I have been living in Nicaragua for 9 years and the information in this article is right on. In short, you can create a beautiful life for yourself and stretch your retirement dollars.Nicaraguas lower cost of living does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of life you have been accustomed to in the United States or Canada. Another property with an ocean view is $175,000. Becoming a resident does not affect your USA citizenship. Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Leon. The main modes of transportation in Nicaragua are buses and several forms of taxis, while interurban buses allow for travel between major destinations. Photo Courtesy of Fernando Garcia. Police presence is extremely limited outside of major urban areas. GET A QUOTE. Thats even more so if youre a more established couple or family with an expensive mortgage and other bills. Nicaragua has changed, and is definitely worth consideration as a place to live for North American expatriates. We like our life in Nicaragua, but use it as a base for travel and exploration. All around the country, including in the cities, there are taco and burrito stands offering huge meals for $3-5. ", In a discussion about medical care in Nicaragua, one expat said, "Many doctors are Cuban trained. We are moving to San Juan del Sur NICARAGUA and becoming EXPATS. However, Nicaragua was hit with renewed political trouble in 2018, and it was hit hard. Vlog 32- I visited the LONGEST RIVER in Central America. 15 Best Beach Towns in Central America Foreigners who moved here ten years ago have built successful businesses, those moving in today have a difficult time ahead of them. The Pacific coast is being bought up by high end investors from the East Coast of the US. Frank Martinez, a native-born Nicaraguan who lived and worked in the U.S. for many years and is now back in Nicaragua told us that, in the 1980s, many Nicaraguans went to live in the U.S. and had children there, and "that changed the whole perspective of 'Gringo, go home' into 'Welcome home, Gringo. If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. Expats in Nicaragua offer advice about Moving to Nicaragua. 1 bedroom apartments are rented at $160 to $250 per month. On my way back from a new oceanfront real estate development outside of Managua last week, my driver stopped at a burrito shack where we paid $4.50 apiece for a burrito that could almost serve as two meals. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sep 24, 2022, 2:30 AM. Your email address will not be published. Are common prescription medications available in Nicaragua? If youre looking for someplace more laid back to escape the rat race, this could be it. If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. InterNations Managua September Official Event. Meals at local chain restaurants run $7-10 apiece, and international chains like Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, and others are here as well, charging typical western prices. "If you don't already speak at least a little bit of Spanish start studying now (Duolingo is popular with a lot of people). Another advised, "Make it your business to find out on your scouting trip how much it will cost a month to support your family in Nicaragua. For example, you can import your household items free of tax up to $20,000 and your car tax-free up to $25,000 in value. Cell phones, TVs, and American brand clothing isnt that much more expensive than it is in the US if theres any difference at all. Colonial cities like Granada and Len offer visitors a taste of days gone by. The Caribbean Coast?s geographical isolation further limits the Embassy?s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens living in or visiting the area." The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The only thing you have to consider is whether you are an ocean or a mountain person; whether you prefer the sandy beaches San Juan del Sur, or the undulating landscapes of Matagalpa. They advise newcomers to become fluent in Spanish, prepare themselves for the shock of pervasive poverty in Nicaragua, rent before you buy, have enough savings to return home if you want or need to and much more. That said, Nicaragua is a great lifestyle destination for Americans, Canadians, or even Europeans who want cheaper prices and a more western living standard than some of the equally cheap places in South America. "Nicaragua being a poor country, you are challenged to see things in a new perspective. Outside of this hospital, there is some good primary care in places such as Granada and scattered about Nicaragua, but not much. Contribute Granadais a true colonial city, with 400-year-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, colonial architecture and a layout that includes a historic center with a cathedral. Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. "Nicaragua is a small country, you have to invent your own life. It is important to have good neighbors and to form friendships with them. Most expat areas, however, are located fairly close to Managua. While San Juan del Sur isnt exactly dirt cheap as far as real estate goes, I will be back there investigating some property investments in the next few days. Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Granada. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a FREE REPORT Start a New Life on the Beach in Nicaragua. Is there a lot of diversity? For example, if you lay your phone, IPod, laptop on your table at a restaurant and turn away, it will be gone. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. ", Gallagher said his second measure of safety was how people acted: "Older, single women would not be retiring here, building homes, starting businesses and hanging out at the outdoor establishments if it wasn't safe.". Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful countries in the Americas. You appreciate how many people live well without money and those that just seem mired in poverty. Political system:Unitary dominant-party presidential constitutional republic. Expats love Granada, Nicaragua for its colonial architecture, rich history and thriving expat community. What are medical services in Nicaragua like? The pharmacy computers convert the names so it is not a problem. Nicaragua is a beau. The best comment about safety there came from John-Marc Gallagher, who moved from the U.S. to Granada, Nicaragua 13 years ago. Im not going to lie, Im Asiaphile and I think Asia will see the biggest upside in the near-to-mid-term. San Juan del Sur: An ocean-view property with two bedrooms, and two bathrooms in town is on the market for $107,000. Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Nicaragua on our Nicaragua forum - meet people, get advice and help others. When a retiree asked about the best places to live on a budget in Nicaragua, one expat responded, "I've been living in Central America for 4 years and, before that, visiting for 35. While politics in Nicaragua arent perfect, the momentum is more favorable to Nicaragua than Costa Rica. Retirees in Leon talk about life in Leon. They advise newcomers to become fluent in Spanish, prepare themselves for the shock of pervasive poverty in Nicaragua, rent before you buy, have enough savings to return home if you want or need to and much more. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. We came for a lower cost of living to get by on my husband's disability payments. If you like surfing and/or the beach lifestyle, you should investigate San Juan del Sur. This is exactly the same appeal that living in Nicaragua has for the thousands who have already chosen Nicaragua as a place to live. I've seen respectable apartments going for around $500-600 a month, and I'm sure you could do better if you really wanted to work. We want him back and we want all the other political prisoners released immediately.. Located toward the southern end of Nicaragua on the Pacific coast, San Juan del Surused to be a sleepy fishing village. In this article, we cover cost-of-living in Granada, safety, real estate, health care and more. Matagalpa: A new housing community with two bedrooms and two bathrooms costs about $33,000. If you have your residency your belongings are duty free, but their are some hidden costs and lots of headaches.. Unless one has experienced poverty or 'less than' before, there will always be culture shock. Not everyone likes it here. t has been a fortnight since Georgiana Aguirre-Sacasa last heard from her elderly father: a terse WhatsApp message in which Nicaraguas former foreign minister said border guards had stopped him leaving the country and seized his passport, and that he was on his way home. Words, pictures, books, magazines, internet etc cannot effectively communicate what one experiences. For someone like myself, who is open to making a slightly contrarian move, the potential reward for living in Nicaragua or investing in real estate as a future home is a relatively good option. Many who never dreamed of living in that kind of luxury are enjoying their drinks on the deck of their new homes, watching the sun set over the sea in Nicaragua. Medical care is very different. Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua. Summary: The country offers universal healthcare, generally allowing for free routine visits. "Congratulations on giving it a trial. And you can enjoy a higher quality of life to boot. Last week, after the EU announced fresh sanctions targeting Nicaraguas vice-president and first lady, Rosario Murillo, and other top officials, Blinken tweeted that the decision to ban all democratic competition from the 2021 presidential election means Nicaraguas election cannot be considered credible by Nicaraguans or the international community. We are watching many people fall out after an expensive move. No one here keeps records like in the US, so keep your own records. Except when those foreigners go to look for housing that is fit for long-term use because it is very rare. InterNations Managua August Offical Event. If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. One helpful piece of advice was, "You and hundreds of others want to move their family here and start a business. To be honest, there isnt a lot to do here. Comparing apples to apples, you can dramatically lower your cost of living by moving to Nicaragua. A friend rents a nice studio for $250 plus electric, about $15 a month. Masonry walls and floor, tin roof, no ceilings, poor plumbing and electricity, etc. Dont worry about having nothing to do if you retire in Nicaragua. It has been a fortnight since Georgiana Aguirre-Sacasa last heard from her elderly father: a terse WhatsApp message in which Nicaraguas former foreign minister said border guards had stopped him leaving the country and seized his passport, and that he was on his way home.What??? Just things I crave that are not available here. Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Managua. Nicaragua, like most of the other southern Central American countries, offers straightforward residency for foreigners who want to live here. (For example, one local bank issues debit cards only good for use in Nicaragua.). It boasts a dramatic Pacific coastline; long, gentle Caribbean beaches; and volcanoes and freshwater lakes that dot the hilly inland. That kind of price may not be of interest to the backpackers who still largely dominate Leons tourist scene, but for anyone else, its a smoking deal. "There are a lot of opportunities for starting businesses especially in the tourist sector. San Juan del Sur: Prices are increasing, but you can still find one-bedroom furnished apartments about three blocks from the beach for around $400. Where you wont save money here is driving. Before this program of structural readjustment, Nicaragua had the highest level of per capita debt in the world. InterNations Managua September Official