FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1. WHAT EXPENSES ARE NOT COVERED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP?

• Transportation to/from Miami International Airport
• Additional meals or snacks (breakfast, lunch and dinners are included in the package price of the trip)
• Souvenir shopping if schedule allows

2. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS INTO AND OUT OF NICARAGUA?

U.S. Citizens:  NO Visa is required for U.S. citizens.

Non U.S. Citizens: Check with a corresponding consulate office or embassy for visa requirements.  One website you can check out for more info is www.g3visas.com.

PASSPORT:  valid at least six (6) months beyond the start date of the trip to Nicaragua. 

 

3. IS THERE AN AGE/HEALTH RESTRICTION ON PARTICIPANTS?

Persons in good health may participate.
Participants under the age of 18 will be tentatively accepted under the following conditions:

1. They will be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a chaperone approved by their parent/guardian.

• Any participant under the age of 18, must have a letter from the parent/guardian stating that they have given permission to the chaperone/guardian to care for the minor during the trip.

 

4. MUST I LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES TO PARTICIPATE?

No, however, if a participant is not traveling from within the United States with the group, he/she must make his own travel arrangements into Managua, Nicaragua and meet up with the group either at the airport or the hotel.

 

5. WHAT IS OUR DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL INFORMATION?

 

Sun. Dec. 23, 2007

American Airlines Flight 985

Departs Miami, FL  5:55 PM 

Arrives Managua, Nicaragua 7:30 PM

 

Tues. Jan 1, 2008

American Airlines Flight 970

Departs Managua, Nicaragua 1:30 PM

Arrives Miami, FL  5:00 PM

                                                                                

6. WHAT IS THE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?

One (1) checked bag-- maximum 50 pounds, up to 62 inches

One (1) carry-on—maximum 40 pounds, up to 45 inches                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Note: If you would like to bring extra gifts for the orphans, you may check one (1) additional suitcase or box to leave in Nicaragua.

 

7.  IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?

Travel insurance is included in the cost of the trip.

8. DO WE NEED SHOTS FOR THE TRIP TO NICARAGUA?

There are no required immunizations for you to travel to Nicaragua.  However, if you would like to find out more information about recommended vaccines for traveling to Central America, you can go to www.cdc.gov. They have a list of recommended immunizations and tips on being healthy while traveling including how to avoid potentially contaminated food and water.  Decisions on whether or not to get shots are up to you and your doctor.

 

9. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NICARAGUA IN DECEMBER?

Typically Nicaragua is warm year-round.  December is one of the more mild months, but you can still expect temperatures in the 80’s F (30 C).  Sun block is always a good idea.  Light jackets are also suggested in case of a rainy day.

 

10. WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

Nicaragua has a warm climate, so modest summer attire is acceptable, and for worship services, appropriate casual “church” attire. (No suits and ties or dresses are required.)  Tennis shoes are recommended as we will be doing a significant amount of walking and many of the streets are dirty and could have raw sewage or rough terrain.  Feel free to bring sandals to wear while traveling or during “free time”.

 

11. WHAT LANGUAGE DO THEY SPEAK IN NICARAGUA?

Spanish is the main language, and we will have interpreters working with us, but any knowledge of the language would obviously be beneficial J

 

12. IF I ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH, CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Yes, and there will be translators for the group, however, each participant will not have his/her own translator. Don’t let the language barrier get in your way though,  the love of Christ will be communicated through your smile, your eyes and your hand on a shoulder.

13. WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS ARE NECESSARY TO BRING FOR THIS TRIP?

• Passport/money pounch to keep concealed under clothing.
• Each participant will need his own toiletries and clothes.
• Comfortable walking shoes will be a necessity.
• Each one may want to bring his own roll (s) of toilet paper or tissue packs for use, especially in the more rural areas.  (Charmin now makes a nice portable travel roll available at Wal-Mart in the paper products section)
• Packages of antibacterial hand wipes. and/or antibacterial gel To carry with you during the day to clean your hands as.
• Hand laundry can be done, but do not anticipate regular laundry/dry cleaning facilities at all locations.
• Ear plugs and eye masks are a good idea for attempting to sleep on the plane  
• Peptol and Immodium are also a good idea to bring, especially if you have any problems adjusting to new foods.
• It is also a good idea to pack a full change of clothes with you in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost on the international flight.
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Small Umbrella (optional)
• Nicaragua has the same electrical currency as the United States. You will not need a converter or adaptor.

14. SHOULD I BRING MY CAMERA/VIDEO CAMERA?

Yes definitely. However, please be aware of the common courtesies required when photographing/filming those of other cultures.

 

Here’s a tip from Niki Crosby, our trip photographer:

This trip is a fantastic photo opportunity! If you are a returning member, I have found that it is a very special gift to present the Gypsies with any photos you've taken of them the previous year.

I would suggest digital cameras over film, as the X-ray machines at the airports, both in checked and carry on luggage, damage film, no matter what the security guards tell you.

In the past I have been able to talk security into swiping my film, as opposed to scanning, but it does take some extra time and may result in missing a flight if we have a short layover, so it's not the most fool-proof solution.

 

15.  CELEBRATORY ITEMS/ MUSIC

Live worship in the streets is a very important part of our praise parades and outreaches in Nicaragua. Georgian encourages musicians and praisers to bring their celebratory items including instruments, drums, flags, banners, tambourines, whistles, and noisemakers for parades.

• If you are a musician and plan to bring your instrument, please let us know ahead of time.

 

16.  WHAT CAN WE BRING FOR THE KIDS?

*  Toys, clothes (new or “like new” only) and school supplies are all great items to bring to donate to the orphanage.

*  Soccer balls

*  Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (You may want to ask your dentist for donations.)

*  Candy and Chocolate for holiday piñatas.

*  Stickers are great to pass out to children on the streets.

****If you would like to help out, we are asking that all participants bring one (1) 5 pound canned ham (the kind that doesn’t need refrigeration) with them to Nicaragua.  This item is hard to find in that country and would be a great blessing to pastor Arturo.*****

(All donations will be given to the local pastors to distribute as needed)

17. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I SHOULD NOT BRING?

Personal laptops will not be needed since we keep a very busy schedule, however there will most likely be a computer at the hotel or an internet café to notify friends and family of your safe arrival, etc.

18. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN NICARAGUA?

The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba. The exchange rate fluctuates, but currently the rate is:

1 US Dollar = 18.95600 Nicaraguan Cordoba Oro

19. WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING?

You will be able to exchange your US Dollars into Nicaraguan Cordobas when you arrive into Managua.

It is best to bring CASH ONLY (new, clean, unmarked bills)  Credit cards and travelers checks may not be readily accepted.