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Isabela, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1253
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Isabela is a coastal town located in the northwest region of Puerto Rico, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 45,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the local currency. ATMs widely available, and most major credit/debit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it is recommended to use filtered water for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, uses Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AT&T, T-Mobile, and Claro with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Banco Popular, FirstBank, and Citibank, which offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rentals are popular, with beachfront properties available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is also recommended for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local vacation rentals are available with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited, but some guesthouses start around $40 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around Jobos Beach is popular for its nightlife and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Pueblo of Isabela offers reliable internet and local amenities, making it a good choice for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking - offers comfortable spaces with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 1924 - known for its good coffee and relaxed work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or Eventbrite for expat gatherings and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups for digital nomads and expats are active, mostly utilizing social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer bikes, and some resorts may provide scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jobos Beach, known for its surfing and vibrant atmosphere. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cape Air operates regional flights to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue offer regular international flights to and from San Juan. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via PR-2 and PR-119 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Isabela does not have a train service; taxis and private cars are the main transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly bus-based; options for multi-ride passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Isabela to nearby towns, especially from the main plaza. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Pavia Isabela is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Yoga is a popular studio offering various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Isabela offers a range of fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and local cleaning services can be found throughout Isabela. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is commonly used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo topped with shrimp is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Kitchen offers various healthy plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie L'Avenir is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets selling fresh produce and goods can be found at Isabela Plaza. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon offers shipping to Isabela with a wide range of products available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via local stores and apps like Walmart's grocery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Jobos Beach area has several bars offering live music and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mala Vida Brewing Company offers local craft beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers an excellent selection of wines and tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks at Jobos Beach serving local delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Marco's Pizza offers great italian food in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Punta Higuera Lighthouse is a historical landmark with beautiful views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Isabela showcases the town's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia San José is a historic church located in the city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Santa Maria de la Providencia is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Cerveza is held every July, celebrating local beers. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center retains a charming atmosphere with colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Cultural Center of Isabela hosts community events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly farmer's market at Plaza Manuel Corchado y Juarbe is a vibrant local attraction. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events at bars along the beach often feature local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have created murals around the town enhancing its cultural vibe. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes featuring Puerto Rican cuisine are available through local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists exhibit their work in small galleries around Isabela. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Villas and historic buildings around the town showcase the colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals highlight the indigenous Taíno heritage as well as Spanish influence. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Guajataca Forest Reserve offers scenic trails and beautiful views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Yunque National Forest is about a 2-hour drive away, offering breathtaking nature. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Routes along the coast provide great spots for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at the lighthouse provide stunning panoramic views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby mangroves are home to various bird species ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Jobos Beach allow for bonfires during permitted times. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local DHL and FedEx offices provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Isabela handle smartphone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer Spanish language classes for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Isabela Library provides a quiet space for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Isabela has several community centers that host workshops and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes sometimes host events and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby Aguadilla has casinos for those looking to try their luck. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $114,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Puerto Rico operates a unique tax system, special provisions exist for foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax is approximately 11.5% including state and local taxes. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Puerto Rico has specific rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are around 1.5% of the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transaction tax is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Puerto Rico offers special tax incentives for qualifying digital nomads, including low income tax rates. |