Ponce, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1247
18.002433, -66.624799
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ponce is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (local currency is the US Dollar) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but recommended to purify |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | T-Mobile, AT&T, and Claro available for mobile connectivity |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and local credit unions accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, apartments for rent in neighborhoods like La Playa and El Tuque |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards widely accepted |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms in Ponce |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Ronda offers dorm beds starting at $25/night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cofresi Coworking offers a vibrant workspace for remote workers |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Melao, with good coffee and wifi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking events hosted by Ponce’s Chamber of Commerce periodically |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Puerto Rico' organize meetups |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Ponce for easy transportation |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No established rental services for bikes/scooters at the moment |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Playa de Ponce, just a few minutes drive from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Seaborne Airlines operates regional flights from Ponce |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue provide international connections |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | PR-1 and PR-52 highways provide good access to other parts of the island |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Ponce Bus Terminal connects to various destinations |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Ponce does not have a subway system; buses are economical but limited |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (AMA) serve various cities including San Juan and Mayagüez |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Pila provides quality healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Ponce offers classes for various levels |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Ponce offers memberships starting at $29/month |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Playa offers self-service and drop-off laundry services |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in Ponce |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo is a must-try local delicacy |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Mi Bodega offers a variety of vegetarian options |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulces de Ponce serves traditional Puerto Rican desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza del Caribe has a food court with various budget options |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers widely across Puerto Rico |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Econo provides an online ordering and delivery service |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Guancha is popular for nightlife and beach vibes |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ponce Brewing Company offers brewery tours and tastings |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cava 30 offers a selection of fine wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at La Guancha serve local street food |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine at Restaurante DiVino is a local favorite |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parque de Bombas and Museo de Arte de Ponce are must-visit sites |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de arte de Ponce features classical and modern art |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is a key historical landmark |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Santo Domingo showcases beautiful architecture |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de la Ciudad de Ponce held annually in January |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Guancha promenade offers a mix of food, art, and history |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro la Perla hosts various cultural performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de Mercado de Ponce is vibrant with local products |
| 🎼 Music Scene | La Guancha features live music and local artists |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals throughout downtown Ponce enhance its cultural vibe |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ponce Culinary Academy offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Acoma showcases local artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Alhambra is an architectural gem in the city |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ponce is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditions |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Guanica State Forest offers hiking trails and stunning views |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Parque Nacional Hacienda Buena Vista showcases coffee plantations |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ponce has various coastal paths, best explored by foot or bike |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Ponce provides beautiful views of the surrounding area |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bosque Estatal de Maricao is a top spot for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along La Playa de Ponce allow bonfire gatherings |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and USPS provide reliable shipping options |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | T-Mobile and local shops offer mobile and device repair services |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be played at community centers across Ponce |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Ponce Language Institute provide Spanish classes |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Popular de Ponce offers study spaces and resources |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Arte Ponce serves as a cultural community hub |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges, but local cafes often host game nights |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Ponce offers a range of gaming options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 4% for eligible businesses (Puerto Rico Act 20 and 22) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Minimum 15% withholding tax on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Puerto Rico has a unique tax system with local and federal compliance |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 33% |
| 🧾 VAT | No federal VAT; however, a 11.5% sales tax applies |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Puerto Rico follows CFC regulations |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes range from 1% to 1.5% of assessed value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Initial tax rate of 1% applies to property transactions |