Has anybody retired to Nicaragua? Central America.?

Question

I hear that Nicaragua has cleaned up their image in the last 10 years. A lot of Americans are investing, and moving, there. Their Cost of Living is low and living there would be a challenge and an adventure.
Has anybody [or a friend/relative] on this Senior's Board retired to a foreign country? How pleasant was the experience?

Thanx for everybody's help! Of course the personal info supplied by Adyari was VERY helpful.
Thanks all.

Answer 1

I, for one, am too young to be retired but can be a big help. I am a Nicaraguan citizen (born and raised); i live in the capital, Managua. I work in the Nicaraguan government alongside many tourism-related businesses. Don't let people who have never stepped foot in this country give you ANY advise whatsoever.

To start off, Nicaragua has been statistically rated as the Safest country in Central America for many years now. If you at any moment doubt this google "safest country in Central America" and see what country pops up. Nicaragua has been repeatedly compared to Costa Rica (not economically or politically) because both country share a large percntage of biodiversity, however, Nicaragua surpasses Costa Rica in biodiversity. We are home to the two largest lakes in Central America (one of which is the 2nd largest in Latin America), the only sweetwater sharks on the planet, the largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake n the world and the largest rainforest North of the Amazon in Brazil.

Aside from biodiversity we also have the oldest colonial city in the American continent which is Granada, what i have seen is the most popular tourist spot in this country. Most popular for a very good reason, it is beautiful, just head to Flickr.com and type in "granada Nicaragua" and see the beauty and charm. I was just in Granada visiting family on Friday and i can get ovr how amazing and clean that city is.

There are many expats here in Nicaragua, the majority of them head either to Granada or San Juan del Sur, only those involved in international matters stay in Managua. Managua, the caital in which i live, has a devastating history. 90% of the city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1972 (December 23rd) and the aid money which was sent in to help us was smuggled by our then- U.S. backed and supported dictator (which had dictated for over three generations). Thankfully the revolution, Daniel Ortega (our current president) and the FSLN took care of those matters long ago.

Many of the people I work with in the tourism-related feild are expats who have taken advantage of our Law 306, which has great benefits (take a look at the links i provide below for more info, hope it helps). I have met many expats from China, Taiwan, the U.S. and many European countries tell me how much they love Nicaragua, some have previously also lived in Costa Rica and mentioned they preferNicaragua over it. Now, as for prices and living standards, you're pretty well off here. For the price of a regular home in Costa Rica you can own a beachfront property with all luxurioes and then have money left over for other things. Our property prices are at least 40% lower than Costa Rica and Panama's. Of course, if you're looking to retire in a city that looks like Downtown Chicago you can head to Panama City, and if you're looking to retire in a city that has really no charm and if full of prostitution houses and what not, head to San Jose, Costa Rica, or Hotel del Rey, the most famous Costa Rica prostitution hotel in the country.

Everything you buy in the U.S. you will easily find here, food, toys, phones, ect. Wi-fi is available virtually everywhere now, and internet cafes in Managua don't charge any higher than 30 cordobas (about $1.25) an hour. We have most food chains from the U.S. (Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds, Burger King, Subway, Fridays, ect) and we have international restaurants from all regions of the world. You will most certainly not feel too home sick in Nicaragua. The safest, low prices, and friendly people will convince you this is the best place to live.

What you should do is come visit for a week; there are tons of things to see, places to visit, shows to attend, ect. I assure you once you get here you'll be at the immigration office trying to get citizenship =)

Answer 2

My ex husband moved to Costa Rica 6 years ago, he loves it. He at first lived on the Pacific ocean, but because of snakes, bugs, monkeys, and heat he decided to go to a higher elevation. He built a small hotel (The Princess)between the coast and San Jose (San Isidro). He's only 2 hrs from San Jose. He did not speak the language when he went and has not had a problem. He said there is a lot of Americans there. He said it is a democracy. He said people from Nicaragua are not very liked there, he did visit Nicaragua and said it is a pretty scary place, too many outlaws. He also visits Panama and likes that country a lot. Go to Yahoo newspapers in Costa Rica and there is several newspapers in English that you can read.

Answer 3

I would go with Costa Rica for several reasons. 50 years ago I would read through my dad's "Army Times" magazine. Even then a large retired military presence was already established. I know a few yacht builders that have the hulls maufactured their than sent to U.S.A for finishing. I went down once for 5 day's, reminded me of Florida in the 60's.

Answer 4

I dont know where you heard Nicaraqua had cleaned up but when I was in Costa Rica in 2005 rebels were still shooting at citizens trying to swim the river to freedom in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is the best choice and yes the living is much cheaper. It is a beautiful country. I wish you well.

Answer 5

I think Costa Rica would be a better choice...

Answer 6

That would be way too far away from all the grandkids. Could never do that, would miss them growing up.