Retiring to C.A. not too far from beach area

Dolly, How would you describe the expats that live there...is there internet there? And comments on social life there would be appreciated...Thanks.

I've been living on $900 a month in Managua for the past 4 months without a lot of inconvenience. I don't live in a really nice place (we pay 220$ a month) but in a safe neighborhood. No car or bike (yet) but cabs & buses are cheap. We travel every weekend and we try and go out a few times a week for dinners, movies, dancing etc. Honestly, it's a cheap place if you don't mind sacrificing some luxuries.

Getting things like air conditioning, dishwashers and laundry will increase your rent exponentially. I see places like that here for 400$ and up, but not sure about other places in Nica.
Just looking on Craigslist you can see some monthly rates which are affordable with your budget but I'd definitely shop around when you're here. Food here is really cheap, especially when you buy from the markets. Even the supermarkets are not affordable with your budget, you'll just have to tweet some of you eating habits. Any exported products are on par or more than what you'd pay at home. Say good bye to Nutella and pesto basil!

I think you'll want to come down here on a scouting trip before anything else. A lonelyplanet forum can only offer so much insight. There are plenty of expats here and they all love to tell their story and offer advice. Good luck

Cheers

#21, What kind of music do you go dancing to...rocknroll or salsa...just curious...live music or recorded? Thanks.
p.s. Why did you choose Nicaragua?

I've gone to a few places in Managua that play all sorts of music. Haven't done any salsa though unfortunately. El caramanchel is probably the place I've been to the most. It has a mixed crowd of ages and expats / Nicaraguans.
I'm here on a work contract so I didn't really pick Nicaragua and I certainly wouldn't pick Managua as a place to live. I just wanted to get international work experience and learn a language while getting paid.

When looking for advice on Nicaragua I've check out http://www.nicaliving.com/.
It's a great site with a lot of information on daily living in Nicaragua. A lot of the members are expats themselves and could answer any question that you may have involving moving here.

Good luck Phil!

Thanks, Mattyhos, That was thoughtful of you. Is it a secret as to your type of work? If so, I'll understand...lol

I have a house, 3-4 minute walk from the Caribbean, will trade with you for a bit. $800 a month you sure ain't live like a king here unless you own your place.

Maybe in Granada

What trading did ya' have on your mind? Sure wish you would describe in some detail what your life is like there...what do you do with your leisure time, etc...what social life is there...what are the ladies like, friendly, boring or what? Paint me a picture if you can...thanks, Phil

Haha no secret Phil, I'm not working for the CIA or anything.
I work for a Nicaraguan water consultant.

There is internet, it is about $25 a month for 3 gigabytes. There are some expats here but not very many. Probably can count them on two hands. This means there is not an overwhelming social life with the expat community.