Moving to Panama

"Travel as light as you can. Open yourself to the experience of daily life where you land. Don't choose a permanent base-of-operations until you have considered EVERYTHING that is important to you, and that you've been to other areas of Panama. It's a small country with amazing diversity. Give yourself the opportunity to experience the banquet!!!," replied a member in Panama City.

"We visited here many times before moving and stayed in different areas each time. There are 13 micro-climates here and they vary greatly. Some roads are not good so that may play into housing decisions too. Temperatures vary, even 5 minutes away can make a big difference. There are also areas that get extremely windy in Jan-Feb. Rent before buying," commented one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"One of the most popular ways to go about finding a place to live in Panama is to contact a real estate agent. Real estate agents have up-to-date databases on listings and can help you find something that fits your needs. Additionally, you can use online property listing services such as Pana Network and Encuentra24 to browse through property listings offered in Panama. You can narrow down your search by location, price, size, or amenities. You may also be able to find available rentals through online expat forums, social media, and other expatriate websites. You may want to consider visiting the location if possible to get a feel for the area and evaluate whether it meets your criteria," remarked one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Originally the view was unobstructed. But immediately around our apt. are schools, Atlapa, a large supermarket, a police station, community pool...things that will not get bought out and have a highrise pop up," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"In a highrise, and that was after living in a home, on the ground, in California. Never dreamed I'd be going vertical again. But it has safety advantages, especially in a building that has a good, stable reputation," said one expat in Panama City.

"Homes in Boquete range from quite rustic Panamanian style homes to large luxury homes. It all depends on your desires and budget! Most homes in Panama are concrete block construction. I will disagree with the previous poster, most homes in Boquete do not have either AC or heat, as it is not needed due to the stable and comfortable air temperature. As you drive from Boquete to David it get significantly hotter and AC would be highly desirable in those areas. See homes at https://casasolution.com," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Typical construction of homes in Boquete, or all of Panama, is lack of insulation. During rainy season the rain drops, size of marbles on a tin roof is deafening. You may want to keep ear plugs nearby," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"We have a 2 bedroom rental house up the hill from Boquete town. It is our preferred area. We were lucky and planned well in advance of moving here," said one expat in Boquete.

"Expat homes and apartments in Panama tend to vary greatly depending on the location and the particular preferences of expats. They often feature high-end amenities, such as pools, terraces, and modern appliances. Most expat homes feature multiple bedrooms, large bathrooms and spacious kitchens. Expat apartments may be equipped with security measures and a concierge service as well. Some expats opt for homes or apartments that are located close to beaches or other tourist attractions, while others choose to live in more secluded locations. No matter the type of property chosen, expat homes and apartments in Panama tend to have comfortable, luxury appeal," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"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,," said one expat in Bocas del Toro.

"Average home would probably go for 150K to 250K, depending on location and how modern it is. Depends on what you are looking for. Take the time to do your research with various real estate companies. You can pay beaucoup the bucks for waterfront mansions," remarked one expat who made the move to Coronado.

"About rents that is one big advantage of Panama. Rents have sky-rocketed in the USA but they are still reasonable here. You do need to do some looking. I would recommend staying in an airbnb place for a couple of weeks in the area that you like so you can take your time looking for a place to rent, If you are going to rent long term it is probably cheaper to buy your own furniture and rent an unfurnished place," explained one expat living in Panama.

"The cost of housing in Panama tends to vary depending on the location and type of property. Generally speaking, prices for apartments or condos range from moderate to expensive, with smaller units costing significantly less than luxury homes. On average, rental fees in urban locations can start as low as $500 while more upscale dwellings can range up to over $2,000 per month," said one expat in Panama.

"Our rent (including electric, gas and high-speed internet) is less than half of just our mortgage in S. Florida. Tip: if internet is important to you, don't ask, "do you have internet" since everyone can get it. Ask, "what speed internet can I get and how much does it cost?" We pay about $50 for 5G megs mo. Five minutes away it is $150 for 1meg," said one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"When considering whether to buy or rent a home in Panama, it is important to consider a few factors such as budget, timeline, and lifestyle. Purchasing a home of your own can be a great investment and can provide much stability if you are planning on settling in Panama for a long period of time. However, if you are looking for short-term housing or don't have the budget for a purchase, renting can be a more cost-effective and flexible option. Ultimately, what is best for you will depend on your situation and goals," explained one expat living in Panama.

