Nicaragua – known for the large number of lakes, volcanoes, and architecture.
When speaking of lakes, the country has Central America‘s largest lake, Lake Nicaragua (and it has freshwater too).
Beaches, watersport activities, and history – Nicaragua has it all. You will certainly not be bored when exploring the country.
Before you start sharing all your Nicaragua experiences online, be aware of the potential bill shock you may experience when you roam internationally.
International roaming can be incredibly expensive. Most often, the costs are not worth the service you get.
Fortunately, you can get a local SIM card, like a Nicaraguan one, so that you can enjoy local rates. Much cheaper, and you often have a better network experience too.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Nicaragua?
You can get a Nicaraguan SIM card for 50 NIO (1.40 USD) from both Claro and Tigo in their stores or from resellers like convenience stores. A plan with 2.6 GB of data valid for 7 days will cost you at least 70 NIO (2 USD).
Low rates, right? Some operators may charge you 2 USD per MB – not worth it!
Before you get all excited about these low rates, there are some things to be aware of when thinking of Nicaraguan SIM cards.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Nicaragua. Let's do this.
Original publication: 10th of January 2020. Last updated: 25th of October 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Nicaragua?
Everyone visiting or living in Nicaragua can buy a SIM card from Claro or Tigo without restrictions.
Be aware that you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Nicaragua).
This requirement also applies to those who want to get a Nicaraguan SIM card or want to roam in the country.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Nicaragua?
You can get a Nicaraguan SIM card in Claro's and Tigo's stores and other stores such as grocery stores, kiosks, and post offices. It is also possible to buy SIM cards at several airports, including Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (Managua Airport).
You can expect to pay the following for Nicaraguan SIM cards:
- Claro Nicaragua: 50 NIO
- Tigo Nicaragua (formerly Movistar Nicaragua): 50 NIO
Do note that resellers may charge you more for a SIM card (although not more than 200 NIO – if more, go elsewhere).
Can You Use Your Phone in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Nicaragua, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone anyway.
You also need to be aware of the ITU regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Nicaragua uses American Frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2). Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.
In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Nicaragua.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Nicaragua or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Nicaragua (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has two mobile network operators:
- Claro Nicaragua
- Tigo Nicaragua (formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
The following frequencies are used in Nicaragua:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Nicaragua, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
A Note About CooTel
CooTel is Nicaragua's third operator. It is backed by Xinwei, a Chinese company, and launched in 2016.
CooTel uses a different system than Claro and Tigo. You cannot get a CooTel SIM card. Instead, you have to rent or buy a CooTel device, which then can connect to CooTel's 3G network (1700 MHz).
CooTel's coverage is still limited, especially compared to Claro and Tigo. Moreover, 4G/LTE is not available on the CooTel network, meaning that speeds are even slower than they have to be in the country.
In the previous version of this guide, I included CooTel. However, as this guide is about buying SIM cards and CooTel does not offer SIM cards, it has been removed from this guide.
Right now, there are no solid pros for going with CooTel, except for the fact that you can get an unlimited data plan for 20 USD… at 1.5 Mbps. Or because your phone does not support the frequencies used in Nicaragua.
For more information about CooTel, check out its website (in Spanish). This wiki has some information in English (which may be outdated).
5G NR in Nicaragua
5G is not available in Nicaragua as of 2021, and the Nicaraguan government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Nicaragua
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Nicaragua, I recommend going with Tigo. It has the best coverage in the country. Claro can be faster at times, but the difference is minimal.
SIM Card Registration in Nicaragua
SIM card registration, with the use of your personal information (such as your passport), is not required when buying a SIM card in Nicaragua.
Nicaragua Speeds, Internet Prices & Insights
You should know that mobile data in Central America is extremely cheap. It is one of the cheapest regions for mobile internet.
Sure, there are only seven countries in Central America (or eight if you include Mexico), but it is still a region where mobile data costs almost nothing.
