Essentials
- City
- Vieques (Isla Nena), Puerto Rico, USA
- Population
- Approximately 8,200
- Internet Speed
- Average 25-50 Mbps; Starlink is now widely used by nomads for 100+ Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- US Dollar (USD). 1 USD = 1 USD
- Tap Water
- Potable, but many residents prefer filtered or bottled water due to old piping ($1.50 per gallon)
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US Standard). Power outages are frequent; backup batteries are essential.
- SIM Card
- T-Mobile (best coverage), Liberty (formerly AT&T), and Claro. Prepaid plans around $40-60/month.
- Banking for Expats
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, FirstBank, or US mainland banks like Chase/Revolut.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and Airbnb villas ($100-$300/night).
- Cashless Friendly
- Mostly; cards/ATH Móvil accepted in Esperanza, but cash is required for local kiosks and some taxis.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and VRBO are primary; local property managers like Vieques Vacation Rentals.
- Budget Accommodation
- Lazy Hostel (Esperanza) - Dorm beds approx. $35-45/night.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Esperanza (South side) for beaches, bars, and the Malecon.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Isabel Segunda (North side) for proximity to the ferry, grocery stores, and better cellular signal.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- No formal coworking spaces; nomads use The Vieques Guesthouse common areas or Bravo Beach Hotel.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Rising Roost (Isabel II) - Great coffee and patio seating ($4/cappuccino).
- Networking Events
- Informal meetups often occur at 'Salty Spirit' sessions or sunset at Sun Bay.
- Social Events for Expats
- Vieques Residents Facebook group and community volunteer events at the Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Lyft. Local 'Públicos' (vans) are the standard; Vieques Taxi (approx. $5-$15 per person).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Fun Brothers (Esperanza) - Scooter rentals approx. $60/day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Caracas (Red Beach) in the National Wildlife Refuge.
- Top Regional Airline
- Vieques Air Link (VAL) fly from San Juan (SIG/SJU) and Ceiba (RVR).
- Top International Airline
- Fly into San Juan (SJU) via JetBlue, American, or Delta; then regional transfer.
- Highway Access
- No highways; PR-200 and PR-201 are the main local two-lane roads.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- The Ferry Terminal in Isabel Segunda connects to Ceiba (mainland PR) for $2.00.
- Public Transport Passes
- No formal passes; pay cash to Público drivers per ride.
- Regional Travel
- Passenger/Cargo Ferry to Ceiba (30-45 mins) or small plane flights (15 mins).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Centro de Salud Familiar (Susoni) in Isabel II. Serious cases require medevac to San Juan.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga on the beach at Esperanza; check schedules at 'The Vieques Guesthouse'.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- No commercial gyms; most fitness is outdoor-based or at private boutique hotels.
- Laundry Services
- Vieques Laundry Services in Isabel II (drop-off service approx. $1.50/lb).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None available. Most restaurants offer take-out only.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Mofongo with garlic shrimp at Bananas (Esperanza) - approx. $22.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Biekes Bistro (Isabel II) offers veggie-friendly Caribbean fusion ($15-$25).
- Best Dessert Spots
- Mamma Mia (Esperanza) for authentic Italian gelato ($6).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Supermercado Morales (Isabel II) or Colmado Lolo.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon ships to Vieques (Prime takes 5-10 days instead of 2).
- Grocery Delivery
- No formal apps; local 'personal shoppers' can be hired via community Facebook groups.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The Malecon (Boardwalk) in Esperanza; Duffy’s and El Quenepo are popular.
- Local Brewery
- No brewery on island; Medalla Light is the ubiquitous local beer ($3-4).
- Wine Bars
- El Quenepo has an extensive upscale wine list ($12-$18 per glass).
- Street Food Stalls
- Kiosks near the Isabel II ferry terminal selling Alcapurrias and Empanadillas ($3-$5).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Tin Box (Garden/Sushi fusion near mid-island) - approx. $25/plate.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Mosquito Bay (World's brightest Bioluminescent Bay).
- Museums & Art Venues
- Fortín Conde de Mirasol (Art gallery and historical museum, $5 entry).
- Historical Sites
- Sugar Mill Ruins (Central Victoria).
- Religious Sites
- Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción (Historic Catholic church in Isabel II).
- Annual Events
- Fiestas Patronales (July) with horse racing and live music.
- Cultural Districts
- Isabel Segunda town square (Plaza de Recreo).
- Theater Venues
- No formal theaters; community screenings occasionally at the VCHT.
- Local Markets
- Occasional Farmer's Market at the Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust on Fridays.
- Music Scene
- Live acoustic and salsa at Lazy Jack’s or Coqui Fire Cafe.
- Street Art
- Murals throughout Isabel II depicting the anti-Navy protests and local marine life.
- Cooking Classes
- Private classes can be arranged via Cocina de Doña Juju.
- Art Galleries
- Siddhia Hutchinson Fine Art Gallery.
- Historic Buildings
- The Faro (Lighthouse) at Puerto Ferro.
- Local Heritage
- The wild Paso Fino horses that roam the island freely.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (largest in the Caribbean).
- National Parks Nearby
- The Naval Historical Site / Sun Bay Park.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The trails leading to Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The Ceiba Tree (over 300 years old) on the north shore.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Laguna Kiani and the mangrove forests.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Generally discouraged in the Wildlife Refuge; permitted in certain areas of Sun Bay.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- USPS (most reliable), UPS, and Island Rider for local freight.
- Tech Repair Services
- None; must go to the mainland (San Juan) for Apple or PC repairs.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Some local bars in Isabel II have casual setups.
- Language Classes
- Private tutors only; ask at the local library (Biblioteca Electrónica).
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Electrónica in Isabel II (public Wi-Fi available).
- Community Centers
- Vieques Love (NGO hub) for community support.
- Gaming Lounges
- None available.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None on island; casinos are located in main hotels in San Juan.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000 in Isabel II)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $140,000 for beachfront/view properties)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $240,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $360,000 in Esperanza)
- Corporate Tax
- 4% for export services under Act 60 (Tax Incentive Program).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% under Act 60 (for residents moving to PR).
- Tax System
- US Federal tax generally does not apply to PR-sourced income for residents.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 33% standard; 4% under Act 60 for qualified individuals.
- VAT
- 11.5% Sales and Use Tax (IVU).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Complex; PR is considered foreign for some US tax purposes but has specific US code exemptions.
- Property Tax
- Yes, managed by CRIM; varies by municipality, usually around 8-10% of assessed value (which is often low).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Internal Revenue stamps approx. 0.5% - 1% of the purchase price.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Act 60 Individual Resident Investor: 0% tax on dividends, interest, and capital gains for those living in PR at least 183 days a year.