How to Get Internet in Nicaragua: Airport SIM, Local Tourist SIM Prices, eSIM, and Pocket WiFi

This guide covers internet options at Managua airport, current local prepaid pricing examples, Roafly’s Nicaragua eSIM plans, and when pocket WiFi makes sense.

Quick overview: the four best ways to get online

Buying a SIM card at Managua Airport (MGA): what you’ll pay and what to expect

If you want data as soon as you land, the simplest physical option is buying a SIM at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA). Travelers commonly report a Claro kiosk in arrivals that can register your line and activate a data plan on the spot.

Airport SIM prices (recent traveler reports)

Recent traveler reports put airport SIM + data plans in the ~$5–$10 range, depending on the bundle and validity. 
In a Managua/Nicaragua travel Facebook group discussion, one traveler reported paying around $6 USD for 7GB valid for 15 days at the airport. 

Because airport inventory and promo bundles can change by week, treat the airport option as “pay a little for convenience,” then top up later if needed.

What you’ll need at the airport

• Passport: Travelers report passport registration for SIM activation. 

• An unlocked phone: Your device must accept a local SIM.

• Payment method: Cash is useful in Nicaragua, and small USD bills can help with quick purchases at the airport.

A practical airport tip

Some travelers note there may be no free public Wi-Fi in the arrivals area, so having a plan (SIM or eSIM) ready matters if you need to message a driver or open navigation immediately. 

Local tourist SIM cards in Nicaragua: current prepaid pricing examples and where to buy

If you can wait until you reach the city (or you want the best value), buying a local SIM in Nicaragua is usually straightforward. You’ll typically find official stores and authorized resellers in Managua (and other major towns), and you can also recharge at many convenience shops.

A reliable “no-stress” approach is: buy the SIM in town + choose a short data pack, then top up as you go.

Where to buy locally

• Official operator stores in malls and commercial areas (Managua is the easiest place to do this). 

• Authorized resellers and convenience shops for quick recharges. 

Local plan prices (examples you can actually budget with)

Below are current published examples from operator pages, shown in USD by converting from Nicaraguan córdobas (NIO) using a recent USD/NIO rate of roughly 1 USD ≈ 36.8 NIO. 
(Exchange rates move, but Nicaragua’s currency typically shifts gradually; the goal here is trip planning in USD.)

Example: Tigo prepaid “Megapacks” (data + extras)

On Tigo Nicaragua’s Megapacks page, you can see common prepaid options such as:

• MEGA15: 8 GB for C$220 (validity listed as 15 days)

• MEGA7: 6 GB for C$120 (validity listed as 7 days)

• MEGA6: 4 GB for C$90 (validity listed as 6 days)

• MEGA4: 3 GB for C$64 (validity listed as 4 days) 

Converted to USD at ~36.8 NIO per USD, those work out to roughly:

• C$220 ≈ $6.00

• C$120 ≈ $3.25

• C$90 ≈ $2.45

• C$64 ≈ $1.75 

These are excellent value if you’re comfortable doing a quick in-country purchase and occasional top-ups.

Example: Claro prepaid data packs (simple data options)

Claro Nicaragua has promoted straightforward prepaid internet packs such as:

• 1GB for 7 days: C$130

• 1GB for 15 days: C$200

Converted at ~36.8 NIO per USD, those are roughly:

• C$130 ≈ $3.50

• C$200 ≈ $5.40 

Top-up tips that save time

• Ask the store staff to activate the pack before you leave (so you can test data immediately).

• Keep a note of your line number and any USSD/short codes they give you.

• If you’re a heavy user (maps + rides + social + some video), consider using a data usage calculator before choosing a pack so you don’t run out mid-trip.

Roafly Nicaragua eSIM: the fastest way to land connected (no kiosks)

If you prefer to skip airport lines and shops entirely, an eSIM is the most efficient option—as long as your phone supports eSIM. Roafly’s Nicaragua eSIM is designed for travelers who want data working quickly after arrival, without swapping physical SIMs.

