Santiago de Veraguas, Panama 🇵🇦
#1571
8.098986, -80.980397
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santiago de Veraguas is the capital of the Veraguas province, located in central Panama, known for its rich cultural heritage and near the stunning mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 18,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. 1 EUR ≈ 1.06 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink but it is advisable to check local notices. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity standard is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Movistar and Claro. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks such as Banco General and Banistmo provide services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, hostels, and long-term rentals. Airbnb and local listings offer affordable choices. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Generally cashless friendly; credit cards accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting around $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de la Cruz offers dormitories starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Veraguas offers flexible spaces and rates starting at $10 per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tío Pan offers good coffee, Wi-Fi, and a relaxed working atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Veraguas Facebook group organizes monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the region, providing convenient transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental services; most transportation is via taxis or public transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Uverito is about an hour's drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Panama connects Santiago with major cities around Panama. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines like Copa Airlines operate from nearby David airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Pan-American Highway is available through Santiago. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santiago does not have a train station; buses are the main form of public transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are generally around $0.25 within the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Santiago to major cities including David and Panama City. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Aquilino Tejeira offers general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at local community centers and some gyms. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Club Santiago offers various fitness classes and gym access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Juan offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi operates in the area, providing food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho, a traditional Panamanian chicken soup, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Resto Vegano offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería El Galón is famous for its ice cream and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as Mercado Municipal, offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Panama with additional shipping costs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pricesmart offers grocery delivery services in larger cities nearby. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Taberna is a popular spot for nightlife and local drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Rana is known for its local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino’s offers a selection of national and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the central park offer local snacks like empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian offerings can be found at Pizzeria Sotto Voce. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Santiago and the Plaza de Santiago are central attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia y Cultura offers insights into the local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the colonial architecture around the central park. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is a significant local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Santiago Festival is an annual celebration of local culture in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features many local shops and cultural venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are held at Centro de Cultura de Santiago. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Mercado de Santiago is ideal for local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local bars host live music events during the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found throughout the city, celebrating Panamanian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer traditional cooking classes focusing on Panamanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries in the area exhibit local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings around the plaza are worth visiting for their architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is rich in indigenous heritage, which is celebrated in local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Tute offers hiking trails with stunning views of the valley. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | National Park La yeguada is within a 30-minute drive, ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many roads in the area are suitable for cycling and walking, especially near the parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador El Guayabal offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Hoya National Park is popular for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around national parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local couriers are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks occasionally have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer English and Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library offers quiet study areas and internet access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host workshops and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges, mainly in larger cities nearby. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited to a few establishments in larger cities within a reasonable travel distance. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $38,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,250 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Panamanian tax system is based primarily on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income over $11,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules, making it favorable for foreign investment. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value, starting minimally. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax applied on property purchases; transaction costs vary. |