Car hire in Nicaragua - Crime

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Crime

CRIME: Violent crime in Managua and other cities is increasing, and street crimes are common. Pick pocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets, particularly the large Mercado Oriental. Gang activity is rising in Managua, though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries. Gang violence, including robberies, assaults and stabbings, is most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, but has occurred in the neighborhoods surrounding major hotels and open-air markets.

Visitors may want to avoid walking and instead use officially registered taxicabs. You should avoid taking taxis after dark, if possible. Taxi drivers and passengers have been victims of robbery, assault, sexual assault, and even murder. Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red license plate and that the number is legible. Pick taxis carefully and note the driver's name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. Also, check that the taxi is properly labeled with the cooperativa (company) name and logo. Radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and can be found at the International airport and at the larger hotels. Purse and jewelry snatchings from motorists sometimes occur at stoplights. While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked and valuables placed out of sight.

Street crime and petty theft are a common problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and the Corn Islands along the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast. Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements.

Tourists, in particular, should not hike alone in backcountry areas, nor walk alone on beaches, historic ruins or trails. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses.

Do not resist a robbery attempt. Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Travel in groups of two or more persons whenever possible. Use the same common sense while traveling in Nicaragua that you would in any high-crime area of a major U.S. city. Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas. Do not carry large sums of money, ATM or credit cards you do not need, or other valuables.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Anyone obtaining a new or replacement passport in Nicaragua must go to the main Immigration Office to obtain an entry stamp in their new passport; anyone failing to do so will not be permitted by Nicaraguan authorities to leave the country. Citizens applying for replacement passports at the U.S. Embassy will be asked to present proof of citizenship, an identity and to pay a fee. Photographic proof of identity is especially important for young children because of the high incidence of fraud involving passport applications for children. Passport replacement can be facilitated if the traveler has a photocopy of the passport's data page.

American citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as Tips for Travelers to Central and South America, are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.