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 & FoodMADU Restaurant Panama City: Chef Francisco Castro's Elevated Panamanian Cuisine
MADU Restaurant by Chef Francisco Castro elevates traditional Panamanian cuisine with local ingredients in Panama City. Experience authentic dishes in an innovative setting.
Dining & FoodMIKA Café Panama: 6 Locations Serving American Gourmet Cuisine
MIKA Café operates 6 locations across Panama City, serving American gourmet cuisine with vegan, keto & vegetarian options. Popular with expat families.
Dining & FoodLa Creperie Boquete: 5 Restaurants in One Food Court
La Creperie Boquete offers 5 restaurants under one roof: French crepes, artisan pizza, gourmet burgers, XL hot dogs & gluten-free pasta. Panama's fastest food service!
Dining & FoodCulinary Boys Panama: Premium Kosher Food Distribution
Culinary Boys leads Panama's kosher food market since 2018, serving restaurants, hotels & retailers nationwide. Premium imported products with personalized service.
Dining & FoodRestaurant E-Commerce & Loyalty Programs in Panama - DoPanama
Discover how Panama restaurants use CLAU.IO and INVU POS to boost customer retention by 84%. Expert insights on e-commerce solutions for expat business owners.
Dining & FoodThe Raj - Authentic Indian Restaurant in Panama City | Full Guide
The Raj serves authentic North & South Indian cuisine in Panama City's heart. Experience 70+ years of culinary expertise with tandoori, dosas & traditional spices.
Dining & FoodAsu Mare Peruvian Restaurant Panama City - Authentic Ceviche & Fusion Cuisine
Discover Asu Mare, Panama City's premier Peruvian restaurant featuring authentic ceviche, lomo saltado & grilled octopus. Experience fusion cuisine excellence.
Dining & FoodLa Tana Sushi & Drink: Japanese Fusion Dining in Casco Viejo
Discover La Tana's innovative Japanese fusion cuisine in Panama City's historic Casco Viejo. Features live entertainment, exclusive brunches & vibrant nightlife.
Dining & FoodAvantika Thai Restaurant Panama City - Authentic Thai Dining
Discover Avantika Thai Kitchen & Lounge in Panama City's San Francisco district. Authentic Thai cuisine, 50+ wines, vegan options, free parking. Call +507 382-3427.
Dining & FoodChef Chris Young: Revolutionizing Boquete's Dining Scene
Chef Chris Young has transformed Panama's highland dining with 20+ years experience, creating Big Daddy's Grill, Mesa Azul & Beach Club. Expert culinary leadership.
Dining & FoodIchiban Restaurant Costa del Este: Korean-Japanese Fusion Panama
Ichiban Restaurant in Costa del Este's Financial Park delivers authentic Korean-Japanese fusion with 15+ signature rolls and Bento Box delivery across Panama City.
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.