Is It Safe to Travel in Nicaragua
How bad is crime in Nicaragua? Our travel condom expert, Phil Sylvester, shares his tips on scams, express kidnappings and crime hot-spots to stay safe on your holiday.
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Express kidnappings are common in Latin America, and Nicaragua is no exception. But, is this a real threat to visitors? We take a look at simply how safe Nicaragua is for travelers.
Before you brainstorm planning your trip, cheque for the latest information from your government'south travel advisory.
Mention Nicaragua and you may conjure images of trigger-happy coups, sneering guerillas, and cold-blooded drug henchmen. But, at that place's really far less violent criminal offense here compared to neighboring countries. Unfortunately, Nicaragua did tape the largest deterioration in peacefulness in the 2019 Global Peace Index.
But, for most travelers it'due south possible to stay out of harms way when you come prepared with insights on theft, scams, kidnappings, and the threat of assault. Here's everything you demand to know to stay safe and out of trouble in Nicaragua.
- Crime in Nicaragua
- Street crime and theft
- Express kidnappings
- Common travel scams
- Tips for travelers taking a taxi
- Highway robberies
1. Crime hot spots in Nicaragua
About crime occurs in the capital Managua, and typically in certain hot-spots. Pickpocketing is common at autobus stations, on crowded buses, and in the markets – especially the Oriental, Huembes, and Mayoreo Markets. To avert pickpockets, endeavour to travel with minimal cash on y'all, and avert taking expensive cameras out on the streets. Go along you telephone subconscious, and if you must employ it, discover somewhere repose – this might help avoiding any unwanted attention.
In Managua, effectually the vicinity of the old cathedral is a well-known crime pit, and incidents against foreigners accept occurred on Avenida Bolivar between the Plaza Inter Rotunda and the Armed services Hospital, the TICABUS terminal in Barrio Martha Quezada, and in the Altamira neighborhood.
Gang violence, including bulldoze-past shootings, stabbings, and armed robberies are virtually frequent in poor areas, such as Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov. In the Zona Rosa commune prostitutes accept been known to rob passersby – and so be careful in these areas. You should avoid walking alone at night in any of these areas.
2. Street crime and theft in Nicaragua
Although less than in the capital, street crime is as well a problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, and the Corn Islands.
San Juan del Sur, a major tourist destination, has a perennial theft trouble – but it's getting better.
In remote areas, especially the North Caribbean Democratic Region (RACN or RACCN) and the Atlantic Coast, constabulary presence in sparse. Criminals, specially drug traffickers, occasionally use this to their advantage.
If yous are threatened past an armed criminal, don't resist – hand over what they're request for. Too many injuries and deaths have resulted from non-compliance.
As a terminal give-and-take of precaution: avoid hitchhiking in Nicaragua, don't go habitation with strangers after a night at the order, and always travel in a group whenever possible.
3. Express kidnappings in Nicaragua
Taxi kidnappings take occurred in Nicaragua with worrisome frequency. These tend to exist committed by gangsters who are driving stolen cars. You'll have to do some extra work to ensure your taxi is legit, but here are a few pointers to aid out:
- When possible, order a radio cab at the airport or at your hostel/hotel
- Make sure the taxi has a red border around the licence plate, and that the number is clearly displayed
- Note the commuter's proper name and registration number
- Make sure information technology's labeled with the company name (usually includes "Cooperativa") and a logo.
In a few cases, tourists were approached by a friendly-looking traveler who offered to share a cab. Once inside, the tourists were robbed at knifepoint, threatened, or driven around to ATMs to make cash withdrawals. If that wasn't enough, the assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations.
These awful swindles took place around the international aerodrome and in the cities of Rivas, Granada, and Masaya. Be very careful when accepting a driver to have a ride from.
4. Scams in Nicaragua
If something sounds similar information technology's too good to be true, it probably is. That'south the best arroyo to avoiding any con artists while traveling anywhere around the world. But, there are a few scams to be on the lookout for while traveling around Nicaragua.
- Women budgeted tourists on the street asking to buy their "sick kid" medicine – politely reject
- Say no to any unsolicited requests on the street for money to help support locals in any style (such every bit moving back to their home boondocks, supporting their family in need)
- Watch out for dodgy bout operators – read reviews online to make sure the tour operator is reliable
- Iif someone asks to run across your passport or identity document, request they show their police identification earlier handing anything over
- Be conscientious when renting ATVs or motorbikes – one traveler from TripAdvisor says to read the documentation before signing on the dotted line, and brand sure y'all run into any requirements to avoid existence ripped off or having to pay a hidden fee.
five. Tips for travelers taking a taxi
- Tell the commuter not to pick up other passengers
- Agree on the fare before setting off
- Conduct pocket-size bills to pay – taxi drivers rarely take alter
- Go along windows and doors closed, and hibernate valuables to prevent snatching at stop lights. It's a rare occurrence, simply it has happened.
Although the chances of a traveler being kidnapped is very rare, there accept been attacks on foreign nationals in their homes or hotels. If peace of mind is important to you, choose accommodation with uniformed security staff, a practiced fence, and a secure front end gate.
6. Highway robberies in Nicaragua
When it comes to driving around Nicaragua, traveling exterior the city carries a few risks. At that place have been armed robberies forth some highways, notably the Tipitapa-Masaya and the Managua-Leon. Some cases have reported criminals dressed equally cops, pulling over passenger cars for inspection. In that location are corrupt law that may solicit drivers for bribes, and then practise your all-time to assess the state of affairs and avoid handing over bribes – which encourages time to come beliefs.
Find out virtually more send safety tips, with these tips on chicken buses, hiring drivers, and what to do if an blow occurs.
The Motombo Mirador spotter bespeak, along the New Leon Highway, has been the scene of a few armed robberies against tourists as well.
Notice out how to stay healthy and and what natural dangers to be aware of with these tips.
Have you been to Nicaragua? Tell us well-nigh your feel below!
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