GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Nicaragua.
Capital
Managua.
Geography
As a country located in North America according to zipcodesexplorer, Nicaragua borders on Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south; in the east lies the Caribbean and in the west the Pacific. The Cordilleres Isabella stretch on the northern border, and the 148 km long and up to 55 km wide Lago de Nicaragua lies in the southwest. The Lago de Managua connects to the north; several volcanoes, including the famous Momotombo, rise northwest of the lake. The largest rivers in the country are the San Juan, whose lower reaches partially form the border with Costa Rica, and the Río Coco, which forms most of the border with Honduras in the north. The Caribbean Islas del Maíz are popular vacation destinations.
Government
Presidential republic since 1987. Constitution from 1987, last changes in 1995 and 2000. Unicameral parliament with 92 members. Independent since 1821 (former Spanish colony), finally since 1838 (leaving the Central American Confederation).
Head of state
Daniel Ortega, since November 2006.
Head of government
Daniel Ortega, since November 2006.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz.
Time zone
Central Standard Time: CET -7
MONEY
Currency
1 Cordoba Oro = 100 Centavos. Currency abbreviation: C $, NIO (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 C $; Coins are in circulation to the denominations of 5 and 1 C $ and 50 and 25 centavos.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are most likely to be accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger supermarkets. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. You should never lose sight of a credit card when paying.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted at some ATMs in Nicaragua (located in petrol stations, banks and shopping centers), but not in shops. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m. (with lunch break), Sat also 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Plan to wait.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import and export of local currency. Unrestricted import and export of foreign currencies. Obligation to declare from a sum equivalent to US $ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
Euros can only be exchanged at a bank (BAC). Money can be changed at the airport, in banks, exchange offices (casas de cambio) and hotels in the cities. The easiest and cheapest way to exchange US dollars.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Spanish is the official language; Chibcha, sumo and partly English (on the mosquito coast) are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Annotation
In addition, there are several public holidays that are only celebrated regionally.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Nicaragua duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 500 g of tobacco;
5 l alcoholic beverages;
5 bottles (100 ml each) perfume.
Prohibited imports
Fresh food, vegetables, meat products, dairy products, leather products, matches. An import permit is required for firearms.
Prohibited exports
Archaeological excavations, gold and gold coins and antiques.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
On particularly hot days, business people also wear short-sleeved sports shirts, but never shorts. Knowledge of Spanish is useful, and English is occasionally spoken. The best time to travel on business is between November and March.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Economy
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Nicaragua
Rotonda Gueguense, 400 Mts al Sur, 20vrs. Este, NI-Managua
Tel: 268 35 05.
Internet: www.caconic.org.ni
NicaExport Nicaragua
km 4 Carretera a Masaya, Esquina Sur Edificio Delta, 1c.al Este, 1 / 2c. al Norte, NI-Managua
Tel: (505) 252 57 47.
Internet: www.nicaexport.org or www.cei.org.ni
Business contacts
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Nicaragua
Rotonda Gueguense, 400 Mts al Sur, 20vrs. Este, NI-Managua
Tel: 268 35 05.
Internet: www.caconic.org.ni
NicaExport Nicaragua
km 4 Carretera a Masaya, Esquina Sur Edificio Delta, 1c.al Este, 1 / 2c. al Norte, NI-Managua
Tel: (505) 252 57 47.
Internet: www.nicaexport.org or www.cei.org.ni
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM 1900. Network operators are ENITEL (Internet: www.enitel.com.ni)
and Sercom SA (Internet: http://pcsdigital.com.ni). The reception / transmission area is limited to Managua and the surrounding area.
Internet
Internet cafes are available in larger cities. Internet provider is IBW Internet Gateway (Internet: www.ibw.com.ni) and Sercom SA (Internet: http://pcsdigital.com.ni).
Post Office
Most of the larger cities have an ENITEL communication and post office. Airmail to Europe takes four days to two weeks. Poste restante shipments to Managua are possible. Post office opening times: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Gold work, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are several night clubs in Managua. French, English and Spanish films are shown in the cinemas.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
85% Catholic; 5% Protestant; also followers of natural religions.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is accepted. Photographing: Military installations and soldiers should not be photographed. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants usually charge 10% service charge. Porters expect a small tip, but taxi drivers do not.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Mostly tropical climate. The dry season lasts from December to May, the rainy season from June to November. It is much cooler in the northern mountain region.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +505 Area (square km) 130 370 Population 5907 881 Population density (per square km) 45 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 128