Vieques, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#1249
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vieques is a small island municipality off the east coast of Puerto Rico, known for its beautiful beaches and bioluminescent bay. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 9,300 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 100 Mbps via local providers. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (U.S. Dollar is the currency used), with ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not consistently drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, AT&T, and T-Mobile; prepaid SIM cards are available at local stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Wells Fargo and Banco Popular are common, with options for online banking services like PayPal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachside hotels to guesthouses and vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are accepted at most places, but carry some cash for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and Vrbo, prices range from $70 to $250 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-type lodging starts at around $25 per night at places like The Vieques Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Isabel Segunda and Esperanza are recommended for their accessibility to amenities and beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near Esperanza offer a mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and rental options ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Vieques provides a comfortable workspace with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Duffy's offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi and excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community gatherings occur at local cafes; check social media for updates on meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Vieques Community Group on Facebook for events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, and some use RideVieques for app-based transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops like Rent a Bike Vieques. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sun Bay Beach is the most popular, featuring beautiful white sand and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines provide local flights from San Juan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JetBlue and American Airlines offer flights to San Juan from major U.S. cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; most travel occurs via local roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; transport is primarily by car or small planes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transit system; taxis and ride-shares are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local ferries connect Vieques with the main island of Puerto Rico. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Vieques Community Health Center provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Vieques Yoga Studio offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options include small local gyms and outdoor exercise opportunities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services are available at local laundromats; some accommodations provide laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants often use WhatsApp for orders; no major food apps are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo is a must-try traditional Puerto Rican dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Red Food Truck specializes in vegan dishes alongside local cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Viequense offers delicious local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Don Miguel’s offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Popular platforms include Amazon and local sellers via social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local grocery stores offer delivery; check with local services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Esperanza is the hotspot for nightlife, with beachside bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery offerings are limited; local bars often serve craft beers from Puerto Rico. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are no dedicated wine bars; most restaurants offer a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls at the local market sell traditional snacks and drinks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many places offer a mix of cuisines, including Italian and American; check out El Quenepo. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Faro de Vieques lighthouse and Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust provides insights into the island's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The remains of the U.S. Navy’s presence and old sugar mills are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vieques Carnival in February is a vibrant celebration featuring parades and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Isabel Segunda is the cultural heart with local markets and art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events often take place at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Vieques Farmer’s Market for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like The Al's Lounge, featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in Esperanza; local artists contribute to the island’s vibrant art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes focused on Puerto Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Espresso Art Gallery showcases local artists’ works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings in Isabel Segunda reflect the island's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Vieques has a rich cultural heritage evident through its traditions and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge consists of beautiful landscapes and walking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby is the El Yunque National Forest, accessible via ferry and car. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several designated bike paths are available along the coastal routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the Faro de Vieques offers stunning views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great birdwatching can be had in the wildlife refuge; look for endemic species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfire gatherings are allowed on the beaches, including at Sun Bay. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | USPS and FedEx services are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; some local shops offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check local community centers for recreational table tennis opportunities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are often taught in local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Vieques Public Library offers a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers host cultural events and classes throughout the year. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; local cafes sometimes feature gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; entertainment is primarily local. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $125,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = $165,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = $127,500) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 100 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 100 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | In Puerto Rico, corporate tax rates vary; the standard is approximately 37.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is typically around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Puerto Rico has its own tax system; tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The sales tax is 11.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Puerto Rico does have CFC rules affecting its taxation policies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are generally around 1.5% of the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Puerto Rico offers tax incentives through Acts 20 and 22 for newcomers. |