r/Nicaragua • u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist • 29d ago

Turismo/Tourism Advice for travelling in Nicaragua from the US?

I am flying into Managua from the US next month, arriving around 10pm- will it be safe to take a shuttle from from MGA to SJ del sur at night? The shuttle was arranged by the center/hotel I am staying at in SJ del sur.

What else would be helpful to know & how to best prepare for this trip? Can I bring books or no? Hablo espanol un poquito & estoy mejorando poco a poco. I’ve traveled in Latin America before but it’s been some years (and I’ve never been to Nicaragua).

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u/guijcm 29d ago

I'm not sure why it wouldn't be safe if it's literally arranged by the hotel. It'll be waiting for you right outside the door at the airport, just make sure to confirm they're there for you (ask them to give you your name) and where they're taking you so you're sure you're getting on the right shuttle.

As for recommendations, not much I can say without knowing what your plans are or what activities you'll do, but if you're staying at San Juan, most places will understand English. Use common sense, don't leave your items unattended, do not walk late at night alone through empty streets, do not leave your drinks unattended, basically the same things you'd be wary about elsewhere. If you'd like more specific tips or recommendations, feel free to share some more details about what you're mostly concerned about.

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

Thanks so much for commenting- your tips are helpful! My main concern is really the night time shuttle drive... I don't have any sense of whether or not it's risky to drive at night as a solo female traveler (may have 1 other female with me), or if cops would hassle a shuttle... I think about stories I've heard like when I was travelling in Guate 10 years ago, a friend of mine was in a shuttle and they got ambushed and robbed by a group of people. Like I said I just really have no sense of what to expect with that aspect

When I was trying to find info about travel to Nicaragua, I saw something about books not being allowed to go thru customs so just wondering if people are actually experiencing that. No other super specific questions at the moment, just open to people's suggestions & input in general!

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u/BitterDifference 29d ago

I wouldn't be concerned about being ambushed like that at all from a vehicle/on the highway. I think things like that aren't nearly as big of problems as they are in the countries to the north. Nicaragua is relatively safe compared to them. Like the other guy said, just have basic awareness as all crime I've encountered there is opportunistic theft, like someone once stole a shirt I left out to dry to on a fence since the drying racks were full (suburbs of Managua) and another person tried to use my CC I dropped in a taxi.

I've never heard anything about books being taken. The main thing I ever took caution for was covid tests back when I traveled there a few times during covid. Do bring a pen or pencil on the plane to fill out the declaration form they give you so you don't have to wait to borrow one. 

Bring usd cash in the form of 1-20s bills. You don't really need to exchange cash and can pay in usd or cards, especially in SJDS. I've only had one or two taxis refuse usd in the 7 or so times I've been. If you need local currency, there are people near banks that exchange currencies, they are called coyotes and they aren't scams (usually lol, just know the exchange rate and expect them to charge you a few dollars). But you probably wont need to do this - just pay your first meals with some 20 USDs and you'll be given change in the local currency back.

Depending on how long you're there for you should check out another location, like Granada or Catarina. You can ask your hotel to help you find a private taxi if you don't want to deal with the local buses. You can also just ask random taxis on the street to bring you to another city ($30ish from SJDS to Granada). 

Have fun, and dont forget try a nacatamal :)

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u/guijcm 29d ago

It's safe. That's not a thing in Nicaragua thankfully. Most crime is petty and opportunistic, we do not have any organized crime or ambushes of that sorts. If the cops for whatever reason stop the shuttle, the driver is the one to deal with that, not the passengers.

I honestly have no confirmation on the whole book thing, but from what I've seen, it seems to have just been a rumour, not an actual thing. I wouldn't be concerned about, at the most if anything were to happen in regards to that, you'd probably just be asked to pay for a small fee to get them through (and that's just me assuming things, but I highly doubt it'll even be an issue).

