Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Punta Cana is a resort area located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, known for its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces and cafes offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 55 DOP. ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted at most places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, it's recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Altice, and Viva. Prepaid options available for around $10. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include ScotiaBank and Banco Popular. Currency exchange available at airports and banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb and local real estate agencies, with options ranging from beach villas to budget hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards widely accepted, though small vendors may prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is prevalent, with prices starting at $35 per night for basic accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Punta Cana offers dorm rooms starting around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Cito offers a cozy atmosphere with reliable internet and great coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dulce & Salado is a popular choice among remote workers for its ambiance and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found via Facebook groups like 'Punta Cana Entrepreneurs'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly expat dinners organized through the Punta Cana Expats Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, but local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting a scooter for around $25 per day is popular among tourists. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bavaro Beach is only a few minutes away and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Century offers regional flights to other Caribbean destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue are major carriers serving Punta Cana International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to the Dominican Republic's main highways, facilitating travel to other parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Punta Cana does not have a train service, buses and taxis are primary transit methods. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are affordable but schedules can be irregular; no public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Punta Cana to major cities like Santo Domingo and Higüey. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Punta Cana offers a range of medical services and care for tourists. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Laguna Wellness Water offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Punta Cana Gym offers day passes for visitors starting at $10. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in most hotels, with self-service laundromats around. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in Punta Cana. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho, a traditional Dominican stew, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bamboo Restaurant offers various vegetarian options and smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato & Café serves delicious gelato that is a must-try. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Downtown Punta Cana shopping center has a variety of local food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local sites like Mercadoni are options for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery is available through apps like Appetito24. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Coco Bongo is a famous nightlife spot known for its dazzling shows. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mister Beer is a local brewery worth visiting for tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Taberna offers a diverse selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | You can find empanadas and arepas at local street vendors, especially in Punta Cana Village. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita is a popular choice among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park for a glimpse of local flora and fauna. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Dominican Art Museum offers insights into local culture and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia is nearby in Higüey, a significant religious site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. Stanislaus is a beautiful church located in Punta Cana. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Punta Cana Carnival occurs every February, showcasing local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Punta Cana Village is known for its restaurants and vibrant expat community. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Café Cito hosts various local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Punta Cana market is known for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live merengue and bachata music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in the local neighborhoods depicting Dominican culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cultural cooking classes are offered at various resorts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery Punta Cana showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de Campo is a famous resort known for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The colorful architecture reflects the Dominican heritage, particularly in local villages. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parque Nacional del Este for stunning nature trails and beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Haitises National Park is accessible for a day tour, known for its diverse ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are various paths along the beach and within resort areas for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Cap Cana offers picturesque views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Lake Bavaro are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas permit bonfires with restrictions; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile repair services in Punta Cana Village. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some resorts have table tennis tables available for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer Spanish courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes often have quiet areas suitable for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Punta Cana Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not widely available; most gaming takes place at home or resorts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Punta Cana offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 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. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | An income tax is applied based on different brackets up to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is 3%. |