THE ESSENTIALS

Entrance and Exit requirements for Nicaragua

PASSPORT: must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay in Nicaragua.
Return Ticket: Proof of return or onward travel.
Tourist card fee: $ 5 cash (must be paid in U.S. dollars).
Airport Departure fee: $32 cash (must be paid in U.S. dollars).

Other Identification
Driver's License and a copy of your birth certificate. We strongly suggest that you make photocopies of all important documents you plan to bring with you, including your airline tickets, and store them separately in case of emergency, as well as leave copies with someone you trust at home.

Medication
If you are currently taking any special medication, or not so special medication for that matter, make sure your prescription is filled and up to date. It might also be a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription just in case. Please let us know in advance about any conditions you may suffer from.

Up to date Immunization and Vaccination
Many travel guides strongly suggests getting a Tetanus, and Hepatitis A vaccination if yours are not current before traveling. Anti-malarial's are recommended by the CDC but we don’t take them, and haven’t gotten malaria.
(You can check the CDC yellow book guide to traveling in Central America by going to www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm.)

CLOTHING and OTHER STUFF
Lightweight is the key word to think about when packing. Try to fit all things into one backpack. Bring one backpack to hold all of your things that will stay at your hotel room, and one day pack that you can fill with what you need for the day.

Clothing
light rain gear
tee-shirts
tank tops
shorts
lightweight pants and long sleeved shirts (for mosquito avoidance)
swim suit
pajamas
socks
underwear
sandals
good walking shoes (i.e. sneakers)
sarong
brimmed hat
sunglasses

Toiletries
towels (beach and bath)
sun block, sun block, sun block!!!!
lip balm with spf
insect repellent
toothbrush/toothpaste
shampoo/conditioner
talcum powder
razor
brush or comb
aspirin/ibuprofen
Pepto-Bismol
contact solution
tampons (hard to find in Nicaragua)
medication  

Extras
camera and plenty of film or digi cam
batteries
flashlight
journal and pen
a good book

* We recommend that you do not bring any irreplaceable items such as your best jewelry and/or family heirlooms, just to stay on the safe side