Hello all!

I was wondering about a thing about entering several countries in Central America.
We will be traveling to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize, and we dont have to apply for a visa to get into the country. However, we don't have a set date to leave the country.
For what I've read, it is needed to have an exit ticket to get into the country. But we don't have a set flight, because we don't want to set ourself to a certain date.

We think we'd want to leave countries via bus (first start with Panama -> Costa Rica). Would a busticket be accepted as a exit ticket? As we could buy a ticket for a date, and just not show up. Would probably not cost as much as a airplane ticket.

So, what are your experiences with exit-tickets? Or any other tips?

Thanks!

Every one of those countries requires proof of return or onward travel. That means you have the paid ticket in hand (not just a reservation) at the moment you enter the country. Costa Rica is known for being very strict about this. If you enter by bus, immigration will ask to see your bus ticket out. Showing them your plane ticket out of Panama at a future date won't be good enough.

Flights within Central America are expensive considering the short distances flown. Bus travel is much cheaper, but a lot longer. Panama City to San Jose is a one-hour flight but a 16-hour bus trip.

Six years ago I travelled by bus from Panama City to Cancun Mexico. The only proof of onward travel I had was my return ticket ticket from Cancun.

I agree that Costa Rica is strict regarding proof of onward travel. After many questions I was finally allowed to enter. I recommend having a bus ticket out of Costa Rica to avoid any problems at the border.

However, I had no problems crossing the land borders into Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras or Belize.

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua have a border-control agreement known as the CA-4. Entering one country is as good as entering any of the others, and you get up to 90 days to stay in them as a group. I wouldn't expect much other than a passport check when traveling between any of those four. Costa Rica did not join.

Panama and El Salvador use the U.S. dollar as their currency. Belize effectively uses U.S. currency in conjunction with the Belize dollar. The currencies of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize are worthless outside their borders. No one will accept them, and if anyone exchanges them (don't count on it), it will be at a terrible rate.

The political situation in Nicaragua is touchy right now. People still travel there and enjoy themselves. If you go, do not discuss politics with anybody. Not. One. Word.