injured or your personal belongings are damaged, the onus is on you to deal with those costs</li> <li>Keep away from protest areas and stay inside if possible. Keep updated with local news and announcements</li> <li>Should you find yourself stuck in a protest situation, try to move calmly away from the area. Hot-footing it from the protest may attract the attention of police and they will not discriminate between you or protestors in unrest situations</li> <li>If you need help from police, approach them calmly and with caution. Identify yourself as a visitor by showing your passport or identification</li> <li>Where possible, let family and friends know where you are and what is happening. Organize a time to check in with them again. If they don't hear from you, they will at least have a last known location which they can provide to authorities back home for assistance and rescue</li> <li>Contact your travel insurance provider especially if transportation hubs such as airports and public transport services are shut down</li> <li>Contact your country's embassy to let them about the dangerous situation unfolding and where you are. They will also be able to give advice on staying safe and any important updates.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/mtcurado 1 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/avoiding-crime-in-nicaraguaHow bad is crime in Nicaragua? Everything you must know about scams, express kidnappings and crime hot-spots, like Managua, to stay safe.2020-07-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/avoiding-crime-in-nicaraguahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Express <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/kidnapping-in-colombia-are-you-a-target" target="_blank" title="Kidnapping in Colombia: What Travelers Need to Know">kidnappings are common in Latin America</a>, and Nicaragua is no exception. But, is this a real threat to visitors? We take a look at just how safe Nicaragua is for travelers.</p> <p>Before you begin planning your trip, check for the latest information from your government's travel advisory.</p> <p>Mention Nicaragua and you may conjure images of violent coups, sneering guerillas, and cold-blooded drug henchmen. But, there's actually far less violent crime here compared to neighboring countries. Unfortunately, Nicaragua did record the largest deterioration in peacefulness in the 2019 Global Peace Index.</p> <p>But, for most travelers it's possible to stay out of harm's way when you come prepared with insights on theft, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-scams-101" target="_blank" title="Common travel scams">scams</a>, kidnappings, and the threat of assault. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and out of trouble in Nicaragua.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime"> Crime in Nicaragua </a></li> <li><a href="#streets"> Street crime and theft </a></li> <li><a href="#kidnappings"> Express kidnappings </a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Common travel scams </a></li> <li><a href="#taxi"> Tips for travelers taking a taxi </a></li> <li><a href="#robbery"> Highway robberies </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">1. Crime hot spots in Nicaragua</h2> <p>Most <a href="https://www.osac.gov/Country/Nicaragua/Content/Detail/Report/f5fd7c82-f119-42ae-83ad-15f4aebd5471" target="_blank" title="OSAC">crime occurs in the capital Managua</a>, and typically in certain hot-spots. Pickpocketing is common at bus stations, on crowded buses, and in the markets – especially the Oriental, Huembes, and Mayoreo Markets. To avoid pickpockets, try to travel with minimal cash on you, and avoid taking expensive cameras out on the streets. Keep you phone hidden, and if you must use it, find somewhere quiet – this might help avoiding any unwanted attention.</p> <p>In Managua, around the vicinity of the old cathedral is a well-known crime pit, and incidents against foreigners have occurred on Avenida Bolivar between the Plaza Inter Rotunda and the Military Hospital, the TICABUS terminal in Barrio Martha Quezada, and in the Altamira neighborhood.</p> <p>Gang violence, including drive-by shootings, stabbings, and armed robberies are most frequent in poor areas, such as Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov. In the Zona Rosa district prostitutes have been known to rob passersby – so be careful in these areas. You should avoid walking alone at night in any of these areas.</p> <h2 id="streets">2. Street crime and theft in Nicaragua</h2> <p>Although less than in the capital, street crime is also a problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, and the Corn Islands.</p> <p>San Juan del Sur, a major tourist destination, has a perennial theft problem – but it's getting better.</p> <p>In remote areas, especially the North Caribbean Autonomous Region (RACN or RACCN) and the Atlantic Coast, police presence in sparse. Criminals, especially drug traffickers, occasionally use this to their advantage.