Nicaragua Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in nicaragua, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Overview 

Nicaragua continues to experience below-average internet access and eCommerce rates compared to the broader Latin American region. According to DataReportal’s January 2025 figures, 64 percent of Nicaraguans used the internet, a modest increase from previous years, though still lagging behind the regional average of 75 percent. Mobile data plans remain the primary means of internet access for most Nicaraguans, with cellular mobile connections standing at 125 subscriptions per 100 people at the start of 2025, according to GSMA Intelligence, reflecting a high number of multiple device users rather than individual penetration. The Nicaraguan government maintains the capacity to disrupt internet service at any time, a power it has historically exercised, including during the 2018 protests, and continues to be a concern for internet freedom in the country, with ongoing reports of manipulation of the online information space and criminal penalties for online dissent. 

Nicaraguan authorities may electronically monitor individuals’ activities. Under Nicaragua’s 2020 Cybercrimes Law, a local judge may issue an order, at the National Police or Prosecutor General’s request, to force internet providers to release specific information about an individual customer, as well as collect, extract, or record data about this customer, such as real time data traffic. 

CAFTA-DR’s Electronic Commerce chapter requires nondiscriminatory, duty free treatment of digital products and encourages cooperation in numerous policy areas related to electronic commerce. However, electronic commerce is still developing in Nicaragua and there are no laws or regulations restricting its use. All eCommerce businesses must be incorporated with a physical address in the country.

The Digital Signature Law extends legal validity to electronic signatures and digital certificates to facilitate business and government transactions, especially international transactions. The governing body for the accreditation of an electronic signature is the Director General of Technology, which is part of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. There is no indication, however, that the system necessary to accredit electronic signatures has been implemented. 

Assessment of Current Buyer Behavior in Market

Nicaraguans are increasingly comfortable with online and app-based shopping, though overall rates of eCommerce remain lower than the regional average.  According to the Nicaraguan Central Bank, Nicaraguans completed roughly 77 million transactions in 2024. Credit card payments, mobile wallet transactions, local international wire transfers, and check payments, totaled $41 billion. Debit cards accounted for 34 million transactions, 57 percent of the total. At least four private banks in the country offer digital payment methods designed mostly for medium to large-sized businesses. 

Nicaragua has no legal framework regulating online transactions. While the few businesses offering online transactions generally have reliable security measures, there are no public incentives to conduct online sales and little public awareness or training available. Nicaragua’s commercial banking system is conservative and highly concentrated, restricting electronic transaction options. According to online marketing experts, commercial banks ask for up to $10,000 in security deposits to guarantee online transactions. Some entrepreneurs use Pay-Pal and other foreign payment systems to avoid high transactions costs, but these systems are not integrated into Nicaraguan banks. App-based delivery platforms, particularly Pedidos Ya, have grown significantly, especially in the capital of Managua.

The relatively low purchasing power of the Nicaraguan consumer makes it difficult for many to obtain credit or debit cards for online purchases. Popular app-based delivery services also allow payments in cash. According to the World Bank’s global financial inclusion database (Global Findex), only 31 percent of adults in Nicaragua had access to financial services in 2024, an increase from 23 percent in 2021. 

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Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

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