On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Nicaragua - Any top banks?
During my Nicaragua trip, I mostly used Banpro and BAC Credomatic ATMs. My Wise Visa worked fine at Banpro with a 5,000 NIO limit and 100 NIO fee. BAC Credomatic was better with 6,000 NIO. I usually withdrew every three days, covering hostels, transport, and meals. ATMs were safe in malls and gas stations but less reliable in rural areas. Cash was essential everywhere, so I always carried NIO and a few USD bills. Overall, Nicaragua’s ATMs worked, but fees were hard to avoid.
Nicaragua ATM fees add up quickly. My HSBC debit was charged 150 NIO at Lafise for just a 4,000 NIO withdrawal. Machines often rejected my card or were out of service, especially in León. Limits are fairly low, which means you end up paying multiple fees. My advice: use BAC Credomatic or Banpro in bigger towns, withdraw the maximum each time, and always keep some USD as backup since it’s widely accepted across Nicaragua.
I had a decent experience in Nicaragua. My Monzo Mastercard worked at BAC Credomatic in Granada, letting me withdraw 6,000 NIO at once with a 120 NIO fee. Banpro ATMs also worked with my Revolut Visa. I withdrew twice during my stay, which was enough for buses, meals, and local hostels. Most bigger hotels and tourist restaurants accepted cards, but cash was necessary for street food, taxis, and tours. Overall, I found ATMs reliable and safe if used during the day.
In Nicaragua, the best ATMs are Banpro, BAC Credomatic, and Lafise. I used my Wise Visa at Banpro in Managua, withdrawing 5,000 NIO (~$135 USD) with a 100 NIO fee. BAC Credomatic allowed me 6,000 NIO per withdrawal with my Revolut Mastercard, charging a 120 NIO fee. Lafise ATMs worked with my Monzo card but capped me at 4,000 NIO. ATMs are plentiful in Managua and Granada but limited in rural areas, so plan ahead if traveling outside cities.