Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#1472
10.202861, -64.630762
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto La Cruz is a coastal city located in the Anzoátegui state of Venezuela, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant port. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average upload speed of 10 Mbps and download speed of 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). 1 USD ≈ 4.5 VES (as of November 2024). Many banks have limited services for foreign cardholders. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is unstable; common voltage is 120V with frequency 60Hz. Type A and B plugs are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Digitel are the main mobile providers, offering prepaid SIM cards with data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | It’s advisable to use international banking apps like Revolut or Wise for better rates and to avoid conversion issues. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Common platforms for lodging include Airbnb and local real estate sites offering short-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred, and credit cards may not be widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel option: La Posada de Simon from about $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWO Puerto La Cruz - a quiet space with reliable internet, available for a daily fee of around $10. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Isla – Offers free Wi-Fi and power outlets; famous for their coffee and pastries. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat meetups on social media platforms and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various cultural events can be found in local community centers; check Facebook for updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Locally used apps include 'Taxi Fácil' for quick transport within the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are scarce, but scooters can be rented from local shops around the port. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Los Cocos, located about 15 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avior Airlines provides regional flight services. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AVENSA (Aerolíneas Venezolanas) connects to other countries, though options are increasingly limited. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Autopista Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, connecting to Caracas and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Puerto La Cruz does not have a train system; buses and taxis are primary modes of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses charge around 1,000 VES for rides, with no specific pass system in place. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for travel to nearby cities like Barcelona and Anaco. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario Dr. Luis Razetti provides general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Estudio Puerto La Cruz for classes, offering weekly sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Power Fit is a popular local gym with a variety of equipment available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Familia Lavandería offers laundry services starting at 500 VES per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com allows for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pabellón Criollo - a dish featuring shredded beef, rice, beans, and fried plantains. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante El Verde offers a diverse vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Tapa offers a variety of local ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermercado Unicasa provides affordable groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online shopping platform in Venezuela. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may have delivery options, but they are very limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle Sucre is a popular nightlife area with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Social produces local craft beers; ask for a tasting session. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Corner offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | La Calle del Sabor features various vendors selling traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Sol de Venezuela offers a mix of Latin American cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | La Playa Lido is famous for stunning sunset views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Puerto La Cruz showcases the city's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia San Juan Bautista is an important historical landmark in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Juan Bautista Cathedral is a prominent religious site in Puerto La Cruz. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen is celebrated every July with vibrant parades. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Paseo de La Cruz is a popular spot for cultural activities and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Center of Puerto La Cruz holds various performances and community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal de Puerto La Cruz offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music events can be found at local venues like Café de Las Artes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals in the La Isla neighborhood for vibrant local art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | At Casa de Comidas, cooking classes are offered to learn Venezuelan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Puerto La Cruz hosts exhibitions of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Edificio Cayo de Agua reflects the architecture of the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Puerto La Cruz is known for its rich maritime traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional Mochima offers stunning landscapes and is great for hiking and diving. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Mochima is a protected area known for its coastal scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Path is ideal for walking and biking alongside the shore. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Chorreron offers beautiful views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mochima National Park is also ideal for birdwatching, with diverse wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Playa Pantaleta allow for safe bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services like Correos de Venezuela provide basic delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local shops offer basic tech repairs; check Avenida Municipal. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools are available, particularly around the downtown area. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library near Plaza Bolivar offers a quiet space for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural del Puerto hosts various community activities and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local arcade games are found at Centro Comercial Puerto La Cruz. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Puerto La Cruz offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $34,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for registered businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Currently, 34% for both residents and non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 34% for the highest earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is currently at 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Venezuela has strict rules regarding foreign corporation taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% upon property purchase. |