Planning a Trip

Visitor Information

Intur has its main city office 1 block south and 1 block west of the Intercontinental Hotel (tel. 505/222-3333; www.intur.gob.ni). It is open from 8am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 5pm. There's also an office at the airport (tel. 505/263-3176), which is open daily from 7am to 7pm.

Fast Facts

ATMs are outside most banks, in malls and service stations, and at the airport. Most banks will also change dollars to córdobas. There are bank branches all over the city, in particular around Plaza España (also known as Rotonda El Gueguense), along with casual street changers (known as coyotes). Banpro, Edificio Malaga, Plaza España (tel. 505/266-0069) and Bancentro (tel. 505/268-5013) are two conveniently located banks.

Exchange all traveler's checks in Managua if you can, as there are very few places outside the city that will change these checks. There's an American Express 1 block east of Rotonda El Gueguense (tel. 505/266-4050). Multicambios, half a block east of Rotonda El Gueguense (tel. 505/266-8407), also changes traveler's checks.

The grandly titled main post office, Palacio de Correos (tel. 505/222-2048; www.correos.com.ni), is 2 blocks west of the Plaza de la Republica in the former Enitel building. Here you'll also find an excellent philatelist store.

Farmacia 24 Horas, 150m (492 ft.) east of Rotonda Bello Horizonte (tel. 505/240-06233), is good for any late-night pharmacy emergencies. Farmacia 5 Estrellas, 3 1/2 blocks north of Semafor El Colonial (tel. 505/248-8026), is an option closer to the center.

Hospital Vivian Pellas, Carretera Masaya Km 9.7 (tel. 505/255-6900; www.hospitalvivianpellas) is the city's most modern (it was built in 2004) and best-equipped hospital. Hospital Bautista, 2 blocks south of Casa RMA, Barrio Largaespada (tel. 505/249-7070), also has a good reputation.

The main headquarters of the Policia Nacional (tel. 505/277-4130) are situated in the Edificio Faustino Ruiz, Plaza del Sol. For emergencies, dial tel. 118.

Most hotels and hostels will arrange laundry service for a price. Dryclean USA (tel. 505/270-1107) has branches all over the city. One is close to Plaza Bolonia, behind Santa Fe Steakhouse. Another is at Carretera Masaya Km 3.5.

Internet cafes are dotted all around the city, but if you have trouble locating one, just head to any of the malls that dot the city. iMac Center, 1 block east and 1/2 block south of the Semáforo UCA (tel. 505/270-5918), offers cheap Internet at $1.50 (75p) an hour. It is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Cyber City, in front of UCA (tel. 505/604-7416), is another good place, as is the modern and comfortable Cyber, on the ground floor of Plaza Inter. They charge $2 (£1) an hour and are open daily 10am to 10pm.

If you find yourself needing a restroom while in the Zona Monumental, head to the Centro Cultural Managua. There are public bathrooms on the second floor.