Samana, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
#945
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Samana is a beautiful coastal town located on the Samana Bay, famous for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 60,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Dominican Peso (DOP), with 1 USD ≈ 59 DOP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro and Altice, offering good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available on Airbnb, local hostels, and boutique hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Somewhat cashless friendly; however, cash is still commonly used, especially outside tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate listings provide numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Marea offers dorm beds starting at around $15 USD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Las Terrenas is a favorite among tourists for its beaches and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Center of Samana near the Malecon is preferred for its amenities and connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Lab Co-Working Space offers reliable internet and a comfortable working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar is popular among digital nomads for its tranquil atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by Nomad List for digital nomads in Samana. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats group on Facebook hosts regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, but local taxis can also be hired. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Motos and bicycles can be rented at places like Riders Rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Rincón is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, just a short drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Century offers regional flights from Samana to Santo Domingo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue operate flights to and from major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Samaná to Santo Domingo road provides easy access to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Samana primarily relies on bus services for regional travel; there is no train system. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses (guaguas) are frequent and affordable without passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Guaguas are the main mode of transportation to nearby cities like Las Terrenas and Santo Domingo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Municipal de Samaná is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Santa Barbara offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Samana provides gym facilities for locals and visitors. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Samaná offers laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and local delivery services like La Casa del Sándwich. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Mangu and Sancocho, traditional Dominican dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Tula provides great vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | El Horno de la Abuela is famous for its pastries and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Samana offer fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular local online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Pola offers online shopping and delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Las Terrenas has the most vibrant nightlife spots, with bars like Luna del Caribe. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Presidente is the most recognized local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Recommended wine bar is Vinos y Mas, offering a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the street vendor offering empanadas and arepas around the Malecon. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and seafood restaurants are plentiful, with La Terrasse being a favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit El Limón waterfall and the historic town of Santa Barbara de Samana. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Ballena showcases local whale heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old lighthouse at Cape Samana is a significant landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Samana is a notable local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Whale Festival in January attracts tourists from all over. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Malecon is the cultural hub of Samana with local art and events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centro Cultural de Samana hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Mercado Municipal for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live merengue music is common at local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the town, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn Dominican cuisine at various local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art and crafts at the local artisan market showcase Dominican talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visiting colonial-style buildings gives insight into the town's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrations of local heritage are common, especially during festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Haitises National Park is a quick boat ride away, offering stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Visitors can explore Los Haitises, known for its unique wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road offers great paths for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Loma provides breathtaking views of the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Tropical rainforests around Los Haitises are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Playa Rincón allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic tech repairs, especially in Las Terrenas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be enjoyed at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are offered at various local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library in Samana has resources for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de Cultura Samana hosts workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming is popular, though dedicated lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos, but some hotels have gaming rooms. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax for dividends is 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist, but they are not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transactions incur a tax of around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Certain tax benefits available for foreign residents. |