Life in Panama: your lifestyle and culture guide
Discover a country where the energy of a modern city merges with the serenity of tropical nature. Explore the culture, leisure, and community that await you.
Lifestyle guide
- A life of contrasts: the best of both worlds
- The tropical climate: sun and summer all year round
- Culture and gastronomy: a melting pot of flavors
- Leisure and adventure: a country to discover
- The hub of the Americas: total connectivity
- A vibrant international community
- Safety and peace of mind for your family
- Frequently asked questions about life in Panama
A life of contrasts: the best of both worlds
Living in Panama is a unique experience defined by its duality. It is a country where the modernity of an international financial hub coexists with the exuberance of tropical nature. You can spend the morning in a meeting in a skyscraper and the afternoon on a Pacific beach or exploring a tropical rainforest. This mix of cosmopolitan energy and natural tranquility is what defines the exceptional Panamanian lifestyle.
“Panama offers you the rare opportunity to have it all: the infrastructure and services of a first-world city, with a natural paradise always within reach. It’s the perfect work-life balance.”
Imagine a typical day…
8:00 AM: A world-class Geisha coffee on your balcony with ocean views.
10:00 AM: A business meeting in the financial district.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a fusion restaurant in Casco Viejo.
4:00 PM: A quick getaway for a hike in the Metropolitan Park.
7:00 PM: Dinner and cocktails at a rooftop bar with friends from all over the world.
This isn’t a vacation. This is life in Panama.
The tropical climate: sun and summer all year round
Forget long winters. Panama enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C (75°F and 90°F). The year is mainly divided into two seasons:
☀️ Dry Season (Summer)
Generally from December to April. It is characterized by sunny days and very little rain, ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
🌧️ Rainy Season (Winter)
From May to November. It typically consists of sunny mornings followed by tropical showers in the afternoon, which cool the environment and keep the landscape green and lush.
Culture and gastronomy: a melting pot of flavors
Thanks to its history as a global meeting point, Panama is a true cultural “melting pot.” This diversity is reflected in its people, its traditions, and, above all, in its vibrant culinary scene.
🌎 A Melting Pot of Cultures
With influences from Europe, Africa, Asia, and all of America, Panamanian culture is open and welcoming. The international community is deeply integrated, creating a tolerant and diverse environment.
🏛️ Living History in Casco Viejo
The city’s old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the cultural heart of Panama, with its colonial architecture, charming squares, museums, and lively nightlife.
🍲 International Flavor
From traditional Panamanian cuisine to restaurants by world-renowned chefs, the gastronomic offer is exceptional and affordable. Explore the flavors of the sea, Asian fusion, and European haute cuisine.
Leisure and adventure: a country to discover
Living in Panama means you will never run out of plans. Its compact size and incredible biodiversity allow you to enjoy unique experiences just a few hours from the city.
🏖️ Pacific and Caribbean Beaches
Just a one or two-hour drive away, you can be surfing in the Pacific or relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean in archipelagos like San Blas or Bocas del Toro.
🐒 Rainforest Adventure
Explore national parks like the Metropolitan (the only tropical rainforest within a capital city) or El Valle de Antón, a town located in the crater of an extinct volcano.
🚢 The Panama Canal
Visiting the Canal locks and marveling at this engineering feat is a must-do experience that connects you with the country’s history and global importance.
The hub of the Americas: total connectivity
Panama’s strategic geographical position translates into a first-class connectivity infrastructure, essential for business and modern life.
✈️ Global Air Connectivity
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is one of the most important in Latin America, offering direct flights to major cities in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, facilitating your business or leisure travel.
💻 High-Speed Digital Infrastructure
Panama is the meeting point for the continent’s main submarine fiber optic cables. This ensures high-speed and very stable internet access, crucial for remote professionals and tech companies.
💼 First-Class Corporate Services
As a financial center, the country has a robust banking system, access to international-standard legal and accounting services, and high-quality office and coworking infrastructure to establish your operation.
A vibrant and welcoming international community
One of Panama’s biggest attractions is its huge and diverse expat community. Moving to a new country is easier when you know a welcoming network awaits you.
- Diversity of Nationalities: You will find people from North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, creating a truly multicultural environment.
- Social Groups and Networking: There are countless social groups, sports clubs, networking events, and charitable organizations where it is very easy to meet people with your same interests.
- Ease of Integration: Panamanian culture is, by nature, open to foreigners. This, combined with the large expat community, makes the social adaptation process quick and enriching.
Safety and peace of mind for your family
One of Panama’s greatest advantages is its reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America. With a low rate of violent crime and a strong police presence in residential and business areas, expats and their families enjoy a high level of peace of mind in their daily lives. This, combined with political and economic stability, creates an ideal environment to live and invest with confidence.
Frequently asked questions about life in Panama
What is the expat community like in Panama?
Panama has one of the largest and most active expat communities in Latin America. You will find social groups and events for all nationalities and interests, which greatly facilitates integration and building a new network of contacts.
Is it necessary to speak Spanish to live in Panama?
In the business, banking, and tourist areas of Panama City, as well as in expat communities like Boquete and Coronado, English is widely spoken. However, learning basic Spanish will greatly enrich your daily experience and cultural integration.
What is the nightlife and social scene like?
Panama City has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, from the charming bars and rooftops of Casco Viejo to the trendy clubs and venues in the business district. There is a huge range of cultural events, concerts, and social activities throughout the year.
Find your lifestyle in Panama
💼 For the Professional and Entrepreneur
Enjoy a pro-business environment, constant networking events, access to international talent, and the ability to optimize your taxes while living in a vibrant and connected hub.
👨👩👧👦 For the Family
Offer your family a safe environment, access to excellent international schools, endless outdoor activities, and a welcoming community to grow in.
🌴 For the Retiree
Take advantage of the famous Pensionado Visa program, an affordable cost of living that stretches your pension, a great climate, and a high-quality healthcare system.
Ready to live the Panamanian experience?
The lifestyle you are looking for is within reach. The first step is to secure your status in the country. Let us guide you through the residency process so you can start enjoying everything Panama has to offer.
Discover how to reside in Panama