Is Managua Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua.

It is also the largest city in Nicaragua.

Managua’s economy is based mainly on trade.

The city is Nicaragua’s chief trading center for coffee, cotton, and other crops.

It is also an important industrial center. Its chief products for trade include beer, coffee, matches, textiles, and shoes.

Travelers come here to see Nicaraguan culture and visit some landmarks such as the National Palace of Culture, Antigua Catedral de Managua, Revolution square, Tiscapa Lagoon (freshwater lagoon in the crater of an extinct volcano).

Gambling and casinos are developed in Managua, so many people come here to play.

Warnings & Dangers in Managua

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In general, Managua is safe, but you need to use common sense and monitor your surroundings. At markets and train stations, in crowded places, many pickpockets are operating. At night on the outskirts of the city, it is unsafe, and it is better not to walk alone.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is well developed, and you can use it to move around the city. However, there are many pickpockets, and you need to keep track of your things. Taxi is a convenient and safe mode of transport. Make sure the driver uses a taximeter and keep the windows closed during the trip.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many pickpockets, especially at bazaars and train stations. In crowded places, watch your pockets especially closely. Be mindful of your surroundings. Do not communicate with strangers and those who are trying to distract you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Natural disasters. Managua is prone to seismic and volcanic activity, hurricanes, severe storms, and floods. Examine the environment for this risk before you travel to Managua.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Managua’s grave armed robberies are rather rare. However, in the suburbs and low-lit areas, this can happen. Usually, criminals want to get all the money and values of the victim. Therefore, if you were attacked, to save your life, do not resist and give everything you require. Then contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Managua, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. To ensure your safety from this risk, study the situation in the country and city before your visit here. Avoid political and other rallies and gatherings of people.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Fraud is not common, but there are times when tourists try to sell fake things, nonexistent excursions, or souvenirs at inflated prices. Also, make sure that the taxi driver turns on the taximeter. Or discuss the cost of the trip in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women can travel safely to Managua, but common sense should be used: do not walk alone at night on the city streets, do not get drunk in bars, and do not attract too much attention to provocative clothes or behavior.

So... How Safe Is Managua Really?

Managua is a medium safe city.

The crime index is low to medium.

Most crimes involve the theft of goods, car theft and hacking, vandalism, and drug problems.

Nonetheless, targets for criminals are often tourists or outsiders, unlike drug traffickers and user-related crime elsewhere in Latin America.

It is advisable to avoid the city altogether, take only taxi or bus, and not walk any residential paths you are unfamiliar with, even in daylight.

When using ATMs, observe safety precautions.

Withdraw money only at ATMs at banks.

When traveling around Mercado Oriental, tourists are advised to walk in groups and avoid using chains, necklaces, and other valuables.

There are many pickpockets in this place, and you can quickly become their victim.

Likewise, many pickpockets can operate on public transport, especially on buses.

You can use them to move around the city, but you should be extremely careful.

When riding taxis, tourists are strongly recommended to close their windows.

Leaving windows open allows one to be robbed while in the car and exposes one to beggars and other service givers.

Tourists are also advised to be cautious around the outskirts of downtown, the area between MetroCentro and the BAC building.

How Does Managua Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to Nicaragua must obtain a visa from one of the Nicaraguan diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries that can obtain a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

Currency

The córdoba is the official currency of Nicaragua. It is divided into 100 centavos. The money has a sign: C$ and code: NIO. The first córdoba was introduced in 1912.

Weather

The best time to visit Managua, Nicaragua, is during the dry season, between December and April. The weather will be slightly warm, and there will be little to no rain.

Airports

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. It located 11 km from the city center. The airport is currently the fifth busiest airport by passenger traffic in Central America.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Managua Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Nicaragua - Safety by City