Retire in Panama

"There are a lot of expats in our area in Panama and a lot of opportunities to join groups for fun or community serice. A retiree can be involved in as much as they want here or nothing at all. There is a wide variety of restaurants nearby and some nightlife. Panama City is about an hour away and has everything anyone could want. We occasionally spend a night or two in the city. We have water aerobics, game nights and various group activities. The expats are a good community here. We all help each other and especially help the new people. Paying it forward is part of the process," said one retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

"Our little island is pretty calm. No nightlife, which is one of the reasons we chose it. A constantly changing landscape with the ships waiting for the Panama Canal, whales and dolphins in the waters out front and views of the neighboring islands," commented one retiree living in Taboga Island, Panama.

"For 9 years we have lived in the beauty and undiscovered area near Portobelo Colon. If you love nature it is the most beautiful peaceful area. Snorkeling on the reefs right outside our home, watching the Tucans fly over our house. Spending our days with others that love the peaceful, natural environment. It is cheaper to live in this area and still only 1 hour to the city if you need a visit to Pricemart," explained one retiree living in Panama.

"While visiting Boquete recently, our guide told us Puerto Armuelas had some of the highest crime rates in Panama and discouraged us from even visiting there," said one retiree in living in Panama.

"Very active expat community, with several groups, birders, hikers, quilters, photography, charitable aid groups, you name it," explained a retiree in Boquete.

"We feel like we are on a perpetual vacation. I remind myself that we live where people vacation. For me, there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves lapping always in the background. I have never felt more at peace in my life. Life is good," explained a retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

"Spend some time, several weeks if possible, to get a real feel for the area you are considering retiring to. We came here 5 times before we purchased," explained one retiree living in Taboga Island.

"Getting used to the cultural differences, language, pace of life and casual attitude about service," remarked one retiree in Boquete.

"Sometimes it's a challenge to find ingredients for a recipe or find a good steak but everything can be worked around. Learning Spanish at retirement age is not easy for us but we plug along one word at a time and we are getting there. In our area [in Nueva Gorgona], there are a lot of expats and a lot of English is spoken and that makes learning Spanish less crucial but we still want to keep learning," said a retiree who moved to Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"Our stress levels have gone down a lot. We are very relaxed. We also eat better. So much fresh fruit and veggies available and everything tastes so good here. By far, our favorite thing here is living on the beach and going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the waves. It's so tranquil," explained a retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

"It's Panama. Complete freedom--unbridled freedom to live my life however I choose," explained one retiree living in Las Tablas.

"New friends from around the globe. A much easier lifestyle, slower, less government intrusion into our lives. The beauty of the jungle, beaches, greenery. The peace and quiet we enjoy in the islands. Beautiful sunrises from our 10 mile view deck," said one member in Bocas del Toro.

"The most rewarding aspects of retiring in Panama include the beautiful scenery, warm and inviting climate, low cost of living, excellent healthcare system, and vibrant cultural diversity. There’s no better way to relax and enjoy life than to explore all the exciting things Panama has to offer. Retirees will also have access to a variety of activities and entertainment, ranging from visiting Panama’s ancient ruins to enjoying the nightlife in bustling cities. Additionally, the country’s close proximity to other destinations such as the Caribbean and South America make it a prime spot for travelers looking to explore and experience different cultures," remarked one retiree in Panama.

"I don't really know. I've been to a doctor a few times and a dentist. A typical visit costs $30. I sort of think I could get some acute care if I needed it. But for instance I had a post-covid heart attack several months ago, and I thought that I was dying. Then I realized that that would be okay with me, over and done with, then I laughed at myself. After a while the pain subsided, and I continued my walk. I am called fearless Fred for a reason," explained one retiree living in Las Tablas.

"Healthcare services in Panama are generally accessible and of a good quality. There are both private and public hospitals, as well as smaller clinics, offering a range of treatments and medical services. Doctors in Panama are well qualified and the government is implementing mandatory insurance for all citizens that provides access to free medical services. Pharmaceuticals are also widely available, with both generic and branded drugs available at reasonable prices. Many retirees choose to move to Panama due to its high quality and affordable healthcare services," said one retiree in living in Panama.

"Yes, Panama has first world medical care but also has third word cares and everything between," explained a retiree in Potrerillos, Chiriqui.

"The Tuesday Market at the BCP (Boquete Community Players) is a good place to see and be seen. Very easy to meet others if you are at all outgoing. There is also a newcomers group that meets a couple of times a month. There is always something happening, somewhere to go, something to do. There are many non-profits looking for volunteers, so just find one that speaks to you," explained a retiree in Boquete.

"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 member in 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 a retiree who moved to Panama.

"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," said one retiree in Boquete.

"Retiring in Panama can be a rewarding experience for expats, as it offers a wide range of activities both outdoors and indoors. It is important for expats to make sure that their financial situation is in order before making the move and to be aware of the cost of living in Panama. They should also research the local customs and regulations for navigating their way around the country. Additionally, expats should consider taking up Spanish lessons to better experience the culture and gain insight into local life. Health care is also something to consider, as most international health insurance plans are not accepted in Panama. Finally, expats should get in touch with like-minded fellow expats to ensure smooth integration into local life," explained a retiree in Panama.

"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," explained one retiree living in Panama.

"I would echo what the person who did the review on Boquete. Embrace the local culture and ways of doing things. Don't come here wanting to change the way folks have done things for a long time or try to make it like the US. At the same time you can teach the locals what you know in a nice way as you make friends with them," said one member in Bocas del Toro.

"When I first developed an interest in moving to Panama the possibility of owning beachfront property was the big attraction. After spending a few years looking around I decided that I would rather not live in a beach community, although I love to be near the ocean and, in fact, have spent much of my life at sea. One of the best things about Panama is that you are never far from the sea. In my opinion the Coronado area is overdeveloped and excessively expensive. The area around Pedasi is much cheaper and less crowded. It appeals to surfers for obvious reasons. There are many islands on the Pacific coast, and they are fun to visit, although it would be quite inconvenient to live there. There are also hundreds of miles of unspoiled mainland coastline that are nearly inaccessible by land. You probably want to be somewhere that has a road to it, which further limits your options. Look at a good map and you will see what is accessible. If you don't see a road it's because there isn't one. There probably won't be any utilities either. I found that there are some significant drawbacks to living close to the beach and few native Panamanians choose to do so unless they are in the fishing business. You should look for yourself, though, and after visiting Coronado and Pedasi you might look at Las Lajas, Boca Chica, Puerto Armuelles, and the Boca del Toros archipiélago on the Caribbean coast. They're all beautiful in their own way but don't forget to look at the negative aspects including weather, services, access, and increased maintenance requirements. If you find a place you love you should rent for at least a year before you consider buying anything," remarked one retiree 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," remarked one retiree in Pedasi.

"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," explained one member in Panama.

"People living in Panama typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and open-air markets. Many people also shop at larger chain stores, such as Walmart and PriceSmart, which offer a wide variety of products. Additionally, there are many small, independent stores and vendors throughout the country that offer unique items," remarked one retiree in Panama.

"The Albrook Mall is the largest mall in Latin America, so there is plenty of shopping for when you need it. Albrook is also the hub for bus and plane service to travel throughout Panama, and there is a Metro station next to the bus terminal as well," explained one member in Panama City.

"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," said one retiree in Pedasi.

"There is a Pricesmart like Costcos and the local chain Romeros has most anything you would need," remarked one retiree in Panama.