Managua, Nicaragua Report of what it's like to live there - 09/17/23
Personal Experiences from Managua, Nicaragua
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Dakar, among others.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Austin, TX. Travel via Miami or Houston. About 12 hrs, travel is easy depending on the government's mood.
3. How long have you lived here?
Five years.
4. What years did you live here?
2019-2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Two main neighborhoods. Most families live in an area close to movies, mall, most restaurants, and after-hour social activities, but you'll have a 30-60+minute commute to the embassy, depending on traffic, construction, accidents and rain. Carretera Sur is much closer to the embassy, 15 minutes. It's a little higher elevation, and therefore a little cooler than downtown. This neighborhood puts you closer to the german school, french school, and the Christian school.
Housing is mostly great, most houses have pools, many are new and modern, most have garden areas that you can turn into a lush garden. Many houses have mango and lime trees, and banana plants! We live in Carr Sur, and have the best view of the lake and volcanoes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
you can find just about anything here. There's a Costco-like store that carries Kirkland brand. Porta's carries Yuengling, Flat Tire, Sam Adams... Dr. Pepper and Cream Soda. I miss good butter. There's a french lady that makes butter, but it goes bad fairly quick unless you freeze it. Lemons are the one item you really can't get here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If I can't find it here, I can order online.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Thai is the hardest to find. That said, food should not stop you from coming here... Vegan options, excellent beef, fresh seafood and produce!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and some scorpions (GSO will spray your home upon request) I use neem oil and its really helped, then there's the occasional mouse.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About 20USD a day for part-time, about 18USD full time, plus insurance and transportation.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy has small gym, there's several membership gyms near all housing.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There's International Christian Fellowship near Carr Sur, (plenty evangelical churches in Spanish and Catholic mass in Spanish) and there's LDS, but not sure of their language.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Life is easier if you speak Spanish, but you can certainly get by without it, or with Google translate! Post has a language program available for everyone.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
CLO maintains a list of drivers/taxis that are RSO approved. Price is fair enough.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
High clearance is a must, 4x4 is best. We have an AWD Toyota Sienna, we purchased a kit online and had it raised 3.5 inches--it's awesome!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is good enough. You sign up with the American Employee Association and they install it before you arrive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Google Fi, not cheap, but so far it's worked well for us.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes. We "fixed" a rabbit! No quarantine for pets. Main consideration is weather/heat. Many large dog owners have flown through San Jose, Costa Rica and drive up to Managua.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Several EFM jobs, but not much on local economy. Many EFMs telework.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Not many.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual, business casual. Depends if you have meetings or not.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just be street smart. While we have 24hr security at homes, it's pretty safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue if you travel in-country. Medical care can be excellent, just not always consistent. Most doctors are trained in Mexico, Ccuba, and/or Spain. Lots of babies are born here, even during COVID.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air is good... seasonal allergies including mold can be a drag.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Mold is a problem, speak up on food allergies and you should okay.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
By the end of dry season everything seems to be in slow-motion, but the compound pool offers a pleasant relief! And having the beach/lake a short drive aways is a huge plus too!
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, dry, hot, wet, repeat.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Schools are excellent. The CLO has a great relationship with them, and you can choose from French, German, Catholic, Christian, and secular. Many children attend the American Nicaraguan School. Most official communication from the schools happens in English, but everything social is in Spanish via WhatsApp.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not much, NCA (Nicaragua Christian Academy) would be your best bet on a case-by-case.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes! Montessori to Reggio Emilia. My kid went to Ms Claudia's in Carr Sur and had swim class!
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Soccer, baseball, horse back riding, swim, dance, taekwondo, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium expat community in Managua, you'll find more as you go closer to the beach areas. Morale at post is currently high, I believe.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Within the embassy community: sports, Marine happy hour, bunco, weekly game nights, monthly dinner club, coffee get-togethers, book club in english and spanish, play dates, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For our family of four it has been great! Lots to do, especially if you're outdoorsy. Community is pretty good at including anyone who wants to be included.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, but it might take a while. You just don't know who is watching/ listening...
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Main problem would be political differences.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Hacienda Iguana, Laguna de Apoyo, Ometepe island, Little Corn Island!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots to do in the mainland, but Little Corn Island or the Caribbean coast is a must, you will disconnect, unwind, eat coconut bread and swim in turquoise waters!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hammocks, wicker, wood furniture, black clay pottery, rum, cigars, and my biggest surprise: coffee!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
"Faux" peace is real here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
in a heart beat!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Loud voice, high heels.
4. But don't forget your:
Swimsuit, appetite, VPN and dehumidifiers.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Come on in, water is fine!
