Essentials
- City
- Santa Catalina, Veraguas, Panama
- Population
- Approximately 500 residents
- Internet Speed
- Average 10-25 Mbps via Starlink; local DSL is unreliable at 5 Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- USD (Balboa). 1 USD = 1 USD. No ATMs in town; nearest is in Soná (1.5 hours away)
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B. Frequent outages occur during rainy season
- SIM Card
- Tigo or Más Móvil. Tigo has the best coverage in town ($15 for 15 days unlimited data)
- Banking for Expats
- Banco Nacional or Banistmo (located in Soná). Most locals use cash or Clave cards
- Accommodation
- Surf camps, eco-lodges, and small guesthouses ($45 - $120/night)
- Cashless Friendly
- No, very cash-dependent. High-end hotels like Hotel Santa Catalina accept cards with 5-7% fee
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb options available ($800 - $1,500/month for basic casitas)
- Budget Accommodation
- Surfers Pausa or Bodhi Santa Catalina ($15 - $25/night for dorms)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Main Town/Beach (near Playa Estero for swimming or the point for surfing)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- The road towards Playa Estero for better quiet and residential feel
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Coiba Co-working (located at Hotel Santa Catalina, offers Starlink and AC)
- Best Cafe for Work
- Panachif for breakfast or Monas Lounge (decent Wi-Fi and power outlets)
- Networking Events
- Informal meetups at 'The Point' during sunset or surf sessions
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night gatherings at Pescao Restaurant or Yoga retreats at Waluaa
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps. Local 'fletes' (pickup trucks) operate as taxis. Ask around the main intersection.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Available at Oasis Surf Camp or many hostels for $10 - $15 per day
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Estero (beginner surfing/swimming) and Playa Santa Catalina (The Point)
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Panama (flights from Panama City to David or Chitre, then bus/car)
- Top International Airline
- Copa Airlines (flying into Tocumen International PTY)
- Highway Access
- Accessible via the Pan-American Highway to Santiago, then Route 20 through Soná
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Terminal de Buses in Santiago is the main transit point to Panama City
- Public Transport Passes
- Cash only on local 'Chivas' (minibuses). Soná to Santa Catalina is $4.65
- Regional Travel
- Direct shuttles to Boquete ($35) or Panama City ($45) via EasyBlueShuttle
Food and Drink
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Pargo Frito (Fried Snapper) with patacones at local 'Fondas'
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Sugar Mama's (smoothie bowls and healthy wraps)
- Best Dessert Spots
- Panachif (freshly baked pastries and bread)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mini Super Jennifer or Supermercado El Pueblo for basic supplies
- E-commerce/Online Store
- No direct delivery. Items are shipped via Uno Express to Soná or Santiago
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available. Residents often drive to Santiago for major grocery hauls at Super 99
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Monas Lounge and Pescao (mostly weekend focused and chilled)
- Local Brewery
- No local brewery; Balboa and Atlas are the standard local lagers found everywhere
- Wine Bars
- Sol y Mar offers a decent wine list for the area
- Street Food Stalls
- Empanada stands near the main 'Chiva' stop in the morning ($0.50 - $1.00)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Pizzeria Jammin (Authentic Italian wood-fired pizza)
- Best Food Delivery App
- None available. Most places are within walking distance.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Coiba National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Museums & Art Venues
- None in Santa Catalina; limited to artisanal crafts sold at the beach
- Historical Sites
- Ruins of the old penal colony on Coiba Island
- Religious Sites
- Iglesia de Santa Catalina (small local Catholic chapel)
- Annual Events
- Santa Catalina Pro (International Surfing Competitions held seasonally)
- Cultural Districts
- The main village street (Calle Principal)
- Theater Venues
- None available
- Local Markets
- Occasional Sunday markets by the beach for local fruits and jewelry
- Music Scene
- Live acoustic music at Oasis Surf Camp on select nights
- Street Art
- Surf-themed murals around the town's main businesses
- Cooking Classes
- Private sessions can be arranged at Hotel Santa Catalina for Panamanian seafood
- Art Galleries
- Local handicraft displays at various hotel lobbies
- Historic Buildings
- Traditional thatch-roof 'Bohios' scattered around the outskirts
- Local Heritage
- Strong fishing and surfing heritage integrated into daily life
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Nearest hospital is in Soná (Hospital Ezquiel Abadia); for emergencies, use the local 'Centro de Salud'
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Discover Yoga Panama (ocean view deck) or Waluaa Yoga
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Small outdoor setup at Bodhi Hostel; nature is the gym here (surfing/kayaking)
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia El Sol (approx. $1.00 per pound)
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Coiba Island (Snorkeling and diving with sharks/whales)
- National Parks Nearby
- Coiba National Park
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Dirt roads leading out toward Punta Brava for scenic coastal walks
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The cliffside at Hotel Santa Catalina overlooking 'The Point'
- Birdwatching Locations
- Mangroves surrounding the town; Scarlet Macaws are often seen
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa Estero is popular for evening beach fires
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Uno Express (Pickup in Soná, 1.5 hours away)
- Tech Repair Services
- None. Must travel to Santiago (2.5 hours away)
- Table Tennis Spots
- Available at Bodhi Hostel
- Language Classes
- Informal Spanish-English exchanges at the main beach bars
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Limited to hotel lobbies; Bodhi has a small book exchange
- Community Centers
- The local schoolhouse often serves as a community gathering point
- Gaming Lounges
- None available
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Nearest casinos are in Santiago
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 per m² ($88,000 for 40m² casita – very limited inventory)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,500 per m² ($60,000 for 40m² build)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,000 per m² ($120,000 for 60m²)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,300 per m² ($78,000 for 60m²)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,800 per m² ($144,000 for 80m²)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,100 per m² ($88,000 for 80m²)
- Corporate Tax
- 25% on net taxable income in Panama
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% on domestic earnings; 5% on foreign or exempt earnings
- Tax System
- Territorial Tax System (Only income earned within Panama is taxed)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (for income above $50,000 USD)
- VAT
- 7% ITBMS (standard sales tax)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No, Panama does not have specific CFC legislation
- Property Tax
- Progressive from 0% (below $120k value) to 0.70%
- Property Transaction Tax
- 2% Property Transfer Tax and 3% Advance Capital Gains Tax
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- 0% tax on foreign-sourced income; Short-term Remote Work Visa available