5 American Things We HAD to Stop Doing Living in Nicaragua!

5 American Things we had to STOP doing when we moved to Nicaragua! Some were common sense, others...not so much!
What is your favorite place to visit? What are some things you had to get used to when you were there?
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[@jenniferthorndyke7379]

Omg please don’t haggle!! These people work haaaaaaard for their money. I would rather they keep the 10 cordobas I would be saving.

[@MAAU-tz1yc]

I strongly disagree with the water tap tip you mentioned, however, regarding the prices, make sure you bargain as much as you can (especially at restaurants, motels,hotels etc) they’ll try their best to rip you off since you must not be familiar with the prices, don’t try to bring the prices down with street vendors tho, they’re working their ass off to sell, of course you won’t give out your money on stuff that seem way too pricey but come on, if they’re selling raspados at C$35 and you wanna bargain the prices, that’s so no cool lol Anyways, have a blast in Nicaragua guys 🤌🏻

[@alvinjohnson2986]

There is a Walmart in M store in Managua and Walmart owns Maxi Pali and La Union which both are all over Nicaragua. I also have lived on and off in NIcarauga for many years. In addition there is a chain grocery store that is very nice called La Colonia which is also all over Nicaragua. On the other hand each city has their markets and everything can be found there and this is haggle land.

[@NelsonBlandonArceda]

You are absolutely right. Maybe the girls are staying some place which is place very far away from the main cities/towns of Nicaragua.

[@yislent]

They basically described a small town and feel like they can talk about the whole country, 95% of the things they said is wrong 😐

[@Iceysmokesss]

I love going to the little pali marts plus I used to go to Walmart everyday they even have a super Walmart Managua is very developed💯

[@bernardsebranek1963]

Run the tap water through a FILTRON water filtration system. I've been doing it for 9 years. System is about $30 and the filter is good for 2 years. Saves hundreds of $$ compared to buying bottled water. FILTRON factory is located in Carazo. Pali, Maxi Pali, La Colonia and La Union are ALL owned by Walmart.

[@MartinHernandez-kn6wf]

You two wrong about the tap water. Nicaragua have everything you can find in the USA . You only right about your comment on AC . You know I’m Nicaraguan and I live in the USA for a long time and great full and I do not focus in the negative things that we have here .

[@yislent]

Girls, what are you saying? I drink water directly from the tap and I've been living in Nicaragua my entire life. The information your sharing applies where you live, that I guess is in a small town in Rivas. If you live in Managua or any other of the "big" cities things are different, I don't carry cash, only a few córdobas for exchange, there's Walmarts and other stores, etc. So the title should say things you stop doing after moving to a small town in Nicaragua.

[@squidandchia216]

Yes we live in a very small town and we keep getting mixed advice! What are some bigger cities we could visit?

[@andiehernandez1995]

@@squidandchia216 Masaya, Jinotepe, Granada, León, Estelí, Jinotega, Matagalpa, Bilwi, Bluefields.

[@ajguevara6961]

I'm a biologist with some experience concerning the process of monitoring drinking water safety here in Nicaragua, and let me tell you, we don't have the best standards, they're outdated and inadequate. The locals and people who have lived here for a long time might have gotten use to the water quality, but I think it's something foreigners that come from wealthier countries with better standards should avoid.

[@juanitaportillo-qz8lx]

What wrong with those " the tap water ladies "? If you see many people in USA don't have even one single penny to buy a bottle of water and they are making a big issue about it 🤔 Just go back wherever you come from

[@TEDDYTOMBS]

I'd really suggest not to haggle the locals. especially the artisans, they already don't make a lot of money. like you guys stated in the video, a lot of the things are hand made and they deserve to be paid fairly for their labor, skill, talent, and craft. obviously if something is clearly overpriced then it makes sense since you are living there and people preserve you as a tourist, but I really hope haggling isn't happening when the price of something is fair or already relatively cheap. other than that hope you're enjoying my country

[@martinj.gonzalez3149]

In my opinion... haggle the prices of clothing, electronics, appliances, tools, furniture, etc. especially in the market where there is a lot of competition and they may inflate the prices depending on the mood xd. Definitively DO NOT haggle the price of food (cook or raw). You should ask for discount in any situation if you are buying a lot of items.