But how cheap is mobile data in Nicaragua?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Nicaragua is 2.36 USD, around the Central American average of 2.40 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Another fun thing to note is that Nicaragua is the country with the lowest average cost of 1 GB of data in Central America. It is also one of the 53 countries where the price of 1 GB is below 1 USD.
So what about speeds? Can you get fast browsing speeds in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua's average mobile download speed is around 22 Mbps, less than half the global average.
This may sound slow… which it is (at least, compared to 102 other countries). However, for Central American standards, this is alright. For example, Costa Rica has the fastest download speed in the region with an average of 33 Mbps.
On the other hand, Panama has the slowest download speed, with an average of 20 Mbps.
So anything between that is alright.
But do note that 4G/LTE is not widely available throughout Nicaragua. 4G/LTE was launched back in 2014 or 2015.
But there is still no nationwide coverage on 4G/LTE.
In most cases, you will deal with 3G or 2G, which is one of the main reasons why mobile speeds are so slow in Nicaragua.
Other countries in Central America do it better in that regard.
Either way, with affordable SIM cards, extremely low costs for data, and adequate coverage, you should have a decent network experience in Nicaragua.
Currency in Nicaragua
Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan Córdoba with the symbol NIO (which will be used throughout this guide). However, prices are often listed as just or C$. For example, 25 NIO = C$25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between NIO and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 NIO = 0.02 USD
- 10 NIO = 0.30 USD
- 100 NIO = 2.85 USD
- 1000 NIO = 28.65 USD
For up-to-date NIO:USD exchange rates, search NIO to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Nicaraguan Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Claro Nicaragua & Tigo Nicaragua (formerly Movistar Nicaragua), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Nicaragua has to offer to us.
Claro Nicaragua
Claro Nicaragua, just Claro, is the largest operator in Nicaragua. Claro is active in various other countries in Latin America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz/2100 MHz – AWS (Band 4)
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Nicaragua
Claro has extensive coverage in Nicaragua.
Although almost all of Nicaragua is covered by Claro, you will often deal with 3G or 2G networks. 4G/LTE is not widely available with Claro.
Below is Claro's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Claro Nicaragua
You can get a Claro SIM card, called Mega Chip Claro, for 50 NIO in Claro stores and other establishments, including supermarkets, kiosks, and electronic shops. You can also get it at Managua Airport.
When you recharge 50 NIO or more upon purchasing your Claro SIM card, your top-up amount will be quadrupled (4*). Moreover, you will get 150 MB and 150 SMS, both valid for 30 days.
To see your Claro phone number, text NUMERO to 686.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Nicaragua
Claro top-up vouchers, in values between 10 NIO to 2500 NIO, are sold in Claro stores and places like grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *555# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *55# or *812 or text CONSULTA to 812 to check your Claro balance. You get 5 free inquiries a day. After that, you will pay 0.11 NIO per request.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro (My Claro) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Nicaragua
Claro has five types of data-featured plans, which are:
- Todo Incluido/All Inclusive (combo)
- Superpacks Todo Incluido USA/All Inclusive USA (combo)
- Superpacks de Internet (data-only)
- Superpacks de Internet USA (data-only)
- Redes Sociales en Prepago/Social Media for Prepaid (social media data-only)
All Claro plans can be activated by dialing *555#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Todo Incluido (All Inclusive) – Claro Nicaragua
The Todo Incluido (All Inclusive) plans are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following Todo Incluido plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data | On-Net Minutes | International Minutes 3 | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 NIO | TODO 7 | 300 MB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | N/A | 20 SMS | 1 day |
| 30 NIO | TODO 8 | 400 MB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | N/A | 30 SMS | 2 days |
| 50 NIO | TODO 1 | 2 GB | Unlimited 2 | 100 minutes | 10 minutes | 100 SMS | 4 days |
| 70 NIO | TODO 2 | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 1000 SMS | 6 days |
| 100 NIO | TODO 3 | 4 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 3000 SMS | 7 days |
| 200 NIO | TODO 4 | 7 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 300 NIO | TODO 5 | 10 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
1 Twitter & WhatsApp
2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 Claro Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Panama), Canada, Mexico & the United States
Superpacks Todo Incluido USA (All Inclusive USA) – Claro Nicaragua
The Superpacks Todo Incluido USA (All Inclusive USA) are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS targeted at those living in the United States purchasing plans for family back home, but anyone can activate it. Superpacks Todo Incluido USA are charged in US Dollars.
