Porlamar, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#1829
,
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Porlamar is the largest city on Margarita Island and is known for its beautiful beaches and lively tourism atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 25 Mbps; availability varies. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 8 VES. Transactions can often be conducted in USD due to inflation. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Digitel are the main mobile providers; prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | US dollars are widely accepted; local banks may have limited services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local listings; prices range from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are preferred and often necessary. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are common; average cost is about $30 a night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options and guesthouses can be found, starting around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Playa El Agua is popular for beach access and tourist amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Centro de Porlamar is ideal for its amenities and proximity to coworkers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Naranja offers a quiet workspace and decent Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café malé offers good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups occur occasionally in cafes and bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Follow 'Expat Life in Margarita' on Facebook for updates on gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local taxi services are available; prices are typically higher for ride apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at local shops; starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Agua, renowned for its beauty and amenities, is easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Conviasa offers regional flights between Margarita and mainland Venezuela. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Venezolana de Aviación has international flights to a limited number of destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connects Porlamar to major locations on Margarita Island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport primarily consists of buses and informal taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and colectivos are available for travel between towns on the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Luis Ortega, offering basic health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Margarita Yoga offers classes focusing on relaxation and fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sportcity Gym provides fitness equipment and classes; monthly membership around $20. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer wash and fold service, prices around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is a prominent food delivery service in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pabellón Criollo, a traditional Venezuelan dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some restaurants in Porlamar offer vegetarian dishes, but options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulangerie offers delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Porlamar provide fresh produce and artisan goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Not widely available; local shopping is more common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local stores offer delivery services, but options are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife district is concentrated in Playa El Agua with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Margarita craft brewery offers local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and dine at local restaurants that import international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors at local markets serve traditional Venezuelan street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many cafes and restaurants serve Italian, French, and local variations. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Valle is a beautiful landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Mar offers insights into local aquatic life and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Coche Island's remains of colonial structures attract visitors. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San José is a popular historic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival celebrations bring lively festivities each February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Porlamar’s promenade is filled with local artisans and cultural displays. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Teatro de la Cultura hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Plaza Borracho is a vibrant market area with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at local bars, playing Venezuelan folk and salsa. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found across the city depicting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offering Venezuelan cuisine are available at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists exhibit their work in small galleries throughout the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-style buildings are scattered across Porlamar, showcasing its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The merging of indigenous and Spanish cultures is reflected in local festivals and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque El Agua is a popular water park and nature spot nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cayo de Agua is a protected area known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along Playa El Agua offer scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador La Guardia offers beautiful views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various spots in Parque Nacional Mochima are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL operate in the area for parcel shipment. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic stores offer basic repair for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local parks have ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes for expats and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries offer reading areas, but resources are limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers organize community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes have gaming setups for casual gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are several casinos in Porlamar, popular among tourists. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 34% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on distributed profits. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system with rates up to 34%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 34%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Venezuela has CFC rules for local and foreign taxes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | A minimal property tax is based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Limited tax obligations if income is sourced from outside Venezuela. |