</p> <p>If you are threatened by an armed criminal, don't resist – hand over what they're asking for. Too many injuries and deaths have resulted from non-compliance.</p> <p>As a last word of precaution: avoid <a href="https://www.worldlyadventurer.com/tips-safe-hitchhiking-in-south-america/" target="_blank" title="6 Indispensible Tips for Safe Hitchhiking in South America">hitchhiking</a> in Nicaragua, don't go home with strangers after a night at the club, and always travel in a group whenever possible.</p> <h2 id="kidnappings">3. Express kidnappings in Nicaragua</h2> <p>Taxi kidnappings have occurred in Nicaragua with worrisome frequency. These tend to be committed by gangsters who are driving stolen cars. You'll have to do some extra work to ensure your taxi is legit, but here are a few pointers to help out:</p> <ul> <li>When possible, order a radio cab at the airport or at your hostel/hotel</li> <li>Make sure the taxi has a red border around the licence plate, and that the number is clearly displayed</li> <li>Note the driver's name and registration number</li> <li>Make sure it's labeled with the company name (usually includes "Cooperativa") and a logo.</li> </ul> <p>In a few cases, tourists were approached by a friendly-looking traveler who offered to share a cab. Once inside, the tourists were robbed at knifepoint, threatened, or driven around to ATMs to make cash withdrawals. If that wasn't enough, the assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations.</p> <p>These awful swindles took place around the international airport and in the cities of Rivas, Granada, and Masaya. Be very careful when accepting a ride from a stranger.</p> <h2 id="scams">4. Scams in Nicaragua</h2> <p>If something sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably is. That's the best approach to avoiding any con artists while traveling anywhere around the world. But, there are a few scams to be on the lookout for while traveling around Nicaragua.</p> <ul> <li>Women approaching tourists on the street asking to buy their "sick child" medicine – politely decline</li> <li>Say no to any unsolicited requests on the street for money to help support locals in any way (such as moving back to their home town, supporting their family in need)</li> <li>Watch out for dodgy tour operators – read reviews online to make sure the tour operator is reliable</li> <li>Iif someone asks to see your passport or identity document, request they show their police identification before handing anything over</li> <li>Be careful when renting ATVs or motorbikes – read the documentation before signing on the dotted line, and make sure you meet any requirements to avoid being ripped off or having to pay a hidden fee.</li> </ul> <h2 id="taxi">5. Tips for travelers taking a taxi</h2> <ul> <li>Tell the driver not to pick up other passengers</li> <li>Agree on the fare before setting off</li> <li>Carry small bills to pay – taxi drivers rarely have change</li> <li>Keep windows and doors closed, and hide valuables to prevent snatching at stop lights. It's a rare occurrence, but it has happened.</li> </ul> <p>Although the chances of a traveler being kidnapped is very rare, there have been attacks on foreign nationals in their homes or hotels. If peace of mind is important to you, choose accommodation with uniformed security staff, a good fence, and a secure front gate.</p> <h2 id="robbery">6. Highway robberies in Nicaragua</h2> <p>When it comes to driving around Nicaragua, traveling outside the city carries a few risks. There have been armed robberies along some highways, notably the Tipitapa-Masaya and the Managua-Leon. Some cases have reported criminals dressed as cops, pulling over passenger cars for inspection. There are corrupt police that may solicit drivers for bribes, so do your best to assess the situation and avoid handing over bribes – which encourages future behavior.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/getting-around-nicaragua" target="_blank" title="How to get around safely in Nicaragua">Find out more about transport safety with these tips on chicken buses, hiring drivers, and what to do if an accident occurs</a>.</p> <p>The Motombo Mirador lookout point, along the New Leon Highway, has been the scene of a few armed robberies against tourists as well.</p>iStock/MarcPo 0672140320 iStock Man is riding bicycle on the street of colorful commercial houses in the historic district of Granada in Nicaragua

