misspatente
1/31/2017 05:09 EST
Does anyone know if it's possible to rent a car from a private source? Going down for a month and need transportation. Too old for buses and can't pay $80/day for a month. Thank you.
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
johnchip
1/31/2017 10:18 EST
I am glad you finally ASKED a Question. I do not know where you are getting your information from, but....CarRentals,com/nicaragua you can rent thru Alamo a Suzuki Swift for about $4 a day plus tax on a two week term., $88.55 total.
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
|
|
novato1953
1/31/2017 11:03 EST
First of all, not everyone can drive and be happy in Nicaragua, where it takes a certain sangfroid to achieve serenity behind the wheel. Do a field test. Rent a car for one day, see what's what. But private car rental? Insurance rules mean that'll be a problem if you have any contact with police, since you won't be insured. It won't be cheap to get out of that. Same-same for parking lot dings or if your trunk gets jimmied. Low-budget local travelers the world over pay neighbors or take taxis when buses just won't do
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
1/31/2017 12:01 EST
Well it will be more than $4 a day.....mandatory insurance is $14 a day and I have found the $4 rate to be not true,,,...BUT Budget does have cars for 15 a day + insurance...this assumes you use you credit card insurance for the car damage liability......or you yake the risk of any damage...that insurance if not done with card is 19 to 29 a day. The airport rentals are higher priced than in towns....so if you can manage that it might be worth it......woll save 10 bucks a day, i have seen what appear to be some decent private rentals advertised...but they come with some real risk.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
misspatente
1/31/2017 15:32 EST
Thank you! Will check it out.
But why do you still have to say something like: "Finally a question", followed by "I don't know where you get your information" - that's why I asked YOU guys, cause I need to get the information.lol
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
misspatente
1/31/2017 15:39 EST
Thank you Novato :) Driving is definitely not a problem - been to worse places and been driving for 43 years, from fully automatic to barely legal old trucks! And used to Montréal potholes, so any holy, sinuous dirt road is fine by me!
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
misspatente
1/31/2017 15:41 EST
Thank you AZT. Where did you see the private rentals advertised? I like to live dangerously :)
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
1/31/2017 15:48 EST
Various facebook pages......go on a few and just ask in a post you will get a bunch. I have noticed that not all are cheaper by much from the rental companies.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
johnchip
1/31/2017 16:00 EST
yES MISSYpp, NOTICE IT IS AZT AND MYSELF, THE ONES YOU WENT AFTER , WHO CAME RIGHT UP WITH HELPFUL ADVISE. NOT YOUR POLLYANNAS. AND MY COMMENT AS TO "FINALLY QUESTION" IS TRUE, IT IS THE FIRST TIME YOU "ASKED", NOT LECTRURED.
GO ONLINE AND LOOK AT 'CAR RENTALS, NICARAGUA'. YOU WILL FIND MANY LISTINGS. THE ONE I GAVE YOU COVERS MOST ALL THE COMPANIES.
AS FOR INSURANCE, AS AZT POINTS OUT, THAT IS ALWAYS UP FOR GRABS. I HAVE CREDIT CARDS THAT COVER FULL RENTAL INSURANCE AND BEFORE, MY US AUTO POLICY USED TO COVER ME. CHECK YOUR CARD COVERAGE AS TO HOW YOU COVERED FOR USE TO PAY OR HAVE ON YOUR OWN POLICIES.FOR RENTALS.
SEE, AZT AND I ARE NOT THE MONSTERS YOU AND YOU FRIENDS MAKE US OUT TO BE, WE ARE JUST OUR KIND SELVES EVERYONE HAS GROWN TO LOVE. (When asked a question)
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
novato1953
1/31/2017 16:38 EST
Principal roads in western Nicaragua are pretty good. Many find the actually troublesome aspect of Nicaraguan driving to be mainly Nicaraguan drivers.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
englishvinal
2/2/2017 13:20 EST
When my husband and I first went to Nica many years ago we went with a friend who had worked for Pan Am as the station mgr. for 22 years in Managua... and he "knew the ropes". Instead of renting a vehicle, he had us rent a "driver" and the driver's car... At the time it cost $20 a day and we paid for what fuel was used at the pump.
Now that might sound pricey, but actually it isn't because you can contact the driver for a day.. or two days, or just for the afternoon (bargain on the time), and you don't have the stress of driving through traffic in cities or trying to find your route to rural places... the local man will know how to get you where you want to go.
If the car is stopped by the policia it is a LOCAL car with a LOCAL driver and you won't end up in the snafu of mordita etc. A local is much less likely to be stopped in the first place.
