David, Panama 🇵🇦
#863
8.437146, -82.428628
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | David is the capital city of the Chiriquí Province in Panama, known for its pleasant climate and proximity to coffee plantations and mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Panamanian balboa (PAB) and US dollars (USD). 1 USD ≈ 1 PAB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable, but it's advisable to use purified water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Claro and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco General and Banistmo are widely used, and international services like TransferWise are accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and apartments available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com provide a variety of short-term rental options in David. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa de la Fuente offers affordable lodging starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Chiriquí is a popular spot among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sucre offers high-speed Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for events hosted on platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in David' Facebook group for gatherings and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area but also consider local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at various shops in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa La Barqueta is the closest beach, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama provides regional flights connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines serves as the major international carrier. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American Highway offers direct access to neighboring areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | David has a bus terminal offering transit to various parts of the country. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single bus fares typically cost $0.25 within the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect David to nearby towns and tourist destinations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Chiriquí is the main healthcare facility in David. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Acción offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit is a popular gym chain with locations in David. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Autoservicio washes and dries clothes quickly for around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats operate in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho, a traditional chicken soup with roots in Panamanian culture. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like El Jardín offer plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie El Café de la Plaza is known for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as Mercado de David, provide fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is available through platforms like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super 99 offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Walk down Avenida 3ra for a variety of bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Rana is a well-known local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café y Vino serves a nice selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious arepas and empanadas throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Tio Tom offer a mix of international dishes, including Italian and Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Catedral de San José and Parque de los Abuelos are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo de Historia Local showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic town of Boquete is a short drive away and rich in history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San José is a beautiful local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria de David is a key annual event showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Avenida 3ra area has various cultural venues and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional is a prominent venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local flea markets are frequently held on weekends in David. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look out for live music at venues like El Sabor de Nuestra Tierra. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found throughout David, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join workshops at Centro de Cultura y Artes to learn Panamanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería La Huella features works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit Palacio Municipal for its colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its rich Ngäbe-Buglé heritage through various festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Punta is a beautiful location for hiking and exploring nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Amistad International Park is a UNESCO site not far from David. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The park near Parque de los Abuelos has dedicated walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Boquete offers stunning views of the area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Quetzales National Park is a top spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Playa La Barqueta allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair, including phone and laptop services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have table tennis facilities available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes for foreigners throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca de David serves as a quiet space for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de David hosts various community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming spots can be found in local arcades. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino de David offers gaming opportunities for those interested. |
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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, taxing only income earned within Panama. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% (impuesto sobre la transferencia de bienes corporales muebles y sobre la prestación de servicios). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules apply in Panama. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax starts at 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The rate is 2% on property transactions. |