Digital Nomad Life in Nicaragua

"Expats in Nicaragua often join activity-based clubs such as hiking, golf, tennis and sailing. Additionally, there are social clubs for expats to meet and socialize such as Rotary or Lions Club. Other ways to meet people when living in Nicaragua can include attending festivals, getting involved in local charities, attending language meetups, and joining community sports teams. Attending events such as locally hosted dinners, art classes and other local social activities can also be a great way for expats to meet new people and form friendships," said one person in Nicaragua.

"There are currently no clubs available although this is a small town and it won't take you long to meet all the expats and locals too. There are several restaurants that are frequented by the expats and word spreads REAL fast," remarked one foreigner who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

"The expat community is largely made up of retirees. There are some who are in small businesses but for the most part everyone enjoys the sea, fishing, boating, walking, jogging, biking and trips to nearby cities to explore the volcanoes, lakes and great food," remarked one member in San Juan del Sur.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nicaragua is generally very pleasant and enjoyable. The country is known for its beautiful scenery, low cost of living, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. Nicaragua offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, from sun-kissed beaches to tropical rainforests and stunning volcanoes. Gringos (expats) and digital nomads flock to Nicaragua to take advantage of excellent food, breathtaking nature, and relaxed working environment. Additionally, the vibrant culture, world-class healthcare and modern infrastructure make it a great place to live and work. Life in Nicaragua can also be quitechallenging due to the lack of stable internet, limited banking options and erratic electricity. However, it’s still a great place to live, work or explore," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"One way to find a place to live in Nicaragua is by researching online. There are several websites dedicated to helping people find accommodation in Nicaragua, such as Encuentra24, Encuentra Viviendas and CercaCasa. These websites allow you to search for properties in different cities and regions in Nicaragua. Additionally, you can use websites like Airbnb where you can find apartments, houses, and villas for rent in Nicaragua. If you prefer to look for an accommodation in person, the best way to do so is to ask around in the city or towns you are interested in; many people rent or let out rooms or apartments through word-of-mouth. Facebook groups can also be a great way to find a place to live; many Nicaraguans join such groups in order to list properties for sale or rent," said one person in Nicaragua.

"I would stay in different parts of the town each time I came to get a feel for the different sights, sounds etc," remarked one foreigner who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

"Again, spend as much time prior to moving as possible. Patience, that is the key word for Nicaragua. Be prepared for late appointments or on the other side of the coin, the appointee will show up way ahead of the scheduled time. As soon as you learn to go with the flow, relax, no stress, you will adjust much easier. Remember, we will always be a guest in the host country, and smile," said one person in San Juan del Sur.

"Expats should research Nicaragua's healthcare system before retiring in the country. A comprehensive medical insurance plan is often advised due to the limited public health system. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with local visa regulations, as well as taxation regulations for foreign nationals. Quality of life is generally good and very affordable, so expats may consider their budget in advance. Expats may also want to investigate living arrangements before relocating, as there can sometimes be difficulties finding appropriate housing. Lastly, expats should be aware that the infrastructure in some areas of Nicaragua can be unreliable at times," said one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"Standard advice is to visit Nicaragua before committing to anything - that is even more essential in your case. Visit areas you might want to live, local stores, etc," explained one foreigner living in Managua, Nicaragua.

"I guess the depth of the new culture is what I appreciate most. Especially in the states you are conditioned to think the USA is number one in all aspects and that everyone wants to be like an American. Even in a small country like Nicaragua you find they have just as much national pride, historical richness, musical and artistical creativity, etc," explained one expat living in Granada, Nicaragua.

"The loving, kind, generous personalities of all the people I've met. These people (of which there are many) were mostly bi-lingual Nica's with hearts of gold and silver. I think that's why I didn't suffer so much culture shock. I was immediately surrounded by loving / caring people," said one person in Managua.

