Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
#2074
19.789161, -70.692618
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Plata is a coastal city located on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps, with availability in coworking spaces and cafes |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 54 DOP; Cash and major credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Claro and Altice, offering prepaid plans with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like Scotiabank and local services like Banco de Reservas are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to vacation rentals via Airbnb or local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most stores and restaurants accept credit cards, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers numerous options around the city center and beaches. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa del Mar for budget stays, prices start around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cocomama Coworking offers flexible desks and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Mar, with reliable Wi-Fi and a nice view. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups organized periodically via social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Puerto Plata Facebook Group organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Puerto Plata for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rentals available at several street vendors; consider renting bikes from Caribbean Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Dorada, a short 10-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fly Dominican operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines have routes to Puerto Plata. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is accessible via the Autopista Gregorio Luperón. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; local buses and taxis are the primary transport modes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit pass; public transport is mostly bus-based and pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Puerto Plata to other major cities like Santiago, fares around $5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Punta Plata, the largest healthcare facility in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga con Mar, offering classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SmartFit Gym, a popular fitness center with modern equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are offered at hotels and dedicated laundromats like Lavandería El Progreso. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho, a traditional stew, best enjoyed at local restaurants like El Rincón de Papi. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mar de Fondo offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Pérgola, famous for its ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon services are available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Nacional offers delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Malecón, the popular beachfront strip filled with bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bravissimo Brewery, known for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega La Comparsa offers a great selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try empanadas from various stalls around the central plaza. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café del Sol serves a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort San Felipe, a historic fortification offering beautiful views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Amber Museum showcases the local amber history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón, a museum dedicated to a local hero. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Puerto Plata, a beautiful example of neo-gothic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Puerto Plata Carnival, typically held in February, showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona Colonial, featuring colonial architecture and vibrant street life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Cibao, staging local performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Puerto Plata Marketplace, known for artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café de Paris often hosts local musicians and bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in the downtown area highlight local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at La Casa de la Cocina, focusing on local Dominican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Casa de la Cultura showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Victorian-style buildings around Park Independencia. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The history of gold mining in the region reflected in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cayo Arena, a stunning caye ideal for snorkeling, reachable by boat. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Choco National Park, known for its caves and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront promenade offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Pico Isabel de Torres offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Choco National Park has diverse bird species and trails. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas on Playa Long Beach allow campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL available for mailing needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Repara-Rápido provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some community centers and recreational clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lengua offers Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Publica Pedro Mir, a local public library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural, hosting various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming hubs are available, including local esports cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Playa Dorada offers gaming facilities and nightlife. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $105,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for tax purposes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% tax on property transactions. |