Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Las Terrenas is a coastal town located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 residents, with a significant expat population. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds around 30-50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately 54 DOP. Various banks like BanReservas and Banco Popular offer services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 110V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro and Altice, with good coverage available throughout the town. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachside villas, Airbnb rentals, to local hotels with prices from $30 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have numerous listings from $30 per night, depending on the season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Hotel La Rinconada and Casa Gigi offer affordable lodging starting around $25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like "CoWorking Las Terrenas" offer desks at around $10 per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar provides a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups and community events can be found via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The "Las Terrenas Expats" group on Facebook regularly shares info about community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby locations; local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting scooters from places like "Scooter Rentals Las Terrenas" costs around $20-30 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Punta Popy is a popular nearby beach, just a short walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Local carriers like Air Century provide flights from Santo Domingo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines offer service to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main connection is through the Carretera Sánchez connecting to Santo Domingo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; buses are the primary transit, departing from Santo Domingo. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; local transport is pay-per-ride for buses and taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby areas like Samana cost around $5-10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Médico Los Cacaos provides healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa de la Luz offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Las Terrenas Green Gym offers memberships starting around $25 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like "Lavanderia La Isla" provide wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Apps like Cabify and local services provide decent delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mangu - a mashed plantain dish is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like "Eco del Mar" cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try "Gelato & Co" for their delicious homemade ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like "El Mercado de Las Terrenas" offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online platforms like "Bazar Dominicano" cater to various shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like "Colmado Las Terrenas" offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pueblo de los Pescadores is the hotspot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visit "Brewery Las Terrenas" for locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | "La Bodega" is well known for its wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beaches offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like "La Terrasse" serve excellent French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The beautiful El Limon waterfall is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local art galleries showcase Dominican art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The town has remnants of old colonial architecture worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Las Terrenas Carnival features local music, dance and community spirit every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant local neighborhoods for authentic cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances showcasing Dominican culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Las Terrenas for local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in numerous beachside bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | "Cooking with Ricky" offers local culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small art galleries display various forms of local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Spanish colonial structures can be observed throughout Las Terrenas. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate the town’s rich Hispanic and African heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Haitises National Park is a short drive away, offering stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Haitises National Park is a key highlight for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along the beaches are perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Limon waterfall provides breathtaking viewpoints. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal wetlands attract various migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches, like Playa Bonita, allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like "Las Terrenas Tech" provide phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center has reading and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers organize events and activities for residents and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes provide gaming setups, popular among local youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Although not prominent, there are small gaming establishments in the vicinity. |
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. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Dominican tax system based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over RD$ 2,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place concerning foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates applicable based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% tax applied during property purchases. |