Money & duty free for Nicaragua
Exchange rates:
Nicaraguan Gold CórdobaC$1 = C$21.83
€1 = C$30.58
£1 = C$36.29
US$1 = C$29.28
Currency & Money
Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO; symbol C$) = 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.
Nicaragua duty free
The following items may be imported into Nicaragua by travellers aged 21 and over without incurring customs duty:
• 20 packets of cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500g of prepared tobacco sheaves.
• 5L of alcoholic beverages.
• Personal items, toiletries, make-up, and medicines in reasonable quantities for personal use.
• 2kg of sweets.
• Gifts with a value of up to US$500.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Restricted items include seeds, plants, fresh food, drones, firearms, and electronic cigarettes.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Anyone planning to export goods from Nicaragua should check with the Dirección General de Servicios Aduaneros (General Directorate of Customs Services) to ensure compliance with export regulations. Certain goods, including cultural artifacts, endangered species, and specific agricultural products, may require special permits or be subject to restrictions.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
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