Isabela, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1253
18.498802, -67.023658
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Isabela is a coastal municipality located in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico, known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 45,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency used is the USD. Major banks like Banco Popular and FirstBank operate here. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but some prefer bottled water due to taste. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | AT&T, T-Mobile, and Claro are popular mobile providers in Puerto Rico. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Wide acceptance of major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local guesthouses like Villa Tropical, starting at around $50/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options vary widely; expect prices from $50 to $200 per night based on location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'La Posada' start at around $30/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Independent Coworking space offers reliable internet and work-friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Gran Via provides good coffee and a quiet atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are held at local cafes, often promoted via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out 'Isabela Expats' on Facebook for local gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Isabela for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops like 'A&B Beach Rentals' offer bike rentals starting at $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jobos Beach is popular, located about 10 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Silver Airways operates regional flights in and out of Puerto Rico. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines are among the major international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | PR-2 is the main highway connecting Isabela to other parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service directly in Isabela; public transport mainly consists of buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased for local routes covering Isabela. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby towns; check routes from 'Puerta del Sol' for travel options. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Caguas is the main healthcare facility, about 20 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga El Amor offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24/7 provides access to local gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 'Lavanderia De La Playa' offers service at competitive prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates locally, providing a range of dining options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo is a must-try local delicacy found at various eateries like 'Raices.' |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out 'The Green Porch' which offers a full vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bocadillos Bakery is famous for its local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as 'Isabela Farmer’s Market' on Saturdays offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Isabela, providing access to a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Pueblo offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Margarita's Pub is a popular spot for nightlife on weekends. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Isla Verde Brewing Co. offers local brews and tasting tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Taberna serves a great selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at Jobos Beach offer a variety of local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Spaghetti House serves an array of Italian dishes and pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historical ruins of 'Pueblo Viejo' are a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Visit 'Museo de Isabela' for a taste of local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The San Antonio Church, known for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Benito is a local church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Isabela Festival takes place every February with local art and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The central plaza area is known for cultural gathering and local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The local 'Teatro Isabela' hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Isabela's weekend flea market offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live salsa music nights. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals throughout the city showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops such as those offered by 'La Cocina de Isabela'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Puerto Libre exhibits works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the old sugar mill ruins for a glimpse into the past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Isabela's cultural heritage is reflected in its festivals and local art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore 'Punta Caney Nature Reserve' for hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tropical Rainforest 'El Yunque' is roughly an hour away, a stunning destination. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails along the coast offer beautiful views, especially near Jobos Beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Try the lookout point on 'Road 441' for breathtaking coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular near 'Reserva Natural de la Parguera'. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fires allowed on public beaches, especially at Jobos. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and USPS have locations in Isabela for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Hub in Isabela offers device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes available at local community college. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Isabela is a great place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Isabela hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular spot for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino del Mar offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $114,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is approximately 37.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Puerto Rico operates a unique tax system with territorial taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The sales tax in Puerto Rico is 11.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules that apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value, generally low compared to mainland. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is around 2.5%. |