Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HEADING NORTH OF THE BORDER
Peñas Blancas is a busy
border crossing
( 6am-10pm Mon-Sat, to 8pm Sun), which can be
a major hassle at peak times. Avoid trying to cross the border in the days leading up to
major holidays.
You won't be charged to exit or enter Costa Rica, but entering and leaving Nicaragua
costs US$10. Driving a car across the border is another $27, but most car-rental compan-
ies in Costa Rica won't allow you to cross borders; check before you sign your contract.
Alternatively, leave your car in the 'no-man's-land' parking area between borders. Banks
on either side will change local colones and córdobas for dollars but, inconveniently, not
for each other. Independent money changers will happily make the exchange for you - at
whatever rates they feel like setting.
The border posts are about 1km apart. Hordes of generally useless touts will offer to
'guide' you through the simple crossing - let them carry your luggage if you like, but
agree on a fee beforehand. You'll also be charged US$1 to enter the state of Rivas. Should
you have any hard currency left at this point, there's a fairly fabulous duty-free shop wait-
ing for you in Sapoá, the Nicaraguan equivalent of Peñas Blancas.
Relax with your purchases on the 37km bus ride (US$1, 45 minutes), departing every
30 minutes, to Rivas. The city is a quiet transport hub, though its well-preserved 17th-
century center is worth exploring (think a more run-down version of Granada without all
the crowds).
If you're good at bargaining (and you will have to bargain hard), there are a number of
taxis waiting on the Nicaraguan side of the border to whisk you to Rivas (US$30).
Information
Changing money at the border post often yields a better exchange rate than in town.
Banco Nacional
BANK
( 2679-9296)
At the junction of the short road into the town center; has a 24-hour ATM.
Banco Popular
BANK
(
2679-9352)
