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 & FoodSugar & Spice Bakery Boquete: Best Expat Dining Experience
Discover Sugar & Spice Dulces Gourmet, Boquete's #1 bakery since 2009. Expert-run full-service café with Tex-Mex specialties. Contact DoPanama for relocation.
Dining & FoodSalón Cantón Panama: Authentic Cantonese Dining Experience
Discover Salón Cantón's authentic Cantonese cuisine at 2 Panama City locations. Family-style dishes, wine rewards for device-free dining. Book your table today!
Dining & FoodMaría Bombón Panama City: Premier Fine Dining Restaurant Guide
María Bombón offers world-class international cuisine with avant-garde techniques in Panama City's sophisticated dining scene. Discover signature dishes and expert mixology.
Dining & FoodAustin Mama's BBQ Costa del Este - Authentic Texas Barbecue Panama
Austin Mama's brings authentic Texas BBQ to Costa del Este with smoked brisket, live country music & craft cocktails. American expat favorite in Panama City.
Dining & FoodLa Fischería Costa del Este: Italian-Mediterranean Seafood Restaurant Guide
La Fischería in Costa del Este's Green Plaza serves fresh Italian-Mediterranean fusion seafood. Daily happy hour 3-7pm, live music Wed-Fri. Expert expat dining guide.
Dining & FoodCanal House Panama: Best Canal View Restaurant Guide 2024
Canal House Panama offers premium canal-side dining with Panamanian fusion cuisine. Magic Sunset deals Tuesday-Friday 3-8pm. Book your table today!
Dining & FoodEl Trapiche Restaurant Panama: 40 Years of Authentic Cuisine
El Trapiche Restaurant celebrates 40 years serving traditional Panamanian cuisine with women-led management across Panama City locations. Authentic dining experience.
Dining & FoodSanta Rita Restaurant Casco Viejo: Spanish-Argentine Fine Dining
Santa Rita offers exceptional Spanish-Argentine cuisine at Casco Viejo's entrance with 8+ years of success, live music, valet parking. Top expat dining choice.
Dining & FoodSabroso Panama: Authentic Panamanian Restaurant on Amador Causeway
Experience authentic Panamanian cuisine at Sabroso Panama on Isla Perico. Traditional dishes, nightly folklore shows, and La Sabrosa craft beer. Reserve today!
Dining & FoodCatalina's Hideaway Panama: Complete Guide to Eco-Luxury Resort
Discover Catalina's Hideaway, Panama's premier eco-luxury retreat near Coiba Island. Farm-to-table dining, infinity pools, world-class diving. Complete guest guide.
Dining & FoodEmotions Restaurant-Theater Panama City: Dining & Shows Guide
Experience world-class entertainment and sushi at Emotions Restaurant-Theater in Panama City's Hilton. Celebrity impersonations, fine dining, perfect for expats.
Dining & FoodPencas Restaurant Panama City: Caribbean-Panamanian Oceanfront Dining Guide
Pencas Restaurant offers 22 years of Caribbean-Panamanian fusion cuisine with spectacular ocean views in Panama City. Accommodates 300+ guests for events.
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.