Event. Its something we havent seen in the last 20 or 30 years and the worst thing is, it looks like Ortega is managing to get away with it, Vivanco said, calling the charges being leveled at targets of the crackdown groundless nonsense. It is brand new and up to date. Aug 20, 2022, 3:00 AM. The Nicaraguans are indeed giving and caring. What might be good advice is to bring some items to sell. (Unfortunately, its much harder to get here WITHOUT transiting through the US.). The average education level here is around the third grade and the education system is so lacking that many people just don't have a lot of common knowledge. Learn more about Nicaragua and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. A marked improvement in Nicaraguas economy over the last several years has allowed the government to continue focusing on the improvement of infrastructure throughout the nation. When a man considering a move to Nica asked about starting a real estate business and his wife continuing her massage therapy work, a lively discussion about expat owned businesses in Nicaragua ensued. Expats will find the use of private cars very useful, but roads are treacherous and often unpaved. Everyone will try to sell you property and many of them are not stellar examples of character. The most successful expats reinvent their lives and do things like hobbies or volunteering," advised one expat. No related content found. Some of the best housing on the market are the houses of Nicas who have moved to the states. Private hospitals are still the preferred choice among most expats, but these are only found in selected cities. Expats who live in Nicaragua are able to enjoy living in an amazing country that offers a low cost of living in combination with a high quality of life. 5 minutes to a decent hospital, 35 minutes to a great hospital. Main languages:Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua but English is widely spoken. In this article, we cover cost-of-living in Granada, safety, real estate, health care and more. Electricity prices here are also relatively high compared to the region. Expats in Managua talk about the Pros & Cons of Living in Managua. She doesn't like it but can't afford more. It is being done, it all depends on the individual. I don't think it is in the preparation so much as the attitude / personality of the person experiencing it. American products that have to be imported will cost about the same as in the U.S. or a bit more. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 1 attendee. GET A QUOTE Contribute Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua. On the decision to move to Nicaragua: We moved here in April 2015. The cost of living in Nicaragua is lower than major countries, which is attractive for expats looking to get away and even retire. The cost of medicine and medical procedures is also much lower here, often saving expats a great deal of money. The Nicaraguan people have a reputation for being friendly, warm and welcoming to foreigners, and expats will find myriad activities and sights to keep them busy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Especially as far as capital cities go; Central America tends to work that way, with the exception of Panama City. Learn why we chose Nicaragua to retire early and start our EXPAT life. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In Nicaragua, expats, including very young couples, are able to make time to be with their family or do the things they want to do due to the low prices they pay for these services. by providing their own, while still offering the benefits of living in Nicaragua, including beautiful beaches, low cost of living, lots of sunshine, etc. While it may be difficult for some expats to adapt to life in a country so different from Western countries, learning to speak Spanish will make interacting with the locals and immersion inthe culture a breeze. You will never run out of things to do in Nicaragua. Nicaragua rounds up presidents critics in sweeping pre-election crackdown, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with, 13 Things to Know Before You Move to Nicaragua. Without a basic knowledge of Spanish, youll have trouble communicating with store clerks, the police, lawyers, most doctors, and virtually everyone else. Why??? These estimates are based on data that may have some inconsistencies at the moment. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. 9 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Nicaragua, Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Nicaragua, Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Granada, 13 Things to Know Before You Move to Nicaragua. 2023 TheStreet, Inc. All rights reserved. Attend our monthly events and activities for Canadians expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life. What you buy here is yours to keep, sell, or will to your kids. Whether you want to live somewhere quiet, near the coast where you can sit back and listen to the waves gently lapping the sea shore or youd prefer the hustle and bustle of a colonial city with everything you could possibly need (at half the price of the U.S.)then youshould definitely take a closer look at Nicaragua. Ultimately, though, expats generally move to Nicaragua to take advantage of its laid-back lifestyle, gentle cost of living and beautiful scenery. Right now, I just need proof of life.Francisco Aguirre-Sacasa is the oldest target of a brazen political crackdown being waged by the government of Daniel Ortega ahead of the Central American countrys next presidential election on 7 November. Among the most visionary developments is Gran Pacifica, conceived by a team headed by Mike Cobb. According to the US State Department, "Vehicle burglaries, pick-pocketing, and occasional armed robberies occur in store parking lots, on public transportation, and in open-air markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets in Managua.