DebConf12/Currency

The Nicaraguan currency is the córdoba. The US dollar is also accepted almost everywhere. Prices are often based on US dollars but quoted in córdobas. In most places, if you pay in dollars, you will receive your change in córdobas. Prices in córdobas are given using the letter 'C' and a dollar sign (for example, C$ 100).

Exchange rate

• $ 1.00 = C$ 23.5247 (update)
• € 1.00 = C$ 29.3807 (update)

Note that Nicaragua is using Arabic numerals with decimal point

Local Currency

Coins

• There are coins for C$10, C$5 and C$1, as well as 50¢, 25¢, 10¢, and 5¢.
• Coins below 50¢ are normally not used besides in banks, supermarkets and local buses in Managua.

Banknotes

• There are banknotes for C$500, C$200, C$100, C$50, C$20, C$10. C$500 and C$100 are paper notes, C$200, C$50, C$20 and C$10 are polymer notes. C$50 paper notes are also available, but they're not so common.

• Beware that C$200 and C$20 are very similar in color and can create some confusion. C$200 bills are slightly (+15mm) larger.

More info

There is a whole article in Wikipedia with details about each coin and banknote of the Nicaraguan córdoba.

Credit cards

Most mid-range to high-end restaurants and shops in major tourist and urban areas will accept credit cards. Many places will only accept cash, specially smaller and remote (rural) establishments.

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards and carrying both is a good idea as many places will either accept one or the other.

NOTE: Before you leave home, make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure that your card is not blocked while you are in Nicaragua.

Credit cards and banks

• Visa: Banpro, BAC, Bancentro, BDF, CitiBank
• Mastercard: Banpro, BAC, BDF, CitiBank
• Diners Club: BAC, BDF
• American Express: BAC

ATM

At the airport

There are several ATM's at the A.C. Sandino Airport.

• Banpro (Red Cajeros Xpress): Visa and Mastercard
• BAC (Credomatic): Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express
• Bancentro (LAFISE): Visa

Debconf Zone

• At the venue (Universidad Centroamericana)
  • Banpro (Red Cajeros Xpress): Visa, Mastercard (open Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 and Sat 8:30-12:00)

• Metrocentro Mall (open 10am-10pm):
  • BAC (Credomatic): Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express (First floor)
  • Banpro (Red Cajeros Xpress): Visa, Mastercard (First floor)
  • CitiBank: Visa, Mastercard (First floor)
  • BDF (Visa) and BAC (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club) ATM's outside Food Court (First floor)

• Esso Metrocentro Gas Station (open 24/7):
  • BAC (Credomatic): Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express

Banks

At the airport

• Banpro

Debconf Zone

• At the venue (Universidad Centroamericana):
  • Banpro: open Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 and Sat 8:30-12:00

• Metrocentro Mall:
  • BAC: open Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 and Sat 8:30-12:00
  • Banpro: open Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 and Sat 8:30-12:00
  • CitiBank: open Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 and Sat 8:30-12:00