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Santiago de Veraguas, Panama πŸ‡΅πŸ‡¦

#1571 ,
Nomad Score: 60%

Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Santiago de Veraguas is the capital city of the Veraguas Province, known for its rural ambiance and local culture.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximately 40,000 residents.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking 1 USD = 1 USD, local currency is the Panamanian Balboa. Major banks include Banco Nacional de PanamΓ‘ and Banistmo.
🚰 Tap Water Generally safe to drink, but it's advisable to use filtered water.
πŸ”Œ Power Electricity is 110V, 60Hz with Type A and B sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Providers include Claro, Movistar, and Digicel, with competitive prepaid plans.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Common payment types include Visa and Mastercard; ATMs are widely available.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb and long-term rentals.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Partially cashless; cards accepted in many businesses, but cash is still commonly used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are available for short-term stays.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Hostel La Chorrera offers dormitory beds from $10 per night.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The city center is ideal for tourists, providing easy access to shops and restaurants.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Areas near Parque Libertador offer cafes and coworking spaces with good connectivity.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space Work Hub Santiago offers a conducive coworking environment with high-speed internet.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work CafΓ© del Parque is popular among remote workers, providing Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Local meetup groups and expat forums are active on social media platforms.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats The Santiago Expat Group on Facebook regularly organizes meetups.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App Uber operates in the area, providing reliable transportation.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Local rental shops offer bikes for $10-$15 per day.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby Playa El Cacao is approximately 30 minutes away and offers beautiful sea views.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air PanamÑ provides regional flights to various destinations.
✈️ Top International Airline Copa Airlines offers international flights from nearby airports.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Pan-American Highway runs close to the city, facilitating travel to other regions.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub There is no train service; buses are the primary form of public transport.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Bus fares range from $0.25 to $1.00 depending on the destination.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses connect Santiago to other cities like David and Panama City.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Hospital Regional Dr. Luis 'Chicho' Fabrega is the main healthcare facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Local wellness centers offer yoga classes; check with La Casa del Yogui.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness centers like No Limits Gym provide various workout facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Lavandería Express offers washing and drying services conveniently located in town.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App Rappi and Glovo are popular food delivery services in the city.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Sancocho, a traditional chicken soup, is a must-try.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Pura Vida offers an array of vegan dishes and smoothies.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Heladería La Michoacana has delicious ice creams and paletas.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Mercado Municipal provides fresh local produce and food.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Local businesses often sell through Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery Tienda 360 offers online grocery shopping and delivery services.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Calle 3A is known for its lively bars and nightlife.
🍻 Local Brewery Cervecería La Ronda crafts traditional Panamanian beers.
🍷 Wine Bars Vinoteca PanamÑ offers a selection of fine wines and tasting events.
🍲 Street Food Stalls La Calle del Sabor is famous for its vibrant street food scene.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Restaurants like Pizzeria Rocco serve great Italian dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the Santiago Apostol Cathedral, a significant historical site.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues Museo de la Cultura offers insights into the history and traditions of Veraguas.
🏰 Historical Sites The picturesque Parque de Santiago is a notable historical site.
πŸ• Religious Sites Γ‰glise de Santiago is a prominent church reflecting local heritage.
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events Festival de Santiago is celebrated in January with music and dances.
🎨 Cultural Districts The city center showcases local culture and commerce.
🎭 Theater Venues Local theaters occasionally host performances and cultural events.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets Mercado de Santiago is a vibrant market for local goods and crafts.
🎼 Music Scene Various local bars feature live music and showcases for Panamanian artists.
🎨 Street Art Explore colorful murals around the city that depict local culture.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Cooking classes at local homes give insights into traditional Panamanian cuisine.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries GalerΓ­a de Arte Veraguas promotes local artists and exhibitions.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings The old town is filled with Colonial-style architecture.
🏴 Local Heritage Santiago celebrates its indigenous roots, particularly through festivals.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Explore La Yeguada Natural Park, known for its stunning landscapes and trails.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Parque Nacional Coiba offers pristine beaches and diving opportunities.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Paths around Parque Libertador are ideal for running and cycling.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints Mirador La PeΓ±a provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Los Santos Province is a renowned birdwatching destination nearby.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas at La Yeguada Natural Park allow for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service Services like DHL and local couriers are available for shipping needs.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer mobile and computer repair services at reasonable rates.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Local community centers often have tables available for public use.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Instituto Cultural PanameΓ±o offers Spanish language courses for expats.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots Biblioteca Municipal is a quiet place for reading and studying.
🏘️ Community Centers Centro de Desarrollo Integral offers various cultural and community activities.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges Locally themed gaming cafes host tournaments and gaming sessions.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls The nearby Gran Casino offers various gaming options for entertainment.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000)
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000)
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax 25% corporate tax rate.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax 15% withholding tax on dividends.
🏦 Tax System Panama has a territorial tax system; only income generated within Panama is taxed.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket Annual income above $1,000,000 is taxed at 25%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT is 7%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Panama does not have CFC rules.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax is based on declared value, generally low around 0.5%.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 3% tax on property transactions.
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No tax on foreign income, making it attractive for digital nomads.

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