Porlamar, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#1829
10.963583, -63.84645
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Porlamar is the largest city on Margarita Island and serves as its main tourist hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 150,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VES (as of November 2024). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 120V, 60Hz with type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Movistar and Digitel. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Many international banks are not present, but local banks like Banco de Venezuela accept cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings, with prices ranging from $15 to $80 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred and more widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, along with other vacation rental services. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hostels start around $10 per night in shared dorms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited; consider working from cafes like Café Plaza. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Plaza is favored for its Wi-Fi and atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups; these happen sporadically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events in expatriate communities via social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available locally, but no official rideshare apps operate. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike/scooter rentals; consider local bike shops for rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Agua is the most popular beach nearby, about 25 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Conviasa and Avior Airlines operate locally. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are limited; most travelers connect through Caracas. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect to various areas of Margarita Island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local public transportation includes buses, but they can be infrequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transport passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are primary modes for regional travel; shared taxis are common. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital El Espíritu Santo is a notable healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at various local gyms. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Fitness Center Porlamar are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Numerous laundries available in town; prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local apps are limited; use WhatsApp for delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Arepas' and 'Pabellón Criollo' for local flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Sierra restaurant offers vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Plaza for local desserts like Tres Leches. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Porlamar for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; use MercadoLibre Venezuela. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options, but local stores may offer limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Av. 4 de Mayo has a variety of bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Dificil is a local brewery worth tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine-specific venues; check local restaurants for imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls sell snacks like empanadas and are popular among locals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias are common; try 'Pizzeria La Galera'. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Fortín La Galera for stunning ocean views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Caribe showcases regional art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the colonial architecture in the town center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Porlamar is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival celebrations in February are vibrant and colorful. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Valle is known for its local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de la Mar offers local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Porlamar is excellent for souvenir shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars offer live music; check out La Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals around town, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available, often highlighted in tourism brochures. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery C. K. Caceres exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | La Asunción has historical significance and buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural influence from indigenous and European ancestry prevalent throughout. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Parque Nacional Laguna de La Restinga offers beautiful trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Margarita Island is home to several parks including El Parque Nacional. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal pathways ideal for walking and biking along the beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Punta de Piedras is stunning at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna de La Restinga is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local beaches typically allow bonfires; check with authorities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Venezuela operate locally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Porlamar can repair basic electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish lessons; check online listings. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available for study; a good option is Biblioteca Pública de Porlamar. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Porlamar hosts various activities for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; local cyber cafes may have some gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos like Ocean Club are available for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,150 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $92,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on income; expatriates may have specific requirements. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxation may apply, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 2% to 5% during property purchases. |