Nicaragua- Business Travel Nicaragua- Business Travel
Business Customs
Business customs in Nicaragua, while often based on personal relationships, are relatively straightforward. Many Nicaraguan executives have been educated in the United States and are familiar with U.S. business customs. Business lunches can last longer than an hour and are a good way to build a personal relationship. Open-collar attire is acceptable for most meetings, but Nicaraguans accustomed to dealing with foreigners may dress more formally. Nicaraguans may arrive late for scheduled appointments, but concern for punctuality is improving. Businesses remain open at midday, but executives are often unavailable between noon and 2:00 p.m. Most business people rely heavily on cellular phones and messaging applications such as WhatsApp and will continue to receive and place calls and texts during meetings.Travel Advisory
For up-to-date information on safety and security issues related to travel to Nicaragua, see U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Nicaragua: Country Specific Information.
Visa Requirements
The Immigration Office in the Ministry of Interior is the definitive source for visa requirements for Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan government has introduced a pre-notification process for all non-tourist travel to Nicaragua. Nicaraguan officials have stated that the pre-notification process is highly recommended. Travelers with pre-notification will pass through migration controls quicker than those without it. Pre-notification should occur at least seven days in advance of planned travel to Nicaragua, following the instructions provided in Spanish at https://www.migob.gob.ni/migracion/tramites/.U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Managua: https://ni.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
Currency
The official currency is the Córdoba. The exchange rate is established by the Central Bank of Nicaragua, with the annual devaluation being approximately 5%. Most establishments freely accept payment in U.S. dollars.
Telecommunications/Electric
Communication with the United States is readily available through major U.S. long-distance carriers; however call charges are subject to the rates imposed by the respective companies. Cellular phones are far more common than landlines. In cellular phone service, Claro competes with Spain’s Telefónica Móvil (operating under the “Movistar” brand) for nearly the entire share of the market. Both companies also offer mobile internet access. Russian mobile broadband services provider Yota became another mobile internet provider to enter the high-speed internet market in 2009, followed by Chinese Telecom Company Xinwei in 2013 which operates under the brand name CooTel. Wi-Fi access is common in major hotels. Nicaragua uses the same electrical outlets and amperage as the United States.
Transportation
U.S. airlines operate several roundtrip flights from the United States to Nicaragua, including American (Miami), United (Houston), Delta (Atlanta), and Spirit (Fort Lauderdale). However, many of these airlines have significantly reduced the number of flights offered in and out of the country. Central American airline AVIANCA operates flights to the United States through San Salvador, El Salvador. Most hotels offer airport shuttle services for their guests. Visitors commonly hire a driver and vehicle or drive rental cars, and a U.S. driver's license is valid for use in Nicaragua for 60 days. Taxicab services within the perimeter of business class hotels are reliable, though robberies involving non-hotel taxis occur. Public transit is not recommended. Information on transportation safety is available from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Nicaragua: Country Specific Information.
Language
The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, but many business contacts speak English as a second language. English is also spoken as a first language by many people on the Caribbean coast.
Health
For up-to-date information on health concerns related to travel in Nicaragua, see U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Nicaragua: Country Specific Information.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
The following holidays are observed in Nicaragua:
New Year's Day: January 1
Holy Thursday: Variable (April 18, 2019)
Good Friday: Variable (April 19, 2019)
Labor Day: May 1
Sandinista Revolution Day: July 19
Festival of Santo Domingo (Managua only): August 1 and 10
Battle of San Jacinto: September 14
Independence Day: September 15
Immaculate Conception Day: December 8
Christmas Day: December 25
Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
The Nicaraguan Customs Authority does not apply import charges or duties to goods such as laptop computers, professional equipment, or exhibit materials brought into Nicaragua for temporary personal or professional use. Business samples ordinarily may be brought in free of duty as well. See the Temporary Entry Section of the Country Commercial Guide: Trade Regulations, Customs, and Standards for more information. Some U.S. citizens, however, have reported that electronic equipment has been confiscated by the Nicaraguan Customs Authority.
Travel Related Web Resources
Nicaragua: Country Specific InformationThe Immigration Office in the Ministry of Interior
State Department Visa Website
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Managua
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