Transportation
Visas are not required for most American and European nationalities.
Visitors can stay up to 90 days upon entering the country
with a passport valid for the next six months. A $5 entrance
tax is charged, as well as a $25 airport exit tax-both of
which must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Various
international airlines fly into Sandino International Airport,
located 12 kilometers east of downtown Managua. (See lists
of airlines and their numbers in the General Information
section above.) Domestic flights are also available from
a small terminal of the airport. Buses and cabs are available
from the airport into Managua, taxies charge an average
of $15 from the airport, less if one walks out to the highway
and flags one down. When leaving the country, it is recommended
to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
Roads
The primary roads within the country are very well marked
and maintained-part of a development campaign of the recent
administration. Buses, taxis and rental cars are all easily
accessible in Managua. Taxis are inexpensive and often take
more than one fare at a time, and as they tend to be without
meters, it's best to establish a fare prior to leaving.
For rental cars, non-Nicaraguan driver's licenses are valid
for 30 days.
Boats
Large ferryboats carry passengers and freight around Lake
Nicaragua. On the San Juan River, smaller launches run regularly
between San Carlos and El Castillo. It is also possible
to travel to the Caribbean locations of Bluefields and the
Corn Islands by boat. Further information can be provided
through a travel agent.
Money
Exchange
The local currency, or Cordoba, is divided into 100 centavos.
Passports are required to change traveler's checks and dollars
in banks, although there are often moneychangers-called
coyotes-- on the streets of Managua. It is safe to change
money in this manner, but it's recommended to know the current
exchange rate prior to asking the "coyotes". As
tourism grows, credit cards are more frequently accepted
in restaurants, but it's best to ask prior to ordering.
Tourist
Information
The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) is located two blocks east
of the Hotel Intercontinental. An information booth through
a side door provides standard help regarding travel and
accommodations. The Nicaraguan Chamber of Tourism, located
nearby, publishes a helpful guidebook as well.
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