I have continued to do this over the years and established a permanent contact, become friends and now hiring him is more of a mutual fun excursion than a "job"...
You might consider looking into this approach.
Enjoy... N.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/2/2017 13:39 EST
Not a bad idea. Except today the day rate will be $120 or maybe more depending on where you want to go. Nice car is 40 bucks a day.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
elduendegrande
2/3/2017 22:27 EST
wE have evolved to the same conclusion-- we rent a car and driver for airport runs (90 bucks from esteli),
Today we did a managua run (consulate, walmart, pricemart, for $120). The family is planning a beach run in a 13 seater, don't know the cost yet, but airconditioned comfort without the hassle of driving is worth it.
Incidently, public transit is a crap shoot, best if you ask locally which are the sardine runs. Hint: leaving mga on friday afternoon expresso and riding the mga-granada microbuses during evening rush hour are the pits. The same runs at different times are usually ok.
Another option is to rent a taxi by the hour or half day. Let him know where you are going and for how long and negotiate a price. He makes out by limiting his gas costs by sitting in a parking lot waiting for you to do whatever rather than driving all over on short hops.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
elduendegrande
2/3/2017 22:31 EST
Oh, yeah, there is major road construction in front of the embassy. their web site has information. You park in a lot by the semaforo that is still there and walk half a block.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
gaetanmartin
2/9/2017 12:30 EST
I just rented a car for 28 days at Sixt in Managua. It cost me 722$ US including third party insurrance . unlimited kilometers. I used my credit card so the damage and collision was covered. The car was a small Hyundai Eon extremely economic, we went all the way to Matagalpa, Leon, Esteli and Jinotego. But dont expect to go in the small roads, you will nee a 4x4 for that. Most of the roads are paved. Traffic in Managua is crazy. We did no used the car at night, lots of vehicles and trucks have no rear lights. We were told to make trips in the daylight.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
4evernica
2/12/2017 10:02 EST
I second what Englishvinal said.
I had a seminar experience after many years of living abroad and returning to Nicaragua. I hired a friend of a friend with a taxi and gave him I believe it was $200 US. for a week but he drove me every where I asked him to and when ever I needed him. Late at night as well.... I rented a car the first few days before I went with him and it was a bad idea. Not only was expensive but, You truly need a "Diving in Nicaragua for Dummies Manual" Cause you will encounter many problems believe me, Police usually know when you are a foreigner and driving a rental car, with rental plates, They need to make their monthly quater and you will be the perfect victim to Stop and ask for a "Carnadita" What does a Carnadita mean?It's when an traffic officer stop you close to the end of the week for an Infraction that Is Not really an Infraction, I which case, Try a $20 US. and that will get you off without turning in or losing your driver license for 2 or 3 weeks. In Countries like Us and Canada this Could get you in Jail. In Nicaragua, This will get you to the Beach, Church,Mall,Airport on time. ;)
Be smart and do your research, finding someone local trustworthy and Reliable is the way to go. Good Luck!
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
4evernica
2/12/2017 10:07 EST
I hate spell check soo much. Cause I end up typing or saying what I don't want to say, and sometimes I don't get a chance to correct it before I send it. But, You guys can read between the lines. I hope I made sense.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 11:01 EST
Not only do you have typos but a lot of BS as well. I drive here both in my own car and rentals a lot...15,000 miles a year all over including MGA.....I look like a gringo and my personal vehicle looks American. Six years. Stopped maybe 10 times..3x for real violations and got off with warning on one. 2x.....phony stuff or at least really marginal.... and just said, no way and went on my way. Rest were document checks and they just looked at them and I went on my way. There is a lot of second and third hand info on driving here that builds the misinformation on this...then there is also just plain BS....with and without typos.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
englishvinal
2/12/2017 11:43 EST
Never mind typos... the information that you took the time to write down to give to others is what is important. ......................................
My mother taught languages, English was one of the four and she was a stickler for proper sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. She sort of 'earned' the right to critique' after her years at BU etc..
......................................
But for the average person to use "typos" to put down, or lessen the stature of someone who is taking time to give information to others who have asked for help....
Well, that speaks volumes.
................................................................
Thank your for your time and willingness to share your personal experiences. ........................
Personal experience will vary for different people...
I have a good friend who has lived in Granada for the last 8 years and bought his own vehicle for transportation... he has had many many "stops" by policia because he is clearly a Gringo, NOT for violations in equipment or driving skills....
He has refused to pay mordita and has paid out far more $$ than he would have to simply pay a "quiet bribe", for representation in the ensuing legal skirmishes.
......................................................
I stand by my opinion that "hiring a car and driver" is a worthy option.
Thank you.
