Why an eSIM is Recommended for Nicaragua
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Nicaragua does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is widespread in Nicaragua (hotels, cafes, hostels), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has good 4G coverage in urban and tourist areas thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Claro |
85% |
No |
60% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Movistar |
80% |
No |
40% |
Holafly, Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Managua: good 4G coverage in the capital
- Granada, León: good coverage in colonial cities
- San Juan del Sur: good coverage on the Pacific coast
- Ometepe: variable coverage depending on the island area
- Rural areas: variable, generally limited in remote areas
How to Install Your Nicaragua eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Nicaragua (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Nicaragua eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Nicaragua eSIM 2026"
countryCode="NI"
countrySlug="nicaragua"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8",
highlight: "Global leader + Claro network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$7",
highlight: "Reliable Claro network",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$50",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$5",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Claro network (leader 60%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: reliable Claro network, code ESIMP (-10%), good value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: NordVPN integrated to secure public WiFi connections
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for small budgets
Conclusion
For all travelers to Nicaragua, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Airalo 5 GB at ~$8 with code ESIMP15 offers reliable connectivity on the Claro network (leader).
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Small budget: LinkeSIM 3 GB at ~$5 remains very economical.
Nicaragua eSIM FAQ
