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 & FoodAzul Paradise Bocas del Toro: Luxury Eco-Resort & Real Estate
Azul Paradise offers overwater bungalows and luxury eco-living in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Featured in The Restaurant Magazine. Book your Caribbean escape today.
Dining & FoodOdonto Smile Boquete: Dental Tourism & Expert Care - DoPanama
Odonto Smile Boquete offers expert dental care with Dr. Dagmar Rios. Featured in Restaurant Magazine 2025, serving expats with advanced technology & affordable treatments.
Dining & FoodKanibal Casco Viejo: Premier Fire-Kissed Dining in Panama City
Experience Kanibal's innovative open-fire cuisine on a stunning Casco Viejo rooftop. Discover why this Panama City hotspot is redefining fine dining. Reserve now!
Dining & Food1739 Restaurant Panama: Historic Fine Dining in Casco Viejo
Experience award-winning French cuisine at 1739 Restaurant, located in an 18th-century Jesuit chapel at Hotel La Compania in Panama City's historic Casco Viejo district.
Dining & FoodTERRAT Rooftop: Premium Dining & Real Estate in San Francisco
Discover TERRAT Rooftop restaurant in Panama City's The Plaza building - mystical tropical dining by Chef Waggner Sanjur. Explore San Francisco's luxury dining scene.
Dining & FoodCanal House Panama: Premium Waterfront Dining on Panama Canal
Canal House Panama offers authentic Panamanian fusion cuisine with stunning Panama Canal views. Experience Guacho de Langosta & sunset dining. Book your table today!
Dining & FoodOssa Restaurant Casco Viejo: Historic Fine Dining Panama City
Ossa Restaurant in Casco Viejo offers authentic Panamanian cuisine in a colonial convent. Chef Pablo Viluce's farm-to-table menu features local ingredients. Book now!
Dining & FoodEmotions Dinner Theater Panama City - Vegas-Style Shows & Fine Dining
Experience Panama City's premier dinner theater at Hilton Balboa Avenue. Vegas-style shows, international artists, fine dining. Reserve your table today!
Dining & FoodSugar & Spice Boquete: Expat-Owned Bakery & Restaurant Guide
Sugar & Spice Dulces Gourmet in Boquete, owned by expat couple Richard and Yarina Meyer since 2009, exemplifies successful expat business in Panama's highlands.
Dining & FoodHacienda Real Steakhouse - Premier Latin Dining in Panama City
Experience exceptional grilled meats & Latin cuisine at Hacienda Real in Balboa Boutiques. Live music, premium wines, family dining. Reserve today!
Dining & FoodLunarossa Restaurant Coronado: #1 TripAdvisor Italian Dining
Lunarossa in Coronado is Panama's #1 rated Italian restaurant on TripAdvisor. Authentic Tuscan cuisine, signature Burrata Focaccina. Perfect for expats and locals.
Dining & FoodLa Fishería Seafood Panama: Mediterranean Dining Guide 2024
La Fishería Seafood offers premium Mediterranean cuisine at Casco Viejo & Amador locations with Italian wine pairings. Expert expat dining guide.
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.