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/nicaragua-health-and-hazards-tipsThese are the things you need to know about health and hygiene, as well as earthquakes, active volcanoes and hiking safety advice for Nicaragua.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/nicaragua-health-and-hazards-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Tropical Nicaragua is located in the Ring of Fire, which means a combination of health issues and geological instability welcome a tad more caution for your adventure – preferably before you sandboard down the side of an active volcano.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#health"> Health, hygiene and tropical diseases </a></li> <li><a href="#water"> Can I drink tap water in Nicaragua? </a></li> <li><a href="#nature"> Natural hazards in Nicaragua</a></li> <li><a href="#hiking"> Mandatory hiking guides in Nicaragua</a></li> <li><a href="#ocean"> Earthquakes and dangers in the ocean </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="health">Health, hygiene and tropical diseases</h2> <p>Nicaragua is a tropical country, so you can expect the usual culprits: Dengue Fever, Malaria outside the cities, and some risk of Hepatitis.</p> <p>Dengue is especially prevalent during the rainy season when stagnant water accumulates. There's no cure, so prevention is the best measure, which means mosquito repellent and mosquito nets over you bed are essential.</p> <p>Malaria is endemic mostly on the Atlantic coast. Anti-malarial medication (if you choose to take it) should be taken before entering the country, as prescribed by your doctor.</p> <p>Vaccination for Hepatitis A is strongly recommended, as well as Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Typhoid if you're staying longer than three months or planning on travel to remote rural areas.</p> <p>There's a small risk of Leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection found in fresh water contaminated with animal urine. If it's discovered in time, it can be easily treated with antibiotics – so keep an eye out for symptoms such as flu-like fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle soreness, chills and red eyes, if you've been white water rafting or jumping into rivers.</p> <h2 id="water">Can I drink tap water in Nicaragua?</h2> <p>Tap water in Nicaragua has a strong Chlorine smell, which technically-speaking renders it safe to drink. But, the need to overdose it with a bacterial-killing agent like Chlorine should ring alarm bells. It's best to stick to bottled water.</p> <p>A quick word about toilets: not all toilets are connected to the sewer system, and the plumbing doesn't handle with toilet paper very well. You could clog it up and have it backfire. It's best to place toilet paper in the waste bins beside the loo (if there is one). A bit icky to the uninitiated, but you'll soon get the hang of it. If the lid is kept on tight and the bin is emptied daily, there should be no odour or health concerns.</p> <h2 id="nature">Natural hazards in Nicaragua</h2> <p>In Nicaragua, danger comes from the sea and the mountains. Sitting in the Ring of Fire, it has its share of active volcanoes and seismic jitters.</p> <p>Volcano explorers are advised to wear the proper footwear and carry the necessary gear for long hikes and emergency situations. Sometimes a climb may look easy from a distance, but the terrain proves far more severe.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/volcano-boarding-nicaragua-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption> Is it safe for us to say this traveler’s experience of volcano boarding in Leon, Nicaragua didn’t end well? Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hiking">Mandatory hiking guides in Nicaragua</h2> <p>More than one hiker has become lost around the spouts of Ometepe Island. For this reason, it's mandatory that anyone trekking the Maderas and Concepcion volcanoes hire a local guide.</p> <p>In fact, hiring a guide is a good idea in most remote locations. Volcán Concepcion, especially, erupts a few times a year, belching toxic gases and debris around it.</p> <h2 id="ocean">Earthquakes and dangers in the ocean</h2> <p>Earthquakes and hurricanes also happen from time to time across the country. On the beach, mainly along the Pacific coast, beware of strong currents. Many have drowned underestimating the power to the undertow. There may not be warning signs, and a lifeguard may not always be present or properly equipped.</p> <p>Large waves could also result in serious injuries.</p> <p>Stingrays are numerous around January to March, when the sea is cold. Yes, they hurt.</p>iStock/DavorLovincic 0692887654 iStock Jesus and Mary beach on island Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua with volcano Conception in background

