US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, unless they are worn or damaged. That said, córdobas are usually easier to use, particularly at smaller businesses and anywhere off the beaten track, where people might not know the exchange rate or have easy access to a bank. Always keep at least 200 córdoba on you, preferably in smaller bills, just in case. And remember, even where people are happy to take your dollars, they may cheerfully charge you a fraction more by rounding that exchange rate up. Credit cards are widely accepted, but leave the travelers checks at home.
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Currency
- Name Cordoba Oro
- Symbol $C
Córdobas come in bills of C$10, C$20, C$50, C$100 and C$500.
There are 100 centavos in one córdoba. They come in coins of C$0.25, C$0.50, C$1 and C$5.
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Changing Your Money
Casas de cambio (currency exchange offices) such as Pinolero and Multicambios will change your money.
However, moneychangers, or coyotes , are regularly used by locals to change córdoba for US dollars at about the same rates as the banks. Coyotes, who flash wads of cash at markets, on plazas or close to regular banks, are generally honest, but you should know the exchange rate and roughly how much to expect back in the exchange. Coyotes may also exchange other currencies, including euros, pounds, Canadian dollars, Honduran lempira and Costa Rican colones, for a much larger fee.
Coyotes at border crossings are much less likely to be honest (don't trust their calculators, either). Stay on your toes and avoid changing much money.
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Money Tips
ATMs ( cajeros automatícos ) are by far the easiest way of carrying money in Nicaragua. They are available in most major towns and tourist regions, with the glaring exceptions of Isla Ometepe and the Corn Islands.
Most smaller towns have a regular bank (no ATM), which probably won't do credit-card advances or cash travelers checks. Most ATMs operate on the Visa/Plus system, but BAC (Banco America Central), located in most Pacific population centers and Esso stations, also accepts MasterCard/Cirrus.
Note that Nicaraguan córdobas cannot readily be changed outside the country. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Bills of C$100 and larger can be difficult to change; try the gas station.
Sample Price Guide
- gallon of gas (petrol)
- US$ 3.50
- bottle of water (1L)
- US$ 0.70
- servicio completo, Flor de Caña rum
- US$ 5.00
- Sandino t-shirt
- US$ 5.00
- quesillo (typical dish)
- US$ 1.00
- a 2-hour bus ride
- US$ 2.00
- internet access (per hour)
- US$ 0.70
- surfboard rental (per day)
- US$ 10.00-15.00
- museum admission
- US$ 2.00
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$6-12 US$12-20 US$20-50 US$50+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$1.50-4 US$4-8 US$8-15 US$15+ -
Tipping
Tipping is expected for table service in Nicaragua, and restaurants usually include a 10% tip in the bill. Small and/or rural eateries may not include the tip, so leave behind a few coins, if you have them. You should almost always tip guides, as that's often their only salary. Tipping is optional but appreciated at hotels. Don't confuse a tip with the nationwide 15% value added tax that is shown on each bill.
