Items to Note

• Upon arrival in Nicaragua, you will be charged US$5 for a tourist visa.

• Plan to exchange money in either Managua or Rivas.
  
  
• Currency:  The Nicaraguan currency is the cordoba. The current exchange rate is about 20 cordobas to 1 US dollar. The US dollar is accepted at most hotels and some restaurants.  Keep in mind that you will most likely receive change in cordobas.
   
• The only places to change money will be in the larger cities (Managua, Granada, Leon, Rivas). Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities. Automatic teller machines are found only in Managua, Granada and Leon. Do not bring traveler’s checks. Additionally, Euros and other foreign currencies cannot be changed.
   
• Small denominations of cordobas (10s, 20s, and 50s and 100s) are helpful to have, as small restaurants and shops in the countryside seldom have change. Roadside moneychangers are fine to use.

• You will need to carry a valid driver’s license and a copy of your passport with you when you are traveling around Nicaragua.

• Renting your own vehicle in Nicaragua allows you the greatest opportunity to explore and discover local sites and restaurants and to experience as many cultural options as possible. Renting Vehicle    

• You will want to top off your gas tank in Nandaime – fuel is cheaper here than in Las Salinas. Within a kilometer of Two Brothers, are small shops that sell fresh food items such as eggs, sugar, coffee, milk, cereal, bread, meat, beans, rice, pasta and beer. Fruit and veggies can be bought from local stands or trucks that drive by daily with mangos, bananas, pineapple, watermelon, tomatoes and more. Fresh fish and lobster can be purchased directly from the fishermen as they bring in their daily catch.  MAP of region

• Nicaraguans are very friendly and will be very happy to point you in the right direction with a simple greeting and
  “?Donde esta Masaya?” , “Donde esta Nandaime?”,  “Donde estas Rivas?”, etc.

• Also, when all else fails, ask a cabby for directions and thank him with a few cordobas, or simply note the destinations written on the back of the buses to confirm your direction/destination.

• Time Zone:  Nicaragua is on the same time as Central Standard Time (Chicago) with daylight savings time reflecting Mountain Standard Time (Denver).

• Electrical Current:  110 volts, standard American plugs are fine.

• Immunizations and Vaccinations:  Current Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations are a good thing to have. Protective clothing and insect repellent are enough for mosquitoes.  Although we have few mosquitoes at Two Brothers, you will want to have it on hand if you explore elsewhere. 

What to Bring

Two Brothers has a fully equipped kitchen.  Plan to bring food and snacks with you especially if you plan to spend the day on the boat. While there are plenty of small, inexpensive restaurants nearby, you’ll also want to have basics on hand.

Two Brothers provides all bed linens.

Be sure to bring your own beach and bath towels

Not traveling with a board? No worries. Rent a board from us..

See  Essentials for a more comprehensive list of things to bring.