Nicaragua's currency is the córdoba , written as C$. The córdoba is divided into 100 centavos. Notes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 córdobas, and 25, 10 and 5 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 5 and 1 córdobas, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos. The centavos and the one-córdoba notes come in very handy; you'll learn quickly to get rid of the 100 and 50 notes, as in most places they're about as welcome as a stack of Russian roubles and no one - except maybe bus conductors - ever seems to have change.

Nicaragua is no longer as cheap as it used to be. The IMF and World Bank policies have had their effect, and prices have risen accordingly. In general bus transport, food bought at markets and some accommodation are still bargains; restaurant meals, petrol, car rental and more upscale hotel accommodation, especially in Managua, are surprisingly expensive. As a rule, the budget traveller in Nicaragua, staying in hospedajes, taking buses instead of taxis, and eating in markets or at food stalls, can get by on as little as US$10 a day, although US$15-18 is a more comfortable aim.