Samana, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Samana is a coastal town located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 45,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Approx. 1 USD ≈ 54 DOP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Claro and Altice. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available; foreign cards accepted, including Revolut and Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and private rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash; however, cards are accepted in many restaurants and hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer various short-term rentals in the area. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Hacienda offers beds starting at 800 DOP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited; consider joining Cafe de Paris for a quiet work atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris offers great Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking activities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly expat gatherings are organized at Local Pub Samana. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Carib Uber for rides around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent scooters through local shops like Samana Scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Rincón is the closest and most beautiful beach, about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Century provides flights to other Dominican cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue operate flights to and from major US cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near the Samana-Santo Domingo highway for easy access. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is limited; most travel is by taxi or bus. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; buses and shared taxis are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Samana to other major cities like Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Samana offers general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Nirvana offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Samana has affordable membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local laundromats, starting at 200 DOP per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa offers food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the fresh ceviche or the traditional La Bandera (rice, beans, and chicken). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe El Campo offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Las Delicias de Samana serves delicious local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local market in Town Center for inexpensive fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon supports delivery in the region; local vendors sell on Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Dependable grocery delivery via Rappi app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Malecon area features several bars and music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local brewery, but Casa de Cerveceria offers a variety of imported beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca Samana offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try empanadas and fresh fruit juices from street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Fogon offer Italian and American dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Limon Waterfall and the stunning beaches of Playa Rincón. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local Art Gallery showcases regional artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Samana's old town exhibits colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Santa Cruz is a local historic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Samana Carnival every February, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the town's colorful neighborhoods during cultural tours. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances often at Casa de Cultura. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market near the central plaza offers artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various bars along the waterfront. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around town reflect local culture and stories. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available via local chefs for traditional Dominican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria del Arte located downtown features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several preserved buildings from the colonial era throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area is known for its rich history involving European colonization and indigenous Taino culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Haitises National Park is a stunning area for eco-tourism, about an hour's drive. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Haitises National Park features unique landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails available along the coast leading to beautiful viewpoints. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Los Angeles offers breathtaking views of the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Haitises National Park is ideal for spotting rare bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Playa Rincón allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office offers reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops available in the town center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community center hosts ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes available for expats at Language School Samana. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library has study spaces and books in English and Spanish. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de Cultura offers various programs and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few local cafes offer video game stations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Samana; nearest ones are in Santo Domingo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. DOP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = DOP 2,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. DOP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = DOP 1,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. DOP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = DOP 2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. DOP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = DOP 1,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. DOP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = DOP 3,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. DOP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = DOP 2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Regional income tax based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign income taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on a percentage of the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property purchases incur a 3% transfer tax. |