Playa Venao, Panama 🇵🇦
#2052
8.89256, -79.608971
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa Venao is a picturesque beach town located on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, known for its surfing and laid-back vibe. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps; some coworking spaces and accommodations offer faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency). ATMs are available, but fees may apply. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Claro and Movistar; prepaid SIM cards available with plans starting around $10. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted; also available: local banks for additional services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hostels to luxury resorts. Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, restaurants and shops generally accept cards, but carrying cash is advisable for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Major platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have listings in Playa Venao, with prices starting from $40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Playa Venao, with rates as low as $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Surf Shack - Offers a creative atmosphere with high-speed internet, located near the beach. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Riba Smith - A cozy café with free Wi-Fi and a great selection of pastries. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional surf meetups and wellness workshops; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Playa Venao has an expat community with events organized through social media; look for the Facebook group 'Playa Venao Expats'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but no dedicated ride-sharing apps like Uber exist. Negotiate fares in advance. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals; expect to pay around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Venao itself is the best beach, known for its surf breaks. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama offers regional flights from Albrook (PAC) to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines and American Airlines operate from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Pan-American Highway; approximately 4 hours from Panama City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; bus services are the primary means of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; frequent buses operate between Playa Venao and major cities. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared shuttles are available to nearby towns like Las Tablas and Pedasi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Centro de Salud in nearby Pedasi offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Playa Venao Yoga offers classes and retreats tailored for wellness enthusiasts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Playa Venao offers gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats in nearby towns; service typically takes a day or two. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa operates in Playa Venao, offering delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho - A traditional panamanian chicken soup is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Beach House offers varied vegetarian options and fresh smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Boulangerie has delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Pedasi provide fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon can deliver to Playa Venao, but expect longer shipping times. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets like Riba Smith offer delivery services, mainly in Las Tablas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Surf Shack Bar is popular for nightlife and serves cocktails and local brews. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Rana Dorada is a craft brewery offering tours and tastings in Panama City. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few dedicated wine bars; local restaurants often have limited wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for local vendors near the beach during weekends for fresh seafood and snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer pizza, burgers, and seafood options along the beach. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the surf break at Playa Venao and the nearby Los Destiladeros beach. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Small local galleries showcase Panamanian art; best visited in Pedasi. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic town of Las Tablas, known for its cultural heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Small chapels and local churches reflect the area's cultural roots. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The national holiday celebrations in November offer a glimpse into local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Playa Venao's beachfront showcases a mix of local and expat vibes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are held in Pedasi; check local postings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Las Tablas hosts vibrant local markets, particularly on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands play at bars and restaurants; live music often features on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local communities organize small exhibitions. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools in nearby towns offer traditional cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work at small galleries in nearby Pedasi. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Panamanian architecture can be found in Pedasi. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Experience local festivals celebrating Panamanian culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore Parque Nacional Cerro Hoya, a protected area with stunning views and biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Hoya National Park is ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails along the coast and through the hills offer beautiful views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradores along the cliffs provide breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural reserves nearby are excellent for birdwatching, especially migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post office services are available for package delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited services for tech; best options found in Las Tablas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools in nearby Pedasi offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited options; best to use local cafes for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host events and activities for all ages. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges exist; some bars may have console setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the immediate area; nearest is in Panama City. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial income tax system; only income earned within Panama is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over $50,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Panama has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is low; typically around 1% annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2% on the sale value of the property. |