El Valle de Antón, Panama 🇵🇦

Nomad Score: 63%

Essentials

🏙️ City El Valle de Antón is a picturesque town located in a volcanic caldera, known for its lush greenery and climate.
👥 Population Approximately 5,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average speeds around 25-50 Mbps depending on location.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD) with 1 USD ≈ 0.84 EUR.
🚰 Tap Water Generally drinkable, but it is recommended to use bottled water.
🔌 Power 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets.
📶 SIM Card Movistar and Claro offer good coverage and prepaid plans.
💳 Banking for Expats Local banks like Banco Nacional, and international services like Wise are widely accepted.
🛌 Accommodation Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and smaller hotels like Hotel Campestre.
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, cards are accepted widely but having cash is advisable for small vendors.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local rental services are available, starting from $30 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostels like The Villa are available for budget travelers.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Coworking El Valle, offering a quiet environment and WiFi.
Best Cafe for Work Café Sabor y Vida, known for its coffee and peaceful ambiance.
💼 Networking Events Local expat meetups can be found through local Facebook groups.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Weekly yoga sessions and local artisan markets provide good networking opportunities.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App There's no major ride-sharing app; local taxis are available, and prices are negotiable.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals are available at local shops for around $10 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Playa Coronado, approximately 30 minutes away by car.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Panama, connecting El Valle with major Panamanian cities.
✈️ Top International Airline Copa Airlines, operates from Panamá City.
🛣️ Highway Access Pan-American Highway provides easy access to other regions.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There are no train services, but local buses connect to nearby towns.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Single fares around $0.25 for local buses.
✈️ Regional Travel Local buses to Panama City and other towns are available frequently.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital Airline and clinic for basic health needs in El Valle.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Shanti Yoga Studio offering classes for all levels.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness clubs local to the area include Gym El Valle.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundromats are available with personal drop-off services.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Glovo for local restaurant deliveries.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Sancocho, a traditional chicken soup, is a must-try.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Mochila Verde offers healthy vegetarian and vegan options.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Gelato Los Tres Gatos for handmade ice creams.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local market for fresh fruits and vegetables available every Sunday.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Amazon delivers to Panama, but local options like Riba Smith are also available.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Supermarket delivery services in nearby Coronado include Riba Smith.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife, but check out local bars such as Pizzeria El Valle.
🍻 Local Brewery Cervecería La Rana, known for local craft beers.
🍷 Wine Bars LA Casita offers a good selection of local wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Local vendors sell empanadas and fruit cups at the weekend market.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Many restaurants serve Italian and seafood, such as Restaurant Casita del Mar.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks La India Dormida, a mountain formation that resembles a sleeping woman.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues El Valle de Antón Art Gallery showcasing local artists.
🏰 Historical Sites Ancient petroglyphs can be found near the area.
🕍 Religious Sites The Church of El Valle, a beautiful local church.
🎉 Annual Events Carnival and local fairs occur in February.
🎨 Cultural Districts Local artisan markets are vital cultural hubs.
🎭 Theater Venues Check local schedules for performances at community centers.
🛍️ Local Markets Sunday market in the town square for local goods.
🎼 Music Scene Local live music events occur at various bars on weekends.
🎨 Street Art Local murals can be seen in the town center.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking classes available with local chefs focusing on traditional dishes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Local art gallery featuring tropical themed artworks.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Colonial homes reflect the region's history.
🏴 Local Heritage Strong visibility of indigenous cultures in crafts and tourism.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Chorro El Macho waterfall for hiking and swimming opportunities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Entrance to Volcán Barú National Park is approximately 1 hour away.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The scenic route to the waterfall is suitable for cycling and walking.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Mirador de La India offers breathtaking views of the town.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Unique birdwatching opportunities in the surrounding rainforests.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Public parks allow campfires in designated areas.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local courier services available for parcel delivery.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops providing phone and electronics repairs around the plaza.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Available at local community centers during events.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Spanish classes available at local language schools.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Local libraries are available but limited; many use cafes for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers Cultural and community engagement via local events in community halls.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; most use home gaming setups.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No formal casinos, but local betting shops are available.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 25% on net profits.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 20% on dividends to non-residents.
🏦 Tax System Territorial tax system; only Panamanian-sourced income is taxed.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 25% for individuals earning above $250,000.
🧾 VAT 7% standard rate.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, strict rules for foreign entities.
🏠 Property Tax Based on the property value; typically low.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax No tax is applied on property purchases.