Knowledge Center
Articles About Panama
Explore 296+ 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 & FoodBuena Vista Restaurant: Best Overwater Caribbean Dining in Bocas
Buena Vista Restaurant serves authentic Caribbean cuisine over the water in Bocas del Toro since 1997. Open 8AM-9:30PM daily, supporting 10 local families.
Travel & HotelsAzul Paradise Bocas del Toro: Ultimate Overwater Bungalow Guide
Experience Panama's premier overwater bungalows at Azul Paradise, Bocas del Toro. Glass floor villas, all-inclusive packages from $450/night. Book luxury Caribbean escape today.
Dining & Food5inco Panama: Lebanese-Panamanian Fusion Dining Guide 2024
5inco Panama offers Lebanese-Panamanian fusion cuisine at 2 locations. Chef Roberto Richa's signature dishes include 36-hour Chicharrón. Reserve now!
Dining & FoodTapachula Mexican Restaurant Marbella Panama - Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Discover Tapachula, Panama's premier authentic Mexican restaurant in Marbella featuring birria tacos, pozole & craft cocktails by Chef Emilio López.
Dining & FoodOh Toro Ramen: Panama's #1 Japanese Restaurant Chain Guide
Oh Toro leads Panama's Japanese dining scene with 16+ locations since 2016. Authentic ramen, sushi & Japanese cuisine. Perfect for expats craving quality Asian food.
Dining & FoodOasis Bluff Beach Hotel: Panama's #1 Rated Eco-Luxury Resort
Discover Oasis Bluff Beach, Bocas del Toro's premier eco-luxury boutique hotel with 6 oceanfront rooms, off-grid sustainability & TripAdvisor's #1 restaurant.
Dining & FoodGrill Meister Panama: German-Latin Fusion by Michelin Chef
Experience authentic German-Latin fusion at Grill Meister Panama with Michelin-starred Chef Stefan Sperling. Two locations: Albrook & La Chorrera.
Lifestyle & CultureExpat Power Couples Panama: Martin & Erin Williams Success Story
Learn how Martin & Erin Williams built successful businesses in Bocas del Toro, creating local jobs and environmental impact. Expert expat relocation guidance.
Dining & FoodMADU Restaurant Panama City: Chef Francisco Castro's Elevated Panamanian Cuisine
MADU Restaurant by Chef Francisco Castro elevates traditional Panamanian cuisine with local ingredients in Panama City. Experience authentic dishes in an innovative setting.
Real EstateMike Vuytowecz: Leading Real Estate Expert in Panama Since 2008
Mike Vuytowecz founded Inside Panama Real Estate in 2008, becoming Panama's #1 real estate service provider. 25+ years experience, serving 6+ locations nationwide.
Business & InvestmentLuis Alberto Morales - VIP Experience Agency Panama Concierge
Luis Alberto Morales leads Panama's premier luxury concierge service with 25+ years experience. Get exclusive access to Panama's finest services and experiences.
Lifestyle & CultureJorge Branger: Panama's Top Digital Marketing Expert & LinkedIn Specialist
Meet Jorge Branger, founder of Fluence Leaders - Panama's #1 corporate digital marketing agency. 5M+ monthly social media impacts from Panama City's financial 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.