Panama
Profiled in Panama City · Central America
A steamy tropical crossroads where glass towers, a working canal and a colonial old town all share one sweaty, dollar-priced skyline.
Cost of living
What a month costs
The US dollar is legal tender, so no currency risk but imported goods sting.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Panama City
- Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)Watch giant ships climb the locks from a purpose-built viewing deck.
- Casco ViejoUNESCO-listed old quarter of plazas, ruins, rooftop bars and pastel facades.
- Amador CausewayBreezy palm-lined strip built from canal spoil, linking four small islands.
- BiomuseoFrank Gehry's crumpled, candy-colored museum on Panama's natural history.
- Cerro AncónThe city's green hill, topped by a huge flag and skyline views.
- Metropolitan Natural ParkGenuine rainforest inside city limits, with sloths, toucans and monkeys.
- Panamá ViejoStone ruins of the original 1519 city, sacked by pirate Henry Morgan.
- Cinta CosteraWaterfront promenade for jogging and cycling under the downtown towers.
- Mercado de MariscosBustling fish market famous for cheap fresh ceviche by the cup.
- Iglesia de San JoséCasco Viejo church home to the legendary golden altar saved from pirates.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Bocas del ToroCaribbean archipelago of stilt houses, reefs and lazy island bars.
- El Valle de AntónCool highland town in an old volcanic crater, about two hours away.
- BoqueteCoffee-farm hill country with hiking and the best weather in Panama.
- Pearl Islands (Contadora)Quick flight or ferry to calm Pacific beaches and clear water.
- Santa CatalinaLaid-back surf village and jump-off point for diving Coiba National Park.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Café UnidoHomegrown roaster showcasing prized Panamanian geisha coffee.
- Bajareque Coffee HouseCasco Viejo favorite pouring beans from its own Boquete farm.
- Café Coca-ColaOld-school corner cafe near Santa Ana, open since the 1870s.
- AthanasiouReliable local bakery-cafe chain for pastries, cakes and strong coffee.
- Mentiritas BlancasCozy Casco spot for espresso, brunch plates and slow mornings.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- MaitoChef Mario Castrellón's temple of modern Panamanian food, a regional star.
- Donde JoséTiny tasting-menu counter in Casco Viejo that books out weeks ahead.
- Fonda Lo Que HayCasual Panamanian cooking from the Donde José team, no reservations.
- IntimoAmbitious tasting menu digging into Panama's ingredients and terroir.
- Manolo CaracolLong-running Casco spot serving a rolling parade of market-driven small plates.
- TántaloBuzzy Casco Viejo kitchen and rooftop bar with global sharing plates.
- Mercado del Marisco upstairs restaurantFresh whole fried fish and corvina right above the fish market.
Morning
Best breakfast
- New York Bagel CaféExpat institution near El Cangrejo for big American breakfasts.
- Café UnidoGeisha pour-overs with eggs and pastries to start the day.
- Bajareque Coffee HouseCasco brunch of avocado toast, hojaldras and farm coffee.
- Mentiritas BlancasRelaxed morning plates and good espresso in the old town.
- AthanasiouBakery counter loaded with fresh bread, croissants and juices.
- Fonda Lo Que HayLocal-style breakfast when it opens, hearty and unfussy.
- SupergourmetCasco deli-cafe doing eggs, sandwiches and strong coffee.
- Petit ParisFrench-style bakery for buttery croissants and morning coffee.
- MielSunny neighborhood cafe known for pancakes, waffles and brunch.
Residency
Panama is one of the easiest countries to settle in, with routes like the Friendly Nations visa and various pensioner and investor programs. Most applicants work through a local lawyer, show income or a qualifying investment, and can reach permanent residency fairly quickly.
Tax
Panama taxes on a territorial basis, so foreign-source income is generally not taxed. Money earned inside Panama is taxable on a progressive scale, but a newcomer living off overseas income often owes little or nothing locally.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Panama residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Panama tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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