Ponce, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1247
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ponce, known as the 'Pearl of the South', is the second-largest city in Puerto Rico, featuring rich history, vibrant culture, and a picturesque seaside. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is US Dollar (USD). ATMs and banks like Banco Popular and FirstBank available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable; however, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz. Standard US Type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile operators include Claro, T-Mobile, and AT&T. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | American bank accounts widely accepted; major options include Chase and Wells Fargo. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rentals. Monthly rents range from $600 for 1-bedroom apartments to $1,000 for 2-bedroom in central areas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies provide numerous options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de los Tres Angeles offers beds from $25/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Historic Ponce Plaza area known for attractions and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Dorado Beach area for peaceful environment and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work-From Space Ponce, equipped with high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café D'Rafael, known for its great coffee and cozy ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at local cafes and bars, check Facebook groups for digital nomads in Puerto Rico. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Puerto Rico Facebook group for networking and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and reliable for getting around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No widespread services available; renting bikes locally is possible. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Guancha Beach, only 10 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cape Air and Silver Airways operate local flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines have multiple flights to mainland US. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | PR-1 and PR-2 highways provide easy access to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ponce doesn't have a train system; buses are the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes available for local transit, typically around $1 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Ponce to San Juan and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Pila, provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Ponce offers classes for various skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Ponce has modern equipment and various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava-Lou is a popular laundromat offering wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is commonly used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo, a traditional dish made from fried plantains. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café El Punto offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados El Verdugo for classic Puerto Rican ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | La Plaza del Mercado for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local Puerto Rican marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SuperMax and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Guancha, lined with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery La Pared, known for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Barceló has a great selection of wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along La Guancha offer tasty local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria La Perla serves delicious pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parque de Bombas, a historic fire station and symbol of Ponce. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte de Ponce showcases a stunning collection of European art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Teatro la Perla, an iconic theater in the heart of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an essential site in Ponce. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de San Juan in June showcase local music and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Calle Isabel offers a rich mix of cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centro Cultural de Ponce conducts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ponce Mercado for locally produced goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live salsa and reggaeton at local bars and venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals throughout the city, especially in the Pie de la Cuesta barrio. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at La Casa de los Trova. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Ponce showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Alcaldía, the historic city hall of Ponce. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ponce's vibrant culture is showcased through its historic architecture and community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra Bermeja offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Tres Palmas Marine Reserve is perfect for diving and snorkeling. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | La Guancha boardwalk, ideal for leisurely strolls and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro Cuarte, a lookout point with sweeping views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Reserva de Aves de Rincón is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along La Guancha allow friendly bonfire setups. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx for shipping services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Ponce Electronics for mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis sessions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña offers Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Rosa de Berríos, a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Estudios Avanzados for cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GamerZone offers gaming setups and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino at the Holiday Inn, for those looking for nightlife entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $64,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 37.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 11.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are applicable for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Forms 2% to 3% based on transaction value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Incentives include the Act 60 offering various tax benefits. |