Live and work in Panama City.
Panama City blends modern skyscrapers with historic charm, offering digital nomads a stable dollar economy and excellent healthcare. The city is a vibrant hub with strong internet, diverse neighborhoods, and easy access to nature.
Remote worker score
Five practical signals that shape day-to-day life for a remote worker.
What living here really costs
Rent is the biggest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $800 in El Cangrejo to $1,500 in Punta Pacifica. Utilities like electricity can be costly due to air conditioning usage, often adding $100-150/month. Eating out is affordable at local fondas for $5-7, but Western restaurants cost $12-20. Groceries from supermarkets like Riba Smith are comparable to US prices. Watch out for hidden costs like annual trash fees and HOA charges in condo buildings.
Workspace and connectivity
Coworking spaces like Selina, Workspaces Panama, and Impact Hub offer monthly dedicated desks for $150-200 with reliable internet and networking events. Internet speeds average 50 Mbps in the city, but fiber options (100+ Mbps) are available in newer buildings. Many cafes in El Cangrejo and San Francisco offer free Wi-Fi, but can get crowded. For heavy video work, a dedicated coworking membership is recommended for stability and quiet.
Small details that matter
Healthcare and personal safety
Panama City offers excellent healthcare with modern hospitals like Hospital Punta Pacifica and Clínica Hospital San Fernando, staffed by English-speaking doctors. Costs are significantly lower than in the US, with a specialist visit around $50-100. Many expats use international health insurance or pay out-of-pocket. The city is generally safe for medical tourism, though emergency services response times vary.
Getting around
The city's metro system (Line 1 and 2) is efficient, cheap, and covers major areas, but doesn't reach all neighborhoods. Walking is pleasant in Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo but less so in sprawling suburbs. Uber is the most convenient for short trips, costing $3-8 within the city. Traffic congestion is severe during peak hours, so living near your workspace is advisable. The Panama City Metro is expanding, but stations can be crowded.
Weather and climate
Panama City has a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct dry season from January to March and a wet season from April to December. The dry season brings consistently sunny days and lower humidity, making it the most comfortable time for outdoor activities. The wet season features heavy afternoon downpours, high humidity, and occasional thunderstorms, though mornings are often clear. The best time to visit is between December and March when weather is most predictable.
Best areas for remote workers
Visas and nomad taxes
Tourists from many countries receive a 180-day stamp on arrival, which is generous and renewable with a short border run. For longer stays, the Friendly Nations visa (for citizens of over 50 countries) offers a path to residency with a permanent work permit. Alternatively, the Pensionado visa is attractive for retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000. Nomads often do a quick border trip to Costa Rica or Colombia to reset their tourist visa.
- 180-day tourist visa
- Pensionado visa (requires pension income)
- Friendly Nations visa (for 50+ countries)
Language and culture
Panamanians are friendly and polite, but formal greetings and personal space are appreciated. Spanish is the official language, while English is common in business but not universally spoken. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants. Dress is casual but neat; avoid revealing clothing in religious sites. Punctuality is relaxed, so meetings may start 10-15 minutes late.
Food and everyday spending
Panamanian cuisine features dishes like sancocho (chicken soup), ceviche, and arroz con pollo, with local meals averaging $5-8. Street food is safe and abundant, but expats often stick to filtered water and avoid raw salads from unknown sources. Supermarkets offer familiar imports, and farmers markets provide fresh fruit. The culinary scene is diverse, with excellent Asian, Italian, and fusion restaurants in the city center.
Strengths, trade-offs and common mistakes
A balanced view of what works well and what requires planning.
Strengths
- Uses US dollar (no currency risk)
- Excellent healthcare infrastructure
- Strong and reliable internet in most areas
- Easy access to beaches and rainforest
- Large, active expat community
- Good flight connections to North and South America
Trade-offs
- Heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hour
- High humidity and rainy season can be draining
- Cost of living higher than many Central American cities
- Tap water not safe to drink
- Utilities (especially electricity) can be expensive
- Air quality can suffer during dry season due to dust
Common mistakes in Panama City
- Not negotiating rent – many landlords will discount for longer stays
- Assuming tap water is safe – always buy bottled or filtered water
- Underestimating the rainy season (May-Nov) – daily downpours affect outdoor plans
- Relying on public buses without learning the metro – the subway is faster and cleaner
- Ignoring the traffic – live near your coworking space or work from home to avoid gridlock
- Not having a backup internet plan – major outages do happen occasionally
- Overpacking for weather – it’s tropical year-round, so bring light clothes and rain gear
How the data is built
Estimates combine public market indexes, published local prices and remote-work infrastructure data. Figures are directional planning benchmarks rather than a personal financial quote.