Before moving to Nicaragua, I thought I knew what to expect—sandy beaches, chill vibes, cute coffee shops and restaurants. And yes, I found all of that here… but I also discovered so much more.
I’ve been living in San Juan del Sur for two months now, and I’ve noticed a few surprising differences in how people live here—things I wasn’t prepared for but that are now part of my everyday reality.
1. Time is Relativeeee
When my friends say they’ll be there at 4, I always joke: “Is that regular time or Nica time?” Spoiler alert: they’re usually late—and not just 5 or 10 minutes late. Same goes for events and appointments.
We went to town for Día de San Juan Bautista, and the main activity started 45 minutes late. But instead of stressing, I did what everyone else did: relaxed and enjoyed the moment. Time moves differently here—and I’m learning to go with the flow.
2. A Whole New Pace of Life
Life in Nicaragua moves at its own rhythm. Everything takes longer—from construction projects to deliveries, even the grocery store line.
There’s no such thing as anxiété de performance. In Canada, we’re used to speed and efficiency. Here, people take their time. So I’ve had to work on my patience. (Okay, I’m still working on it. I still catch myself wanting to hop behind the cashier and scan my groceries faster.)
3. Street Dogs… Everywhere (But Not What I Expected)
Street dogs are common in many parts of Central America. In Costa Rica, I saw them everywhere, so I came to Nicaragua expecting the same.
If you’ve read other blogs about San Juan, you may have seen warnings about the stray dog situation. But honestly? It’s not as dramatic as I expected.
There’s an amazing organization here called SOS Animales Nicaragua—a local vet clinic that rescues, sterilizes, and rehomes stray dogs. (Side note: I really need to unfollow them before I adopt every single pup they post.)
Of course, street dogs are still around. You’ll see them on the beach or wandering the streets, but they’re not aggressive at all. They don’t look pristine, but they’re not gross either. I pet most of them.
4. Construction Zones… with Horses
San Juan is currently building a main road to connect all the beaches—and unlike back home, there are no detours. In Canada, we’d close a road section and reroute traffic. Here? You just drive through the construction site.
You’ll weave between dump trucks, fresh asphalt, and workers doing their thing. Sometimes you’ll pass a random horse or a farmer herding five cows down the road. It’s chaotic—but somehow, it works.
5. Soda Culture Hits Different
This one’s random, but I noticed it right away: the soda situation is wild.
First, there are no diet options—except Coke Zero. No Red Bull Light, no Gatorade Zero, no Sprite Zero. You’ll find the big brands here, but only in their original sugary versions. Back home, there are so many flavors and sugar-free options. Not here.
Also, people drink soda all the time. After surfing, walking around town, even first thing in the morning. It’s not just a treat with dinner—it’s a part of the daily routine.
Final Thoughts
These might seem like small things, but together they completely shift the way you experience daily life. Moving to a new country isn’t just about discovering new places—it’s about unlearning habits, opening your mind, and learning to laugh at the chaos.
If you’re planning to move to Nicaragua—or just curious about life here—I hope this gave you a glimpse of what it’s really like.