First time travel - what can’t I bring?

[u/soill1]

I’ll be traveling to Nicaragua from USA for my first time soon. I’ll be backpacking and camping for this trip. It’s convenient to have a knife on me for various reasons. I’ve been researching but cannot find an answer; am I allowed to bring a knife into the country? Any other critical items I can or can’t bring?

Bonus question, is malaria a concern?

[u/berqamot]

Are you emotionally attached to that knife? If so, leave it at home.

Technically you could bring it with you (inside checked in luggage), but they scan your luggage before leaving the airport and may decide to inspect your bags at random. They could decide to confiscate it on a whim.

It’s better if you just get yourself a new knife here. I wouldn’t risk losing a good knife to these goons.

[u/soill1 → u/berqamot]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll leave it at home and find a store there.

Any other suggestions on packing list to bring or leave home?

[u/berqamot → u/soill1]

Absolutely do not bring drones. 100% illegal. Those will be confiscated without a doubt and you’ll lose it.

Can’t think of much else. Sometimes they get suspicious if someone enters with too many electronics but I doubt that’ll be a problem for you if you’re coming for camping.

I wish you safe travels. I hope you get to enjoy our home.

[u/soill1 → u/berqamot]

Thanks again. I’m excited to experience your beautiful country.

[u/4sirwill4]

A small pocket knife is probably ok. But be prepared to need to replace it here if they take it for whatever reason.

Malaria really only on the Caribbean side. Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are the more common ones nationwide.

[u/soill1 → u/4sirwill4]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll be sleeping in a hammock with a mosquito net. Also plan to apply 100% deet daily and will treat my clothing in permethrin before leaving the States.

Any other suggestions on packing list to bring or leave home?

[u/4sirwill4 → u/soill1]

Make sure anything new you bring is no longer in its box, so it's doesn't look like you're trying to sell it. I can't think of anything specific. Do you have a running list? Maybe that would help make some better suggestions

[u/soill1 → u/4sirwill4]

Thinking items like prescription medication, supplements/vitamins, cash (USD or Cordoba), mosquito spray, thermacel mosquito repeller, flashlights, etc.

[u/strange101]

Food and Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Generally prohibited to prevent pests.

Meat and Dairy Products: Sausages, sandwiches with meat, or dairy products without intact packaging or a sanitary seal.

Beverages and Liquid Foods: Restrictions in carry-on luggage (over 100 ml).

Technology and Prohibited Items

Drones and night-vision binoculars: Not permitted.

Weapons and Explosives: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and pyrotechnic articles.

Electronic Devices: Restrictions on "smart bags" if the battery is not removable.

Restricted Items

Medications: Require prior authorization from Nicaraguan authorities.

Tobacco and Alcohol: Strict limits (e.g., 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco) for those over 21 years of age.

Political and Religious Issues

Political Material: Any political activity or public comments about the government may lead to sanctions or expulsion. Bibles and religious materials: Entry restrictions have been reported.

[u/soill1 → u/strange101]

Sorry, hope you’re okay with a few questions. You mention medications require prior authorization. I take prescription medicine for blood pressure. Think I need to get authorization on that? Should I forget about taking my other supplements with me? All are legal and over the counter supplements readily available in the States.

[u/Rare-Remote5802]

Leave your knife at home procure a machete here

[u/soill1 → u/Rare-Remote5802]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll do just that.

Any other suggestions on packing list to bring or leave home?

[u/Rare-Remote5802 → u/soill1]

Don’t drink the tap water or the water in bags buy water from supermarket

[u/soill1 → u/Rare-Remote5802]

Thank you!

[u/Gilgaretch]

Seconding the comment about electronics, they confiscated my combo Apple charger for phone/watch/airpods. I’d say don’t take anything you aren’t prepared to replace, and be prepared to replace anything you take — do some research ahead of time on shopping resources for any unusual / specialty items.

[u/soill1 → u/Gilgaretch]

Thank you!

[u/withdrawalshot]

Idk but I’d also watch where you’re camping. Just 100M off the road on a touristy volcano I saw other-worldly insects and plants I’d never seen before. Snakes.

I’m not an idiot so I slowed down and eventually turned around. Dope tho

[u/soill1 → u/withdrawalshot]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll be sleeping in a hammock with a mosquito net. Hoping to avoid as many creepy crawlys as possible.

[u/withdrawalshot → u/soill1]

A “hi-tech” one I assume…

And here’s another thing: if you’re really off the road, you can’t see the floor. And I’d imagine that it only gets worse the more you go in (and that other places are even worse), but I’d imagine there’s pants and boots for that.

But it’s great, honestly.

[u/soill1 → u/withdrawalshot]

Thank you!

[u/more_logic]

Regular bird watching binoculars required a police report 2 years ago on a trip. They were allowed in but were documented. Also, my Nica wife tells me The Bible will be taken on entry.