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 & FoodThe Wallace: Panama City's Premier British Pub & Restaurant Guide
The Wallace in Obarrio offers authentic British cuisine, craft beers & single malt whiskies. Panama City's top-rated Scottish pub experience.
Dining & FoodFrank's Place Italian Restaurant Panama City - Obarrio Dining Guide
Frank's Place in Obarrio's PH Zoom Plaza offers authentic Italian cuisine with brick oven pizzas in a 1950s gangster-themed atmosphere. Open daily with family recipes.
Dining & FoodCooking Mamma Bakery & Coffee: Best Expat Breakfast Spot Panama City
Discover Cooking Mamma Bakery & Coffee, Panama City's premier specialty coffee shop featuring locally-produced beans, gourmet brunch, and elegant expat-friendly atmosphere.
Dining & FoodBella Holdings Group: Panama City's Premier Restaurant Empire
Discover Bella Holdings Group's 22 restaurants across 13 brands in Panama City. From Italian to Nikkei cuisine in premium locations. Expert dining guide for expats.
Dining & FoodPiano Bar Panama City: Spanish Cuisine & Live Entertainment
Piano Bar offers Spanish cuisine in 4 elegant spaces with live entertainment in Panama City. Open Mon-Sat 6PM. Call 6324-6586 for reservations.
Dining & FoodLa Fishería Panama: Mediterranean Seafood Guide 2024
La Fishería operates 3 upscale Mediterranean restaurants in Panama City's premier expat neighborhoods. Complete dining guide with locations & signature dishes.
Dining & FoodLa Fabrica Craft Brewery Panama: Best Beer & Food Experience
La Fabrica is Panama's premier craft brewery with 2 locations, 7 handmade beers including El Dictador IPA, and Panama's largest Oktoberfest. Visit Casco Viejo & Amador.
Dining & FoodLa Hacienda Colombiana: Authentic Colombian Restaurant Panama City
Experience authentic Colombian cuisine with stunning ocean views at La Hacienda Colombiana on Isla Perico, Panama. Top-rated family restaurant serving traditional dishes.
Dining & FoodCielo Rooftop Bar Panama City - Ultimate Sky Dining Experience
Cielo Rooftop Bar atop The Sands offers stunning Panama City skyline views, craft cocktails & gourmet dining. Located on Avenida Balboa. Reserve now!
Dining & FoodCaracruda Restaurant Panama City: Upscale Fusion Dining Guide
Caracruda revolutionizes Panama City's dining scene with Kampachi mango tiradito and signature martinis. Located in the heart of the city. Reservations: +507 6430-5794
Dining & FoodChivita Food House Marbella: Premier Panama City Steakhouse
Discover Chivita Food House, Panama City's top interactive steakhouse in Marbella. Chef Felipe Mayorca's fusion cuisine, premium cuts, and VIP dining experiences.
Dining & FoodTacos Rudos Boquete: #1 Authentic Mexican Restaurant Guide
Discover Panama's top-rated Mexican restaurant in Boquete. Tacos Rudos serves authentic cuisine by Mexican chefs. Get location, menu & expat dining tips.
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.