Is the internet fast enough for remote work in Panama City?

Panama City has excellent internet infrastructure with average speeds of 118 Mbps. This is more than sufficient for video calls, file uploads, and general remote work. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable WiFi for digital nomads.

Is there a digital nomad community in Panama City?

Panama City has a growing digital nomad community with a Nomad Score of 57/100. While smaller than some nomad hotspots, you can still connect with other remote workers through online communities and coworking spaces. The community is growing as more nomads discover this destination.

Is Panama City safe for digital nomads?

Panama City is generally considered safe for digital nomads and travelers. Like any city, it's recommended to take normal precautions, especially in tourist areas. The local community is generally welcoming to remote workers.

What is the best time to visit Panama City as a digital nomad?

The climate in Panama City, Panama varies throughout the year. Most digital nomads prefer visiting during the shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn typically offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices. Check our detailed climate section for monthly weather data and recommendations.

How long can I stay in Panama City as a digital nomad?

Visa requirements for Panama depend on your nationality. Many digital nomads stay on tourist visas (typically 30-90 days), while some countries offer specific digital nomad visas for longer stays. Check the latest visa requirements for Panama before planning your trip, as regulations may have changed recently.

Panama City Nomad Guide: Cost & Internet 2026

Planning to work remotely from Panama City, Panama? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $1,931 and average internet speeds of 118 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Panama City as a digital nomad.

🌍 Overview

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, has become a hotspot for digital nomads in recent years. As a seasoned digital nomad who has spent several months exploring this city, I can attest to its unique blend of urban excitement and tropical relaxation. With a thriving expat community, a wide range of accommodation options, and a relatively low cost of living, Panama City is an attractive destination for remote workers. The city’s strategic location, with easy access to the rest of Central and South America, makes it an ideal base for those looking to explore the region. As a Panama City digital nomad, you’ll find yourself immersed in a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, with a dash of Caribbean flair.

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to stay in Panama City, digital nomads have a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Here are three neighborhoods that I highly recommend:

Casco Viejo: This historic neighborhood is a favorite among expats and digital nomads, with its charming colonial architecture, lively nightlife, and eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes. Rent prices in Casco Viejo are relatively high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,200-$1,500 per month (approximately $1,100-$1,400 USD). However, the neighborhood’s unique character and central location make it well worth the investment.
Punta Pacifica: Located in the heart of the city, Punta Pacifica is a modern neighborhood with a range of high-rise apartments and condos. This area is popular with young professionals and remote workers, with plenty of coworking spaces, gyms, and restaurants to choose from. Rent prices in Punta Pacifica are slightly lower than in Casco Viejo, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $900-$1,200 per month (approximately $800-$1,100 USD).
Marbella: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just west of Casco Viejo and offers a more laid-back, local vibe. Marbella is home to a growing community of expats and digital nomads, with a range of affordable accommodation options and a lively nightlife scene. Rent prices in Marbella are significantly lower than in the other two neighborhoods, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $600-$900 per month (approximately $550-$800 USD).

Cost of Living Breakdown

The cost of living in Panama City is relatively low compared to other major cities in Central America. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:

Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood, but you can expect to pay around $600-$1,500 per month (approximately $550-$1,400 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment.
Food: Eating out in Panama City can be very affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around $5-$10 (approximately $4.50-$9 USD). Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around $20-$30 (approximately $18-$27 USD) per week.
Transport: Panama City has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and taxis readily available. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $30-$40 (approximately $27-$36 USD), while a taxi ride typically costs around $5-$10 (approximately $4.50-$9 USD).
Coworking: Coworking spaces in Panama City are plentiful, with prices ranging from $100-$300 per month (approximately $90-$270 USD) for a hot desk or dedicated office.

Internet & Coworking

Panama City has a relatively fast and reliable internet connection, with average speeds of around 45 Mbps. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with good internet to choose from. Some popular coworking spaces include:

Hub Panama: Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, Hub Panama offers a range of coworking options, including hot desks and private offices, from $150-$500 per month (approximately $135-$450 USD).
WeWork Panama: With several locations throughout the city, WeWork Panama offers a range of coworking options, including hot desks and private offices, from $200-$1,000 per month (approximately $180-$900 USD).
Cafe Coca: This popular cafe in Casco Viejo offers fast and reliable internet, as well as a range of coffee and food options, making it a great spot to work remotely.

Digital Nomad Community

Panama City has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of meetups and events to connect with like-minded individuals. Some popular groups include:

Panama City Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, ask questions, and find out about upcoming events.
Nomad List Panama City: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and offers a range of resources and information for digital nomads in Panama City.
Panama City Expats: This group is geared towards expats and digital nomads, with a range of events and meetups, including language exchange, hiking trips, and social gatherings.

Culture & Lifestyle

Panama City is a culturally rich and vibrant city, with a unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture, from trying traditional foods like sancocho and empanadas to attending festivals and events like the Panama Jazz Festival. The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from. When it comes to dating, Panama City is a great place to meet new people, with a range of social events and meetups to choose from.

Visa Information

As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to stay in Panama City for an extended period. The most common visa for remote workers is the Pensionado Visa, which requires a minimum income of $1,000 per month (approximately $900 USD) and offers a range of benefits, including discounts on transportation, accommodation, and healthcare. Alternatively, you can apply for a Tourist Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days, but does not offer the same benefits as the Pensionado Visa.

💡 Practical Tips

Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Panama City:

SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local phone store, with prices starting from around $10-$20 (approximately $9-$18 USD) per month.
Transport: Panama City has a well-developed public transportation system, but you can also use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber.
Safety: Panama City is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Weather: Panama City has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April.