Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bocas del Toro is an archipelago located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3,000 residents in Bocas Town, with a much larger number of seasonal visitors. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, suitable for basic remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD), with 1 USD ≈ 1 PAB. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro and Digicel, with good coverage in Bocas del Toro. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Multibank and Global Bank accept international accounts; Revolut is gaining popularity. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to boutique hotels, with Airbnb also prevalent in the area. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most restaurants, but cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have numerous listings in Bocas del Toro. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bocas is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bocas Town offers vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and easy access to tours. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Isla Carenero provides a quieter atmosphere with coworking spots and a community of remote workers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bocas Surf School & CoWork is a popular spot for remote workers with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Panaderia La Buga offers a cozy atmosphere and good coffee for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups are held at local bars, check local Facebook groups for schedules. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Bocas Del Toro Expats group on Facebook organizes various social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are common; no major ride apps are available yet. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at several places in Bocas Town. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Red Frog Beach is one of the most accessible and beautiful nearby beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama connects Bocas del Toro to Panama City regularly. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines and American Airlines offer flights to and from Bocas del Toro. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | No highways; transportation is primarily by boat or small planes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; travel is by boats or local taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport options, mainly small buses and boats. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boats connect the islands, and local shuttles are available to get to different areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Tropical Medicine Clinic serves as the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bocas Breathe offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are limited gym facilities, but local parks can be used for exercise. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Pick-up and drop-off laundry services are available through local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | There are no major food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rondon is a traditional coconut milk soup with seafood, a must-try in Bocas. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Blue Coconut Cafe offers vegetarian options and fresh juices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tasty Waves offers a variety of delicious desserts and smoothies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local mercado offers fresh fruits and affordable grocery options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Panama, although shipping times may vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local shops offer delivery services; check with individual vendors. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bocas Town offers a range of bars, with Aqua Lounge being one of the most popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed in Bocas offers local craft beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca Bocas offers a selection of wines for enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bocas Town has many street vendors offering fish tacos and fresh ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza, sushi, and seafood restaurants are popular among locals and tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The sign of Bocas del Toro and the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural Center of Bocas del Toro offers local art exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic buildings in Bocas Town reflect colonial influence. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic Church of Bocas del Toro is a local architectural highlight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bocas del Toro Film Festival showcases local and international films. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bocas Town features cultural spots with local crafts and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances may be seen at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Mercado in Bocas Town is a great spot for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is popular in many bars and restaurants, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout Bocas Town, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered by local chefs focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their works in small galleries around Bocas. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many wooden buildings in Bocas Town have historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ngäbe-Buglé culture and Afro-Panamanian influences are central to the local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park offers stunning nature and marine life. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Bocas del Toro National Park is known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths are available on the islands for exploring nature. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points around the islands provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The rainforests and wetlands are great for birdwatching, particularly for toucans and parrots. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services and hotels can assist with shipping, but options are limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | There are a few local shops that offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools offer lessons for expats and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited study spots, some cafes provide a quiet environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and workshops for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options for gaming; internet cafes are sometimes used. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Bocas del Toro. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) in central Bocas. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) in central Bocas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) in suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) in central Bocas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on corporate profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applies to dividends distributed. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income earned within Panama is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over $50,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations regarding foreign earnings. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 1% of the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is a 2% tax on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income, making it attractive for digital nomads. |