The Managua North and South are very similar, so read through both missions for extra tips.
Hot and humid days and nights with lots and lots of rain in the rainy season. Even though it is warm here, in a couple places in the north in the mountains, the nights can sometimes get a little chilly, so a blanket and a couple sweaters is a good idea. Mostly it’s just crazy hot, though, where you never stop sweating.
Bring a rechargeable fan for hot nights.
There is no hot water for showers.
Bring a waterproof sling bag for every day, but also bring a backpack for exchanges and overnight stuff.
Pack a couple days’ worth of clothing in your carry-on when arriving in the mission. Luggage can sometimes be delayed a couple days in getting to you.
Elders: light-weight, quick drying golf pants are best. You will want short sleeves.
Laundry is done all different ways- some places by hand, some by a “pensionista” contracted to do laundry, and a few apartments have washing machines. It will all be line dried, though, so it is best to have clothing that dries quickly.
Bring 2 sets of sheets, so you still have sheets when one set is drying.
You WALK EVERYWHERE! You need good, sturdy, comfortable, waterproof shoes and several pair. You will want more of a hiking boot or shoe as you traverse rough terrain for miles a day.
Elders: Docs and ECCOs are most often mentioned.
You will also need high quality socks and then extra socks. You go through them fast.
Tip: take an extra pair with you in a Ziploc bag along with some toilet paper.
Bring some Gold Bond to help with the chafing that you experience from walking in all the rain.
The cobblestone roads shred the wheels of suitcases, so make sure you get rugged wheels.
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Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way.
In really hot, sunny missions, a good hat is AMAZING! There are a couple of options that missionaries have recommended. Missionaries in West Africa, Central, and South America often recommend sending a missionary off with a hat, which is used more than sunscreen.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.