What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Nicaragua. They wrote...
"Buying things that I perceive as "necessary" like furniture, basic household stuff etc. You can't go to one store like Walmart or Target or Home Depot and get what you need and go home. It takes LOTS of time, effort and savvy to get the basics of living," commented one expat who made the move to Managua, Nicaragua.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsGet Quote
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote
"One of the most challenging aspects of the Nicaraguan culture for expats is the language barrier, as many locals may not be able to speak English or another foreign language. Additionally, locals may not be very welcoming of foreigners and may be hesitant to interact with them. Additionally, differences in social norms and etiquette can be jarring for expats unused to such customs. As well, it is common for locals to expect expats to haggle over the cost of goods and services, which can be both challenging and intimidating for those from other cultures," remarked another expat in Nicaragua.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Nicaragua?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Nicaragua?
- Will I be able to find a job in Nicaragua?
- What is life like in Nicaragua?
- What do expats in Nicaragua appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Nicaragua?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Nicaragua accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Nicaragua like?
- What are healthcare services like in Nicaragua?
- What are medical services in Nicaragua like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Nicaragua?
- What are emergency services like in Nicaragua?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Nicaragua?
- How are local medical facilities in Nicaragua?
- As a foreigner living in Nicaragua, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Nicaragua, newcomers to Nicaragua would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


