Nicaragua

You may need a good understanding of Spanish to use the health facilities. In addition, in an emergency, patients will be taken to the nearest hospital, which is usually a public organisation unless the patient indicates they are able to pay for treatment. There are a large number of private hospitals and clinics providing services; in these private hospitals payment for healthcare is accepted in cash or major credit cards.

Many doctors provide private consultation services and require payment in cash when providing service. Make sure you have adequate insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Dengue is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean. Cases of Chikungunya virus have also been confirmed in Nicaragua. A rise in cases of Malaria has been reported on the North Caribbean coast and, in May 2021, around the north-western city of Chinandega.

The hurricane season in Nicaragua normally runs from June to November. You should monitor the local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation ( www.wmo.ch ) and the National Hurricane Center ( www.nhc.noaa.gov ).

The wet season from May to October brings heavy rains and severe storms. Flooding is common and widespread in the late wet season. Be aware that during this season (especially in rural areas) landslides, flooding, bridge collapses, heavy rains causing cancellation of local flights can, on occasions, affect travel plans.

Weather forecasts available from Instituto Nicaraguense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER). www.ineter.gob.ni

Banks will often have affiliated money changers outside the branch, which avoids long queues. These recognised money changers work bank hours and display identification. Avoid using informal street money changers. You can withdraw cash in US dollars or local Cordobas from ATMs.

Where possible use radio-dispatched or app-available taxis. If you are getting a taxi on the street, be sure to choose an authorised taxi, which has a yellow “TAXI” tower on top, red plates and checkered flag stripes. Only use taxis that have the driver’s identification number, name and photograph clearly visible on the dashboard. Take note of the colour and number of the vehicle. Although it is customary in Nicaragua to share taxis with strangers, you are advised to try to arrange a private journey with the driver. Always negotiate the fare with the driver before the journey.

There have been reports of credit card fraud. You are advised not to use credit cards unless necessary or in local businesses where POS is available. Ask your bank to inform you of any excess activity on accounts. Avoid wearing jewellery. Do not carry large amounts of cash, credit cards or other valuables.

You should exercise caution if swimming or participating in other water activities. Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in a number of drownings. Warning signs are not posted and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available in Nicaragua.

During the wet season (May to October) you are advised to fly to and from the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua on early morning flights, because of the risk of severe storms later in the day.