Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
#943
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Las Terrenas is a vibrant beach town located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 20,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). As of April 2025, 1 USD ≈ 55 DOP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Claro and Altice, with good coverage in Las Terrenas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Popular and Scotiabank are available, and services like Revolut are accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available including apartments, villas, and guesthouses. Websites like Airbnb and local real estate agencies are popular for rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, though cash is still preferred for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short term rentals can be found on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Terraza and Aqua Oasis are affordable options for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Playa Las Ballenas is recommended for tourists due to its beautiful beachfront access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Pueblo de Los Pescadores is a great area, offering a good mix of leisure and work-friendly spots. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cofee Coworking is a popular choice among digital nomads for its good internet and comfortable working conditions. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Pikalo offers reliable Wi-Fi and a tranquil environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meet and greet events are organized by local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Las Terrenas Community Facebook group is a hub for social events and gatherings among expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and commonly used in Las Terrenas for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops like Las Terrenas Scooter Rental offer reasonable prices for bike and scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Bonita is considered one of the most beautiful beaches nearby. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Century operates regional flights connecting to Santo Domingo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines offer international flights to Las Terrenas via nearby Samana Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access road is the Carretera Samana, connecting Las Terrenas to other parts of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; bus services connect Las Terrenas with major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and 'guaguas' (shared taxis) provide affordable public transport, no transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services such as Caribe Tours and Metro Bus connect Las Terrenas to Santo Domingo and other regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Municipal de Las Terrenas provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Wellness Center Las Terrenas offers classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym & Fitness Center offers various fitness options and wellness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Dominicana offers laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo both offer food delivery services in Las Terrenas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mangu (mashed plantains) is a local favorite to try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Lugar, a popular spot, offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Italiana offers delicious ice cream and tropical desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Playa Bonita market offer affordable fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers in the Dominican Republic, but local sites like MercadoLibre are also popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets such as Supermercado Playa offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pueblo de Los Pescadores has vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Las Terrenas is a local craft brewery worth visiting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cava Cafe offers a selection of wines and is a popular spot amongst locals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | On the beach promenade, various vendors sell traditional Dominican street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Mosquito serve delicious international dishes including Italian and French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The town center, featuring local shops and art, is a must-see. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Galería de Arte Arawak showcases local artists and their work. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | There are colonial architecture sites throughout Las Terrenas dating back to the 18th century. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Catolica de Las Terrenas is the main church and an important community site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Las Terrenas hosts an annual Carnival celebrated in February with parades and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The waterfront area is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Caribbean Theater occasionally hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local artisan markets are held regularly, offering handmade crafts and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often occurs at various bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout the town, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focused on traditional Dominican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte is known for its exhibitions of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic colonial buildings are located throughout the main square. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Las Terrenas reflects a blend of Dominican and international cultures, especially in its gastronomy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Haitises National Park is a short trip and offers stunning natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Haitises National Park is known for its lush landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various walking paths along the beaches provide scenic routes for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints near Playa Rincón offer breathtaking coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Haitises National Park is a prime location for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires during designated hours, usually on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate for package delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and computer repair services in the town center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | A local community center has table tennis available for recreational play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language schools offer Spanish classes for expats and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; local cafes often serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Las Terrenas organizes various events for the community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are few dedicated gaming lounges, but local cafes sometimes have gaming options available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no formal casinos in Las Terrenas; local entertainment tends to focus more on social gatherings. |
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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on residency; worldwide income taxation applies for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are guidelines for the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A property transaction tax of 3% applies when purchasing property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Dominican Republic offers attractive tax incentives for investors and business activities. |