La Romana, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Romana is a city in the Dominican Republic located on the southeast coast, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourist scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps in most urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 54 DOP. Major banks include Banco Popular and BanReservas, offering ATMs throughout the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro and Altice, with several options for prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, TransferWise, and traditional banks like Banco Popular are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront resorts, hotels, and apartments listed on Airbnb or Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit cards are accepted at hotels and some restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb, with rates starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal La Romana offers dorm rooms starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWorking La Romana located in Central Plaza offers good facilities for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dulce & Salado Café provides a cozy atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and expat gatherings are organized through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The La Romana Expat Community is active on Facebook for organizing events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | InDriver is popular and often cheaper than taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at local shops; prices start from $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bayahibe Beach is approximately 30 minutes away and is considered one of the best. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Santo Domingo provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines operate frequent flights from and to the U.S. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Autopista del Este connects La Romana to Santo Domingo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services, but bus services operate from the main plaza. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily by bus; no specific passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses like Caribe Tours offer comfortable travel to other cities like Santo Domingo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Francisco A. Gonzalvo serves the local community. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Tierra Yoga offers classes and workshops for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Fitness Club La Romana offers a variety of fitness equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavarropas offers laundry services around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available in La Romana. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho, a traditional meat and vegetable stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Gourmet offers a range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato La Romana is popular for its ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | La Romana Central Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to La Romana; look for local equivalents as well. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Olé offers delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Marina de Casa de Campo is lively and has various nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Nacional Dominicana produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the central plaza offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and Domino's both have locations. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Altos de Chavón, a replica of a Mediterranean village. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Regional Museum of Archaeology. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic San Estanislao Church. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de la Altagracia is a well-known church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The La Romana Carnival in February is a vibrant local celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Altos de Chavón is known for its arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Casa de Teatro in the nearby Boca Chica area. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | La Romana Central Market for authentic local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at venues like La Condesa and throughout Casa de Campo. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found downtown, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at various local homes through Airbnb experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte La Romana showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture in La Romana reflects its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's heritage is influenced by Taíno and Spanish cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The National Park del Este is a short drive away with stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Haitises National Park offers natural beauty and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Safe cycling paths along the coastal roads and parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visiting the cliffs at Altos de Chavón for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | National Park del Este is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are areas designated for bonfires, especially along beaches. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos Dominicanos provides national and international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops can handle most device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis facilities are available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes available through local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library offers a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are present, although less common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Casa de Campo offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No, there are no strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% on property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate on property purchases. |