San Juan de la Maguana City Guide
Image by NacionRD via wikipedia

Dominican Republic

San Juan de la Maguana City Guide

San Juan Province

San Juan de la Maguana is in the western part of the Dominican Republic, known for its agricultural roots. It's less touristic, offering authentic Dominican life with historical ties to the Taino and early colonists. Ideal for cultural immersion, but expect fewer amenities than larger cities.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Limited
5

Traditional Dominican cuisine is popular, try 'La Bandera' or 'Sancocho.' Veggie options are rare but possible on request.

Local Dishes:
La Bandera, Sancocho
International Cuisine:
Pizza, Chinese
🌙
Nightlife
Poor
3

Nightlife is simple, focused on local bars and gatherings, not big on clubs.

Coffee Culture
Good
6

Coffee is a staple, and local cafes reflect traditional tastes, less on specialty.

💰
Tipping
Required
10%

A 10% service charge is standard, but additional tipping appreciated. Not customary for taxis.

Top Attractions
Plaza Anacaona
Historic
A historic and central spot in the city.
Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
Religious
A significant religious landmark.
Maguana Ceremonial Center
Cultural
An archaeological site reflecting Taino culture.
SIM Cards

Buy local SIMs from Claro or Altice at airports or bigger towns, possibly available in local stores.

Available at:
Claro
Altice
Recommended Apps
WhatsApp(Communication)
Uber(Transportation)
Indrive(Transportation)
Google Maps(Navigation)
Banco Popular/Banreservas apps(Banking)
Glovo/PedidosYa(Food Delivery)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Limited
5

Street cleanliness varies; some litter noticed. Waste infrastructure is less developed.

24/7 Services
Poor
3

Limited 24/7 options; only some 'colmados' may operate late.

Groceries
Jumbo
La Sirena

International goods are limited, but basics are there. Local 'colmados' and markets are everywhere for fresh produce.

Cashless Payments
Cash preferred

Cash is often necessary for local transactions. Some supermarkets may accept cards, but carry cash.

ATMs

ATMs are available, mainly via major banks like Banco Popular. Fees can apply, especially for international cards. Use bank-affiliated ATMs during business hours for security.

Schools
Local only

Most schools teach in Spanish. Limited options for English instruction or international schools.

Available Schools:
Liceo Pedro Henríquez Ureña
Colegio Católico San Juan Bosco

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Not Available
Work-Friendly Cafés
Poor
Digital Nomad Community
Poor
1

Not known for digital nomads. Dedicated community is unlikely.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Good
6

Local parks provide shaded areas, suitable for relaxing or exercise.

Running
Limited
5

Popular routes include local roads, with good air quality outside traffic areas.

Gyms
Not Available

Few modern gyms, fitness likely limited to outdoor areas.

Tennis
Poor
0

Information on public tennis courts is limited.

Padel
Poor
0

Padel facilities information is unavailable.

Yoga
Poor
0

Dedicated studios are likely limited or non-existent.

Martial Arts
Poor
0

Specific martial arts facilities aren't well-known.

Skiing
Poor
0

No skiing facilities in the Dominican Republic.

Water Sports
Poor
0

No organized water sports due to inland location.

Surfing
Poor
0

Inland location means surfing isn't an option.

Diving
Poor
0

Inland, so diving isn't available.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Poor
3

Facilities are basic compared to bigger cities. For serious issues, travel to Santo Domingo might be needed.

Hospitals:
Hospital Dr. Alejandro Cabral
Clinica de Especialidades Medicas San Juan
Pharmacies:
Farmacia Carol
Farmacia Medicar GBC
Tap Water Safety
Not recommended

Tap water is not safe for drinking. Stick to bottled water.

Common Scams
Taxi scams, Tourist price inflation, Petty theft

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Poor
3

Family activities revolve around parks. Facilities specific to families are not well-documented.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Limited
4

Conservative attitudes prevail in rural areas. Legal protections are evolving but variable.

Pet Friendly
Poor
3

Less pet-friendly than tourist areas. Veterinary services may be basic.

Communities
Facebook Expats Groups (Social)
Local WhatsApp Groups (Communication)

Quick Facts

Population
169,032
Power Reliability
Limited
4/10

Power can be inconsistent with common blackouts. Many use generators or inverters.

Mountains
Available

In a valley surrounded by mountains offering hiking opportunities.

Languages
Spanish(99%)
English(5%)
Emergency
911
General Emergencies
809-682-2151
Police

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
2
🏔️
Earthquake
High Risk
7

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Hurricane Season
June, July, August, September, October, November
Heavy rains and winds can occur during these months.
Extreme Heat
July, August
These months can be very hot and humid.

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