Panama (PA)
Panama is one of the most popular expat countries in the Americas in 2026, especially for retirees, remote-income households, investors, entrepreneurs and families who want US-dollar living, strong air connectivity, private healthcare and established expat communities.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Panama.
Cédula, RUC, DGI e-Tax/NIT access and agency portals
Panama does not have one single foreigner-friendly digital identity equivalent to some EU systems. Daily digital life is built around cédula for identity, RUC for tax, DGI e-Tax/NIT access for DGI/legal filings, Panamanian phone numbers for OTPs, bank apps for ACH/Yappy, and agency-specific portals.
How to get it: Cédula is usually generated through immigration/residence processes. RUC registration and DGI e-Tax/NIT access are handled by DGI and often require in-person appointments, passport, resident card, cédula, proof of address and tax information. Banks and telecoms run their own KYC.
E-Government Portal
https://www.panamadigital.gob.paDigital access is uneven for foreigners. Some systems accept passport/cédula, others assume Panamanian voter ID or a local phone. Expect in-person verification for DGI, banks, driving licences and some immigration or civil registry tasks.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Encuentra24.com
FreePanama's leading classifieds portal for apartment and house rentals in Panama City, Boquete, Bocas del Toro and across the country.
Default messaging for landlords, doctors, schools, agents, neighbours and service providers.
Google Maps / Waze
FreeTraffic, route planning, toll estimates and road disruption awareness.
Uber
FreeCommon ride-hailing option in Panama City and major tourist zones.
DiDi
FreeRide-hailing in Panama City — often competitive with Uber.
Rappi
FreeFood, groceries, pharmacy and errands in major cities.
Mercado Libre / Mercado Pago
FreeMajor ecommerce and wallet ecosystem; check seller reputation and official stores.
Banco General / Banistmo / BAC Credomatic apps
FreePanama's main bank apps for ACH/Yappy transfers, bill payments, cards, statements and alerts.
ENSA / IDAAN app or portal
FreeElectricity (ENSA/EDEMET) and water (IDAAN) bill lookup and payment.
Claro / Movistar / Tigo Panama apps
FreeTop-ups, data packages and account management for Panama's main mobile operators.
SINAPROC / 911 Panama
FreePanama Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) emergency alerts for floods, earthquakes and severe weather — dial 911 for emergencies.
Wise
PaidInternational transfers and FX records; works well alongside Panamanian banking.
Doctoralia
FreeFind doctors, dentists and specialists with reviews and language filters.
Use a Panamanian phone number early and keep it active. Losing access to the number can lock you out of bank, DGI, utility, delivery and medical accounts. Panama uses USD as its official currency alongside the Balboa (at parity), which simplifies banking for US-dollar earners.