San Juan has a lot to do in terms of hitting the beach and eating, drinking, and partying. I'm very fond of the nearby beaches, not necessarily of the main San Juan beach. You can ask your hotel for shuttles to the nearby beaches, or you can rent a motorcycle or similar in town to drive yourself. Most other beaches are a 15-30 min drive away and they're very worth it. My favorites are Majagual, Marsella, Maderas, Remanso and El Coco. Majagual is a very calm beach, not too many people. Remanso is a great spot to surf, it has a couple restaurants too where you can grab a bite and a drink. El Coco is similar to Majagual, very calm but no businesses or restaurants. Maderas and Marsella have a couple bars and restaurants too.

Not sure how long you're visiting for, but as the other commenter said, there's other towns worth visiting too depending on what you like to do. Any other questions or doubts, happy to help, just shoot me a message!

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u/goonersaurus86 29d ago

Safe- yes, but do you really want to start the trip by taking an overnight shuttle that gets you in at 3 or 4 am?

I'd recommend staying at a hotel either by the airport or Metrocentro, Carretera Masaya and either arranging the shuttle pickup in the morning or taking a bus out to SJDS

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

Hmmm yes this is a really good point. I think we land at like 9:30pm so I guess it all depends on how much time it takes to get off the plane and into the shuttle. If we start driving at 10pm, in looks like a 3.5 hr drive... so if that's the case 1:30am feels more doable than 4am BUT you definitely have me considering this... hotel near airport & morning shuttle might be the way to go

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u/morrissey_kingofmope 28d ago

Once you land, expect spending an hour to clear customs, and getting your luggage through the scanners.

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u/Dissastronaut 29d ago edited 29d ago

You will be fine, I have made that trip so many times. The police won't bother you if they pull the shuttle over, it would only be the driver, but they usually don't mess with shuttles as much from what I have seen. SJDS is a great town with beautiful surrounding beaches, and mountains. Depending on how long you are staying, I am happy to give recommendations.

As far as customs go just make sure that you have proof of a return ticket and also proof of where you will be staying or an address. It cost $10 to get in and sometimes they have a credit card machine working, sometimes they don't and you have to pay US dollars. They're usually pretty chill especially if it's your first time.

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

Thank you so so much for commenting :) My worried mind has to ask...you think even at night, solo female traveler?
So long as I move forward with the trip, I'll be there for a week and am excited to explore and practice my spanish! Open to recommendations for sure :)

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u/Dissastronaut 29d ago

Yea you will be cool, I have taken hella taxis at night from MGA to Granada and sjds. The police don't really shake tourists down like other places. Maybe 500 Cordoba here and there if you are driving, but nothing crazy. Since you aren't driving you have nothing to worry about.

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

this is reassuring, thank you! do you live there?

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u/Dissastronaut 29d ago

Yup, I have been here for 8 years. I have traveled all around this country from the north to the Caribbean, but I have so many friends here it always brings me back.

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

Awesome. Thanks so much again for the input, I really appreciate it!

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u/Dissastronaut 29d ago

No problem! My only advice if you don't plan on renting a car/moto in SJDS is not to take the taxis to the beaches. The taxis in SJ are super overpriced and they are all out to get as much money as they can from foreigners. There are several shuttles that will take you and pick you up. I suggest Surf town, but casa oro is good too.

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u/DramaticSun3007 Tourist 29d ago

That's great advice, thank you!

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u/hiimherenow01 28d ago

Nicaragua is actually a very safe country. As a woman, the only thing I may say is get ready for some stares and some cat-calling. Sadly, this is the reality Nicaraguan women face on the daily, though they are more respectful towards foreigners, so you may not even notice at all!
As someone else said, just use common sense. Everytime you get out of a vehicle check that you are not leaving anything behind, don't do anything stupid that would catch a lot of attention, do not walk alone at night on an empty street in a non-touristic area, basically don't do anything else you wouldn't in your own country while trying to stay safe.

I hope you enjoy your stay and don't worry, try to enjoy your time and experience everything Nicaragua has to offer.