Yappy, Panama’s Version of Venmo, Now Works With Banistmo and Its 600,000 Clients
Yappy, the phone-number payment app used by 1.8 million people in Panama, is now inside Banistmo’s mobile app. Here is how it works and which banks are connected.
Panama Blog
Singapore Joins the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty and Signs an Air Cargo Deal With Tocumen
Singapore will adhere to the Panama Canal Neutrality Protocol, Tocumen signed an air cargo MoU with SATS, and Panama pitched its Fourth Bridge and airport projects to Singaporean investors.
Panama and Vietnam Sign 9 Agreements, and Vietnam Will Reopen Its Embassy in Panama in 2027
Panama and Vietnam signed nine agreements in Hanoi covering agriculture, aviation, tourism, customs and maritime training, and Vietnam will reopen its embassy in Panama in early 2027.
IMF Raises Panama’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 5% and the World Bank to 4.2%, Double the Regional Average
The IMF now expects Panama’s economy to grow about 5% in 2026, up from 3.8%, and the World Bank raised its forecast to 4.2%. Here are the numbers, the deficit targets and the risks both flagged.
What Happens After Panama Leaves the EU Tax List? Lessons From Costa Rica, the UAE and Mauritius
Countries that left EU and FATF lists saw investment recover, but only with a strong pitch. What Costa Rica, the UAE and Mauritius teach Panama, and how investors can prepare.
Panama Unemployment Falls to 8.5% as 77,231 More People Find Work
Panama unemployment fell to 8.5% in August 2026 from 10.4%, with 77,231 more people employed and informality at 45.8%, according to INEC. Province and sector data inside.
Airbnb Rejects Panama’s Proposed 15% Tax on Short-Term Rentals
Article 30 of Panama’s Bill 713 would charge 15% ITBMS on Airbnb-style rentals versus 10% for hotels. Airbnb rejected it on September 30. Here’s what it could cost owners.
Panama Private School Fees for 2027 Range From $450 to $7,225 a Year, and 1 in 4 Schools Is Raising Prices
Acodeco’s 2027 survey of 200+ Panama private schools: annual tuition from $450 to $7,225, enrollment up to $2,223, admission fees up to $6,000, and the biggest increases.
Panama City Marathon Debuts as a Boston Qualifier, Drawing Runners From About 40 Countries
The first Panama City Marathon ran on September 20, 2026, on a World Athletics and AIMS certified course that counts for Boston Marathon qualifying. Here is the route, the winners and what comes next.
Brooklyn Now Has a “Little Panama Way” Honoring Its Panamanian Community
Sections of Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, were officially co-named Little Panama Way on September 24, 2026, with President Mulino at the unveiling. A 22-block Panamanian Cultural District is also proposed.
Panamanian Geisha Sells for $18,004 a Kilo as Best of Panama Auction Tops $3 Million
A washed Geisha from Lamastus Family Estates sold for $18,004 per kilogram at the 30th Best of Panama auction, which brought in $3.04 million across 50 lots. Here are the top lots, the buyers and how 2026 compares with last year.
It’s Official – Panama Investor Visa: $300,000 for New Property, $500,000 for Resale Under New Decree
Executive Decree 17 of 2026 splits Panama’s Qualified Investor real estate route in two: $300,000 for new, first-sale property and $500,000 for resale. Here are the new minimums, rules and deadlines.