Importing Things

This page is a very basic beginning of this information. If you know about other issues please add a comment. I will update the page as I get more info.

There is a whole assortment of issues with importing things into Nicaragua. Also, there always seems to be room for interpretation of the rules. For example, I know a person who was told he could not bring an antenna into Nicaragua from Honduras. He went to the other border crossing and was allowed to do it.

I have created sections for Personal Belongings, Commercial Imports, Donations and Restrictions. Input is welcome.

Personal Belongings

In general, it seems that if what you have is soft it is not an issue. That is, the inspection of a suitcase (if it happens at all) might consist of pressing down to see that it was soft and, if so, no further investigation takes place.

On the other hand, sometimes hard things are investigated. From my experience, the main issue is size. A full-sized computer of little value can result in a lot of discussion and a duty whereas a much more valuable laptop is ignored.

I have been told (but it certainly doesn't say this anywhere) that you can pretty much bring one of anything into the country for personal use without paying duty. You may be asked if you are going to bring it back out--yes being the correct answer.

Commercial Imports

It is my understanding that there is a import license available. I have no idea about the details.

Donations

I am currently dealing with this issue. Essentially you need paperwork from some organization in Nicaragua that will be receiving the donation. There is a lot more and, as I figure it out, I will add information.

Restrictions

Besides any restrictions on the Nicaraguan side there may be requirements to bring things out of other countries. For example, you need a permit to ship things out of Costa Rica. The fee for the permit is $100 but you need a detailed list of all the packages involved, their gross and net weight and estimated value. I learned the hard way that your goal should be to have very few large "packages". For example, if you have 100 boxes, put them on a pallet, band them together and you are now only exporting one thing.

This is the beginning of a list of restricted items:

• Antennas -- it seems Telcor (the Nicaraguan equivalent of the FCC) requires a permit to bring any antenna into Nicaragua. But, it seems that solar cookers (in other words, a dish antenna with plans to make a solar cooler) are not restricted.
• Transmitters -- I am not sure about this but Telcor must restrict this as well. Being a ham (Radio Aficionado in Nica-speak) may be very useful here.