La Romana, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
#946
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Romana is a picturesque coastal city in the Dominican Republic, renowned for its beaches, resorts, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents live in La Romana. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber optics in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is Dominican Peso (DOP). 1 USD is approximately 54 DOP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 120V, 60Hz, using Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro, Altice, and Viva, offering prepaid SIM cards with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, with options like Banco Popular and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options for accommodation include hotels, private rentals through Airbnb, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit and debit cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous short-term rentals ranging from $25 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de la Luz offers dormitory beds starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Casa de Campo area is recommended for tourists, featuring luxury resorts and beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Linda Vista or downtown areas are ideal for digital nomads, providing easy access to coworking spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Romana offers a comfortable work environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Sol is a popular spot for remote work, providing free Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups and networking events can be found on Facebook groups focused on La Romana. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are ongoing community gatherings, often hosted at local bars and cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in La Romana, providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer motorcycles and scooters starting at $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bayahibe Beach, just a short drive away, offers stunning views and great swimming opportunities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airline services like Air Century provide regional flights within the Caribbean. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers like American Airlines and JetBlue service La Romana International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Autopista del Este, leading to major cities like Santo Domingo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | La Romana is primarily serviced by buses and taxis, with no train infrastructure. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are limited public transport passes; buses are affordable at about 30 DOP per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Private buses and minibuses connect La Romana to other cities for a cost-effective travel option. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica Gayle is the main hospital offering good medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga del Sol offers classes and wellness retreats nearby. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center La Romana provides various fitness programs and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Romana offers laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Ubereats and local service PideYa deliver food from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Do not miss trying Mangu, a traditional Dominican breakfast made from plantains. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mañana Restaurant offers vegan-friendly dishes featuring local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Helado is known for its delicious tropical ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Publico de La Romana features fresh produce and local delicacies at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like tiendaonline.com.do provide delivery for groceries and essentials. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Nacional offers online grocery shopping and delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pueblo Bavaro area offers a vibrant nightlife with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Nacional is the local brewery offering tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Bar de La Cerveza offers a variety of drinks including local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at Parque Central serve delicious local snacks like empanadas and arepas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro de Paris offers a delightful French dining experience. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Archaeology is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The La Romana Cathedral presents beautiful architecture and historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima is a prominent church worth seeing. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de La Romana, held every February, showcases vibrant parades and local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Altos de Chavón serves as a vibrant cultural district with artisan shops and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Excelencia Theater hosts various entertainment events throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Explore the La Romana Artisan Market for handcrafted goods and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live Merengue and Bachata music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Wall murals can be found around town, particularly in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local culinary schools focusing on Dominican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Galería de Arte La Romana showcases local talents and artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Casa de Campo Hotel represents significant architectural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its Taino heritage through various cultural events and exhibitions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Los Altos de Chavon with its beautiful views and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Parque Nacional del Este is a stunning natural reserve with diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several scenic routes are available for walking and cycling around the coastal area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint at Los Altos de Chavón for breathtaking views of the Chavón River. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Bayahibe attract various bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Regularly designated beach areas allow bonfires, particularly at Playa Bayahibe. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and FedEx are available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in La Romana offer smartphone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers provide facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools are available for expats looking to learn the local language. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca de La Romana offers reading and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | El Centro Comunitario is active in organizing events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Specific gaming lounges in shopping centers cater to young adults and teens. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Diamante offers slots and other gaming opportunities for entertainment. |
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. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Dominican-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are existing regulations governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on a percentage of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 3% tax is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Dominican Republic offers special tax incentives for foreign investors. |