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 & FoodTerra Lounge: Valle Escondido's Vegan & Kosher Restaurant
Terra Lounge at Valle Escondido offers organic vegan and kosher dining with ingredients from their own farm. Discover Panama's premier wellness resort dining experience.
Dining & FoodChivita Food House Review: Panama City's Executive Dining
Chivita Food House offers premier executive dining in Panama City with smoked octopus ceviche and private rooms for up to 100 guests. Perfect for expat business dining.
Dining & FoodCaliope Steakhouse Panama City: Top 10 Fine Dining Experience
Caliope Steakhouse ranks among Panama City's top 10 steakhouses with Josper oven cooking, extensive wine cellar, and unique blindfolded dining. Reserve now!
Dining & FoodCiao Ragazzi: Panama's #1 Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Chain
Discover Ciao Ragazzi, Panama's premier Italian restaurant franchise with authentic Mediterranean cuisine across 4 Panama City locations. Gluten-free options available.
Dining & FoodNoa Nikkei Panama City: Authentic Nikkei Fusion Restaurant Review
Noa Nikkei revolutionizes Panama City dining with Chef Lan's authentic Nikkei fusion cuisine, featuring 48-hour braised short rib and live entertainment. Contact +507 6325-5311.
Dining & FoodCerro Picacho Hiking Guide: San Carlos Adventure Tourism Panama
Cerro Picacho offers a breathtaking 1-hour hike to spectacular Laguna de San Carlos views. Discover Panama's adventure tourism with San Carlos Surf Resort. Expert guide.
Dining & FoodAustin Hess 14-Day Panama Journey: Complete Travel Guide 2024
Follow Austin Hess on an immersive 14-day Panama adventure covering top destinations, restaurants, and hidden gems. Expert insider tips for expats and investors.
Dining & FoodHydra Panama City: Best Japanese-Panamanian Rooftop Restaurant
Hydra revolutionizes Panama City dining with authentic Japanese-Panamanian fusion cuisine and stunning city views from Balboa Boutiques rooftop terrace.
Dining & FoodEl Ultimo Refugio: Bocas del Toro's Premier Caribbean Restaurant
El Ultimo Refugio has served fresh seafood & Caribbean fusion cuisine since 2006 in Bocas Town. Live music, craft cocktails & expat-favorite dining destination.
Dining & FoodOcto Caribbean Grill: Bocas del Toro's Best Restaurant 2024
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at Octo Caribbean Grill, Bocas del Toro's #1 rated restaurant. Chef Archbold's charcoal-grilled specialties await.
Dining & FoodEl Libanés Panama: Authentic Lebanese Cuisine Guide 2024
El Libanés serves authentic Lebanese cuisine at 3 Panama City locations. From food truck to restaurant empire - discover their imported spices & traditional flavors.
Dining & FoodSabroso Panama: Authentic Cultural Dining Experience at Amador Causeway
Experience Panama's authentic folklore, traditional cuisine, and live cultural shows at Sabroso Panama on Isla Perico. Complete dining guide for expats and tourists.
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.