[@ammabthedigitallynomadic3385]

I actually VERY much so agree with Haggeling. I lived in places where they literally will just look at you and charge you 3 or 4 time above market. Just because they think you can afford it. If people like me are moving to SJDS for a better quality of life by ways of a lower cost of living . It will be counter productive by accepting EVERY over inflated price someone gives us. Maybe if the prices are fair and accurate haggling won’t be necessary. But a lot of nomads do their research , they ask around , they know what things are worth, and you are asking a lot to tell people to ignore what they know and just accept whatever prices people choose to give you .

[@soilofk]

100% when people go to the malls in North America, nobody haggles! don't do that with artisans.

[@ammabthedigitallynomadic3385]

@@soilofk There are several rules and regulations in the US when it comes to charging different prices for different people . That's a huge discrimination lawsuit in which will be enforced and won. Most latin countries don't have these kind of enforced laws . So if you are someone who moves to a country like Nicaragua for the perceived lower cost of living, because you can no longer handle the prices in NoRth America , and imagine in certain countries prices will hyper-inflate and and customized for you only because you are from a Nor American country ( that you left cause you couldn't afford)!!! Tragic😩

[@RebeccaOre]

It the typical bad gringo advice that gets repeated by every newbie. Nicaragua is a soft bargaining country, not hard bargaining. Most discount is likely to be 10% willingly. Nicaraguans might give in to you but will complain to everyone about the craziness of gringos.

[@hiliaryjohnson5188]

Awsome information… As an immigrant living in the U.S. who has lived elsewhere in the world including my homeland, this small list of dos/do nots is definitely not unique to Nicaragua - eapecially, haggling. Europe, Africa, Asia, etc. Same stuff.

[@KitatheExplorer]

We definitely take for granted AC in the US. We actually overuse it. And it is expensive. And that’s a great idea to have cash on hand. We are so used to using cards around here.

[@squidandchia216]

Ac is extremely overused! We just moved into a new apartment in town and we dont have AC at all! An adjustment but not as bad as we thought!

[@MsEllie26]

A/C is available in Slit units. My fam

[@DJ-ld6um]

Great information. Thank you!

[@chantalrochon3566]

Thank you for this video 😊

[@bediaswild6337]

Thanks for sharing! I'm seriously planning to get outta the US. The only people who can afford retirement here are government bums who end up absorbing mine. I'm super interested in knowing what line of work people do as foreigners, what legal stuff needs to be addressed etc, etc. So happy for you! Your place is beautiful!

[@jorgescott2444]

The biggest misconception from the people that are born in the USA is that they believe they are the only Americans. They should learn that there are two American continents, North America and South America so from Greenland all the way down to Panama that is North America and after the ithmus of Panama is South America. So because of the Hollywood influence most people believe that you are an American only if you were born in the States. The school system have to teach in the classroom tha if you were born in the USA,Canada, Mexico,Central America or the Caribean this is part of North America. Anybody born in North America or South American is an American.

[@squidandchia216]

It would be nice if the government/ immigration considered North, South and Central occupants to all be considered Americans but unfortunately that is not the case!

[@jorgescott2444]

@@squidandchia216 It does not matter what the government or immigration considered the occupants to be, If you know about geography you should know that from Greenland to the ithmus of Panama is North America and after that South America. So as you can see there are two American continents but of course the people from the USA think they are the only Americans, because this is what Hollywood and the classroom teach their students. Well ignorance is not virtue because when people say somebody is Mexican,brasilian, Nicaraguan etc and not Americans the stupidy is so humongous because these idiots can`t see that that is their nationality ot etnicity and they are American 100% because they were born in the Americas. Unfortunately most people don`t know the difference between ethnicity, nationality and race. LOL

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

North America is only Canada, USA, and Mexico. Panama is Central America.