"We decided to rent. We sold everything we had in the US and want the freedom to move if we are ever inclined to do that. We rent furnished and love not worrying about maintenance or replacement of anything. Buying abroad can be tricky and I would encourage anyone buying to do due diligence. As for us, we are happy renting," said one expat in Nueva Gorgona.

"We bought our home and turned half of it into a vacation rental (Tres Terrazas). We used an attorney for this as we were conducting the purchase from the states with emails, faxes, federal express and bank deposits. Not really that difficult but we had a great attorney," said one expat who made the move to Taboga Island.

"Yes. a condo. Process is kind of sloppy. A bit tricky. Need a good attorney. a lot of patience," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"Full size vacuum cleaner. I brought all of my slacks. In Panama we are going through a phase of slacks and jeans with 3" zippers. If your are not wearing a thong, you better have a very long shirt. I don't have any idea when this style will change. There are no Talbot's type shops here. Shoes are reasonably priced. We wish we had brought power tools. They are more expensive here than at Home Depot. If you have a computer, bring a modem. Bring your car. Roads vary from super highways to dirt roads. New cars are expensive in Panama," said one expat in Alto Boquete.

"If moving to Panama, it is recommended to pack (weather-appropriate) clothes for hot and humid weather. It might be helpful to also bring items like rainwear, hats, and sunscreen for the hot, tropical climate. It is also wise to bring comfortable shoes suitable for adventure and exploring. Additionally, basic supplies such as toiletries, medications, and a reliable flashlight are highly recommended, especially if living in a rural area. If bringing electronics, ensure they are compatible with the electrical outlets in Panama, which use the type A and B plugs. Having photos of family, friends, and home could also be beneficial during the transition," explained one expat living in Panama.

"Pack your Amazon Prime membership. And get a good freight forwarder here for deliveries in Miami. You can buy a lot of stuff here when it is available. If you don't live in a large city, Amazon is the way to go. Bring decent lightbulbs. The ones here are sadly lacking. They are all on some sort of wattage deficit. I brought my washer and am glad I did. If you like electric stoves or grills, bring those. Amazon firestick is good. A good fan. Most fans here last about 6 months. A dehumidifier is a must. I think they are cheaper in the states than here. If you live in the mountains bring a portable heater. There are mornings that you will be glad you did. One merchant where I live brought in a handful of heaters. His family laughed at him. In the twinkling of an eye, all heaters were bought. Can't find any here now. The heaters are not only good for providing a little heat, but they also dry a lot of the early morning humidity. You want to lessen the humidity in your house to save your clothes and appliances. Appliances decay rapidly in high humidity. If you can afford to run an air conditioner all the time, then don't worry about humidity. Of course, you will need a generator to keep the AC on when the electricity is off. So bring one or two of those with you. Bring any thing of personal comfort and joy. They will ease your transition by making you feel more at home," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Panamanians are very tranquilo people and willing to help. If you are politely sincere, they will overlook any faux pas. However, don't mistake kindness for weakness. Panamanians are also tough. If you approach them as a superior jerk, you will get the jerk treatment. One of the things I love most about Panamanians is their insightful sense of humor. It is quite sophisticated. My Spanish is not good, but our joint sense of humor supersedes all language barriers. Just be good and relaxed," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"In Panama, it is important to be respectful in all interactions. Pronouncing Spanish words incorrectly or using slang can be considered offensive or inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of local dress codes, as wearing revealing clothing in religious or traditionally conservative settings can be seen as inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to respect Panama’s indigenous cultures and be sensitive to any cultural differences that may exist. Showing deference and respect to authority figures is also key. Finally, do not be disrespectful to Panamanian flags, emblem, and customs, as this can be considered a serious offense," explained one expat living in Panama.

