Upvote:4
In Nicaragua, currency exchange is a open market. Banco Centrale de Nicaragua sets a rate; banks, finance companies, exchange houses (casas de cambio), and independent agents can decide their own price, as you found at the border. A lot of small businesses also exchange currency, registered, and post their services and rates. Street corner money changers, coyotes, abound, of course.
Larger banks offering currency exchange:
Casas de Cambio:
Global Exchange Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Carretera Norte Managua
Some private banks and Credit Unions offer exchange services to customers (but no guarantee would do so for those who are not):
Resources:
Nomas Operativas de las Casas de Cambio
Banking regulations in Nicaragua
La Prensa: La tasa de cambio de una empresa en el aeropuerto es inferior a la tasa oficial