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.

Capital: Panama City

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: USD ($)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Panama.

Public Transport Overview

Panama City has the strongest public-transport system in Central America, led by the Panama Metro, MiBus/Metrobus, taxis, ride-hailing and intercity buses from Albrook. Outside the capital, transport relies more on buses, colectivos, taxis, private cars, ferries and domestic flights. Expats in Boquete, Coronado, Pedasi, Bocas del Toro and smaller towns should budget for car use, reliable taxis or private transfers.

Main operators:

Panama MetroMiBus / MetrobusAlbrook Bus Terminal operatorsPanaPass corredoresAir PanamaUberinDrivelocal taxisBocas water taxisferry operators

🎫 Transit Passes

Metro/Metrobus card Stored-value fares; card purchase/top-up extra

Panama Metro and MiBus/Metrobus services in the metropolitan area

💡 Keep the card topped up; routes and queues vary by time of day.

PanaPass Prepaid toll account

Corredor Norte, Corredor Sur and toll-road use

💡 Useful for drivers in Panama City and beach-corridor commuters.

Intercity bus tickets Route dependent; generally affordable

Panama City to David, Boquete connections, Azuero, Santiago, Colon and other routes

💡 Albrook is the key terminal; holidays and weekends can sell out or run crowded.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are common but pricing can be inconsistent for foreigners. Use hotel taxis, trusted drivers, ride-hailing or agreed fares before departure. In Panama City, Uber is often easier for newcomers than street taxis.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber is common in Panama City and some other hubs; inDrive and local drivers fill gaps. Availability drops in smaller towns, beaches, late nights and bad weather.

Cycling

Cycling is possible in selected Panama City areas such as the Cinta Costera and Amador, but road design, heat, rain and driver behaviour make defensive riding essential. Boquete and coastal towns can be scenic but require caution.

Intercity Trains

Panama has no national passenger rail network. Intercity travel is mainly by bus, private car, domestic flights and ferries. The Panama Canal Railway is limited and not a general national rail solution for expats.

Driving

Driving is on the right. Speed limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on motorways. Traffic in Panama City can be heavy, parking can be difficult, and rainy-season flooding can disrupt routes. Foreign licences may work for short stays, but residents should confirm ATTT licence-exchange or local licence rules. Liability insurance is mandatory for vehicles.

Airports

Major airports: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) for international flights, Albrook Gelabert for domestic routes, Enrique Malek in David, Bocas del Toro Isla Colon, and Scarlett Martinez near Rio Hato/Coronado. Tocumen is the regional hub with strong Americas connectivity.