Nancy
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
feliceb
2/12/2017 13:07 EST
We have done both and my husband was a wreck after driving in Managua. The rest was not very much of a problem, but he was still nervous. We now have a wonderful driver in Managua when i go for my dental work and it is so much better. i was back in October on my own and it was a pleasure to have him drive us, plus the fact he is at university and speaks excellent English.
Going around the country, you have more options to see the sites etc, and stop on your own if you have a car rented. But I still thick a combination is a good idea.
On another note, i certainly enjoy reading well-written english as i coach ESL to business executives around the world and have had to do a mini course for them in American popular expressions etc.
We all make typos!
have a wonderful Sunday everyone.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 13:16 EST
Well it wasn't about typos, you should have gotten that from the rest of the post.......she is the one who brought that up so I just used it to lead in......it was about all her BS about the bad things that happen to gringo drivers in Nicaragua which is just not true....and I am not sure why people just have to write about this myth. I dispute it because a lie unrefuted becomes a truth over time. We owe those that come here accurate information, not second hand hearsay. Yeah driving in MGA is a challenge, but mostly because it's hard to find your way around. I prefer not to do it either...but many bite the bullet and do it. Most big cities are no better.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
englishvinal
2/12/2017 13:54 EST
To AZT -
A individual's personal experience is NOT "B.S." as you so indelicately term it.
...... It is "an experience" that could be closely aligned with what "might" be anticipated by another person in the future under similar circumstances.
And that experience could reflect yours, (which you claim is positive relative to "driving a POV" in Nicaragua), or equally viable experiences of other people who have found that "leaving the driving to a driver" is also a positive.
..............
Your repeated classification of "B.S." slapped on the relation of various individual 'experiences' that do not parallel yours, combined with the very apparent scorn with which you address any posting that is different from your concept of "correct", is disheartening...
The value of information that you post is discarded because you denigrate other people unjustly.
........
Throwing the baby out with the bathwater is an innate part of human nature I fear.
...... Regrettable but true.
N.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
johnchip
2/12/2017 14:05 EST
Possibly more offensive is when you repeatedly come on and 'tell people how to behave.' This is not the "Englishvinal Miss Manners Tea Party Show". But I do find your uppity pollyanna ways do entertain me. .
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 14:06 EST
Blah, blah blah...your so smart English teacher mother should have worked on your writing skills a bit.....you write like someone with a stick up your butt.....she may have been good at grammar but she raised a fool.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
englishvinal
2/12/2017 14:48 EST
Ahh... yes, my mother thanks you and I thank you.
All that has been expressed in this exchange is all that is needed to define character of "helpful" postings.
...........................
Those with eyes to see, will see.
N.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 15:01 EST
Your mother thanks me for raising a fool? Must be a family disorder.....that explains a lot And those who wander in the dark of other people's experience shall...well I guess just wander and sound stupid...my sympathy to you your family. You try to be uppity but just sound sad.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
waynestar8
2/12/2017 15:21 EST
ATZ you are well known as a crotchety old geezer. What a debilitating life you must have had to live. Too bad you can't find any joy in communicating in a civil manner with others.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
johnchip
2/12/2017 15:32 EST
Facts can differ based on ones experience. They are subject to comparison, arguement and disagreement. That is what a forum is built to allow for.
Interpetation of fact is based on prior knowlege. Attitude can color one's ability to use knowege to interpret fact. This you prove to us all when you continue to judge others as your prissy selfrighteous 'attitude' makes an arrogant foolish ass out of you. Perfect example is again how you 'tell ATZ how to behave in what you "colorfully interpret" to be "civil" behavior. I have nominated you for an Emmy for your comedy show on this forum.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 15:33 EST
And you are know as a dopey guy without a life. (see how much we know about one another)..or do you have some special network which rates people? have a lot of joy in my life and communicate well with others with 1/2 a brain.,,that is obviously why you don't get it...the other thing you don't get is that when some untrue comment is posted it is incumbent on other members to challenge that....for the benefit of readers who come here for real info. When is the last time you have posted real information.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
4evernica
2/12/2017 15:53 EST
Anytime, Everyone. Hope It was helpful and from what I'm reading, I guess, I was not alone with my experience.
And as for you atz. I Guess you never listened to your mother when She Said " If you have nothing nice to say, Then, Don't say anything at all.
You're pretty arrogant and Trolls like you have No place on this boards. but, I'm sure, You have heard that before, plenty of times.
Now, Would you like me to translate that to you in French? or Spanish? Cause I can assure you. Google correct won't mess it up this time. ;)
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 16:01 EST
Not only can't you write you cannot count either.....by and large people on here do not have any particular problems driving here with police as you seem to have. Count 'um up sweetie and quit trying to deflect the real point. Your BS is so transparent...you get that from you mother or father...why don't you launch into more irrelevant family comments.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
englishvinal
2/12/2017 17:20 EST
4everNica... Well spoken!
