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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Capital of Panama; known for its modern skyline and the Panama Canal. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD; US Dollar is the official currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink but recommended to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro, Movistar, and Digicel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include HSBC, Banistmo, and Global Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local options available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely available; average cost is around $40-$100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Luna’s Castle and Casa Anita offer budget stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Casco Viejo; known for its historic sites and vibrant nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Obarrio; offers a mix of cafes, coworking spaces, and apartments. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Panama; great community and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Unido; excellent coffee and reliable WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com groups for entrepreneurs and remote workers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Panama Expats Facebook group for gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber; reliable and widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Try SuperBike for scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Veracruz; about 30 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama; connects to internal destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines; main carrier connecting to North and South America. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | InterAmerican Highway (Pan-American Highway) provides major access. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Albrook Terminal; serves buses and transportation options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MetroBus cards can be purchased for local transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to Colón, David, and other regional cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Punta Pacifica; private facility affiliated with Johns Hopkins. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zoe Yoga; offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bally's Fitness; widespread locations and membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Estrella; reliable and affordable services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats; wide selection of restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho; a traditional chicken soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Verde; dedicated vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dolce Italia; famous for its gelato and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Mariscos; fresh seafood market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | PanamaBuy; local online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi; grocery and food delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle Uruguay; popular for bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Casa Bruja; craft brewery with tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca; known for its selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Casco Viejo offer fresh ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Los del Bocas; famous for its fusion food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Panama Canal; an engineering marvel. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Biomuseo; showcases biodiversity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casco Viejo; UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Metropolitan Cathedral; stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival; vibrant celebrations every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Casco Viejo; rich in history and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional; features performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Mercado de Santa Ana; local food and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz Fest; annual events showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Estudios de Arte; murals throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Panama; offers classes in traditional Panamanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte Indigena; features indigenous art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de las Garzas; the President's office. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Kuna and Ngabe tribes; rich cultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Metropolitan National Park; close access to nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Soberania National Park; known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cinta Costera; scenic coastal walkway. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ancon Hill; offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pipeline Road; popular for birdwatching tours. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Serena; allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx; both available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Panama Tech; offers a variety of tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club at Balboa; facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes at Habla Ya; popular with expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional; good resources for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa Cultural Huella; hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geek House; a popular spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Sortis Hotel & Casino; features gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $112,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $156,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for local companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends paid. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local taxes are on a territorial basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over $100,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Panama does not impose CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the property value above $30,000. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on the value of the property purchased. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives available through the Friendly Nations Visa. |