Bocas del Toro, Panama 🇵🇦
#1895
9.340296, -82.241816
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bocas del Toro is an archipelago and town in Panama known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and Caribbean lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 6,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (Panamanian Balboa is pegged to the USD). Local banks such as Banco General and Global Bank are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Claro and Movistar provide mobile services, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Varied options available including hostels, hotels, and Airbnb. Prices range from $15 for dorms to $100+ for hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred in many local establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with average prices around $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Heiko and Pensión La Casa offer budget-friendly beds starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | L'Abri Co-Working, offering good WiFi and a vibrant atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar provides a cozy environment with reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups are organized via Facebook groups such as 'Bocas Digital Nomads'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at The Pub and Red Frog Beach, promoting community interaction. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local taxis are abundant and inexpensive. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available from places like Bocas Bike Rentals, costing around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Starfish Beach is just a short boat ride away, renowned for its picturesque scenery. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama operates flights to Bocas del Toro from Panama City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines serves international flights connecting to Bocas del Toro via domestic flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited to boat and small ferry services connecting the islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; public transport primarily consists of water taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; transport is generally pay-per-trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Water taxis and ferries connect Bocas Town with surrounding islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Comunitario de Bocas del Toro provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Surf Bocas offers classes for relaxation and fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Bocas offers memberships starting from $25 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats, including Lavanderia Bocas, are available, charging about $5 for a standard load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and local restaurants offer delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rondón, a traditional fish and coconut stew, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café del Mar offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasta y Basta is famous for its delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bocas del Toro Market where locals sell fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Panama City, and local shops provide an array of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | El Rey Supermarket offers delivery options for online orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Isla Bastimentos is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially at The Black Goat. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bocas Brewery offers local craft beers with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | While limited, some restaurants serve a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit local vendors at the Bocas Town plaza for delicious street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve a mix of Italian and Caribbean cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bocas Town's colorful architecture and the iconic Red Frog Beach. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bocas del Toro Cultural Center showcases local art and heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Bank building in Bocas Town is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bocas del Toro Church is a point of interest in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bocas del Toro International Film Festival is a highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bocas Town's waterfront area is vibrant with local culture and shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host various performances, including cultural dances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bocas Market provides local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at various bars along the main strip. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be seen throughout Bocas Town, adding to its charm. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local culinary schools focusing on traditional Panamanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bocas del Toro has various small galleries featuring local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Bocas Town has preserved many old colonial buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The indigenous culture of the Ngobe-Bugle community is celebrated throughout the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Amistad International Park is accessible for hiking and wildlife exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths are available, especially on Isla Bastimentos. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The point at the end of the road on Isla Bastimentos offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bird watching is popular in the parks, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Red Frog Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services and DHL offer reliable shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair services are available in Bocas Town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check out the community center for ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language courses are offered for expats by local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library provides quiet study spaces, though limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events often occur at the local cultural center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Computer gaming facilities are limited but found in some cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present; gaming is primarily through social events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs around $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs around $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment costs around $96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment costs around $84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment costs around $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment costs around $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on the income earned within the country. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Panama's maximum rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules exist to prevent tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value at various rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for properties exceeding $30,000. |