The following Superpacks Todo Incluido USA are available:
| Price | Data | Social Media Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | USA Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 USD | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | 75 minutes | 100 SMS | 7 days |
| 12 USD | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | 150 minutes | 100 SMS | 10 days |
| 15 USD | 4 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | 200 minutes | 100 SMS | 15 days |
| 30 USD | 4 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 150 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 40 USD | 8 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 150 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
1 WhatsApp
2 Facebook & WhatsApp
3 Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp
Superpacks de Internet – Claro Nicaragua
You can purchase one of the following Superpacks de Internet:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 NIO | 250 MB Internet-Datos | 250 MB | Unlimited 1 | 1 day |
| 30 NIO | 300 MB Internet-Datos | 300 MB | Unlimited 1 | 2 days |
| 50 NIO | 1.8 GB Internet-Datos | 1.8 GB | Unlimited 2 | 4 days |
| 80 NIO | 3 GB Internet-Datos | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | 5 days |
| 110 NIO | 4.5 GB Internet-Datos | 4.5 GB | Unlimited 2 | 7 days |
| 130 NIO | 6 GB Internet-Datos | 6 GB | Unlimited 2 | 7 days |
| 230 NIO | 7.5 GB Internet-Datos | 7.5 GB | Unlimited 2 | 15 days |
| 600 NIO | 15 GB Internet-Datos | 15 GB | Unlimited 2 | 30 days |
1 Twitter & WhatsApp
2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
Superpacks de Internet USA – Claro Nicaragua
The Superpacks de Internet USA are data-only plans targeted at those living in the United States purchasing plans for family back home, but anyone can activate it. Superpacks de Internet USA are charged in US Dollars.
You can purchase one of the following Superpacks de Internet USA:
| Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 USD | 4 GB | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 15 USD | 6 GB | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 20 USD | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
The Redes Sociales en Prepago are social media data-only plans.
You can buy one of the following Redes Sociales en Prepago:
| Price | Data | App | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | Correo | 1 day | *555# | CINCORREO |
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | 1 day | I | FINI | |
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | 1 day | P | FINP | |
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | Snapchat | 1 day | SP | FINS |
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | 1 day | T | FINT | |
| 20 NIO | Unlimited | Waze | 1 day | *555# | FINWAZE |
| 30 NIO | Unlimited | 1 day | F | FINFI | |
| 30 NIO | Unlimited | 1 day | W | FINWI |
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Nicaragua
- Name: Internet
- APN: internet.ideasclaro
- Username: default
- Password: default
- MCC: 710
- MNC: 21
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
Tigo Nicaragua, just Tigo – and formerly known as Movistar Nicaragua, is the other operator in Nicaragua. Tigo as a company is active in various countries in Latin America and also in Tanzania.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
Tigo has the best coverage in Nicaragua.
The operator won the Nicaragua Speedtest Awards Best Mobile Coverage of 2020.
Even though Tigo has the best coverage in the country, you will often deal with 3G or 2G networks. 4G/LTE is not widely available with Tigo.
Below is Tigo's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
You can get a Tigo SIM card, called SuperChip, for 50 NIO in Tigo store and other establishments, including supermarkets, kiosks, and electronic shops. You can also get it at Managua Airport.
When you recharge 50 NIO or more upon purchasing your Tigo SIM card, your top-up amount will be quintupled (5*).
Moreover, you will get 1 GB for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp. This bonus will activate itself automatically for three months.
To see your Tigo phone number, dial *686# or text num or numero to 2266.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
Tigo top-up vouchers are sold in Tigo stores and places like grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores.
