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Guide
Panama City, Panama π΅π¦
#860
,
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Capital of Panama; known for its modern skyline and the Panama Canal. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 1.5 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average of 60 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD; US Dollar is the official currency. |
π° Tap Water | Generally safe to drink but recommended to use filtered water. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Claro, Movistar, and Digicel. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular services include HSBC, Banistmo, and Global Bank. |
π Accommodation | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local options available. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; cash is still commonly used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely available; average cost is around $40-$100 per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Lunaβs Castle and Casa Anita offer budget stays. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Casco Viejo; known for its historic sites and vibrant nightlife. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Obarrio; offers a mix of cafes, coworking spaces, and apartments. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Panama; great community and amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Unido; excellent coffee and reliable WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetup.com groups for entrepreneurs and remote workers. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Panama Expats Facebook group for gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber; reliable and widely used. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Try SuperBike for scooter rentals throughout the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Veracruz; about 30 minutes from downtown. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama; connects to internal destinations. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines; main carrier connecting to North and South America. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | InterAmerican Highway (Pan-American Highway) provides major access. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Albrook Terminal; serves buses and transportation options. |
π Public Transport Passes | MetroBus cards can be purchased for local transport. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses available to ColΓ³n, David, and other regional cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Punta Pacifica; private facility affiliated with Johns Hopkins. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zoe Yoga; offers classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bally's Fitness; widespread locations and membership options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa La Estrella; reliable and affordable services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats; wide selection of restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho; a traditional chicken soup. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Verde; dedicated vegan menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Dolce Italia; famous for its gelato and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Mariscos; fresh seafood market. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | PanamaBuy; local online shopping platform. |
π Grocery Delivery | Rappi; grocery and food delivery service. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle Uruguay; popular for bars and nightclubs. |
π» Local Brewery | Casa Bruja; craft brewery with tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinoteca; known for its selection of international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Casco Viejo offer fresh ceviche. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Los del Bocas; famous for its fusion food. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Panama Canal; an engineering marvel. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Biomuseo; showcases biodiversity. |
π° Historical Sites | Casco Viejo; UNESCO World Heritage site. |
π Religious Sites | Metropolitan Cathedral; stunning architecture. |
π Annual Events | Carnival; vibrant celebrations every February. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Casco Viejo; rich in history and culture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional; features performances and concerts. |
ποΈ Local Markets | El Mercado de Santa Ana; local food and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Jazz Fest; annual events showcasing local talent. |
π¨ Street Art | Estudios de Arte; murals throughout the city. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking Panama; offers classes in traditional Panamanian cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte Indigena; features indigenous art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Palacio de las Garzas; the President's office. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Kuna and Ngabe tribes; rich cultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Metropolitan National Park; close access to nature trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Soberania National Park; known for its biodiversity. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Cinta Costera; scenic coastal walkway. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Ancon Hill; offers panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Pipeline Road; popular for birdwatching tours. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Serena; allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx; both available for international shipping. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Panama Tech; offers a variety of tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club at Balboa; facilities available. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanish classes at Habla Ya; popular with expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional; good resources for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Casa Cultural Huella; hosts various community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Geek House; a popular spot for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Sortis Hotel & Casino; features gaming and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $112,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $80,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $156,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $192,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $128,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% for local companies. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends paid. |
π¦ Tax System | Local taxes are on a territorial basis. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over $100,000. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Panama does not impose CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | 1% of the property value above $30,000. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% on the value of the property purchased. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives available through the Friendly Nations Visa. |