When I move to Nicaragua, should I use a regular phone line, a cell phone, Skype, Magicjack, or something else?

When considering a move to the country of Nicaragua, one needs to analyze what type of calls will be made. For example, 90 percent of my personal calls are in country via cell phone.  The competing telecom companies (there is not an FCC to mandate cooperation) promote themselves as the 'cheapest' or the 'best'.  The truth is they are just about equal now, so the key is from whom you get the best coverage.

 

I use Claro, which is a bit more...

When considering a move to the country of Nicaragua, one needs to analyze what type of calls will be made. For example, 90 percent of my personal calls are in country via cell phone.  The competing telecom companies (there is not an FCC to mandate cooperation) promote themselves as the 'cheapest' or the 'best'.  The truth is they are just about equal now, so the key is from whom you get the best coverage.

 

I use Claro, which is a bit more expensive than Moviestar, but we have a Claro tower about a mile from my house.  I just became a Skype user (and now a BIG fan), so I'm open to conversations with camera online.

 

We do NOT have a landline, and do not find it necessary, but we do have a service that allows for VoIP calls to and from family, and to anyone in North America.  Service is about $35/month, and well worth it.

What type of equipment you use to make a call in Nicaragua all depends on where you are located.  In the towns and cities you can get landline phones and Internet.  However, most of the country relies primarily on cell phone towers for their communication.

 

I have a internet plan with my cell phone, which I use for Skype calls to the US.  I have a US based Skype phone number that costs US $18 for 3 months, and it is free for anyone from the US to call...

What type of equipment you use to make a call in Nicaragua all depends on where you are located.  In the towns and cities you can get landline phones and Internet.  However, most of the country relies primarily on cell phone towers for their communication.

 

I have a internet plan with my cell phone, which I use for Skype calls to the US.  I have a US based Skype phone number that costs US $18 for 3 months, and it is free for anyone from the US to call me, and only a few cents a min when I call the States.  Of course I need to make sure I am logged into the internet to receive calls.

 

There are also Internet USB sticks for your computer as well as WiFi routers from the local cell phone providers.  Typically limited by the amount of downloads per month, the internet speeds tend to be very good, and priced similar if not less than the US providers. 

When I'm in Nicaragua I use my Magic Jack Plus which I find cheaper to use as I can call for free all over North America and after initial purchase it is only $10.00 a year to maintain my phone number. Since you do need internet for using Magic Jack you can also use Skype to have a visual conversation with friends and family.  I also have a cell phone and use Claro and I just buy minutes/data when I need it and usually on the bonus days.  Movistar also offers great...

When I'm in Nicaragua I use my Magic Jack Plus which I find cheaper to use as I can call for free all over North America and after initial purchase it is only $10.00 a year to maintain my phone number. Since you do need internet for using Magic Jack you can also use Skype to have a visual conversation with friends and family.  I also have a cell phone and use Claro and I just buy minutes/data when I need it and usually on the bonus days.  Movistar also offers great promotions during the week for minutes as well. 

I have found one of the best ways to communicate from Nicaragua to the US or other places outside of Nicaragua is through e-mailing and text messaging.  If you send a text message from a phone to an e-mail address, like you would a phone number, it will show up like a regular message and you are able to reply back with no problems. 

 

If you want to speak on the phone there are many different options. I use Skype and I am very happy with the...

I have found one of the best ways to communicate from Nicaragua to the US or other places outside of Nicaragua is through e-mailing and text messaging.  If you send a text message from a phone to an e-mail address, like you would a phone number, it will show up like a regular message and you are able to reply back with no problems. 

 

If you want to speak on the phone there are many different options. I use Skype and I am very happy with the services provided.  Having said that, it does not work for everyone and if you need to call customer service, expect to be on the phone for a while.  If you have internet, you are able to use Skype.  It is relatively inexpensive, around US $15 dollars a month for unlimited calling to the US.  It's very nice to be able to connect to Wi-fi on your phone and make calls through Skype.  

 

 

One way to get free calls to the USA and Canada from Nicaragua is to setup Google Hangouts. It's best to do this while you are in the USA or Canada.

You get to choose the area code of your new number in the States or Canada, and you  can receive and make phone calls for free. We use this at the Farmstay to offer free calling service for our visitors and find it to be a great benefit, especially as this is part of our "soft- landing service."...

One way to get free calls to the USA and Canada from Nicaragua is to setup Google Hangouts. It's best to do this while you are in the USA or Canada.

You get to choose the area code of your new number in the States or Canada, and you  can receive and make phone calls for free. We use this at the Farmstay to offer free calling service for our visitors and find it to be a great benefit, especially as this is part of our "soft- landing service."  Calling home after being picked up from the airport by someone who speaks your language and is able to help with any questions or to plan the rest of your vacation is a big plus (or so I've been told!). 

My advice for when you move to Nicaragua is to get a cell phone that has WhatsApp, install a really good WIFI program in your home, and stay in touch with family through Skype through your computer.

 

Also, although a land line is getting obsolete it is always necessary in case of emergencies, for example, if and when the electricity goes out. 

My advice for when you move to Nicaragua is to get a cell phone that has WhatsApp, install a really good WIFI program in your home, and stay in touch with family through Skype through your computer.

 

Also, although a land line is getting obsolete it is always necessary in case of emergencies, for example, if and when the electricity goes out.