Panama City Infrastructure: Internet, Utilities, and Living Comfortably

Panama City infrastructure is modern and reliable for expats: electricity is stable with rare outages ($80-150/month, 110V/60Hz same as North America, peak hours surcharge applies), fiber internet widely available (50-100 Mbps for $30-50/month from Cable & Wireless/Claro/Izzi, adequate for remote work with occasional monthly outages), tap water technically drinkable but most expats use filters ($15-30/month water costs), healthcare world-class in private hospitals comparable to US standards, modern metro system clean but limited coverage, and banking sophisticated with multiple international banks offering online services. Central areas (Casco Viejo, Financial District, Amador) have best infrastructure reliability, while infrastructure is one of Panama City's strengths as expat destination, far more developed than most Latin American cities, suitable for remote workers needing stable internet/electricity, with costs dramatically lower than North America for equivalent quality.

One of the biggest concerns for expats moving to a new country is whether the infrastructure will support a comfortable lifestyle. Will I have reliable electricity? What about internet for remote work? Can I get running water? Here's what to expect from Panama City's infrastructure.

Electricity

Panama City has reliable electricity for the most part. Power outages are rare in central areas and tourist neighborhoods. Here's what you need to know:

• Reliability: In developed areas (Casco Viejo, Financial District, Amador), power is reliable with outages rare
• Voltage: 110V, 60Hz (same as North America)
• Cost: $80-150/month for a typical apartment
• Peak hours surcharge: Electricity is more expensive during peak hours (peak pricing applies during afternoon/evening)
• Backup power: Many buildings have generators for extended outages (though rarely needed)

Power outages are far less common than in many Latin American countries. Most expats report electricity is one of the least problematic utilities.

Water

Panama City's water system is developed but has some quirks:

• Availability: Water is available in most central areas but can have pressure issues in some neighborhoods during peak hours
• Quality: Tap water is technically drinkable but many expats use filters or buy bottled water
• Cost: Water is very cheap, $15-30/month for typical apartment use
• Hotwater: Most apartments have hot water systems (instantaneous or tank-based)
• Seasonal issues: During dry season (Jan-April), water pressure can decrease in some areas

Water is generally reliable in central Panama City. If you're concerned about water quality, filters are inexpensive and widely available.

Internet and Connectivity

Internet is critical for remote workers and digital nomads. Panama City's internet is surprisingly good:

• Providers: Cable & Wireless, Claro, and Izzi are the main providers
• Speed: Fiber internet (50-100 Mbps) widely available in central areas for $30-50/month
• ADSL: Older ADSL technology still available in some areas (slower, cheaper)
• Mobile 4G: All major carriers offer mobile data; good backup option at $20-30/month
• Reliability: Generally reliable but occasional outages (maybe once per month for a few hours)
• Installation: Usually installed within 1-2 weeks, technicians are professional

For remote work, fiber internet in Panama City is more than adequate. Most remote workers report no issues with video calls, file uploads, or real-time applications.

Gas

Panama uses natural gas and propane for cooking and water heating:

• Natural gas: Available in some apartments/buildings for cooking
• Propane: Propane cylinders are standard for some buildings
• Cost: Very inexpensive, $5-15/month depending on usage
• Safety: Providers are professional and regular safety checks are conducted

Gas service is straightforward and very cheap. No major concerns.

Internet Coworking Spaces

If you prefer working outside your apartment, several coworking spaces exist:

• Spaces available: Multiple coworking spaces in financial district and Casco Viejo
• Cost: $150-400/month for dedicated desk, $20-50/day for drop-in
• Amenities: High-speed internet, professional environment, networking opportunities, coffee
• Community: Good place to meet other remote workers and entrepreneurs

Coworking spaces are well-developed in Panama City and offer reliable high-speed internet plus professional environment.

Transportation and Roads

Panama City's road infrastructure is modern in central areas:

• Main highways: Well-maintained Panamerican Highway and urban expressways
• City roads: Central areas have well-paved roads; residential areas vary in quality
• Traffic: Can be heavy during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)
• Uber/Taxi: Available, cheap ($2-5 for most trips), reliable
• Metro: Panama City Metro is modern and clean (though limited coverage)
• Driving: If you plan to drive, rental cars are available; traffic rules are less strictly enforced than North America

Transportation is reliable and affordable. You don't need a car unless you're frequently traveling outside the city.

Garbage and Sewage

Sanitation systems are modern in central Panama City:

• Garbage collection: Regular pickup, usually 2-3 times per week in apartments
• Recycling: Limited but growing; many neighborhoods don't have organized recycling
• Sewage: Piped sewage system in developed areas; septic systems in older buildings
• Street cleanliness: Central areas are generally clean; some residential areas less so

Sanitation is reliable in central areas. Garbage collection is consistent.

Telephones and Mobile Service

Mobile phone service is excellent:

• Providers: Claro, Digicel, Cable & Wireless all have good coverage
• Plans: Prepaid and postpaid plans available; very affordable ($20-50/month)
• Coverage: Excellent in city; reasonable outside city
• 4G/LTE: Available from all providers in urban areas
• Phone numbers: Easy to get local phone number; typically obtained same day

Mobile service is excellent and affordable. Getting a local number is straightforward.

Building Infrastructure

Modern apartment buildings in Panama City are well-built:

• Construction: Reinforced concrete construction is standard (designed for earthquakes and hurricanes)
• Amenities: Modern buildings typically have gyms, pools, security, parking
• Climate control: Air conditioning is standard in most buildings
• Security: 24-hour security guards in most residential buildings
• Maintenance: Professional maintenance staff handle repairs promptly

Modern buildings in Panama City meet high standards comparable to North American construction.

Banking and Financial Services

Banking infrastructure is developed:

• Banks: Multiple international and local banks (Banco General, BAC, Banco del Istmo, etc.)
• ATMs: Widely available, free or low-cost withdrawals
• Credit cards: International credit cards accepted widely
• Online banking: All major banks offer online banking
• Wire transfers: Easy to send money internationally

Banking is sophisticated and expat-friendly.

Healthcare Infrastructure

Healthcare facilities are modern and well-equipped:

• Hospitals: Several world-class private hospitals with modern equipment
• Pharmacies: Abundant pharmacies throughout the city
• Doctors: Many English-speaking doctors available
• Medical imaging: MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray facilities available

Healthcare infrastructure is excellent and modern.

Real Issues and Complaints

Despite generally good infrastructure, some challenges exist:

• Internet outages: Occasional but not frequent; have mobile backup
• Water pressure issues: During peak hours in some neighborhoods; filter water anyway
• Traffic congestion: Rush hours can be bad; avoid driving 7-9am and 5-7pm
• Humidity and mold: High humidity requires air conditioning and occasional mold prevention
• Construction noise: Panama City is rapidly developing; occasional construction noise

These are minor compared to infrastructure problems in many other countries.

The Bottom Line

Panama City has modern, reliable infrastructure suitable for expats. Internet, electricity, water, and sanitation are all reliable in central areas. If you're coming from North America or Europe, you'll find the infrastructure familiar and reliable. Choose your neighborhood carefully (central areas are better than periphery), and you'll have few infrastructure-related problems.

Infrastructure is one of Panama City's strengths as an expat destination.

Related Panama City Resources

• Panama City Complete Expat Guide
• Boquete Panama Living Guide
• Add Your Panama Business to ExpatsList