"Expatriates in Nicaragua appreciate the warm and welcoming local population who are passionate about their culture and willing to share it with others. They also appreciate the stunning landscape, from sandy beaches and tropical rainforest to majestic volcanoes, as well as the captivating local architecture, which is a mix of colonial, indigenous, and modern influences. In addition, they appreciate the traditional music, cuisine and festivals that bring the vibrant culture of Nicaragua alive," said one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the Nicaraguan culture for expats is the language barrier, as many locals may not be able to speak English or another foreign language. Additionally, locals may not be very welcoming of foreigners and may be hesitant to interact with them. Additionally, differences in social norms and etiquette can be jarring for expats unused to such customs. As well, it is common for locals to expect expats to haggle over the cost of goods and services, which can be both challenging and intimidating for those from other cultures," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"Many of the expats live here on a 90 day tourist visa which can be extended to 180 days. At that time you must leave the country for three days. You can become a resident as we did which makes things like opening a bank account easier. You can get a one year or five year residency. The needed document list is too long to list here but there are many benefits such as up to $20,000 household goods imported for free and up to $25,000 tax free on an imported car or one that is purchased here. Nicaragua wants you to move here but that does not make it easy. Average time to complete the process is 3-4 months and that assumes you arrive with all of the necessary documentation. I have a website that helps answer these questions at www.nicaragua-guide.com. Becoming a resident does not affect your USA citizenship. Yes, you still must pay USA taxes," said one expat in Granada.

"If you plan on staying in Nicaragua for an extended period of time, the Nicaraguan government requires you to obtain a residency visa. This visa is issued through the Nicaraguan Immigration Department and will require several documents, such as a valid passport, proof of your address in Nicaragua, a copy of your police record, a medical certificate, and evidence of your financial solvency. Additionally, you may need to provide certified copies of your birth certificate and/or your marriage record if applicable," remarked one member in Nicaragua.

"Being pensionados we have less money and income than almost any time in our lives yet we are rich compared to our neighbors. No matter how much we try we will never quite understand this disparency and how the locals see us. Our neighbors believe we are wealthy beyond their dreams and no matter how much we share it, they think we are hiding even more wealth. Let me give you an example by a story that actually happened to me. We use Cordobas here which presently exchange at 23 cordobas to one US dollar or about a nickel. Often I will give 10 or 20 cordobas to the street cleaners, garbage men or other deserving souls. Anyway, one day I was walking my dog when I was approached by a young man in need. After exchanging courtesies he stated he needed 50 cordobas to buy a pair of shorts. I was rather surprised that he was asking for so much since requests are using for 10 or 20 cordobas or the change in your pocket. I told him so but he insisted he needed that much. Since he was polite and courteous I reached in my pocket but all I had was a 20 cordoba note. I gave it to him and said that was all I had. I walked away feeling I had helped the young man. The following day I was again walking my dog and the same young man approached me. After the usual courtesies he told me "Do you have the 30 cordobas you owe me?". I was in such shock that I gave him the 30 cordobas and walked away, stunned. In the states I would have been indignant but that is the way it is here. And it is a humorous reflection of society here," said one expat in Granada.

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Nicaragua. Being mindful of other peoples’ culture, customs and language is essential to showing respect. To help you avoid making a cultural faux pas, some things to avoid include wearing revealing clothing in public, pointing your feet (or any part of your body) at someone as this is considered rude, discussing sensitive political topics, touching people without their permission, accepting food or drinks with both hands, being loud and boisterous in public, and engaging in aggressive bargaining practices," remarked one member in Nicaragua.

"Healthcare services in Nicaragua are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in Nicaragua often use the public healthcare system for basic medical care, but they may opt for private healthcare for more specialized services," said a member in Nicaragua.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Nicaragua, as well as the friendly locals and the beautiful scenery. They also enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to explore the country's diverse culture. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and the limited availability of certain goods and services to be a challenge. Additionally, the political situation in Nicaragua can be unstable at times, which can be a source of concern for some," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"You meet great people and some rude people. After time you will know who to shop with and where to eat. San Juan del Sur gets breezes most of the time. You can have a taxi at your call and a trusted driver to take you home if you drink to much. Don't talk about the government and all will be well," said one digital nomad in San Juan del Sur.