Panama Facts & Travel Information

Relevant data about Panama, including provinces, districts, demographics, economy, tourism, and key local insights.

Is Panama safe for tourists?

Yes, Panama is generally safe for tourists, especially in common visitor areas like Panama City, Casco Viejo, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, El Valle de Antón, and beach destinations. Travelers should still use normal big-city caution, avoid risky neighborhoods, watch for pickpocketing, and avoid remote border areas such as parts of Darién and the Mosquito Gulf.

Is Panama good for digital nomads?

Yes. Panama is a strong destination for digital nomads, especially if they want reliable infrastructure, U.S. dollar use, good regional flight connections, and an established expat/remote-worker scene. It is best for nomads who prefer Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, or Bocas del Toro, but costs can be higher than in some other Latin American countries.

Panama vs Costa Rica

Panama is usually better for travelers who want city infrastructure, easier logistics, the Panama Canal, banking, connectivity, and a more practical base for business or relocation. Costa Rica is usually better for travelers who want a stronger eco-tourism identity, rainforest lodges, wildlife, surf towns, and nature-first vacations.

Moving to Panama checklist

A moving to Panama checklist should cover six main areas: immigration status, documents, housing, healthcare, banking/money, and shipping personal belongings. Start by confirming your visa/residency path, prepare apostilled documents, arrange temporary housing first, review health coverage, bring small cash and cards, and use a customs broker if shipping household goods.

Panama retirement visa

Panama’s retirement visa, commonly called the Pensionado Visa, is a permanent residency option for foreigners who receive a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month. It is one of Panama’s most popular residency routes for retirees because it offers permanent residence and access to retiree discounts.

Best places to live in Panama

The best places to live in Panama are Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, Pedasí, Bocas del Toro, El Valle de Antón, and David. For city life and business, choose Panama City. For cooler weather and an expat-friendly mountain lifestyle, choose Boquete. For beach living near the capital, choose Coronado.

Best beaches in Panama

The best beaches in Panama include San Blas / Guna Yala, Bocas del Toro, Santa Catalina, Playa Venao, Contadora Island, Taboga Island, Isla Grande, and Gulf of Chiriquí. For postcard-style Caribbean islands, choose San Blas. For nightlife and island hopping, choose Bocas del Toro. For surfing and adventure, choose Santa Catalina or Playa Venao.

Panama Canal visiting hours

The main Panama Canal visitor site, Miraflores Visitor Center, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the ticket office open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agua Clara Visitor Center is generally open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with ticket office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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About Panama Facts

Panama Facts is a service by PanamaScanner, created to help travelers, expats, and curious minds find quick, clear, and useful information about Panama.

Here you’ll find reliable answers to common questions about travel basics, money, safety, weather, transportation, culture, and daily life in Panama.

Our goal is simple: help you save time, make better decisions, and understand Panama with information that is easy to scan and easy to use.

Panama Facts & Travel Information

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Is Panama safe for tourists?

Is Panama good for digital nomads?

Panama vs Costa Rica

Moving to Panama checklist

Panama retirement visa

Best places to live in Panama

Best beaches in Panama

Panama Canal visiting hours

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