Expat Community > Panama

llollichops
Joined 2011
Posts: 33

Am I dreaming?? Some real advise please.

13 years ago

Hello!!
My boyfriend and I have fallen in love w/ Panama and have decided to relocate there within the next few years. I have purchased a piece of land in Chiriqui Highlands where we will build a home in the near future. We are in our 40's and nowhere near retirement age, so would need to go to Costa Rica on holiday.
I've been doing a lot of research, both online and through people we've met in our travels to find out as much as possible. I wonder if we are getting in over our heads? Right now we have great jobs w/ great salaries, a huge,low cost NY apartment that most people would die for, great socail life etc but would be willing to give it all up to get out of the rat race and live a more simple life closer to nature.
We have given ourselves the 5yr plan (hopefully not that long) to save as much as possible and get everything in order. My biggest concern is once we get there. We are taking a big chance by giving up our nice, cushy lives to go to a country where we aren't legal, won't be able to get jobs, (although would look into opening a business once there) and don't speak the language... yet. But the thought of spending the next 20+ yrs here until we can retire just leaves me cold. I know we have what it takes to make a new life for ourselves but I fear that it will all blow up in our face.
I know this is a long post, but you all have done this so I would welcome any insight you have to help us on our way.
Many thanks in advance!!
Cynthia*

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Panama

Am I dreaming?? Some real advise please.

Login