Pros and Cons of Living in Panama City
Last updated on Sep 25, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Panama City, Panama include its tropical climate, its vibrant culture, its low cost of living, and its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. On the other hand, the cons of living in Panama City include its high levels of air pollution, its high crime rate, and its lack of public transportation infrastructure.
What are the pros and cons of living in Panama City?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Panama City responded:
"Traffic is bumper to bumper during rush hours, stop signs are useless since they don't stop and just slow down.....if you're lucky! If you drive on the highway from Panama City to Costa del Este, you feel like you are going thru a gigantic dumpster with so many garbage on the beaches. (refrigerators, tires, furnitures, etc, etc). Rivers connected to the Pacific ocean in Panana City on Balboa Street and in Coste del Este smell terrible (pee) and you can see garbage floating from these rivers to the Pacific ocean in low tide then back on the beaches (if you can call beaches) on high tide. I asked many questions about this situation as if it was a complete lack of education or lack of interest from the Panamians. Panama is carbon negative for the air so air is pure but the garbage and smell when you cross these rivers are terrible. Walking on the boardwalk of Balboa street crossing a river, you need to pinch or cover your nose, same by crossing a river in Costa del Este and any rivers," explained one expat living in Panama City.
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What do expats in Panama City appreciate most about the local culture?
"Very friendly people here at restaurants, stores, banks, public offices......they will always help you and are very welcoming," remarked one expat in Panama City.
"Expats in Panama City appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, with its colorful festivals, lively music, and delicious cuisine. The city's diverse population, with its mix of Latin American, Caribbean, and European influences, adds to the unique atmosphere. Expats also appreciate the city's excellent infrastructure, with its modern transportation system and reliable utilities. Finally, the city's tropical climate and stunning natural beauty make it a great place to live," explained one expat living in Panama City.
"The value of others and enjoying/appreciating THIS MOMENT and who you are with rather than things and envy of others," said one expat in Panama City.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"For me it has been difficult to learn the language at my age. I try, I make my mistakes, but I am determined and so amazed at what is possible when you want something bad enough. To not learn the language is to miss out on so much," explained one expat.
"Expats in Panama City often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to. Expats may also find it difficult to navigate the city's complex bureaucracy and to understand the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, the cost of living in Panama City can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one person in Panama City.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Panama City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama City
- Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Panama City
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Panama City
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Panama City
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Panama City
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Panama City
- Public Transportation in Panama City
- Best Markets in Panama City
- Retire in Panama City Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Panama City
- Pros & Cons of Living in Panama City
- Driving in Panama City
- Cost of Living in Panama City
- Health Care in Panama City
- Discover the Best of Panama City
- Panama City, Panama
- International Schools in Panama City
- Best Places to Live in Panama City, Panama
- Cost of Living in Panama City, Panama
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Panama
- What It's Like Living in Panama City
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama