Nicaragua

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Despite the fact that Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in Central America, lower than the US or Europe (or El Salvador, for that matter), as a 'wealthy' foreigner you will at least be considered a potential target by scam artists and thieves. Make sure they pick a different tourist by staying alert and taking precautions against theft and mugging. Several areas are considered dangerous enough to merit their own warnings, including Managua, with big-city problems; San Juan del Sur, with bohemian tourist-industry problems; and most of the Caribbean Coast, with serious cocaine-trafficking problems that you should stay well away from.

Always play it extra safe in the rural Caribbean Coast, undeveloped nature reserves and anywhere that infrastructure is limited and communications weak. Even if it's expensive or seems silly, consider taking precautions if recommended by a reliable source - hey, if they think two guides is better, maybe there's a reason.

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Taxi scams

Driving a Managua taxi is an art - a scam art. Here are some favorite techniques:

The Runaround: Look at the Barrio Martha Quezada map - your hotel is probably just a few blocks from the bus station. So why was it a 10-minute, US$20 ride?

The Bait & Switch: After quoting you a price (25!), they'll tell you that it was 25 each, or worse, 25 dollars (instead of 25 córdoba, which would have been a deal).

The Back Scratch: The hotel is closed? It's changed names? It's filled with rats? No. But the other hotel he's recommending gives him a cut.

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