[@jorgescott2444]

@@TheBuddyShowWorldwide Completely wrong buddy, North America starts at Greenland goes all the way to the Itmus of Panama, including all the caribean islands. North America is made up of 23 countries. Most people believe the Hollywood lies where they portray people born in the USA as the only Americans. There two continents in the Americas, North America and South America. Watch this video because most people don`t know this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e17LiKB7oM1-h6c

[@jorgescott2444]

@@TheBuddyShowWorldwide : Anybody born in the two Americas is an American, Of course Hollywood has been making this this nonsense up calling people born in the USA as the only Americans. Like i said before if people don`t take a minute to read they will be ignorant all their lives. Watch the video again it might help you, we all can always improve our knowledge. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e17LiKB7oM1-h6c. LOL

[@francismacdonald1960]

Thank you ,great advice..

[@PinchofSoulCooking]

I hope to visit there one day so I’ll have to keep these in mind.

[@squidandchia216]

It is a beautiful country with lot's to do! We will upload more Nicaraguan specific content for those who'd like to visit! We would love to see more of our brothers and sisters on the streets here!

[@imdumbaf3665]

@@squidandchia216 lmfaoo i’m a afro nica

[@ralphsims5931]

Great information ❤

[@crowneplaza8899]

agreed. They do have two Wal-Mart stores in Managua

[@squidandchia216]

They have one Pali here in San Juan del Sur, I didn’t realize they’re actually owned by Walmart!

[@Alexmndt]

Managua has actually two Walmarts and chains are mostly in Managua.

[@JB-tk1xw]

There is a Walmart and two Malls in Managua. The one mall, Galerias Santo Domingo, has good chain stores such as Addias, Sperry, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Love seeing your videos! Hope one day to run to you both! Enjoy all the goodness Nica has to offer!

[@Drskopf]

Welcome to my country sisters,! I hope you enjoy your stay. Btw as a Nicaraguan Born I am used to drink Tap water in Nica( but not in the 🇺🇲). But understandable when foreigner drink Tap water they get sick( their tummy is not used to it)

[@daviemac1000]

thanks for the tips girls

[@brigettetucker3647]

Now in Managua have Walmart but them don't have too much American things.

[@user-mw6re2wu8n]

Most products from Walmart are from China. And now with China needing to sell and wanting a good relationship. Many Chinese products are cheaper in nica than the ussa

[@AllThingsSimplyWindy]

WOW I'm surprised to hear about chain stores and I'm not surprised about the tap water.

[@squidandchia216]

We get a lot of mixed information about the water here. Apparently it's filtered, but we rather be safe than sorry! Thanks for watching!

[@itselprincess4377]

Thank u guys for coming to My Nicaragua 🇳🇮 💓

[@ak2illa]

Time to start your own garden!

[@squidandchia216]

The ultimate goal is to either find a sustainable community or become off grid ourselves!

[@Imancabistan]

I recommend a Burkey for a water filter

[@kw8282]

Helpful 🎉

[@kidbrown2010]

i moved to Canada really young, and when I went back to visit my grandma I just grabbed some tap water and started drinking it, the cleaning lady goes "what are you doing!?" with a horrified face haha. I literally had forgotten that we don't drink the tap water there.

[@danielclingen34]

Really? I’m also from Canada. When I lived in Nicaragua it was more common to drink bottled water but still saw plenty people drinking from the tap, especially at school. It was always made aware that bottled water was safer but never had anyone have the imminent danger attitude towards tap water as people in Mexico would have.

[@miguelpalma8389]

Come on??

[@jorgeavce3276]

Been chuggin Managua water my whole life and nothing has ever happened

[@Maya-ig9kx]

@@jorgeavce3276 I think it’s different when you’ve grown up there and are used to the various bacteria (not necessarily bad bacteria).

[@callous21]

$1 is usualy around 35 cordoba. There's a walmart in Managua

[@yanostropicalparadise755]

your exchange rate is wrong. at 28 cents to a dollar would mean close to 4 Cordoba's to a dollar, its actually 35 Cordoba's to 1 dollar.

[@squidandchia216]

In most places it was 35 cords but there were a few places that the rate was always 28 cents to the dollar. Can you tell us if that is a normal thig for some places/areas?

[@yanostropicalparadise755]

@@squidandchia216 exchange rates applies to the whole country. if you're getting charged more, they are robing you. yes, getting ripped off can be normal if you allow it to happen.

