Nicaragua - Money
Currency & Money
Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO; symbol C$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of C$ 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The C$ 1,000 banknote is less commonly used in daily transactions. Coins are in denominations of C$ 5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.
Credit cards are accepted in larger cities, major hotels, restaurants, and some retail establishments, particularly those catering to tourists. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted. However, in smaller towns, rural areas, and local markets, cash is preferred.
ATMs are widely available in urban areas, especially in Managua, Granada, León, and other major cities. They typically offer services in Spanish and English and dispense local currency. Some ATMs, particularly those operated by major banks in tourist areas, also offer US dollars. International cards can be used at many ATMs, but it's best to inform your home bank before travelling to avoid card blocks.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency visitors can bring into Nicaragua, but amounts over US$10,000 must be declared on arrival.
Currency exchange is available at banks, authorised exchange bureaus (casas de cambio), and some major hotels. The US dollar is the only foreign currency that is freely exchangeable in Nicaragua and is widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas. Other foreign currencies are generally not accepted for exchange. It is recommended to bring US dollars in good condition, as damaged or marked notes may be refused. Avoid exchanging money with street vendors due to the risk of counterfeit currency.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2025 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where