Masaya, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
#744
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Masaya is known as the capital of the Masaya department, located near the Masaya Volcano National Park. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 130,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 35 NIO (Nicaraguan Córdoba). ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity runs on 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the main mobile providers, offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but cash is recommended in smaller businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and boutique hotels with prices starting from $15 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Somewhat cashless friendly, but cash is preferred in many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Oasis offers beds starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Historical center near Parque de los Sombreros. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the Indian market for convenience and culture. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Masaya offers a good environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Selva is popular among expats and has reliable WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups occur regularly at local cafes; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community meets at La Cueva bar every Tuesday. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are widely available; Uber is accessible in Managua. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops in the center offer bike rentals for about $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Juan del Sur, about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | La Costeña offers local flights connecting major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Copa Airlines operate flights to Managua. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected highways lead to Managua and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains in Masaya; buses are the main form of public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive, costing around 10 NIO (less than $0.40) for local trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Masaya to nearby cities like Granada and Managua multiple times a day. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Masaya is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | La Yoga Masaya offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Body Gym Masaya is popular, with a monthly fee of about $25. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available throughout the city, typically costing around $4 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is a popular food delivery service in Masaya. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Indio Viejo, a traditional Nicaraguan dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zoe's Café offers various healthy dishes suitable for vegetarians. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Michoacana is well-loved for ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Masaya Market provides local produce and goods at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the main online marketplace in Nicaragua. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are limited; local stores offer delivery upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Cueva and El Bar de Medio are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Nacional is the main brewery, offering local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Estrella's Wine Bar offers a cozy atmosphere with a variety of options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the market offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Fonda provides a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Masaya Volcano and the Masaya Artisan Market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Folklore showcases Nicaraguan culture and arts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic ruins of the Masaya Fortress. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Jerónimo is an important local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Masaya Festival is celebrated in July, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Charamusca District is known for its artisanal crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Rubén Darío hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Masaya Market is famous for crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local musicians perform regularly in cafés and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Café La Vida offers cooking classes focused on Nicaraguan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Masaya showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old San Juan Bautista Church is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Masaya is known as the 'City of Flowers' for its rich cultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Masaya Volcano National Park offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Negro is a nearby volcano famous for sandboarding. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the lakes provide scenic cycling and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the top of Masaya Volcano give breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Masaya are great spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the national park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are available at various institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library offers quiet studying spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura provides space for community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer video game experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited gaming options; most activities are in nearby Managua. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Nicaraguan tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for high income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited CFC regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 3% transaction tax applies at the time of purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Nicaragua offers various incentives for foreign investments. |