[@RebeccaOre]

As of 8/11/2023, it's $1 US dollars to 36.4825 cordobas.

[@mikejh4353]

good to know

[@yadiracastro9223]

Good information

[@squidandchia216]

Thank you!

[@guruoflove3083]

Good show... subscribed. Do they sell water filter systems there.. in Costco like stores? Pur type systems? Thanks

[@squidandchia216]

They do sell water filter systems at some places in town like Bella Home. There is a Costco nearby called Pricesmart that also sells filters and pretty much anything else you could think of from the way people describe it LOL

[@thetruckersmanifesto3873]

I'll be out there in June. I'm buy a coffee plantation. Hopefully. Vacations there last 5 years

[@japkc615]

I plan you taking a trip to Managua Nicaragua in June. Any tips on air bnb’s there? Getting around safely. Anything?

[@squidandchia216]

Airbnb can be a great option if you're staying less than a few weeks! It really just depends on what you're looking for and how many people you need to accommodate. We hope you find something cozy! Stay cool!

[@michaels6731]

Nice. Good job girls

[@vivalachoice1244]

Would a good water filter help with tap water..I just saw another Nicaragua video & they say it's the older pipes & not the new pipes.

[@squidandchia216]

The water isn’t bad to drink in many areas. But it is full of chlorine to kill the bacteria. We will probably check out some water filters and just go that route to save money.

[@darnellkimbrew4720]

Good stuff

[@yessigonzalez7620]

I have to agree and disagree with the tap water. Yes I can't have the tap water when I visit home, because i do get sick. But all my family drink the tap water and they are fine. Also Nicaragua does have a Walmart.

[@JesseSwitzer]

In a previous video you mentioned bugs being a challenge. Is there any truth to skin and hair products attracting bugs? Do locals complain about the bug problems?

[@treatsnaturalpetmarketplac3999]

Hello Ladies, Are you still in Nica? My wife and I have a place in Popoyo and we're looking forward to spending a LOT more time down there. Please keep these vids coming. Subscribed! Thanks for this. I'm horrible about haggling.

[@TenaciousTay4]

Loving the content! #haggleislife!!

[@squidandchia216]

Still getting used to that part!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@yadiracastro9223]

They have Walmart in Managua

[@YohanCetout]

Hey thanks for sharing ! How much cash do you think is reasonable to keep on your wallet ?

[@squidandchia216]

Not much, we usually keep 500 cords if we aren't taking taxis or leaving town.

[@ramon3kgt]

Good content. Small correction though. There is a Walmart in Managua.

[@squidandchia216]

Thank you! We were just talking about it! We're late to the party but I enjoy the small shops a lot!

[@andiehernandez1995]

There are two actually.

[@francismacdonald1960]

Thanks front Canada

[@mrojas2007207]

we do have wallmart store in nicaragua honey the store is located in managua

[@davidtom6120]

bless you. You are really nice.

[@squidandchia216]

Thank you!!

[@katrinkastephens4670]

I’m taking notes! I need to know all the secrets lol idk if I can handle no AC though lol

[@squidandchia216]

It's for sure something to get used to! Some days are easier than others! 😅

[@ammabthedigitallynomadic3385]

Do y’all still live in Sjds. Been here since may haven’t seen y’all.

[@manwiththeplan7143]

What part are you guys in ?

[@downtownon7thavenue]

This was super informative. I was very surprised to hear about the chain stores especially their own version of Costco. That’s awesome. TFS

[@squidandchia216]

Thanks for watching!

[@amberrenayz]

Wow, I never heard about any of these tips. This was very informative 🙏🏾

[@squidandchia216]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CarolinaVlogS505]

Pali is different as a Walmart is like cain of like Safeway...

[@MissExclusive4]

I don’t expect to see Walmart or Kroger any time I go internationally. I like the tip about bringing your favorite things and I’m not surprised about the tap water either. This was really good info!

[@squidandchia216]

Thank you!

[@MsEllie26]

There's a Walmart in Managua the Capital 2 hours away...

[@yasserd86]

Even coke with ice… that ice is tap water soooo it’s a no no also

[@tatyannymiranda2376]

About the water, idk my husband is from US and he has not problems with the water and he loves taking showers with cold water because Nicaragua is really hot, we have Walmart, Pali, maxi Pali and more. Maybe you guys didn’t go to the big cities.

