Managua, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua, known for its blend of modern and historical elements. |
👥 Population | Approx. 1,200,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed: 10-30 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO); Approx. 1 USD ≈ 36 NIO. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro and Movistar; starting prices around $5 for a basic plan. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BAC Credomatic and Banpro; cash is commonly accepted, but cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and guesthouses ranging from $300 to $800 per month. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas but cash is necessary for small vendors. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Hostal La Casa de los Abuelos' starting around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Managua offers decent facilities with speeds up to 50 Mbps. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Los Cuentos provides a quiet environment with Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Local events hosted on platforms like Meetup; tech community events are often organized. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local meetups for expats provide informal networking opportunities. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the city, providing safe and convenient transport. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental available through 'Scoot Nica'. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Juan del Sur, approximately 2.5 hours away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Lacsa serve regional routes. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta offer flights to the U.S. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways lead to the Pacific coast and other cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Managua does not have a train system; bus terminals are the main transit hubs. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are cheap and frequent, but no formal passes are available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles connect Managua with nearby cities like León and Granada. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Vivian Pellas, known for decent healthcare. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en la Playa offers wellness and yoga sessions. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | MMA Fitness Center and Gold's Gym provide good options. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in neighborhoods; 'Lavandería La Estrella' is popular. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com for food delivery services. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurant 'El Caracol' offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café de la Prensa for popular desserts and coffee. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Roberto Huembes for local markets and food. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | E-commerce is developing; local stores operate via social media. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery shopping options include La Colonia supermarket, but no delivery services currently available. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Rosa is known for bars and nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Toña is the most popular local brew. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Cheese by Laurel offers a selection of international wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offering local delicacies near the park. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Panchos is known for its nachos and crispy tacos. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Quilombo de la Sombra and the National Palace. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Contemporary Art (AMCA) offers insights into local art. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Cathedral of Managua is a must-visit. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Nuevo Catedral de Managua showcases stunning architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de la Purísima, celebrated in early December. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Masaya is known for vibrant markets and crafts. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío hosts local performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Huembes offers various crafts and local foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like La Casa del Artista feature live music. |
🎨 Street Art | Check the murals in the historic center for vibrant street art. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at Casa de los Tres Mundos. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Nicaragua highlights local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio Nacional de la Cultura showcases beautiful architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrate Nicaraguan traditions during local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Negro volcano offers hiking opportunities. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Masaya Volcano National Park is a short drive away. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various parks have paths, including Parque Luis Alfonso Velásquez. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Tiscapa provides stunning city views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve is nearby. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like San Juan del Sur are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have service points in Managua. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for device repairs; 'Reparaciones Gabo' is recommended. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs sometimes offer table tennis; check local community centers. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Nicaragüense de Cultura offers Spanish classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional offers reading areas and resources. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Nicaragüense de Cultura provides various activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check local gaming shops for hangout spots. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Fantasy is a popular choice for gambling. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
🏦 Tax System | Based mainly on residency; income is taxed at progressive rates. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
🧾 VAT | 15% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, general compliance required. |
🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the property's value annually. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% during property purchase. |