Living in Panama

"It's important to come down here to Panama on multiple due dilligence trips, to spend enough time down here in different areas, and different times of the year, to make sure you are going to enjoy the Country. Research online is important, and will help narrow down areas for you. However, no substitute for on the ground discovery. Work up your budget prior, based on your research, and determine what you can afford in retirement. This will help you determine areas/communities you can afford. Establish a good mail forwarding company, so you can receive Amazon, and your regular mail. Talk to insurance agents in advance to review insurance options. If you are looking to go Pensiado route, you can start this when you come down, if you are firm on Panama already. Prepare yourself for some family and friends thinking you are crazy, or making a big mistake. It's natural, and a lot of "sheeple" don't get it, thinking their legacy brand Country is better, and why would you move to a 3rd World Country! Crazy people still think Panama in this light, and then I explain we have more secure banking, Starlink down here, fiber optic internet in many of the newer areas, expanding rail system in the city, that is being built out towards the beach area. Start working on your Spanish/brushing up on it. Yes, many people speak English, however it is important to work on becoming part of the culture down here. You will be respected more by locals, by trying to speak their native language. Don't just move to where all the Expats are. I guess you can, but you are missing out on the experience of living in a new Country and spending time around locals," said one expat in Panama City.

"We see service dogs all the time here in Panama City in the malls, restaurants and bars. They accept them inside and some even offer them a water dish," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Be prepared to change your life. Leave behind all your pre concieved notions of how it should be, what you need, want, and must have to get by. EVERYTHING is different, embrace it, learn from it, apply what you can to your life but don't come here with demands, strict ideals, uptight lifestyle, and the idea that you are going to save a third world culture from itself. I find the opposite is what happens, it saves you from yourself and what ever madness you left behind," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"At first I shunned the gringo/expat organized weekly meeting, the Tuesday Morning Informational and Networking Meeting. All the people were of retired age, I'm not. Then I started going, I found I had things to say and others had things to teach. they soon published a small book of the meetings minutes with recaps of many speakers. I learned many valuable things and shared opinions and even changed some opinions. We bonded, we drank local coffee, we bitched and moaned and rejoyced together. seek out such groups and see what you can learn or contribute to them," wrote one member in Boquete.

"Besides the bars and restaurants, there are fitness classes, Spanish classes, dive lessons, Catamaran tours, Live music venues, the beaches, volunteer opportunities and just meeting people walking down the street," remarked one expat who made the move to Bocas del Toro.

"Expats in Panama often join niche interest groups, such as local book clubs and photography clubs. Many Internet-based expat forums and websites also offer chances for locals to meet and find activities together, such as hiking and sailing. There are also several expat-run organizations in Panama, such as the American Society of Panama. Expats also often meet each other through networking events, such as get-togethers at bars and restaurants, industry awards dinners and holiday parties, as well as volunteer opportunities with local charities and social organizations," explained one expat living in Panama.

"The public library in Bouquete is a wonderful place to relax and sponsors many programs for both expats and Panamanians. Amigos de los Animales is a good place to volunteer if you like dogs and cats. You can always find friendly expats at the weekly farmer's market. Many native people in Bouquete speak English fluently and if you make friends with someone your social circle will expand rapidly," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Living in Panama for expats and digital nomads can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Panama is known for its tropical climate, vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches and national parks, and its thriving expat community. With excellent infrastructure, a modern banking system, and a low cost of living, Panama is an attractive option for people looking to live and work abroad. The government also welcomes expat entrepreneurs, providing incentives to help them start and run businesses. Expats in Panama can look forward to making friends in the local international activities, making the most of their new home by exploring the many outdoor activities and attractions Panama has to offer. Finally, safety ranks among the highest in Latin America, making life in Panama even more attractive for expats and digital nomads," said one expat in Panama.

"Definitely life revolves around family and work here. The Panamanians are very friendly and family oriented. They have many festivals and celebrate life in many ways many times a year," said one expat who made the move to Bocas del Toro.

"The locals work hard and have lots of festivals. They honor the old folks, thier heritage, and way of life. They take time for coffee, for conversation. They are more then willing to show you and teach you and help you to find your place in their society. If you even try to speak spanish they admire you for that and even try thier hand at English or apologize for their lack of. Everyone says hello, waves, nods, gives recognition, an old fashioned thing that I missed in the U.S," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"There are a lot of retirees in Boquete, but not everyone is retired. You can have as active a social life as you want. There are many restaurants, and different interest groups, as well as classes in a variety of topics. The Panamanian culture is very family oriented," mentioned one in Boquete.