[@squidandchia216]

No we haven't been to a lot of the big cities yet! We have only been able to go to Pali and pick up a few things from Pricemart! Cold water showers have grown on me and I was not expecting that at all!

[@juanitaportillo-qz8lx]

@@squidandchia216 just go back wherever you come from and don't come back to my home

[@RebeccaOre]

@@squidandchia216, you arrived in what, the middle or tail end of Covid,and listened to the old drunks in San Juan del Sur about hard bargaining. I've gotten 10% discounts in some stories I shopped in a lot. I would never haggle like it's Mexico. Mexicans will haggle themselves down without any response from the person they want to sell fake silver to.

[@CuttahoQueen]

❤❤❤

[@neotheone5140]

Easy enough ! I’m moving!!

[@paulfiedler9128]

Hmmmm? Nicaragua is one of the places I have on my list of possible move-to destinations. The news about the tap water is devastating. Water is so important. If it's bad to drink then it's bad to bath with and I would imagine cooking with it is out of the question. I would think Nicaragua gets enough rain to support having a good supply of water? The plumbing must be old and maybe constructed with lead or corroded lines. How is your internet connection? Thank you. Key insights.

[@squidandchia216]

It just has a lot of chlorine. We took ample showers and never had an issue w/ our skin. It depends on the area too.

[@paulfiedler9128]

@@squidandchia216 If you can find or order a Brita Solo water pitcher with the Brita Longlast filter it would really help. I live in New York City and the water is heavily chlorinated. The Brita filter dose a great job of making my tap water pleasant to drink.

[@MAAU-tz1yc]

It does have a lot of chlorine, however, that’s not gonna make you sick unless your stomach is really not strong enough, one thing you should never ever do though is drink water out of a well, that’ll definitely get you sick in a matter of hours, you’ll get used to drinking water out of the tap, you should do that in Managua only, we have water pipes that separe garbage and other substances from it, they’re running 24/7, you got a good point on the chlorine tho, there’s a bunch of in it.

[@RebeccaOre]

Really this depends. Some places have perfectly fine tap water. If crews are working on the water lines, then yeah, drink bottled. And it's common to suggest bottled in Managua.

[@Reese1332]

I've taken AC for granted for sure

[@squidandchia216]

Whew! We are doing a lot better with the ac! Now we're only using it after walks and workouts!

[@user-qf4ij6yy5g]

The longer I lived in the certain countries, I eventually started drinking tap water on occasion haha

[@squidandchia216]

It gets very tempting lol 😳

[@newskillsnewyou]

LoL I love the things you would never even think about!

[@squidandchia216]

We got great feedback off this one, there will be a part 2 for sure!

[@thetruckersmanifesto3873]

My stock I got like 8 years ago, boom hit and I'm bout to quit.

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

Very good info! When I lived in Bali there were no chains either. Much different than Guadalajara MX. I'm coming down to live in a couple of months. Viva Nica!

[@orlandocala2941]

Leon would of been a better option in Nicaragua

[@PinchofSoulCooking]

Oh wow…haggling is big over there? Yeah, you know that won’t happen over here like that. Yeah, that carry cash would be hard for me.

[@squidandchia216]

Haggling is huge! From cab rides to apartments, it always works out in our favor for the most part! Carrying cash was the hardest part but we are doing so much better, thank you for watching!

[@jenniferthorndyke7379]

I can’t bring myself to haggle. Locals do it and have been doing it for ages because they’re all struggling together. But if you’re a tourist you can afford to pay a full dollar for a handmade necklace. Often times I just tell them to keep the change if it’s 10-20 cordobas.

[@andrewtestin9080]

Hello are there ATMs where you live?

[@normaisabeldiaz6447]

Yes, there are.

[@andrewtestin9080]

Hello wife and I are here all is good we ate at the Wheel tonight

[@9344music5]

Great advice from two lovely ladies. You bring up a great point about haggling on prices, I'm not sure if I agree about "even if it's on the menu" you mean you haggle about the price of a meal at a restaurant? If that's what you mean, nooooo I would not do that. I have never heard of such a thing. Normally if it's on the menu at a restaurant, that's the price right? What am I missing? You two are gorgeous by the way. Sorry, don't mean to sound sexist. I am a man and I can see. Gracias morenitas lindas.

