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Nicaragua is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The country offers a unique blend of tropical beaches, colonial cities, and vibrant culture that is difficult to find anywhere else. Nicaragua has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those who want to stretch their budget further. In this post, we’ll explore the best places to visit, the state of the internet and the average cost of living in Nicaragua for those looking to work remotely in this beautiful country.

Best Places to Visit:

Granada: 

Pros:

  • Beautiful colonial architecture and street life
  • A vibrant tourism industry with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • A central location with easy access to other parts of Nicaragua 

Cons:

  • Crowded during the high tourist season
  • Limited internet access in some areas

San Juan del Sur: 

Pros:

  • Beautiful beaches and surf spots
  • A laid-back atmosphere
  • A thriving tourism industry with plenty of activities and excursions. 

Cons:

  • Limited internet access in rural areas
  • Crowded during the high tourist season
  • Higher cost of living compared to other parts of Nicaragua

León: 

Pros:

  • A vibrant cultural heritage with beautiful colonial architecture and street art
  • A thriving tourism industry with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • A central location with easy access to other parts of Nicaragua 

Cons:

  • Limited internet access in some areas
  • Crowded during the high tourist season
  • Higher cost of living compared to other parts of Nicaragua

When choosing a location in Nicaragua, remote workers should consider their needs and preferences, including internet access, cost of living, and proximity to tourist attractions. Each area offers unique advantages and challenges, so it’s essential to research and choose the location that best suits your needs.

State of the Internet: 

Nicaragua’s internet infrastructure is improving, but it is still not on par with developed countries. In larger cities, such as Managua, the internet is reliable, but it can be slow and spotty in more rural areas. That being said, there are plenty of coffee shops and coworking spaces with fast, reliable Wi-Fi where remote workers can get work done.

Mobile data is cheap and works well in a pinch. Find out how to get a SIM card in Nicaragua here.

Cost of Living: 

Accommodation:

A basic room in a hostel or Airbnb starts at around $10 per night, while a mid-range hotel can cost upwards of $50 per night.

Note: we found Booking.com has the most options for accommodation in Nicaragua. The AirBnb’s were limited.

Food:

Nicaragua’s food cost is relatively low, with a meal in a local restaurant costing between $3 and $ 7. Groceries can be purchased for much less.

Activities:

Hiking, surfing, and exploring the local culture are all affordable activities in Nicaragua, with many tours and excursions costing less than $50.

Language and Culture: 

The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish, but many indigenous languages are spoken in rural areas. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist centres. Hence, it’s helpful for remote workers to have a basic understanding of Spanish to navigate daily life in the country better.

Nicaragua is a culturally rich country with a deep history that can be seen in its colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and traditional festivals and dances. The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making it easy for remote workers to feel welcomed and integrated into the community. Nicaragua is also home to a thriving artistic community, with many local artists and craftspeople selling their wares at markets and festivals.

In conclusion, Nicaragua offers remote workers a unique blend of tropical beauty, colonial charm, and affordability. With a low cost of living and a wealth of exciting activities, Nicaragua is the perfect place to live and work remotely. While the internet may need improvement, there are plenty of options for reliable Wi-Fi in cities and towns.

Teaching English online can be a relatively easy option to make some $$ and be location independent.

While your options the number of schools greatly improve with a bachelor’s degree under your belt you can still teach online without one.

What you will need (at a minimum) is to:

  • Be a native English speaker from USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • Complete a 120-hour TEFL Certificate – you can get these pretty cheap on Groupon and complete it over a weekend. This is the one we did, TEFL Fullcircle for $39USD.
  • Be available during China’s peak hours, 6pm – 9pm Beijing time on the weekdays, and 10am – 9pm weekends – for most sites or schools.

Have the necessary equipment:

  • A laptop with a webcam or for PalFish a cellphone or tablet.
  • A headset
  • A quiet place to teach.
  • A stable, fast internet connection that allows you to have uninterrupted video chats.

The most popular option for people that do have the above but no degree is PalFish. PalFish is an app-based platform that works on iOS and Android so you only need your phone or tablet.

Teaching for PalFish

There are two main options for teaching here:

  • Talk and Live Streaming
    • 1-on-1 classes with no curriculum or time commitment restraints, or
    • teach to multiple students in a free-form live stream
    • set your own rate, usually between approximately $15 to $45 USD per hour
    • some classes pay by the minute
  • PalFish Official Kids Course
    • 1-on-1 children’s classes using the PalFish official course material
    • no lesson planning, no talking to parents, no correcting homework
    • earn up to $22 USD/hr and make bonuses 

Applying to PalFish

The signup process is quick and painless once you have your TEFL but don’t rush it, parents will be judging your suitability to teach their children so you want to get it right.

  • Download the app here 
  • Set up a Payoneer account – this is how you get paid
  • Complete your profile on the app including:
    • a clear photo
    • your written and audio intro
    • upload your TEFL certificate
    • record an auto-reply message
    • connect your Payoneer account
  • Submit your profile for approval – you’ll usually hear back within 72 hours

Once you are approved you are able to turn on your own teaching slots and manage your schedule or you can just go online when you’re free, click on “Start Tutoring” and wait for students to call. 

Happy teaching!

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