Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Boquete is a picturesque mountain town located in the Chiriquí Province of Panama. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 6,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately 1 USD (Panama uses the US dollar). Most banks offer services in English. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable, but some prefer filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banistmo and Global Bank are common; international services like Wise are also used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals, Airbnb, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de L 액име is a popular budget option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Boquete is vibrant with restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the main square and coffee shops with good internet. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Haven is a well-reviewed coworking space with reliable internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ruiz offers great coffee and a strong Wi-Fi connection. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are held at The Boquete Community Foundation. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats of Boquete Facebook group offers updates on gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but Uber operates in nearby David. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found at local shops like Boquete Bike; no scooter rentals available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Las Lajas, is about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama connects Boquete with David and other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines is the main international carrier serving Panama City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Frente a Banistmo connects to the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local buses operate from the central market area. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are affordable; no specific passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to David and other nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Chiriquí in David is the closest major hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga & Wellness Center offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Boquete Gym offers basic equipment and health classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Boquete provides wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants offer delivery; no specific apps dominate. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sancocho', a traditional chicken soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Bridge Bar & Grill offers diverse vegan and vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar & Spice Bakery is famous for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Feria de Boquete offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Panama, and local shops offer general online services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Riba Smith and Super 99 offer shopping and limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Frances offers great nightlife with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Buga produces craft beer with local ingredients. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar in downtown Boquete has a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer fresh fruit and 'bocadillos' around the town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Plenty of restaurants offer Italian, American, and Chinese delicacies. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Boquete Tree Trek offers zip-lining and nature walks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Boquete Art Gallery showcases local talent. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 500-year-old La Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is worth a visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is the main church in Boquete. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival occurs every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Boquete features artsy shops and studios. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Café Retiro holds regular live music events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Boquete Market Day every Saturday offers fresh produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars draws a mix of locals and expats. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the downtown area, adding to the charm. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Institute of Boquete offers cooking classes featuring local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Arte y Cafe showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town features charming architecture dating back to the early 20th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local coffee culture is a key feature of Boquete's identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Quetzales National Park offers beautiful scenery and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Punta and Volcan Baru National Parks are within reach for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails along the river provide stunning views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Los Cangilones offers panoramic views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Finca Lérida is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Select areas along the Caldera River are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Boquete Electronics can assist with repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Boquete Library provides a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Boquete Community Foundation organizes various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes offer gaming opportunities; best in David. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby David has local casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $50,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on company profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Panama operates a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income above $50,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Panama has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is low, around 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income if not earned in Panama. |