Should I exchange money before arriving or use ATMs?

Use ATMs. They give better rates than money changers and are widely available in cities. Carry $200-300 USD cash for borders, small towns, and emergencies. Many places accept dollars but give change in local currency at poor rates.

How much should I budget for activities and tours?

$10-30/day if you're active. Volcano hikes cost $20-40, zip lines $30-60, diving $35-50 per dive, ruins entrance $10-25. Free activities include beaches, hiking, and exploring cities. Book tours locally rather than online for better prices.

What if I run out of money?

Western Union and MoneyGram are everywhere for emergency transfers. Some travelers work remotely if they have location-independent jobs. Teaching English is possible but requires time to set up. Credit card cash advances work but have high fees.

How much cash should I carry between ATMs?

$50-100 depending on where you're going. Cities have ATMs everywhere. Rural areas and borders often require cash. ATMs sometimes run out of money on weekends or holidays, so withdraw on weekday mornings when possible.

How to Budget for Long-Term Travel in Central America

Budget $35-50 per day for backpacker travel or $60-85 for mid-range comfort in Central America. Costa Rica and Panama cost 40-60% more than Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Book accommodation and transport as you go rather than pre-paying to maintain flexibility and find better local rates.

Calculate your baseline daily budget. Start with $40/day for budget travel, $70/day for mid-range. Costa Rica and Panama: add 50%. Belize: add 40%. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua: subtract 15-25%. This covers accommodation, food, local transport, and activities.
Add border crossing and visa costs. Budget $200-400 total for all visas and border fees. US citizens pay $10-15 per border crossing plus visa fees where required. Keep $50-100 cash for unexpected border charges or exit taxes.
Factor in transport between countries. Chicken buses cost $5-15 for long hauls. Tourist shuttles run $25-45. Domestic flights within countries: $80-150. Budget $300-600 for all international transport depending on your route and comfort level.
Plan for gear replacement and healthcare. Set aside $200-300 for gear that breaks or gets stolen. Budget $100-200 for minor medical needs, medications, or a doctor visit. Travel insurance is essential but budget for deductibles and excluded items.
Track spending weekly and adjust. Use a simple app or notebook to track daily expenses. Review weekly. If you're overspending, switch from restaurants to street food, private rooms to dorms, or tourist shuttles to local buses. Underspending? Upgrade your accommodation or try that zip line tour.

Should I exchange money before arriving or use ATMs?: Use ATMs. They give better rates than money changers and are widely available in cities. Carry $200-300 USD cash for borders, small towns, and emergencies. Many places accept dollars but give change in local currency at poor rates.
How much should I budget for activities and tours?: $10-30/day if you're active. Volcano hikes cost $20-40, zip lines $30-60, diving $35-50 per dive, ruins entrance $10-25. Free activities include beaches, hiking, and exploring cities. Book tours locally rather than online for better prices.
What if I run out of money?: Western Union and MoneyGram are everywhere for emergency transfers. Some travelers work remotely if they have location-independent jobs. Teaching English is possible but requires time to set up. Credit card cash advances work but have high fees.
How much cash should I carry between ATMs?: $50-100 depending on where you're going. Cities have ATMs everywhere. Rural areas and borders often require cash. ATMs sometimes run out of money on weekends or holidays, so withdraw on weekday mornings when possible.