[@squidandchia216]

Gotta read the room but we’ve had to have a place check the price because they were overcharging us. Sometimes there are listed prices but you might be able to talk them down a bit if it seems a bit high.

[@RebeccaOre]

They're repeating advice on line that's absolutely wrong.

[@marvinmontano5322]

you know your stuff. you can survive managua.

[@chasewise9485]

❤❤

[@squidandchia216]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sshymaxam]

You can buy your own generator and Ronnie whenever you want you’re comparing the way that you live your whole entire life to what you have going on at this time I’m from that country I left when I was 12 and 42 and I cannot wait to go back and I know I’m gonna have to make drastic changes but if you compare Nicaragua to the US you’re better off in Nicaragua

[@timhammonds2382]

Thank you for the exceptional content, never stop evolving

[@eugVision5992]

Cheapskates from the Northwest , haggle with hand crafters and street vendors. You can do better.

[@mrfats6200]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@comanchepark980]

Yall could of went to new york for all that

[@LUKKA2020]

Muy guapas esta bellezas de chocolates🥰❤❤

[@forests.9597]

#2 Oddly enough, we Nicaraguans feel the opposite about the tap water thing. It's probably because it's foreign and all foreign water feels off. #3 Don't do that please, I know it works, I used to do it with the taxi drivers in Managua (As they get their inflated fares out of their ass), but when buying something just pay the full price, they're not trying to rip you off, it's just that the economy is shit, supplies and raw materials are getting more expensive, and the demand is falling. That's why they're willing to sell at a lower price, they'd rather sell it low than not selling at all, sorry if I didn't make much sense as I'm not a native English speaker. And also, you forgot about the most crucial one: #6 Stop criticizing the government and protesting against it. That's a very american thing that is not allowed there, unless you want to get yourself deported or imprisoned. Much love from Miami girls, good luck over there

[@wesgraham2262]

You’re in a very poor country. Don’t try to squeeze every little cordoba out of those people!

[@SuperLoquera]

Lie... Just the 1st is truth, you dont really know Nicaragua, AND THE TAP WATER IS GOOD TO DRINK

[@RebeccaOre]

Depends on where you are, and what the water company is doing. If they're repairing pipes, drinking bottled is safer.

[@many030256]

Both Ladies are Very Very WRONG ..! If you coming to 3 Class World like Nicaragua You Trying to Get The Same Facility Like North America .! Is a Poor Country Never Spect to Fine Equal Standar of Life.! And here in USA if you don’t have vehicle .! You are Dead you can’t use the bus o Uber to Work Everyday ..! SOLUTION .! Buy a Transportation more SAFE AND FUN .! Don’t be Ridiculous.! I always Rent a Car, Got a Good Place in The place I Been The Pest Control Take Care .! I never see a Roach in My Place .! Depend how Much Spend .! If You are Cheep live Like Cheep Cheeks.! You have to keep Clean you have to learn to Live Clean .! You Must to Lear .! About the way if you Visit Chicago , Washington etc you going to fine the Big Rats never seen before, in NortEast you could fine a ghettos whit Roach look like Toys or You don’t be en New York where the Rats and Roaches coming from The Ground same Thing in Las Vegas ..! Don’t Forget This is The Powerful Place of The Word..! There are so MANY MANY TON OF PLACES ..! Creepy on This Country Too..!

[@nichtsisttieferalsunserstaat]

first thing you have to stop, is beeing an "liberal" Ameŕican.

[@saloram990]

5 American things ??????? aaaah Nicaragua IS IN AMERICA!!!! and earthing you do from Patagonia to Alaska are AMERICAN THINGS

[@miguelfonseca1104]

the rest of the world disagrees with you. in Language , meaning is determined by use. (thats why english doesnt have some ridiculous spanish academy). The overwhelming majority of the world when they say American mean the U.S. The verdict has already been given. It's usually only people from Latin America with an inferiority complex that insist on this silly point.