The following top up options are available:
- 10 NIO
- 20 NIO
- 30 NIO
- 50 NIO
- 100 NIO
- 150 NIO
- 200 NIO
- 300 NIO
To top up your Tigo SIM card, dial *123# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *72536# or text SALDO to 611 to check your Tigo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Tigo Nicaragua (My Tigo Nicaragua) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
Tigo has four data-featured plans, which are:
- Preplanes (combo)
- Megapacks (combo)
- Paquetigos Gamer (combo)
- Internet (data-only)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Preplanes – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
The Preplanes are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
Preplanes can be activated by dialing *134#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net & International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 NIO | Semanal | 2.6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 100 NIO | Semanal Plus | 3.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 7 days |
| 200 NIO | Quincenal | 6.2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 40 SMS | 15 days |
| 300 NIO | Quincenal Plus | 9 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 15 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
2 for local use, Tigo Central America (Costa Rica (Movistar), El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Panama) & the United States
Megapacks – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
The Megapacks are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
Megapacks can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net & International Minutes 3 | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 NIO | Mega 1 | 300 MB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | 15 minutes | 15 SMS | 1 day | MEGA1 |
| 30 NIO | Mega 2 | 375 MB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 2 days | MEGA2 |
| 50 NIO | Mega 4 | 1.7 GB | Unlimited 2 | N/A | 80 minutes | 80 SMS | 4 days | MEGA4 |
| 70 NIO | Mega 5 | 2.6 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 5 days | MEGA5 |
| 100 NIO | Mega 7 | 3.5 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 80 minutes | 80 SMS | 7 days | MEGA7 |
| 200 NIO | Mega 15 | 6.2 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 15 days | MEGA15 |
1 WhatsApp
2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 for local use, Tigo Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Panama) & the United States
Paquetigos Gamer – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
The Paquetigos Gamer are combo plans are targeted at gamers. They include data, unlimited data for select games (13), minutes, and SMS.
The following Paquetigos Gamer are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Game Data 1 | Social Media Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net & International Minutes 3 | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 NIO | Gamer 2 | 375 MB | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 2 days | GAMER2 |
| 80 NIO | Gamer 5 | 2.6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 5 days | GAMER5 |
| 120 NIO | Gamer 7 | 3.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 80 minutes | 80 SMS | 7 days | GAMER7 |
1 Among Us, Brawl Stars, Call of Duty: Mobile, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Free Fire, Fortnite, League of Legends, Minecraft, Mortal Kombat, PUBG Mobile & Roblox
2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 for local use, Tigo Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Panama) & the United States
Internet – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
The Internet bundles are data-only plans.
The following Internet bundles are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 NIO | Nightv | 10 GB | N/A | 1 night (20:00 – 6:00) |
| 40 NIO | Hot | 10 GB | N/A | Until midnight |
| 50 NIO | Navplus | 3 GB | N/A | 3 days |
| 50 NIO | Nav4 | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | 4 days |
| 100 NIO | Finnav | 10 GB | N/A | 1 Saturday & Sunday |
| 110 NIO | Nav7 | 3.7 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 250 NIO | Nav15 | 7.5 GB | Unlimited | 15 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Nicaragua (Formerly Movistar Nicaragua)
- Name: Tigo NI
- APN: internet.tigo.ni
- Username: tigoni
- Password: tigoni
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Nicaragua
I would highly encourage anyone visiting Nicaragua to get themselves a Nicaraguan SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a Nicaraguan SIM card is not an option. For example, your device may be SIM-locked, meaning that you cannot use any SIM card other than the SIM card provided by your operator.
There are other ways to stay online while in Nicaragua, but they may not be cheap.
However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the two local operators.
International Roaming
International roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected when traveling in other countries because you do not have to buy a new SIM card, have to deal with SIM card registration regulations, nor have multiple phone numbers to deal with.
However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards.
That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming.
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Nicaragua here.
Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card
International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind. Using them is often cheaper than international roaming.
However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.
There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.
Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting.
Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Using Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free.
The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in Nicaragua.
Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Nicaragua
Getting a SIM card from Tigo would do you well when considering a Nicaraguan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Central American Countries
Visiting other countries in Central America? Check out my Central America SIM card buying guide, covering other Central American nations, such as:
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