Managua Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Managua.
Healthcare System
Nicaragua has a two-tier healthcare system: public hospitals that are free but often overcrowded with limited resources, and private clinics offering better quality care at reasonable costs by international standards. Most travelers use private facilities.
Hospitals
Hospital Vivian Pellas (Metropolitano) is the premier private hospital for tourists, offering international-standard care. Hospital Bautista and Hospital Metropolitano are also reliable private options. These facilities often require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant throughout Managua. Many medications available by prescription-only in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Major chains include Farmacia El Ahorro and Farmacia San Judas. Pharmacists often provide basic medical advice.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Many private medical facilities require proof of insurance or cash payment upfront. Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation coverage.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's notes
- Private clinics may require cash or credit card payment before treatment; keep emergency funds accessible
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Consider getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations before travel
- Dengue fever is present; use mosquito repellent and protective clothing, especially during rainy season
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and opportunistic theft are common, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and on public transportation. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Armed robbery and mugging occur, particularly after dark and in isolated areas. Express kidnappings (forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs) are rare but have occurred.
Traffic accidents are common due to poor road conditions, aggressive driving, and inadequate street lighting. Public buses are often overcrowded and targeted by thieves.
Since 2018, Nicaragua has experienced political instability. Demonstrations can occur with little notice and have sometimes turned violent with heavy police presence.
Credit card skimming and fraud occur at ATMs, restaurants, and gas stations. Unauthorized charges are not uncommon.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or those at airports/bus stations quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken, charging tourists several times the normal fare.
Individuals posing as police officers stop tourists, claim there's a problem with documents, and request fines or bribes on the spot, or ask to inspect wallets for 'counterfeit money.'
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Budget accommodations show nice photos online but provide significantly inferior rooms, or claim your reservation doesn't exist and offer a more expensive alternative.
Street money changers or some exchange offices use sleight of hand, confusing calculations, or provide counterfeit bills when exchanging currency.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only small amounts of cash and one credit card; leave extras in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during daylight hours
- Divide money between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch under clothing
- Have emergency cash in USD (widely accepted) separate from daily spending money
Transportation
- Use registered taxis with company names and phone numbers displayed
- Download ride-sharing apps (Uber, InDriver) for safer, trackable transportation
- Avoid public buses, especially with valuables; thieves frequently target tourists
- If renting a car, park in secure, attended lots; don't leave valuables visible
- Avoid driving at night outside city centers due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving in the city
Accommodation
- Stay in established hotels in safer neighborhoods like Zona Hippos or near Metrocentro
- Ensure your room has secure locks and use them, including chains and deadbolts
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon check-in
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Keep accommodation address and phone number with you at all times
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data access
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Save emergency numbers in your phone in Spanish and English
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency alerts
- Keep your phone charged and consider a portable charger
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice in drinks unless from trusted sources
- Eat at established restaurants; be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Apply mosquito repellent regularly to prevent dengue and other diseases
- Avoid swimming in lakes due to risk of parasites and bacteria
- Bring basic medical supplies including anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts
Personal Security
- Maintain awareness of surroundings; avoid looking at your phone while walking
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches; dress modestly to avoid attention
- Walk with confidence and purpose; avoid appearing lost or confused
- Trust your instincts; leave situations that feel uncomfortable
- Avoid discussing travel plans or accommodation details with strangers
- Take photos discreetly; expensive cameras attract thieves
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers in Managua should exercise additional caution. Machismo culture is prevalent, and women may experience catcalling, unwanted attention, or harassment, particularly when alone. While violent incidents against tourists are relatively rare, women should take extra precautions regarding personal safety, especially after dark and in less touristy areas.
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis or ride-sharing services
- Dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention; cover shoulders and avoid short skirts
- Wear a fake wedding ring to discourage unwanted advances
- Be firm and confident when declining unwanted attention; don't feel obligated to be polite to harassers
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation if you must use it
- Book accommodations with good reviews specifically mentioning women's safety
- Keep hotel room numbers private; don't announce them in public areas
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Join group tours rather than exploring alone, especially in less touristy areas
- Have emergency contacts readily accessible and share your location with trusted contacts
- Consider staying in hotels with 24-hour reception and security
- Be cautious about sharing personal information or travel plans with strangers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Nicaragua, and there are some anti-discrimination protections in law. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, legal protections are not always enforced.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; save intimacy for private spaces
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels are more welcoming than others
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation or gender identity to strangers
- The LGBTQ+ scene exists but is underground; connect with local organizations for safe recommendations
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics in conservative areas or with people you don't know well
- Be aware that machismo culture can lead to harassment or discrimination
- Consider joining LGBTQ+ travel groups for added safety and community
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
- Trans travelers should carry identification matching their presentation to avoid complications
- Research current social climate before travel as attitudes can shift with political changes
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Managua due to limited public healthcare quality, potential for theft or loss, political instability risks, and natural hazards. Medical evacuation to better facilities in neighboring countries or home may be necessary for serious conditions. The relatively low cost of comprehensive insurance is well worth the protection given the various risks.
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