NIONicaraguan CórdobaNicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
The Nicaraguan córdoba is Nicaragua's official currency and the unit used for domestic prices, salaries and public accounts. The Central Bank of Nicaragua is responsible for the monetary framework and currency issue. NIO is the ISO code used to distinguish the córdoba in international software and exchange-rate data; C$ is a local symbol that can be less clear outside Nicaragua. One córdoba is divided into 100 centavos. Country context matters because the name córdoba is associated specifically with Nicaragua in current currency records.
- ISO code
- NIO
- Symbol
- C$
- Region
- Americas
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Managed exchange-rate framework
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
NIO at a glance
Currency profile
How NIO works
The Nicaraguan córdoba is Nicaragua's official currency and the unit used for domestic prices, salaries and public accounts. The Central Bank of Nicaragua is responsible for the monetary framework and currency issue. NIO is the ISO code used to distinguish the córdoba in international software and exchange-rate data; C$ is a local symbol that can be less clear outside Nicaragua. One córdoba is divided into 100 centavos. Country context matters because the name córdoba is associated specifically with Nicaragua in current currency records.
Central Bank of Nicaragua administers NIO within a managed exchange-rate framework system.
- The current córdoba was introduced as Nicaragua's national currency in 1990.
- The reviewed cash profile records NIO 10, NIO 20, NIO 50, NIO 100, NIO 200, NIO 500, NIO 1,000 for banknotes and NIO 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos, NIO 1 and 5 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The modern córdoba replaced earlier national monetary units and has remained the basis for Nicaragua's domestic price and payment system. The central bank publishes exchange-rate and currency information within a managed framework, including the official relationship used for local financial reporting. NIO can therefore be useful for remittance comparisons, travel budgets and invoices when shown with a real publication date. The result is still a reference calculation: a bank, card, ATM or exchange counter may use a different customer rate and different rounding. The cordoba name, local C$ symbol and NIO code should be read together when a document crosses from Nicaragua into an international payment system.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Nicaraguan Córdoba operates under the reviewed managed exchange-rate framework arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for NIO
Cordoba introduced
Nicaragua created the cordoba as a national currency during monetary reform.
Central Bank of NicaraguaNew cordoba issued
A replacement currency responded to severe inflation during the 1980s.
Central Bank of NicaraguaCordoba oro established
The current unit replaced the prior cordoba at five million to one.
Central Bank of Nicaragua
Usage and economy
How NIO is used
- NIO is used for Nicaraguan prices, wages, taxes and domestic bank records.
- Cordoba comparisons matter for Central American trade, remittances and travel involving USD and neighboring currencies.
Banknotes and coins
NIO currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed NIO banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for NIO.
One Nicaraguan Córdoba unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Centavo as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
NIO questions
Why is NIO shown with a dated rate?
NIO values can change under Nicaragua's exchange-rate framework, so a comparison should distinguish the actual provider date and direction.
What changed for NIO in 1912?
Nicaragua created the cordoba as a national currency during monetary reform.
What changed for NIO in 1988?
A replacement currency responded to severe inflation during the 1980s.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.