Boquete, Panama 🇵🇦
#861
8.740749, -82.385383
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Boquete is a small town located in the Chiriquí Province of Panama, known for its cool climate, coffee plantation tours, and stunning natural scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 15-25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) which is pegged to the US dollar (USD). 1 PAB ≈ 1 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it is recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 110V, 60Hz. Standard Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro, Movistar, and Digicel. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks for expats include Banco General and Global Bank. ATMs widely accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local Airbnb rentals, serviced apartments, and guesthouses, ranging from $20 to $100 USD per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still preferred in smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies offer short-term rentals, generally starting from $600 per month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Boquete Oasis offer dormitory beds starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Haven, offering high-speed internet, a communal kitchen, and vibrant community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Casa de la Cultura serves great coffee and has a quiet atmosphere suitable for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Weekly meetups at The Haven and other expat community events via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at various restaurants and cafes, including wine tasting events and trivia nights. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby cities, but local taxis are common and can be hailed or booked by phone. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops such as Bici Boquete rent bikes for approximately $10 a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Isla Ballena, approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama flies to and from David and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines operates flights from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Pan-American Highway connects Boquete to major towns and cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Boquete is not served by train; buses are the main transport, operating from nearby David. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses (chivas) are affordable, costing around $1-2 USD for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently from Boquete to David and other nearby towns, costing around $1-3 USD. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Especialidades in nearby David offers a range of services and emergency care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Boquete Yoga offers regular classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like The Gym Boquete have reasonable membership fees, around $20-30 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local spots like Lavandería El Globo. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is available in urban areas, along with local restaurant delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sancocho', a traditional Panamanian chicken soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian cafes like The Garden serve plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar and Spice Bakery offers delightful pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local farmers markets are held weekly, providing fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Panama, often with local collection points available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super 99 offers grocery delivery services in Major Cities. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local favorites include Cuatro and The Fish House, with vibrant atmospheres. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Boquete Brewing Company offers locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out La Casa de la Cerveza for local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street vendors at the main plaza for affordable quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Mexican Grill serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the picturesque Boquete Tree Trek and the stunning Baru Volcano lookout. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local galleries feature works from resident artists, promoting Panamanian culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic town center of Boquete showcases colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of San Juan Bautista is notable for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival is held every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the charming streets for local artisan shops and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Café de Antano occasionally hosts community theater and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Boquete's Saturday Market is a great spot for organic goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars frequently have live music showcasing Panamanian artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the main plaza and cafe areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in local homes are offered for those interested in Panamanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out The Art Gallery at the Boquete Library for local exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station in Boquete is a significant historical area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The coffee-growing tradition is a key element of Boquete's cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Quetzales National Park is a must-visit for birdwatching and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Partners in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Amistad National Park offers stunning views and ecology. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails like the Pipeline Trail offer serene views and are great for hiking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Boquete offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Monteverde Cloud Forest is accessible and famous for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many campsites near rivers allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Mail Boxes Etc. offer parcel delivery and shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Boquete Electronics provide service support for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes suitable for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Boquete Library provides a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de La Cultura offers workshops and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | While not prevalent, some cafes offer gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos directly in Boquete, but David offers options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Panama has a territorial tax system; only income earned within Panama is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% standard sales tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable; Panama has a favorable tax regime for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on declared value; generally low rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on the property's value. |