ATMs -- ATMs are located 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 Güegüense), along with casual street changers (known as coyotes) who actually give better rates and a faster service with no passport required. Banpro (Edificio Malaga, Plaza España; tel. 505/2266-0069) and Bancentro, 1 block south of Rotonda El Güegüense (tel. 505/2268-5013), are two conveniently located banks.

Drugstores -- Farmacia 24 Horas, 150m (492 ft.) east of Rotonda Bello Horizonte (tel. 505/2240-06233), is good for any late-night pharmacy emergencies. Farmacia 5 Estrellas, 3 1/2 blocks north of Semáforo El Colonial (tel. 505/2248-8026), is an option closer to the center.

Emergencies -- The main headquarters of the Policía Nacional (tel. 505/2277-4130) are situated in the Edificio Faustino Ruiz, Plaza del Sol. For emergencies, dial tel. 118.

Hospitals -- Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas (Carretera Masaya Km 9.7; tel. 505/2255-6900; www.metropolitano.com.ni) 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. 505/2249-7070), also has a good reputation.

Internet -- 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. 505/2270-5918), offers cheap internet for C30 an hour. It is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Cyber City, in front of UCA (tel. 505/2604-7416), is another good place, as is the modern and comfortable Cyber, on the ground floor of Plaza Inter. They both charge C40 an hour and are open daily 10am to 10pm. Laundry -- Most hotels and hostels will arrange laundry service for a price. Dryclean USA (tel. 505/2270-1107) has branches all over the city. One is close to Plaza Bolonia, behind Santa Fe Steakhouse. Another is at Carretera Masaya Km 3.5.

Post Office -- The grandly titled main post office, Palacio de Correos (tel. 505/2222-2048), is 2 blocks west of the Plaza de la República in the former Enitel building. Here, you'll also find an excellent philatelist store.

Restrooms -- There are no public restrooms except in malls. Restaurants should allow you to use their bathrooms if you ask nicely. 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.

Traveler's Checks -- 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 Güegüense (tel. 505/2266-4050). Multicambios, 1/2 block east of Rotonda El Güegüense (tel. 505/2266-8407), also changes traveler's checks.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.