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/getting-around-nicaraguaWe take a look at the humble chicken bus ride, safety for those who want to self drive, and hiring your very own private driver to get around Nicaragua.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/nicaragua/getting-around-nicaraguahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The most authentic way to travel around Nicaragua is by the public people-movers nicknamed "chicken buses". These old, decommissioned American school buses rattle and lurch like a dilapidated roller coaster – but that's part of the fun. Plus, you're guaranteed to chat to a friendly local.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#bus"> Chicken buses </a></li> <li><a href="#driver"> Hire a driver </a></li> <li><a href="#self-drive"> Self drive </a></li> <li><a href="#accident"> If there's an accident, don't move </a></li> <li><a href="#where-to-go"> Where to go in Nicaragua </a></li> <li><a href="#cash"> Cash is king </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bus">Chicken buses</h2> <p>Granted, not everyone enjoys that level of local realism. Chicken buses can get crowded, hot, and are favored by pickpockets.</p> <p>Then, there's the added risk of drivers veering recklessly along the edge of a cliff, which does carry a measure of risk. But, hundreds of travelers hop on these buses each week without any major issues. Just practice standard safety measures: keep your belongings close, respect those around you, and stay alert.</p> <h2 id="driver">Hire a driver</h2> <p>If money's not an object (lucky you), consider getting around using high-quality tourist buses, or even hiring a driver during your stay.</p> <p>Local drivers know their way around (Nicaragua is an easy country to get lost in), they know the rules, and how to bend them the right way. If you get into an accident, only the driver will be taken to custody (more on this later).</p> <h2 id="self-drive">Self drive</h2> <p>If you're among the very brave and decide to drive yourself, there are several things to bear in mind.</p> <p>1. Forget that sidewalks exist. In most of the country, they don't. That means everyone shares the road: pedestrians, cyclists, oxcarts, horses, motorbikes with impossibly large loads.</p> <p>2. Many vehicles are in bad condition, so they either go slow, have no lights, or stop suddenly. The locals are used to this. You need to get used to it fast.</p> <p>3. Turning indicator lights – if they work – are seldom used. But it's common for drivers to indicate their intentions with hand signals. Best to keep a safe distance and drive defensively.</p> <p>4. Buses can change lanes without warning, and cars will pass on blind turns and hills without care.</p> <p>5. Although most roads are in fine condition, few are marked. Side roads in the countryside are the exception. These are in terrible condition, and should be avoided without a four-wheel drive.</p> <h2 id="accident">If there's an accident, don't move</h2> <p>Now this is very important: if you get into an accident where someone gets hurt or – knock on wood – loses their life, you must under no circumstances move the car. Even if it's blocking traffic, even if everyone is telling you to move it - don't. If you move it before police arrive, you'll be assumed to be the guilty party, and you could be detained for at least two days or several months, depending how quickly your case is processed.</p> <p>Also, more than a few tourists have reported being stopped by police and hassled for a bribe. Rental cars and foreign plates are targeted, and the cops have been known to seize licenses and registrations from those who don't pay. If you get an on-the-spot "fine", note the name and badge of the officer, and ask for a receipt. Then show these to your embassy.</p> <p>These reasons show why it's wiser to hire a driver, or at the very least, travel with a local or someone who knows the country well.</p> <h2 id="where-to-go">Where to go in Nicaragua</h2> <p>Onto the regions: driving to the northwest is totally fine, but you should stick to the main highways. The Atlantic coast is where things get complicated. It's a poorly-policed area with old infrastructure. Even flying there carries some risk, since airstrips are tiny and planes of doubtful condition. Only go with local help or prior experience.</p> <p>If driving in from another country, use the main border crossings. From Costa Rica it's the Penas Blancas crossing, and from Honduras it's Guasaule, El Espino, and Las Manos.</p> <p>Make sure your car complies with the rules: have an emergency triangle, fire extinguisher, and proper registration. Car insurance – needless to say – is a must.</p> <h2 id="cash">Cash is king</h2> <p>The US dollar is the only foreign currency widely accepted along the Nicaraguan Cordoba.</p> <p>Credit cards are also widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and urban shops. Avoid using plastic in places without solid reputation – credit card fraud is present and some machines could be equipped with skimming devices that copy the information on the magnetic strip.</p> <p>ATMs are available in hotels, banks, shopping centers, and gas stations. If you're taking out cash in areas without an obvious police presence, take caution. Cover your PIN against potential spy cameras or shoulder surfers, and move on quickly.</p> <p>Money is best exchanged in hotels or banks. There are free-roaming street changers called <em>cambistas</em>. You can spot them by the wads of cash they wave around. Leave them to the locals. There's nothing stopping them from ripping you off.</p>iStock/Christa Brunt 0637009654 iStock A colorful street full of advertisements and mototaxis in one of the cities of Nicaragua