Tipping and money in Nicaragua
Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan córdoba. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
Last reviewed November 2026
- Currency
- NIONicaraguan córdoba
- Symbol
- C$
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Nicaragua
Carry cash for markets and small towns. US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is preferred in smaller towns, rural areas and local markets. Córdoba notes come in large denominations, so Journey Latin America suggests breaking them down when possible.
- ATMs
- ATMs are found in Managua, Granada, León and San Juan del Sur, and some offer a choice of US dollars or córdobas. Free and Easy Traveler reports limited ATMs on Ometepe and the Corn Islands and none on Little Corn Island, so withdraw cash before going.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, and dollar notes should be in good condition.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange houses and banks give córdobas, and Original Travel reports that US dollars are the only foreign currency freely exchangeable, with sterling not exchanged by banks. Original Travel advises avoiding informal street changers.
- Watch out for
- Damaged or soiled dollar bills may be refused. Journey Latin America advises not relying only on a card and telling your bank before travel.
Tipping in Nicaragua
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip guides and drivers.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Journey Latin America, Free and Easy Traveler, Original Travel, World Travel Guide, Rough Guides, Adventure Life.
Convert to and from NIO
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36.79 NIO | 41.21 NIO | 49.36 NIO |
| 10 | 368 NIO | 412 NIO | 494 NIO |
| 50 | 1,839 NIO | 2,061 NIO | 2,468 NIO |
| 100 | 3,679 NIO | 4,121 NIO | 4,936 NIO |
| 500 | 18,394 NIO | 20,606 NIO | 24,682 NIO |
What each amount is worth in NIO. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Nicaragua use?
Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO).
Do you need to tip in Nicaragua?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip guides and drivers.
Can you pay by card in Nicaragua?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is preferred in smaller towns, rural areas and local markets. Córdoba notes come in large denominations, so Journey Latin America suggests breaking them down when possible.
Are there ATMs in Nicaragua?
ATMs are found in Managua, Granada, León and San Juan del Sur, and some offer a choice of US dollars or córdobas. Free and Easy Traveler reports limited ATMs on Ometepe and the Corn Islands and none on Little Corn Island, so withdraw cash before going.
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