Granada, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
#740
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Granada is a charming colonial city located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, featuring colorful architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 36.15 NIO (Córdoba); ATMs widely available but using local currency is recommended. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro and Movistar, offering prepaid SIM cards with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments, with prices ranging from $15 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payment methods are increasingly accepted but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental services offer various options, starting from $25 for private rooms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Mesón and Casa del Agua offer dorms starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is ideal, particularly near Parque Central. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around Calle la Calzada offer a mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and a community feel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | El Bosque offers a comfortable environment for remote work with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de los Sueños is popular for its quiet atmosphere and reliable wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are often held through expat forums; check out Facebook groups for latest events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Granada Expat Community hosts monthly meetups in local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local Taxis and 'tuk-tuks' are common; negotiate fares in advance. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting bicycles is available at places like Granada Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Juan del Sur is about 1.5 hours away by car and popular for beach activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights from Managua to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United operate from Managua International Airport, about 45 minutes away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American highway provides access to various cities across Nicaragua. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Granada does not have a train station; buses are the main form of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation typically runs on a pay-per-ride system; no passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Managua are frequent and cost about $2-$3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Americano serves both locals and expats with various services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nica Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fit and the local community center offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various local laundromats for about $5 per wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | NicaDelivery and UberEats operate in Granada for quick food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Indulge in 'Gallo Pinto', the traditional rice and beans dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Garden Café offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería y Repostería Elizondo is well-known for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market is a great place for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon operates in Nicaragua with limited shipping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado La Colonia offers delivery services for online orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle La Calzada hosts a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Selva Brewery offers locally crafted beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de los Tres Mundos has a lovely selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer fresh snacks around Parque Central. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Espressivo serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Granada and the Convento de San Francisco are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | ChocoMuseo provides great insight into Nicaragua’s chocolate production. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La Isleta and the various colonial churches showcase rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de la Merced offers stunning views from its bell tower. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The International Poetry Festival is a prominent cultural event held every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is filled with vibrant local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro González has performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Granada is filled with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various local bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals are prevalent in neighborhoods around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary school classes at Escuela de Cocina Ambrosia offer local cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Casa de los Tres Mundos features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The numerous colonial-style buildings reflect Granada’s rich past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s architecture showcases its colonial heritage and indigenous influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Isletas de Granada is a beautiful archipelago ideal for kayaking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Volcán Mombacho National Park is a 30-minute drive and offers hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trail paths are available around Lake Nicaragua. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Catarina provides sweeping views of the lake and volcanos. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the lake are ideal for spotting exotic birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cayuga, a popular lakeside space, welcomes bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FEDEX have services available in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops are available for cell phone repair, including Centro de Servicio Claro. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have ping pong tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools such as La Mariposa offer affordable language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Publica de Granada has resources for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Granada hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often have gaming stations for video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Granada does not have casinos; nearby Managua offers some options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Nicaragua has a territorial tax system; taxes on Nicaraguan-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% on income above $1,000 per month. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules; tax only on Nicaraguan-source income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 1% of assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Considered a standard rate of 1% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Nicaragua does not tax overseas income, benefiting digital nomads. |