In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Nicaragua, tipping is not as habitual and it's not always expected. This can leave some travelers confused.

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

The official Nicaraguan currency is the córdoba (it is sometimes referred to as a peso). It is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 córdobas. Coins are made of 1 and 5 córdobas and 50 centavos.

Córdobas are virtually useless outside Nicaragua and should be changed before you leave. Prices in this guide are quoted in córdobas with the symbol "C" and American dollars with the symbol "$." Because of high inflation and volatile exchange rates, prices quoted here may vary greatly in accuracy.

Sales tax in Nicaragua is known as IGV (Impuesto General de Valor) and allows for an extra charge of 15% on all goods. Always check menus and price lists to see if it's included in the quoted price.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Nicaragua and can be used to pay taxis, hotels, restaurants, and stores. However, do keep some córdobas on hand, since you may run into spots where you'll need them. You can convert your currency in hotels, at casas de cambio (money-exchange houses), at some banks, and at Managua International Airport. It is difficult to change traveler's checks outside the capital.

Restaurants: In many restaurants, a 10% service charge might already be included in the bill, especially in tourist areas. If a service charge isn’t included, leaving a 10-15% tip for good service is customary.

Bars: Tipping at bars is not mandatory but leaving small change or rounding up the bill can be appreciated, especially if the service is good.

It's common to tip hotel staff such as bellhops, maids, and concierges for their services. A small tip of about $1-2 USD per service is appreciated.

Tipping taxi drivers isn’t expected, but rounding up the fare can be a polite gesture of appreciation.

If you’ve hired a tour guide or a driver for a day trip, tipping is a nice way to show appreciation for their services. A tip of around $5-10 USD per day is common, depending on the level of service.

Taxes: Departure Tax: When leaving Nicaragua, you must pay a C700 airport tax, which must be paid in cash in either U.S. dollars or Nicaraguan Cordobas. this is sometimes included in the price of your airline ticket. There is also a tourist entry fee of C100 that must be paid upon arrival into the country.

ATMs: ATMs are becoming increasingly available. There are plenty in the main cities such as Managua, Granada, Leon, and Rivas. Many ATMs also accept Visa and MasterCard.

Credit Cards: If you choose to use plastic, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Diners Club are the commonly accepted cards. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants except the very cheapest ones. You cannot use credit cards in taxis or at most attractions (museums, parks, and so on).

The US dollar is widely accepted in Nicaragua's most touristy locations but you will be able to get more discounts at stores, restaurants and even in some hotels if you use the Cordoba. Haggling is also almost impossible if you pay with dollars. Small businesses don't like having to go through the trouble of having to go to the bank and do the long lines to change the dollars.