We knew moving abroad would be pricey, but there were definitely some hidden costs we weren’t prepared for. Not included in the table below is what we spent in eating and drinking out. The is because of two reasons: 1. We are not that organized, 2. The cost if very dependent on how much you go out and to what type of restaurants/bars.
| Total: | $13,930.54 |
|---|---|
| Storage Unit | $163 |
| Infant on Lap Tax | $124.90 |
| Extra Baggage | $150 |
| Shipping Dogs | $1343 |
| Hotel in Managua for 3 Nights | $192 |
| Purchase Car | $6000 |
| Purchase Motorcycle | $1540 |
| Purchase Generator | $436 |
| First Month Gasoline | $422.64 |
| Security Deposit | $1000 |
| Rent | $1000 |
| Household Items | $24 |
| Surge Protector | $22 |
| Gas Can | $17 |
| Water Utility | $114 |
| House Security | $80 |
| Electricity Utility | $340 |
| House Internet | $92 |
| Cable | $30 |
| Pool Chemicals | $42 |
| San Juan del Sur Day School (1/2 month) | $108 |
| Maid | $200 |
| Groceries Estimate | $450 |
| Flea Medicine for Dogs | $40 |
There were two large expenses that I did not include in this table because they are not common. First, We were surprised at the airport to find out that we had to purchase a one-way ticket back to the United States for our son, Titus and I. United explained that Nicaragua’s policy is that an infant on a lap who wasn’t a resident must show proof of exit from the country within the 90 day VISA expiration. Caught under pressure, we purchased a non refundable one-way ticket for $1065.80. We realized too late, that we would have been out no money if we had splurged for the refundable ticket and cancelled once safely in Nicaragua. Second, our dog Rigley broke his leg and the first surgery, x-rays, and medicine cost $1040.
Hi Jenna,
Thank you for all this information! My fiance and I are planning a move/adventure quite like yourselves. I have enjoyed reading your blog and found it very informative.
If you don’t mind, I have a few questions, if you can answer, I appreciate it!
How was the experience moving your dog? What pet shipper did you use, if any? I see you have a Rottweiler. We have a collie/shepherd and an English Mastiff (she’s going to be the costly and difficult one). We have sought quotes from professional pet shipper for the American side, but will need to for Nica side. How was your experience retrieving your dog? Suggestions?
Did you or your husband have to book return flights? Or were you find with the one way as long as you exit the country after 90 days?
Really appreciate any tips/tricks/hints and information. Thanks for a great read!
Hi Jessica,
Glad my blog has been helpful. I have a whole category on “Dogs In Nica” and wrote a long blog about shipping our dogs, what we did right, and what we did wrong. We haven’t had to ship dogs back to US, so that is a task I will face one day.
They did make me book a return flight because I had a lap infant. In hindsight we should have purchased a refundable ticket and cancelled or just cancelled a regular ticket within 24 hours, but with the international move we dropped the ball and it cost us over $1k.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.