Practical Information: San Juan Del Sur

Communication

Staying connected and communicating effectively in Nicaragua is straightforward with a few preparations.

Staying Connected:

Local SIM cards (Claro, Tigo) are available; passport needed for registration. Consider Airalo eSIM for convenience.
Wi-Fi is widely available in San Juan del Sur at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speed and reliability may vary. Explore Solis Wi-Fi for portable options.
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas. Basic Spanish phrases are helpful. Learning tools like Rosetta Stone may prepare you.

Language Aids

A few phrases enrich interactions. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish language pack. A significant aid when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Important Phrases:

Hello/Good day: Hola / Buenos días
Thank you: Gracias / Please: Por favor
Excuse me/Sorry: Disculpe / How much is this?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?

Business Hours & Schedules

General Operating Hours:

Banks: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
Shops: Monday-Saturday ~9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (some close for lunch 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM).
Restaurants: Breakfast ~7:00 AM, Lunch ~12:00 PM, Dinner from 6:00 PM, open later on weekends.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Religious and national holidays, along with seasonal changes, may affect service availability.

Dates & Notes:

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Labor Day (May 1), Revolution Day (Jul 19), Independence Day (Sep 15), Christmas (Dec 25).
Semana Santa (Holy Week): Major holiday. Expect closures, busy and potentially more expensive transport. Many travel to the beach.
Seasonal Closures: Some smaller businesses may have reduced hours or close during the low season (especially September and October, peak wet season).

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social Interactions

Greeting: Polite to greet upon entering a shop or restaurant. Use "Buenos días", "Buenas tardes", "Buenas noches."
Formality: Use "usted" (formal "you") for strangers, elders, or in formal settings.
Photography: Always ask permission ("Permiso para una foto?") before taking photos of people, especially children. Respect privacy.
Attire: Casual wear common in beach town. Modesty is appropriate when visiting churches or traditional establishments (covering shoulders and knees applies).

Cultural Sensitivities

Sensitive Topics: Avoid discussing politics or criticizing the government. Be mindful of socio-economic differences.
Taboos: Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
Gender & LGBTQ+: Nicaragua is generally conservative. Public displays of affection for same-sex couples might attract unwanted attention outside tourist bubbles. Discretion applies.
Dining & Tipping: A 10-15% tip for good service is common if a service charge is not included.

Holiday Planning

During Semana Santa, book accommodation and transport months in advance. The town becomes very crowded and expensive.

Accessibility considerations for San Juan del Sur may require additional planning.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is generally limited in Nicaragua. Sidewalks in San Juan del Sur can be uneven, narrow, or non-existent in some areas. Public transportation, like "chicken buses," are not wheelchair accessible and can be crowded.

Accessible Services

Specific services for travelers with mobility needs are rare. Many accommodations, restaurants, and attractions may not have ramps, elevators, or accessible restrooms. Resources and services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are also limited.

Planning Ahead

Travel with a companion or rely on assistance from local tour operators who may make specific arrangements. Consulting with a specialized accessible travel agency before visiting is highly recommended. They may provide tailored advice and itinerary planning.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers:

Fire: 118
Ambulance: 128
Police: 118 or 112

Consular Assistance

Your embassy or consulate offers support for various situations.

When to Contact:

Lost or stolen passport.
Serious accident or illness.
Arrest or detention.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

For frequent travelers, Priority Pass provides independent airport lounge access globally.
Enjoy comfortable waiting areas before flights.
Access to amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and quiet zones.

Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed, canceled, or boarding denied, Compensair may help.
A service helps customers receive compensation.
Check eligibility and process claims easily.

Final Accessibility Note

If you have mobility concerns, contact your chosen accommodations and tour operators directly beforehand to confirm their accessibility features.

Currency management and general safety tips for your time in San Juan del Sur.

Money & Banking

ATMs are available in the town center of San Juan del Sur. They are typically located near banks or in larger stores. Most ATMs dispense Nicaraguan Córdobas, but some also offer U.S. Dollars.

Banking Convenience:

Access cash easily within the town.
Córdobas are main, USD also available.
Credit cards are accepted at many establishments, especially larger ones.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Engaging respectfully with locals and their culture enriches your travel experience and fosters positive relationships. Politeness and patience are .

Interacting with Respect:

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; they are appreciated.
Things may operate at a slower pace; patience applies.
Dress appropriately when visiting churches or traditional areas.

General Safety Tips

While San Juan del Sur is generally safe, remaining aware of your surroundings is important, as in any travel destination.

Stay Safe:

Secure valuables: Use hotel safes.
Awareness: Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Night Travel: Use reputable taxis after dark.

Health & Wellness

A few precautions ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip.

Stay Healthy:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen regularly and wear a hat.

Important Warnings

Petty Crime

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or on public transport.
Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Carry only necessary cash and leave important documents secured.

Water Safety

Tap water is generally not safe for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Ocean currents may be strong; swim where lifeguards are present or with caution.
Consume street food and local eateries with discretion.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Visa & Passport

A valid passport, with at least six months' validity remaining, is needed.
Most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist card upon arrival.
A small entry fee (approx. US$10) is typically paid upon arrival.

Customs Regulations

Travelers must declare goods exceeding personal use limits.
Restrictions apply to certain items, including firearms and some agricultural products.
Strict penalties apply for drug offenses.

Safety Advisory

Always be discreet when photographing, and avoid intrusive photography in private moments or sensitive cultural events.

Embrace a journey that respects local culture and environment, ensuring a positive impact.

Environmental Considerations

Support national parks and protected areas, like the La Flor Wildlife Refuge. Visit these sites through authorized tours following ethical guidelines, contributing to their conservation efforts. Respect all regulations within these areas.

Sustainable Practices:

Reduce waste: Use a reusable water bottle (Terrapass for carbon offsetting) and shopping bag (Package Free Shop).
Decline single-use plastics. Dispose of all waste properly. Do not litter.
Water conservation: Be mindful of water usage (shorter showers, turning off taps).

Eco-Friendly Choices

Seek out and support businesses committed to environmental protection.

Support Green Initiatives:

Look for properties using renewable energy, waste reduction, or local food sourcing. Consider Ecobnb for options.
Choose tour companies engaged in community conservation projects. Ethical tour operators like G Adventures align with this goal.
Purchase sustainable outdoor gear from retailers like Patagonia.

Cultural Sensitivity

Interacting respectfully with locals and their culture enriches your travel experience and fosters positive relationships.

Guidelines for Respect:

Cultural Preservation: Respect local traditions, customs, and heritage sites. Learn their history.
Respectful Interaction: Learn basic Spanish; be polite, patient, and avoid being overly loud.
Photography Ethics: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children.

Religious & Dress Etiquette

Cultural norms guide appropriate behavior in various settings.

Considerations:

Religious Sites: Dress modestly, remove hats, maintain a quiet demeanor.
Dress Appropriately: While casual in town, dress modestly for churches, government buildings, or traditional areas (covering shoulders and knees).
Consider conservation organizations with stores, like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Economic Impact

Supporting Local

Seek out and support local small businesses (family-run Comedores, independent guides, artisan shops).
Your money directly benefits residents.
Choose locally owned hotels, restaurants, and tour operators over international chains where possible.

Ethical Practices

Look for products that are locally made and where producers receive a fair wage.
Awareness of potential exploitative practices, like child labor or human trafficking.
Support established local NGOs or community projects, rather than giving money directly to begging children.

Final Recommendation

Research local NGOs working on social or environmental projects for appropriate charitable giving.

Practical Information