Cash and ATMs in Nicaragua: All you need on fees, limits, cards

Nicaragua, a land of volcanoes, colonial cities, and stunning coastlines, offers a mix of adventure and cultural charm. Whether you’re exploring the colorful streets of Granada, surfing in San Juan del Sur, or hiking through the cloud forests of Matagalpa, knowing how to access cash is essential. While credit cards are accepted in many tourist areas, cash remains the preferred payment method in local markets and rural regions. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Nicaragua, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.

Where to find ATMs in Nicaragua?

Urban Areas: In major cities like Managua, Granada, and León, ATMs are widely available, especially in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches.

Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like San Juan del Sur and Ometepe Island have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near tourist facilities. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.

Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.

Best ATMs to use in Nicaragua for foreigners

The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Nicaragua are those owned by popular banks such as:

• BDF
• Banco Avanz
• Ficohsa
• Bancared

There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.

There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Nicaragua.

Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency

In Nicaragua, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in NIO).

• If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra charge for this.
• If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).

So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in NIO’.

Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Nicaragua?

Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Nicaragua.

ATMs commonly accept Visa cards. Some of them accept Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. So carry a Visa card at least on your travel to Nicaragua.Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.

ATM operations

Operating hours: Most ATMs operate 24/7.

What are ATMs called: ATMs in Nicaragua are usually found by a signage of word ATM’ or ‘Cajero Automatico’.

Language options: ATMs primarily present Spanish and English as language options. Using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy if you don’t understand these languages.

What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Nicaragua?

ATMs in Nicaragua dispense cash in Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO), and some also offer US Dollars (USD).

ATM withdrawal limits in Nicaragua

ATMs in Nicaragua have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of US$ 500. ATMs typically have a daily withdrawal limit of US$ 1,000 to US$ 1,500.

ATM Fees in Nicaragua

There are many fee-free ATMs in Nicaragua. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Nicaragua do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges US$ 6 per transaction so there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Nicaragua as a foreign cardholder!

Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Nicaragua. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s foreign transaction fee, if any.

How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Nicaragua

Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.

Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Nicaragua?

Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs here on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Nicaragua. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Nicaragua.

Safety at ATMs

Nicaragua has reported instances of ATM-related crimes, including card skimming and express kidnappings, where individuals are forced to withdraw cash under threat. These incidents have occurred in urban areas such as Managua, Granada, and San Juan del Sur. To minimize risks, it’s advisable to use ATMs located inside bank branches or reputable establishments, as they are generally more secure. Be vigilant for any unusual devices attached to ATMs, which could indicate skimming attempts. Additionally, avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated areas.

FAQs

What to do if an ATM takes your card?

If an ATM here takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retrieve your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retrieve and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.

Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Nicaragua?

Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Nicaragua. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Nicaragua do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges US$ 6 per transaction.

Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?

Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.

Bitcoin ATMs

Currently, there are no Bitcoin ATMs in Nicaragua. Some bitcoin ATM companies have announced plans to expand here in the future.

Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Nicaragua

Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.