"No. But there are petty crooks here and there, and they do pay attention to "rich" Americans," said one expat in Las Tablas.

"Yes, Panama is highly diverse. Panama is home to many different ethnic and racial groups, including Mestizos, Mulattos, Whites, Blacks, and Amerindians, and is also home to a large Chinese community. Additionally, Panama is home to many different religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and others. This diversity is very visible in Panama, as different communities can be observed living and working side-by-side throughout the country. In general, people in Panama are very accepting and tolerant of differences, with many being proud of the nation's diversity," remarked one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Predominantly non practicing Catholics, multi/mixed racial component, with distinctly cultural diversity, but easily assimilating into a common citizen," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"Look closely at all of the schools Panama has to offer. The MET is a great option for an international school and they have the IB program for all grades. Consider Collegio De Javier or San Augustin for bilingual (mostly spanish) speaking schools with good curriculums and extra curricular activities. Another great choice is AIP. They far surpass ISP in academics, have a lovely campus, and is 1/2 the price," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama, Panama.

"This is a good option for a foreigner who wants their children to learn Spanish and the Latin culture versus being in an international school that is mostly in English," said one parent with children at AIP (Academie Interamericana de Panamá) in Costa del Este.

"I would look into it if you want a Christian school OR a school that is high in moral teaching. Many of the parents and students are not Christian so it is not forced upon the students/families. Great school that I am very pleased with," commented one expat when asked about Crossroads Christian Academy in Panama City.

"The cost of living in Panama is generally considered to be very affordable. Groceries, rent, utilities, healthcare and other necessities are typically more affordable than in many other countries. The cost of dining out, entertainment, and other services is also competitive. Panama is a great option for those looking to live comfortably and keep their cost of living low," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"A couple (renting) can live in a condo and a very comfortable lifestyle, eating out a time or two a week, for $2-2.5K/ month in this area or less depending on where you live. We are pretty spoiled," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"You an rent a home for under 500 a month. Utilities are cheap, food is also cheap. Maybe 50 every two, weeks maybe 100 for, 2 people to, eat well," remarked one expat in Panama.

"Cost of living depend on what you buy at the grocery store. If you buy locally, it is cheaper but very limited products so you need to buy grocery products from the USA that are much more expensive here than in the USA. Again, it depends on how you feed yourself, we eat healthy with product variety that are missing locally. Pricesmart (same as Costco) is a good choice to buy at lower price. Buying other type of products (TV, computer, furniture, etc) is expensive in Panama as it's always full price (full MSRP) and rarely on sale. If you can find your product at Pricesmart, it will be your best place to buy as they have the lowest price. ," wrote one expat living in Panama City.

"Cost of living entirely depends on your personal habits. A single person could survive on their US Social Security check if they don't insist on luxury. For most Americans, if they want to continue the profligate lifestyle to which they are accustomed, the cost will be comparable," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"Cost of groceries is good, especially when buying local produce. Some meats, sugars, and grains are price controlled and can be very inexpensive. Compared to my home area of rural Ohio, food expense is about the same. Cost of electricity at our house is less than $25.00 per month, and we use the air conditioner some mid-days. Usually ceiling fans provide more than enough comfort. Gas tanks are used for cooking, and the one tank we purchased for $25.00 has yet to run out after 7 months of use. ," said one expat.

"Residents of Panama enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. Popular beaches include Playa Blanca, Santa Clara, and Coronado, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also numerous parks throughout the country, such as Parque Natural Metropolitano, which offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. Other outdoor activities include fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Additionally, Panama City is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Panama Canal, the Panama Viejo ruins, and the Biomuseo," wrote one expat living in Panama.

"The beaches in Pedasi are a big draw for surfers, boogie boarders or just swimmers. One of the developments (Andromeda) has a restaurant and pool oceanside. People also do kite sailing. Fishing is a big draw as well. There are offerings of yoga classes and other activities of that sort," commented one expat who moved to Pedasi.

"No doubt it's humid but the best months are from December to around April with almost no rain and windy so it's refreshing. Buildings look dirty because of humidity, there should be a law where buildings needs to be cleaned once in a while," mentioned one expat inPanama City.

