Knowledge Center
Articles About Panama
Explore 155+ research-backed guides covering everything expats need to know about Panama - from visa requirements and real estate markets to neighborhood guides, restaurant reviews, and cost-of-living breakdowns. Written by expats, for future expats.
Dining & FoodBest International Schools & Family Life in Panama 2025
Discover top international schools like United School of Panama & family-friendly dining. Expert guide to relocating with children to Panama City.
Dining & FoodCielo Rooftop Bar Panama City: 37th Floor Views & Dining
Cielo Rooftop Bar on Avenida Balboa's 37th floor offers Panama City's best skyline views, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails. Open daily 5PM-midnight since 2023.
Dining & FoodSeagull Cove Resort Boca Chica: Luxury Fishing Lodge Panama
Seagull Cove Resort in Boca Chica offers luxury sport fishing charters, overwater bungalows, and Pacific coast adventures. Featured in The Restaurant Magazine Edition 28.
Dining & FoodHacienda Real Steak House Panama: Premier Latin & Grilled Cuisine
Hacienda Real Steak House in Balboa Boutiques offers premium Latin cuisine and grilled meats, featured in Restaurant Magazine with 50% wine discounts Thursdays.
Dining & FoodThe Bird's Nest Cerro Azul: Panama's Premier Eco-Retreat Guide 2024
Experience The Bird's Nest eco-retreat in Cerro Azul Panama - just 45 minutes from Panama City. All-inclusive birdwatching sanctuary with 300+ species daily.
Dining & FoodSanta Catalina Hotels: Catalina's Hideaway Resort Guide
Catalina's Hideaway near Santa Catalina offers luxury beachfront accommodations with gourmet dining. Featured in Restaurant Magazine for Pacific coast excellence.
Dining & FoodSansara Resort Cambutal: Panama's Premier Eco-Luxury Beach Resort
Discover Sansara Resort in Cambutal, Panama - luxury beachfront accommodations, world-class yoga retreats, and sustainable tourism. Book your escape today.
Dining & FoodPopino Restaurant Panama City: Luxury Fine Dining Guide 2024
Discover Popino, Panama City's premier fine dining restaurant featuring contemporary cuisine, Manhattan-style ambiance, and local ingredients. Reserve now!
Dining & FoodSabroso Panama: Authentic Panamanian Restaurant & Cultural Experience
Experience authentic Panamanian cuisine at Sabroso Panama in Panama City. Featured in Restaurant Magazine with traditional dishes, live entertainment & cultural immersion.
Dining & FoodLa Vespa Vista Mare: Panama City's #1 Italian Restaurant
La Vespa Vista Mare ranks #1 among Panama City's trendiest restaurants, offering authentic Italian cuisine with bay views. Expert expat dining guide.
Dining & FoodThe Raj: Authentic Indian Cuisine in Panama City - Via Argentina
The Raj in Via Argentina serves authentic North & South Indian cuisine with 70+ years chef expertise. Panama City's premier Indian restaurant for expats & locals.
Dining & FoodBluefin Japanese Cuisine Boquete: Premier Sushi in Panama
Bluefin Japanese Cuisine in Boquete offers Panama's finest sushi and Japanese-Panamanian fusion dishes. Chef Tomino Rodriguez featured in Restaurant Magazine Edition 28.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panama
What visas are available for moving to Panama?
Panama offers several visa options including the Pensionado (Retiree) Visa with a $1,000/month pension requirement, the Friendly Nations Visa for citizens of 50+ countries, and the Self-Economic Solvency Visa requiring a $300,000 investment. Each has different requirements and benefits.
What is the cost of living in Panama compared to the US?
Panama's cost of living is typically 30-50% lower than major US cities. A couple can live comfortably on $2,000-3,500/month depending on location. Panama City is the most expensive, while towns like David, Boquete, and Pedasi offer significantly lower costs.
Can foreigners buy property in Panama?
Yes, foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians with a few exceptions (island and border properties have restrictions). There are no restrictions on titled property, and Panama uses a dollarized economy, making transactions straightforward for US buyers.
What are the best areas in Panama for expats?
Popular expat areas include Panama City for urban living, Boquete for mountain climate and coffee culture, Coronado for beach lifestyle near the city, Bocas del Toro for Caribbean island living, and Pedasi for Pacific coast authenticity.
Is Panama safe for expats?
Panama is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America. Expat-popular areas like Boquete, Coronado, and upscale Panama City neighborhoods have very low crime rates. As with any country, basic safety precautions apply in urban areas.