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Car Hire Nicaragua Useful Information

Driving in Nicaragua is generally safe, but it's important to be cautious and follow local traffic laws. It's recommended to rent a sturdy vehicle like a 4x4 or SUV, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or the countryside, as road conditions can vary. The terrain in Nicaragua can range from well-maintained highways to unpaved and rough roads, so having a vehicle with good ground clearance can be beneficial.
 

Driving a hire car in Nicaragua provides the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, but there are several things to be aware of in terms of local customs, road conditions, and regulations:

Hiring a Car:

  1. Age Requirement: The minimum age to rent a car is usually 25. However, some agencies may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee.

  2. Driving License: A valid driver's license from your home country is typically sufficient for short stays. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license can be beneficial, especially if your license isn't in Spanish.

  3. Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and third-party liability insurance are often mandatory. Ensure you understand what's covered and consider purchasing our Premium Insurance.

  4. Vehicle Inspection: Always inspect the car for pre-existing damage and ensure that any marks or dents are documented before driving off.

Driving Regulations & Local Customs:

  1. Drive on the Right: Nicaragua follows right-hand driving.

  2. Speed Limits:

    • Urban areas: 40 km/h to 60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100 km/h Always be cautious and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
  3. Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle, not just the driver.

  4. Child Seats: Children under 12 should travel in the back seat and use an appropriate child restraint system.

  5. Alcohol: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. However, it's always safest not to drink and drive.

  6. Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system while driving is prohibited.

  7. Roundabouts: Vehicles inside the roundabout usually have the right of way, but this might not always be observed by local drivers. Always approach with caution.

Road Conditions:

  1. Urban Roads: Major cities have paved roads, but they can be congested, especially during rush hours.

  2. Rural Roads: Outside the main cities, many roads are unpaved and can be in varying conditions, especially during the rainy season. If you plan to explore rural areas, consider renting a 4x4.

  3. Potholes: Both paved and unpaved roads can have significant potholes. Drive cautiously, especially after rain.

Fuel:

  1. Fuel Stations: Available in cities and along major highways. Some rural areas might have fewer stations, so plan ahead.

  2. Payment: Many fuel stations accept credit cards, but it's advisable to have local currency on hand.

Safety & Emergency:

  1. Night Driving: Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities due to reduced visibility and potential hazards.

  2. Emergency Numbers: The general emergency number is 118. For traffic accidents, the number is 128.

  3. Security: Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables inside, especially in plain sight.

  4. Local Drivers: Local driving styles can be aggressive compared to what some visitors might be used to. Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared for unexpected maneuvers.

  5. Police Checkpoints: It's common to encounter police checkpoints. Always have your documentation ready to show: driving license, car rental agreement, and passport.

In summary, while driving in Nicaragua offers the freedom to explore the country's diverse landscapes and attractions, it's essential to be well-prepared and stay vigilant. Adjusting to local driving customs, being cautious on unfamiliar roads, and respecting local laws will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.


Cheapest car hire in Nicaragua

Suzuki Celerio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 47.28 EUR/day
Suzuki Celerio

7 Days rental at 330.98 EUR from 22/01/2024

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Celerio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 47.28 EUR/day
Suzuki Celerio

7 Days rental at 330.98 EUR from 22/01/2024

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Celerio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 48.20 EUR/day
Suzuki Celerio

7 Days rental at 337.40 EUR from 22/01/2024

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Daihatsu Bego

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 91.65 EUR/day
Daihatsu Bego

7 Days rental at 641.57 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Daihatsu Bego

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 93.88 EUR/day
Daihatsu Bego

7 Days rental at 657.22 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Hilux

4 Adults, 4 Doors

From 107.87 EUR/day
Toyota Hilux

7 Days rental at 755.13 EUR from 22/01/2024

  0 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Swift

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.76 EUR/day
Suzuki Swift

7 Days rental at 334.32 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Swift

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.76 EUR/day
Suzuki Swift

7 Days rental at 334.32 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Swift

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.76 EUR/day
Suzuki Swift

7 Days rental at 334.32 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 79.48 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 556.41 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 81.42 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 569.98 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Grand Vitara

