Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Nicaragua Expat Forum

Moving to Nicaragua

New Topic Newest First
Holmeswatson
  3/12/2022 11:49 EST

Any issues with:
Healthcare?
Language barrier? (we don't speak Spanish)
Elder care?
Getting our dogs there (not great fliers)?

KeyWestPirate
  3/12/2022 19:31 EST

You should really fly down and visit.

You can rent a car if you fly into Managua at the airport,, something not expensive. If you come in from another destination like Costa Rica, you can rent in Managua,, Esteli, and possibly other major cities.

If you drive, you can see most of the country in two weeks. English speakers abound,, but probably not when you need them most. You COULD hire an English speaking guide. He or she would have a small labor cost ($25 a day would be generous),,, ,, but you would be responsible for food and lodging. You could also hire a driver with a vehicle for about $50 /day (plus food, lodging, gas) PM me for a contact to get you started if you are interested in this option.


Although you will be using Google Maps to navigate,, and Booking.com to secure lodging,, I would still bring a map of Nicaragua (available for $10 on Amazon) for a better sense of perspective of the country.

Your questions are very general. Healthcare can mean many things. Simple needs are very inexpensive or free, labs and drugs are inexpensive.

Not all specialty drugs are available.

In terms of your dogs,, if they don't want to fly,, there is only one other option. Drive them down. But not on the first visit.

The first visit will answer many of your questions. Once you decide where you plan to settle,, there will probably be FaceBook pages specific to the various possibilities.

You have many options in Nicaragua: beach, mountains, urban areas like Granada or SJdS.

Good Luck & Bienvenidos

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

Holmeswatson
  3/13/2022 09:56 EST

Thank you...we own property outside of SJDS...we are planning a move/build and I was asking those questions to make certain that if any medical issues came up we would be set...I guess its important to get a doctor on board before we arrive..just in case...(a contingency plan of sorts)

mikee2
  3/13/2022 10:57 EST

I agree with Keywestpirate. Come down first and explore. Have certain places you want to check out, don't just travel randomly. Check out specific places on the internet first. Then go to see them. Don't just move here. In 2 weeks or less you will know if it's for you.
Don't come down here with the "American mental attitude"......this country is very different than the US.
In many aspects it's behind the times and other aspects it's right up there.
There are many adjustments and a lot of gringos can't make them.
The dog's will have to fly, just make sure they have very current medical papers with copies pasted everywhere on the carrying cases. Inside, outside.
You don't want to drive down here, trust me on that one.

elduendegrande
  3/16/2022 11:16 EST

Review the medical info on this site. Generally, if you are independently wealthy you with do fine getting minor stuff locally and returning to the states for major stuff., although having the airlines shut down for 9 months did put a crimp in that plan.
Elder care is unknown here. Once you are in your 60s you are supposed to die with dignity and not run up big bills, unless you can afford private care. One benny is you can hire a full time caretaker for relatively little money if that works in your situation.

dollyd
  3/16/2022 18:38 EST

The No Spanish is probably ok in Granada, SJDS and the Corn Islands (creole English is the language of the islanders) but that’s probably it. Health care, real health care, is best in Managua. Vivian Pellas hospital is great but private do you have to pay.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Nicaragua GuideLiving in Nicaragua Guide

Did you know that lots of homes in Nicaragua don't have hot water? Did you know that it's very easy to meet other expats in Nicaragua? Expats share their tips for living in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Forum Nicaragua Forum
Join our Nicaragua forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Nicaragua.

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Best Places to Live in Nicaragua Best Places to Live in Nicaragua

If you're dreaming about living in Nicaragua, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Nicaragua in 2023.

Healthcare in NicaraguaHealthcare in Nicaragua

Expats living in Nicaragua discuss health insurance and quality of medical care in Nicaragua. Additional topics include health insurance for 65+, in-home nursing care, prescription medicines and more.

Cost of Living in NicaraguaCost of Living in Nicaragua

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nicaragua.

Moving to NicaraguaMoving to Nicaragua Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. Expats offer realistic and honest advice about cost of living, learning the language, poverty, renting vs.

Real Estate in NicaraguaReal Estate in Nicaragua

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Nicaragua.

Pros Cons of Living in NicaraguaPros & Cons of Living in Nicaragua

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Nicaragua.

Retiring in NicaraguaRetiring in Nicaragua

Advice for people retiring in Nicaragua.

10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua

If you've recently arrived in Nicaragua, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Nicaragua.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal