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 & FoodKatané: Panama City's Premier Authentic Sicilian Restaurant
Discover Katané, Panama City's top-rated Sicilian restaurant since 2015. Authentic 48-72 hour pizza dough, traditional arancini. El Cangrejo & San Francisco locations.
Dining & FoodGlobal Hotel Panama: 5-Star Luxury in Obarrio | Complete Guide
Global Hotel Panama offers 60-room boutique luxury in Obarrio with 5-star amenities at accessible rates. Pool deck views, marble interiors, Corner Suites.
Dining & FoodFratelli Pizza Panama City: Authentic Italian Dining Guide
Discover Fratelli, Panama City's premier authentic Italian pizzeria offering thin-crust pizza, keto options, and imported ingredients. Family-owned Mediterranean excellence.
Dining & FoodChina Bistro Obarrio: Authentic Sichuan Cuisine in Panama City
Experience UNESCO-recognized Sichuan cuisine at China Bistro in Obarrio. 4 VIP lounges, authentic spices from Chengdu. Discover Panama's finest Chinese dining.
Dining & FoodCerrito Tropical Eco Lodge Taboga Island: Panama's Premier Boutique Resort
Cerrito Tropical Eco Lodge on Taboga Island offers 10 luxury rooms, whale watching, and 130+ bird species just 9 miles from Panama City. Book your sustainable escape today.
Dining & FoodBig Daddy's Grill Boquete: Top 10% TripAdvisor Restaurant 2024
Big Daddy's Grill in Boquete ranked Top 10% worldwide by TripAdvisor. Chef Chris Young's fusion cuisine features famous fish tacos & craft margaritas. Expat dining guide.
Dining & FoodUvaCafe Panama: Venezuelan Bakery & Expat Dining Guide
UvaCafe brings authentic Venezuelan pastries to Panama City with locations in El Cangrejo & Via España. Try cachitos, golfeados & tres leches. Expat dining guide.
Dining & FoodEl Último Refugio: Bocas del Toro's Premier Caribbean Fusion Restaurant
El Último Refugio has been Bocas del Toro's #1 Caribbean-international fusion restaurant since 2006. Fresh seafood, craft cocktails, waterfront views.
Dining & FoodTokyo Station Restaurant Panama City: Japanese Fusion Punta Pacifica
Tokyo Station at Punta Pacifica offers authentic Japanese fusion cuisine with gluten-free options, 2x1 cocktails, live DJs weekends. Perfect for expats in Panama City.
Dining & FoodSo Hot Restaurant Panama - Authentic Chinese Hotpot Dining
So Hot offers Panama's first authentic Chinese hotpot experience at Boulevard Plaza with 24+ custom sauces, private karaoke rooms & interactive dining.
Dining & FoodSansara Resort Cambutal: Luxury Wellness Retreat Pacific Coast
Sansara Resort in Cambutal offers premium wellness retreats with oceanfront yoga, surf instruction, and farm-to-table dining. Book your transformative Panama escape.
Dining & FoodRUSH Casco Viejo: Panama City's Premier Nightclub Experience
RUSH Casco Viejo is Panama City's largest nightclub with 800-person capacity, 5 VIP areas, and international DJs. Located in historic UNESCO heritage district.
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.