..... And I had not thought of the "troll" aspect. I believe you are spot-on! Creation of controversy where there is no necessity for controversy........................
I had laid the abusive verbiage to simply naturally contentious bad temper, ....... or an attempt to discourage any dissemination of info. that might give second thoughts to persons considering moving to Nicaragua....
............ It occurred to me that both these 'gentlemen' were purveyors of "a product", real estate or insurance etc., that depends on buyers believing that moving to Nicaragua, buying property in Nicaragua, driving in Nicaragua, etc. holds few - or no obstacles.
............... But perhaps no such marketing ploys should be attributed to these two men. They certainly manifest the classic characteristics of TROLLS~!
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
johnchip
2/12/2017 20:13 EST
You two nasty old birds crack me up! I can't count the times you have accused people of promoting "realestate or other business interests" when you disagree with them. Now you use jr. high school words like 'trolls' to sling your inslults. You really need to see and admit it is YOU who creates controversy when you pick fights with people for their free expression. You still really believe YOU can set the standards for others behavior.
I have decided to help you. I will lobby for gay marriage in Nicaragua so you and your online forum lesbian lovenut can find happiness together and leave the people of this forum free of your uptight frustrated lives.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
johnchip
2/12/2017 20:13 EST
You two nasty old birds crack me up! I can't count the times you have accused people of promoting "realestate or other business interests" when you disagree with them. Now you use jr. high school words like 'trolls' to sling your inslults. You really need to see and admit it is YOU who creates controversy when you pick fights with people for their free expression. You still really believe YOU can set the standards for others behavior.
I have decided to help you. I will lobby for gay marriage in Nicaragua so you and your online forum lesbian lovenut can find happiness together and leave the people of this forum free of your uptight frustrated lives.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
atz111
2/12/2017 21:44 EST
oh no...I been argueing with rug munchers,,,,I apologize, they got enough on their plate already......well not their plate but you get the drift.....I love that rug too and we should not fight...have your way sweetie
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
KeyWestPirate
2/13/2017 19:16 EST
OK,, I don't agree with everthing ATZ says, but his info is without BS and to the point.
I've driven here 6 years,, everything from rentals to the Ford F150 I'm driving now.
This is NOT that bad a place to drive. I've driven in worse. Managua is challenging because there is little signage. But getting to the major points you want like the embassy, PriceSmart, Migration,, is just not that difficult.
The rest of the country,, except for the odd challenging road,, is much more relaxed.
I always rented from Budget at the airport,, but as ATZ says you will always get a better deal away from the airport. That is especially true in the US with all the airport taxes attached to a car rental.
It does take some getting used to,, but that comes quickly. It's different,, but Nicaragua is different.
$20 is way too much to gift a transito. If you give this kind of money you are spoiling it for the rest of us. As far as 2-3 weeks to get your license back??? If you are in an urban area you can find a bank,, pay the fine and immediately go back to the officer and retrieve you license.
Even if he is lax in getting the license out of his pocket and into the system,, you have 30 days to drive on the ticket with the receipt for the fine attached.
The transito guys will ask for the moon, but will accept 100 or 200 cords. Once you begin to bargain you have the upper hand. They DON'T want to write you a ticket, puts no money in their pockets,, and certainly don't want you complaining about the EXCESSIVE bribe you had to pay.
Drivers are a good idea if you can find a good and reliable one with a decent vehicle and AC. And a price you can live with. Driving does keep you from seeing much of the country,, as you DO need to pay close attention to what is going on.
Good luck,,, enjoy life here,, it's a good life. If you are afraid of your own shadow it will show and mark you as a victim.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
johnchip
2/13/2017 20:11 EST
OK Keywest, you have convinced us all you are a cheapskate. If you can't give up a $20 on the road to get on your way to a man struggling to get by and thn do a beat down negotiation with him in cordobas, you are one poor sucker. It will not "ruin it for the rest of us" if you were generous. Yet your mainpoint is well taken: Telling the truth about living in a foreign nation as "a guest" of their culture is better than encourging disinformation and dreams.
I will remind you who started this thread: the moose lady who came on lecturing us expats, then insulting us all over this froum. This CAR RENTAL thread is the first and only time she actaully asked for advise. And even though she had insutled us all, some gave her good advise upfront. Then she insutled us again! So as to "wishing her well" >? I hope she drives off a cliff or finds herself in a skanky jail for years to come. She is not a welcome expat to me.
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