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 99.76 EUR/day
Suzuki Grand Vitara

7 Days rental at 698.35 EUR from 22/01/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Nicaragua

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Nicaragua
  • There are no toll roads in Nicaragua, we still suggest you carry a small amount of cash at all times
  • The alcohol limit when driving in Nicaragua is 50mg (0.05% BAC)
  • Leading car rental agents such as Sixt, Alamo and Budget all have car rental offices in Nicaragua
 

Popular car hire destinations in Nicaragua

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Nicaragua

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    45kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    60kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    100kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    NIO  48.46/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    NIO

    Currency

  •  

    NO

    Tolls

  •  

    25

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Average prices per day for car hire in Nicaragua

ItemPercent
January€ 88
February€ 76
March€ 74
April€ 71
May€ 70
June€ 73
July€ 83
August€ 80
September€ 81
October€ 81
November€ 80
December€ 92
ItemPercent
January€ 62
February€ 66
March€ 65
April€ 62
May€ 63
June€ 65
July€ 69
August€ 59
September€ 60
October€ 60
November€ 62
December€ 63
ItemPercent
January€ 51
February€ 57
March€ 62
April€ 54
May€ 59
June€ 59
July€ 74
August€ 59
September€ 59
October€ 57
November€ 66
December€ 62
ItemPercent
January€ 101
February€ 92
March€ 89
April€ 88
May€ 92
June€ 92
July€ 99
August€ 105
September€ 104
October€ 104
November€ 106
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 45
February€ 46
March€ 45
April€ 42
May€ 46
June€ 48
July€ 53
August€ 46
September€ 47
October€ 46
November€ 43
December€ 51
ItemPercent
January€ 86
February€ 94
March€ 100
April€ 71
May€ 107
June€ 109
July€ 127
August€ 110
September€ 110
October€ 108
November€ 98
December€ 145
ItemPercent
January€ 96
February€ 80
March€ 80
April€ 75
May€ 78
June€ 85
July€ 88
August€ 94
September€ 94
October€ 95
November€ 96
December€ 99
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Nicaragua

DieselUnleaded
Dec , 2022

€ 1.14

€ 1.29

Jan , 2023

€ 1.11

€ 1.25

Feb , 2023

€ 1.11

€ 1.25

Mar , 2023

€ 1.13

€ 1.28

Apr , 2023

€ 1.08

€ 1.22

May , 2023

€ 1.09

€ 1.23

Jun , 2023

€ 1.10

€ 1.25

Jul , 2023

€ 1.07

€ 1.22

Aug , 2023

€ 1.08

€ 1.22

Sep , 2023

€ 1.11

€ 1.25

Oct , 2023

€ 1.13

€ 1.28

Nov , 2023

€ 1.07

€ 1.21

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Nov , 2023 1.07 1.21
Oct , 2023 1.13 1.28
Sep , 2023 1.11 1.25
Aug , 2023 1.08 1.22
Jul , 2023 1.07 1.22
Jun , 2023 1.10 1.25
May , 2023 1.09 1.23
Apr , 2023 1.08 1.22
Mar , 2023 1.13 1.28
Feb , 2023 1.11 1.25
Jan , 2023 1.11 1.25
Dec , 2022 1.14 1.29

Car rental price statistics in Nicaragua

  • Average Price Icon
    € 311.08
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 168.69
    Highest daily price:
    Toyota Fortuner
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    184
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    54
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Yaris
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    44
    Location with most cars:
    Managua - Augusto C. Sandino - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 44.4 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    ALAMO - Costa Esmerelda Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in Nicaragua

  • 4x4 Rental Nicaragua
  • Check out the rules of the road before collecting your car hire by reading our:-

Other Car Hire Locations in Nicaragua

We specialise in car rentals throughout Nicaragua to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Managua Downtown
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €24.7 per day
from € per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €32.2 per day