"The weather in Panama is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from May to December, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in October and November. The dry season runs from January to April, with the hottest months being March and April," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"It is hot here. You do not want to be wandering about in the mid-day sun. Save your outdoor activities for the mornings and evenings. We do not get much rain compared to other parts of Panama. During the rainy season (typically April through December - the best time of year in the opinion of most residents) we typically get one or two short showers every day and then it clears up. This is unlike other parts of Panama where it can rain for days on end," remarked one expat living in Panama City.

"Volcan spring like weather all year around. Puerto Armuelles is hot and humid and your on the P.acific Ocean.," commented one expat.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Panama is La Posta, located in the heart of Panama City. This restaurant serves traditional Panamanian cuisine, such as sancocho, tamales, and ceviche. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. Another popular restaurant in Panama is El Trapiche, located in the city of El Valle. This restaurant specializes in traditional Panamanian dishes, such as carimañolas, tamales, and empanadas. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. Finally, La Casa de Lourdes is a popular restaurant located in the city of Boquete. This restaurant serves traditional Panamanian dishes, such as sancocho, tamales, and ceviche. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican," remarked one expat living in Panama.

"There are 3 good food stores in Pedasi. However, for more international foods, most people drive into Chitre (1 hour) or Las Tablas (3/4 hour). For people wanting a taste of home, Riba Smith has lots of items that other stores don't carry," commented one expat living in Pedasi, Panama.

"The process of applying for a visa in Panama depends on the type of visa and the duration of stay. To apply for a tourist visa, you must provide a valid passport, a completed application form, a processing fee, and adequate evidence of financial means to cover the costs of your stay. A work visa requires an employment offer from a Panamanian company with an approved government business license, a valid passport and a completed application form, processing fees, and adequate financial means to cover the proposed length of stay. The process of applying for residency in Panama includes submitting an application for residency, providing supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means to cover living expenses, evidence of health insurance, a police certificate from the country of residence, and a valid work permit, depending on the type of residency being applied for. The applicant may also be required to wait for a period of 6 months to a year before a decision is made, and may even need to attend an interview in Panama. Once granted, the residency will remain valid for two years and can be renewed as long as certain requirements are fulfilled," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"Last week I decided that it was time to do something about the chest pains I have been having for several months. I chose a private medical clinic in Boquete, "Clínica Especializada Boquete S.A." because there was an empty parking space in front of it. Within five minutes I was speaking with Dr. Josimar Gómez. He speaks fluent English and spent some time discussing my symptoms before measuring my blood pressure and strongly recommending that I do something about it immediately. A routine consultation costs $15. If you show up in the middle of the night it will be $40. He prescribed blood pressure medication immediately and told me to get blood and urine tests and a chest x-ray. I went to a medical laboratory around the corner where it took about 15 minutes to provide specimens. The results were available by email before the end of the day. Cost: $45.00. I had to go to Hospital Chiriquí in David for the x-ray. Again, no appointment necessary, but I did have to wait over an hour, possibly because they forgot about me. Cost: $25.50 and results were available by email the next day. After a week on the blood pressure medication I returned to Dr. Gomez, he found that my blood pressure was down to 140/80, I was no longer experiencing chest pains, and the tests did not show any serious problems. I will continue with the blood pressure medication and talk to him again in two months. Total cost: just over $100. In the US I'm quite sure that the first doctor would have sent me to the hospital emergency room and the total bill would have run into thousands of dollars. They would have prescribed the most expensive tests they could think of, possibly including invasive procedures that are painful and risky, and I expect that I would still be waiting for a diagnosis," wrote one expat living in Panama.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Panama can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Panama can be higher than in other countries, so it is important to research the cost of medical care before making any decisions," said one expat.

"Health insurance is not accepted by providers of care. Have Tricare which is military insurance world wide and is part of the Hopkins network so we thought the private hospital that says they are part of Hopkins would accept it. We were sadly mistaken and had the worst experience of our life. If you compare US costs and Panama cost, yes, it is less expensive. But, it is still expensive if you have to pay for surgery before any care is rendered. ," commented one expat living in Coronado, Panama.

"If you can get health insurance before you have issues, the private insurance is affordable compared to the US. I'd say about 25 percent of the cost," remarked one expat living in Bocas del Toro.