Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa Venao is a small beach town located on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, known for its surfing, eco-tourism, and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with some co-working spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD), with an exchange rate of 1 PAB = 1 USD. ATMs are available but can be limited in remote areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile service providers include Claro and Movistar, offers plans that provide data packages suitable for digital nomads. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include cash and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard); mobile banking apps are also widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including beachfront hostels, bungalows, and private rentals available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; cards accepted in major establishments, but cash is needed in local markets and some smaller venues. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per night for unique stays on or near the beach. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and shared accommodations start around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Beachfront areas near the surf spots are popular for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Stay near La Playa Venao Hotel or Selina, offering co-working spaces and community activities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Playa Venao offers co-working spaces with fast internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bocas serves great coffee and has a friendly environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups and social events occur regularly, especially hosted by Selina. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Panama' host regular events in Playa Venao. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in some areas, but local taxis are more common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at local shops; prices start at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Venao is the most popular beach; known for its great surf and beautiful scenery. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama operates flights connecting to smaller regional airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines is the main international carrier, with connections to the USA and beyond. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access is via the Pan-American Highway, which connects all major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Not applicable; Playa Venao does not have a train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses can be hailed for local travel, with fares around $1 to nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate from Las Tablas and Pedasí, popular destinations for day trips. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Santo Tomas in Las Tablas is the nearest full-service hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Riviera Wellness offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms available, but facilities are limited; many residents opt for beach workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; larger hotels offer laundry services for guests. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available in Playa Venao for takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho (chicken soup) and ceviche are popular local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants such as 'El Sitio' offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Las Delicias serves tasty pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in nearby towns offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Panama; local options like Pacífica are also available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets provide delivery; prices may vary. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars by the beach popular for socializing and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Panama Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wines from nearby regions are available in various bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach offer affordable snacks and fresh coconuts. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve Italian and seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The natural beauty of Playa Venao and surrounding coastline are its main attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural experiences often include local art galleries in Las Tablas. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby town of Pedasí features historic colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches reflect the community's cultural heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local surf competitions and fishing festivals take place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local artisan markets showcase Panamanian crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances may be found at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local markets in Las Tablas are worth exploring for authentic crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often features in local bars, focusing on Latin and Caribbean genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists contribute murals and street art around urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered locally to learn traditional Panamanian recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries near Pedasí showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Converted colonial houses and town squares reflect Panamanian history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural celebrations and festivals reflect the rich heritage of the Azuero Peninsula. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | La Chorrera waterfall and nearby nature reserves offer opportunities for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Marquesas Islands National Park and others are accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coastline and inland provide scenic options. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various spots along the beach offer breathtaking sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the nearby mangroves and wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beachfront areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Major companies like DHL operate in Panama for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Las Tablas handle basic electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs occasionally have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are offered locally for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers have reading areas; no dedicated libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events are hosted in local social halls. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited local gaming options; most gaming done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Las Tablas features a few small gaming venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m², with small studios starting around $100,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Average of $1,800 per m², nearby properties less than $80,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Around $2,300 per m²; 1-bedroom apartments from $130,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m²; starting prices around $90,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m²; typical costs begin at $160,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around $1,700 per m²; properties from $140,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, taxing only income generated within Panama. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax (ITBMS) is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax for properties over $30,000. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on the purchase price of real estate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign-sourced income, appealing for remote workers. |