As there are not many privately owned vehicles in Nicaragua, many people use hitchhiking as a means of getting around, especially in the countryside. Hitchhiking anywhere in the world involves certain risks and, although the practice is common and relatively safe in Nicaragua, use common sense and take all possible precautions: travel in a group (single females are advised not to hitch) and ride in the back of pick-ups, rather than inside vehicles. Although most Nicaraguans are too polite to pose the question, you may occasionally be asked to contribute a small amount of money towards gas (which is expensive). If you are not asked, then the polite thing to do is to offer $1 or so per person, especially if the trip is a long one. This money will usually be refused, although the gesture will be appreciated.