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Guide
San Juan, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1246
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
🏙️ City | San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. |
👥 Population | Approximately 318,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25-100 Mbps, with some areas reaching higher speeds. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. Popular banks include Banco Popular, FirstBank, and Oriental Bank. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable but bottled water is recommended for better taste. |
🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
📶 SIM Card | AT&T, T-Mobile, and Claro are the main mobile providers; prices start from about $30/month. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks accept international cards; Revolut and N26 are also popular among expats. |
🛌 Accommodation | Various options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels. Average rent for a studio is around $1,000/month. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used; short-term leases are available in popular neighborhoods. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Vista and CasaBlanca Hotel offer affordable options. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old San Juan is highly recommended for its historic sites and attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods offer beach access along with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work, located in Santurce, is a popular spot for remote workers. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Cuatro Sombras, known for its excellent coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various networking events focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats San Juan Facebook group regularly organizes meetups. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in San Juan and is a reliable option for transportation. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available in Condado; scooters can be rented from various local shops. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Condado Beach is just a few minutes away and is excellent for sunbathing and water sports. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have several regional flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United offer multiple international connections. |
🛣️ Highway Access | PR-2 and PR-26 highways provide access to other parts of the island. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses and taxis are the primary means of public transport. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | There is a bus system, but no specific passes for tourists are available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect San Juan to other cities, with terminals in Hato Rey. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau is a major healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en la Calle offers classes and workshops for all levels. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness and Gold's Gym are popular in San Juan. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido offers wash and fold services across the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Sin Delantal are popular delivery options. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo is a must-try traditional dish in Puerto Rico. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Burger is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Santurce. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocobar Cortés offers delicious chocolate-themed desserts and drinks. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza Las Américas Mall has a variety of budget-friendly dining options. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Puerto Rico; eBay is also popular among locals. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local services like Supermax offer grocery delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Placita de Santurce is famous for its vibrant nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Once in a Blue Moon is a local craft brewery worth visiting. |
🍷 Wine Bars | El Mercado is a great option for wine enthusiasts. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at La Placita offer diverse Puerto Rican street food. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Piu Bello serves delicious Italian food, while La Cueva serves excellent seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Morro and San Cristóbal Forts are historical treasures of San Juan. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Art of Puerto Rico is a cultural highlight. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Old San Juan is rich in history, featuring colorful colonial buildings. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is one of the oldest in the Americas. |
🎉 Annual Events | The San Sebastián Street Festival in January is a major cultural event. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Santurce is known for its vibrant street art and local galleries. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Tapia offers a variety of performances and cultural events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza del Mercado de Santurce is a bustling market with local goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | La Respuesta is a popular venue for live music and events. |
🎨 Street Art | Santurce has extensive street art that is a part of its charm. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Puerto Rico offers great local cooking classes. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería 901 showcases local and international artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Blanca is a historic site and museum worth visiting. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The culture of Puerto Rico reflects its Taino, African, and Spanish heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Yunque National Forest offers stunning hikes and waterfalls. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Luis Muñoz Marín Park provides green space in San Juan. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Paseo de los Tres Bebés is a scenic walkway along the coast. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from El Morro provides an incredible panorama of the coast. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Yunque is a prime spot for birdwatching with diverse species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Sandy beaches like Isla Verde have designated fire areas for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS provide parcel delivery services across the island. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechStop offers great electronic repair services in San Juan. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks like Parque de la Tercera Edad offer tables for public use. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Calle Loíza Language School offers Spanish classes for all levels. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Puerto Rico provides a quiet study environment. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez offers events and activities open to the public. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Caribe Hilton Casino provides entertainment options for visitors. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $140,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $112,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $192,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 39% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for Puerto Rico residents. |
🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation; only income generated in Puerto Rico is taxed. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33% for incomes over $61,500. |
🧾 VAT | 11.5% Sales and Use Tax. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are assessed based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the property’s value. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Act 20 & 22 offers favorable tax rates for eligible individuals. |