Survive Guide - Nicaragua - page 625

Navidad (December 25) Christmas.
Safe Travel
Despite the fact that Nicaragua has one of the lowest crime rates in Central America, as a 'wealthy'
foreigner you will at least be considered a potential target by scam artists and thieves. Make sure they
pick a different tourist by staying alert and taking precautions against theft and mugging. Several areas
are considered dangerous enough to merit their own warnings, including Managua, with big-city prob-
lems; San Juan del Sur, with bohemian tourist-industry problems; and most of the Caribbean coast,
with narco-inspired security problems.
Always play it extra safe in the rural Caribbean coast, undeveloped nature reserves, and anywhere
that infrastructure is limited and communications are weak. Even if it's expensive or seems silly, con-
sider taking precautions if recommended by a reliable source: hey, if they think two guides are better,
maybe there's a reason.
Back-country hikers should be aware that while Nicaragua has been officially declared free of land
mines, there still may be other kinds of unexploded ordinance in remote areas, particularly along the
Honduran border in the northern highlands and RAAN. If in doubt, take a local guide.
Telephone
Nicaragua's calling code is 505. There are no area codes within Nicaragua. Many homes and busi-
nesses 'rent' their phone for a fee (usually around US$0.25 per minute) for national calls to landlines
and cell phones. Direct calls abroad using the phone network or cell phones are expensive - any inter-
net cafe will offer much cheaper rates.
Many travelers simply buy a phone upon arrival - prices start around US$15, and there are phone
shops at the airport. You can also buy a SIM card (around US$3.50) and insert it into any unlocked
North American phone. The two phone companies are Claro, which has better coverage, and Movistar.
Electronic top-ups are available at pulperías and gas stations all over the country.
Toilets
In cities and towns, toilets are your regular sit-down flush variety. Public toilets are not common but
most businesses will let you use their facilities. As you venture into rural areas you will come across
dry latrines, which are little more than a hole in the ground covered by a wooden box.
There is often no toilet paper in public bathrooms. Always carry a spare roll. And when you've fin-
ished, throw it in the trash basket, don't flush it - the pipes get blocked easily.