An Expat Talks about Moving to Bocas del Toro, Panama

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Bocas del Toro

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I brought everything I wanted. Especially specialty items that are harder to get here since I am a cook. My husband brought his tools. I brought too many clothes. I am glad I did not bring my furniture. We live in shorts and flip flops and little dresses. We shipped everything down in a shared container for a very reasonable price.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Get Quotes

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
Get Quotes

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Rent first before you buy. Your paradise today may not be what you will think in 6 months. Brings essentials and sell everything else, you can get it cheaper here.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live in a spacious one bedroom apartment across from the ocean for $400 a month. There are people who live in smaller cheaper places more inland and folks who live out on the water in larger homes for more money. Typical is what fits you.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

We wanted to live in a safe local neighborhood near the ocean. I listened to my friends who were already here and looked in those areas.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Our housing costs are about a third of what we spend in the US. You can get a nice simple apartment for 300 and up or a home for 500 and up. We live on an island so you are never far from the ocean,