Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 55 DOP |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro and Altice; prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards accepted widely; facilities include Scotiabank and Banco Popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels like JW Marriott. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Many available options on Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa de los Abuelos is a popular choice. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Santo Domingo offers a vibrant environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Santo Domingo is a popular spot with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often hosted by groups like Santo Domingo Startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Santo Domingo Facebook Group is an active community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and accessible. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at several local shops, but availability varies. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Boca Chica Beach is about a 30-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | JetBlue offers flights to several islands in the Caribbean. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta have regular flights at Las Américas Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like Autopista Las Américas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are bus terminals, with Metro options for local commuting. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Available for the Metro and local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available to travel to other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital General Plaza de la Salud is renowned for its services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga y Meditación Santosha offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit has multiple locations in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Burbuja provides reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com is popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro M is known for its plant-based menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Bon is famous for its ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Modelo is a local market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre works well for buying various products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Nacional offers online grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Colonial features several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Presidente is the most popular local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino & Compania offers a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors in the Zona Colonial offer delicious empanadas and more. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Cassina serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Alcázar de Colón and Santo Domingo Cathedral are key historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de las Casas Reales offers insights into the history of the island. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica Catedral de Santa María la Menor is a prime example. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Merengue Festival in July celebrates local music and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona Colonial is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Duarte for local crafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music thrives in venues like Casa de Teatro. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Ciudad Colonial has many vibrant street art pieces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Dominican Cooking School offer local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Centro Cultural de España features works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de Tostado is a beautiful historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Dominican flag and symbols represent the nation’s proud history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Tres Ojos National Park offers stunning natural caves. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jaragua National Park is a few hours away, renowned for its wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Malecón offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Faro a Colón provides a panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Haitises National Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, like Playa Juan Dolio. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have locations throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers quality phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often host table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Juan Pablo Duarte is a useful resource for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de España provides various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming spots like Zone Play attract local gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Diamante offers numerous gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% annually based on cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |