Retire in Panama

"None of us expats admit to being expats. It's an unspoken agreement. Oh yeah, even with masks and covid lockdowns and general covid paranoia there are cultural attractions, recreations, and the nightlife never stops. The fireworks have been going nonstop celebrating Christmas, 24 hours a day. Fortunately I'm partly deaf..," said a retiree who moved to Las Tablas, 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 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," commented one retiree living in Panama.

"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," explained one retiree living in Taboga Island.

"Life for retirees in Panama is often very active and enjoyable. The country is full of exciting sights, sounds and activities to explore, making it a great destination for retirees. Expats flock to the country and are welcomed with open arms, with a large community of like-minded people coming together to share their culture and experiences. There are plenty of cultural attractions from local markets and old towns to explore, along with a number of stunning beaches and national parks. Other recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking and diving are also commonplace, giving retirees plenty of opportunities to stay active. And if nightlife is your thing, Panama offers plenty of diverse activities to keep you entertained, with plenty of lively bars, restaurants and clubs to explore," said one retiree in living in Panama.

"Panama is a nice place, but hot and humid with the best climate from December to April. Advertising from some relocation services about how cheap is Panama is not really up to date since Panama is getting expensive. The best way is to visit the recommended places and, by yourself, visit the stores (especially grocery) to figure out prices of some products are twice the US price. You can buy local but you will be considerably limited on food and food diversity is very important for a good health. Everything is full retail price in Panama and lots of people order from the US and it still is cheaper even with shipping with a much larger selection as Panama selection is very limited and it's understandable with only 4M population. We have lived in Panama and Portugal but there are no comparison as Portugal is the best place to be but it's far away from the US with a different time zone and currency. Portugal price are much lower than Panama on everything and the grocery food selection is the best you can have. Panama is a nice place to live with nice people but not based on lower cost of living since it has changed in the past few years. There maybe places you can live "cheap" but that won't be next to big center with not much services accessibility and diversity (hospitals, clinics, pharmacy, grocery stores, etc) with no price/selection competition among the different stores," said a person in Panama City.

"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," remarked one retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

"Sometimes it seems that Americans want to re-create America abroad. I try to encourage anybody from the U.S. to spend some time talking and walking with the natives here. It's the diplomatic thing to do, and you'll gain empathy from the experience," said a retiree who moved to Las Tablas, Panama.

"Adjusting to a new culture and language can be one of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama. There can also be the challenge of transitioning to a new healthcare system, and the cost of living in certain areas may be much different than a retiree is used to. Additionally, retirees may find it difficult to avoid scams or unfamiliar bureaucratic processes. Retirees may also face certain logistical challenges like finding optimal housing options, navigating the transportation system, and learning to survive without the reliable public services they may have received in their home country," said a person in Panama.

"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.

"It's Panama. Complete freedom--unbridled freedom to live my life however I choose," said a retiree who moved to Las Tablas, Panama.

"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," said one retiree in Panama.

"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," commented one retiree living in Bocas del Toro, 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 one retiree living in Nueva Gorgona.

"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," commented one retiree living in Las Tablas, Panama.

"There are several English speaking doctors in our area and clinics. The nearest major hospitals are about an hour away in Panama City but there are small hospitals closer to home. My last visit to the local ER cost $31 in total for X-rays, IV meds and Doctor consult. My ER co pay in the US was $75. You do the math," explained one retiree living in Nueva Gorgona.

"Yes, Panama has first world medical care but also has third word cares and everything between," said one retiree in living in Potrerillos, Chiriqui, 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 retiree in living in 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 a person in Boquete.

"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," remarked one retiree 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 a retiree who moved to Bocas del Toro, 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," said one retiree in Boquete.

"Priorities start with family, extended family, family friends, other friends, socializing, sports, all other non-work related activities, and finally: work," commented one retiree living in Panama City, Panama.

"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," explained one retiree living in Panama.

"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.

"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," explained one retiree living in Bocas del Toro.

"Come and visit! I guarantee it is nothing like where you live. The culture is very different than the US and the systems and structures can sometimes make no sense at all. If you can't roll with things when they go wrong or get frustrating, it may not be for you," said one member in Boquete.

"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," said one member 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," explained 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.

"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.

"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.