Roafly Nicaragua eSIM plans (USD)

• 1GB / 7 Days — $4.90

• 3GB / 15 Days — $9.90

• 5GB / 30 Days — $14.90

• 10GB / 30 Days — $24.90

• 20GB / 30 Days — $39.90

Roafly’s Nicaragua plans support mobile hotspot, and ID verification (eKYC) is not required for activation.

You can also read our Best eSIM for Nicaragua guide if you want a deeper breakdown of when eSIM is better than local SIMs.

If you want to find these plans directly, use the Roafly Nicaragua eSIM page from the country list (Roafly covers 200+ destinations).

How to install Roafly (3 setup methods)

iOS Direct Install

Ideal if you’re on iPhone and want the fastest setup. Install the eSIM in a couple of taps, then enable it when you land.

QR Code

Works well if you prefer scanning from a second screen (laptop/tablet). Scan once, confirm, and your eSIM profile installs.

Manual installation

Best if QR scanning is inconvenient. You enter the SM-DP+ details and activation code manually.

A smooth “arrive and connect” checklist

• Install the eSIM before your flight (while you have stable Wi-Fi).

• After landing, turn on the eSIM line and enable Data Roaming for that eSIM (required for most travel eSIMs).

• If data doesn’t work immediately, toggle airplane mode once and wait 1–2 minutes.

If anything goes wrong after landing, the Roafly troubleshooting articles like fix eSIM no service after landing or i installed my eSIM but i have no internet can help you resolve it quickly.

Pocket WiFi in Nicaragua: when it’s worth it (and what it costs)

Pocket WiFi (portable hotspots) can be a smart pick when multiple devices need internet at once—like a family traveling together, a small work team, or someone carrying a laptop + phone + tablet.

Typical pocket WiFi rental pricing

International pocket WiFi rentals for Nicaragua are commonly advertised around $9.99/day (often before shipping and optional insurance).
Some services also advertise lower starting prices in EUR/day depending on destination coverage zones and rental duration. 

Pocket WiFi pros and cons (real-world)

Pros:

• One plan can connect multiple devices (handy for groups).

• Works even if your phone is SIM-locked (because it’s Wi-Fi).

Cons:

• It’s another device to carry and charge.

• Battery life can limit full-day use unless you bring a power bank.

• It can cost more than a local SIM for longer trips.

Mobile coverage in Nicaragua: what to expect (cities vs. remote areas)

Nicaragua’s mobile internet is mainly carried by two networks: Claro and Tigo. In day-to-day travel, you’ll usually get 4G/LTE in major cities and popular tourist towns, while speeds and stability can drop once you move into mountains, interior islands, and sparsely populated stretches.

If you’re choosing between Claro vs. Tigo, independent network testing has often placed Claro ahead in overall mobile experience categories in Nicaragua, while Tigo has scored strongly in coverage-focused metrics in some periods. Since Roafly’s Nicaragua eSIM connects via Claro, it’s a practical choice for travelers who want a “works in most places tourists go” baseline.

Where it’s usually strong

• Managua metro (airport-to-city corridor, business districts, malls, hotels)

• Granada, León, Masaya and other well-visited Pacific-side towns

• Pacific coast routes and hubs (including the main highway corridors and beach towns)

• Regional city centers like Matagalpa and Estelí (generally solid in town; mixed outside) 

Where you should plan for weaker signal

• Rural roads between towns, especially in hilly/forested terrain

• Ometepe Island away from the main towns (coverage is often okay in places like Moyogalpa/Altagracia, but patchier on interior roads and remote areas) 

• Caribbean Coast outside the main population centers (service exists in larger towns, but can be inconsistent once you move away from them) 

A simple habit that helps: download offline maps (Google Maps/Maps.me), save key addresses, and keep booking details available offline before long drives, volcano hikes, or island days.

Which option should you choose?

• Choose an airport SIM if you want a physical SIM immediately and don’t mind paying a convenience premium.

• Choose a local SIM in the city if you want the best value per GB and don’t mind a quick store stop.

• Choose the Roafly eSIM if you want the smoothest setup with no kiosk and no SIM swapping.

• Choose pocket WiFi if you’re sharing data across several devices or travelers.