"Panama's ideal tropical climate, world class infrastructure and low taxes are some of the primary attractions that draw expats to move there. Additionally, Panama enjoys a stable political and economic environment, providing a safe and secure environment in which to establish new lives. The country also boasts a wide diversity of activities and attractions to explore, both in the city and in the stunning landscapes nearby. From rainforests to sandy beaches and mountains, Panama has much to offer those looking for a new home. With a vibrant culture and intriguing history, it's easy to see why many expats have chosen to call Panama home," said one expat living in Panama.

"The cost of living is cheap compared to other countries. Example we are in Chiriqui, Volcan. We were also living in Puerto Armuelles. The gas for cooking is around 7 dollars for a 5 gallon tank. It last about 2 months. The water is not metered and is about 5 a month in Puerto you use air conditioning so the electricity is higher 125 a month depending. But in Volcan its virtual springtime so you don't need air or heat," offered one expat living in Panama.

"I am living in Nueva Gorgona for multiple reasons. I looked at Coronado first but I like the small town and local cultural feel that in Nueva Gorgona gives you. I believe prices are less than the weather going to be in the Coronado. I’m renting a two bedroom one bath apartment for $800 a month very close to the beach with an ocean view walking distance to numerous restaurants and small markets. I really enjoy getting to know the locals very friendly and gracious people here," wrote one expat living in Nueva Gorgona.

"Here you have a slower, more rural life-style, with nearby little-used beaches and modest cost of living. There is a restaurant called Smiley's where expats tend to gather. And November 25 there are wonderful parades and traditional dress. In February for carnival the dress is modern and parades and floats resembling Rio. There is a health clinic in town where you can consult a doctor for $2.00, or you can drive into one of the bigger cities like Chitre (1 hour away) for specialists. The weather is temperature consistent, but from December through April it is DRY, whereas May through November it rains a lot, but still with quite a bit of sunshine," commented one expat who moved to Pedasi, Panama.

"Not great. I read a post in response to this question where someone said we have a hospital. Not true. We have a building that is supposed to be a new clinic but it is not open and there is no telling when it will open. If you want any kind of serious health care you have to go to Coronado or Panama City," wrote one expat living in El Valle de Anton.

"See Dr. Levy, even if you have no insurance his office visits are only $15 and he is a very nice Dr who will send you to the appropriate specialists. Also there are a number of alternative doctor's locally who are not expensive either and are very effective if you are into that type of medicine. I have not renewed any medications since I arrived so I do not know about prescription drugs yet. But in terms of just seeing someone because you are not feeling well, Dr. Levy seems to be the place to go. And his fee is such it does not even make sense to claim insurance for the visit," commented one expat living in Coronado.

"Being from the U.S. it's hard to say medical care is better, but the difference is it's 1/10th the cost to get the same type of medical care. Don't be afraid that you're going to get 3rd world medical care in a foreign country. Also, just as in the U.S., don't be afraid to ask questions or to give your opinion of what you think needs to be your course of treatment," commented one expat who moved to La Chorrera, Panama.

"Healthcare services in Panama are generally of a high quality, with both public and private options available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all Panamanian citizens. It is also available to foreign residents, although they may have to pay a fee. The public healthcare system is generally of a good quality, with a wide range of services available. Expats in Panama can use the public healthcare system, although they may have to pay a fee. Private healthcare is also available in Panama, and is generally of a higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare is more expensive than the public system, but it is often preferred by expats due to the higher quality of care," remarked one expat living in Panama.

"The Clinic in Horconsitos is open only part time. Additional Clinic is available M-F in San Lorenzo. Otherwise a trip to Davis is required, 1:15 minutes away from home," wrote one expat living in Boca Chica.

"Panama has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a number of highly-trained doctors and specialists, and many of the larger hospitals offer advanced medical treatments and procedures. In addition, Panama has a number of medical tourism options, with many people travelling to the country for medical treatments and procedures that may not be available in their home countries. The cost of medical services in Panama is generally lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical care," commented one expat who moved to Panama.