Expat Guide to Living in Panama
Whether you're already living in Panama or preparing to move to Panama, our Expat Guide to Living in Panama offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Panama. For answers to specific questions, visit our Panama Forum to talk with expats in Panama.
Moving to Panama: 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Panama
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 insurance that covers me in Panama and my home country when I travel back to visit relatives?
5 Tips for Living in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama is a popular tourist destination and filled with laid-back expats and locals enjoying the island life. With its low cost of living, thriving nightlife and welcoming expat community, Bocas del Toro is a great place to live.
Thanksgiving in Panama
American expats in Panama can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at these restaurants.
Panama Retirement, The Other Option
Miguel Sirus retired in Panama 10 years ago. Instead of choosing a popular expat destination such as Boquette, Volcan or El Valle, he bought an overgrown piece of property near a village in Panama. In this article, he offers a glimpse at how his new life unfolded.
Culture Shock in Sora, Panama
An American woman and her husband visited Panama yearly for 10 years before making the move from Texas. She describes the challenges they faced dealing with a dishonest gringo contractor who was building their house. The Panamanians' love of family and their friendliness are two things she appreciates most about the local culture. She confesses that it took her a year to unwind from her fast-paced life in the medical field.
Culture Shock in Panama City, Panama
An expat in Panama City, Panama shares her experience with settling into a new culture and how the experience has been a surprise for her given her present stage of life.
Living in Coronado, Panama
A retiree to Coronado, Panama enjoys the relaxed lifestyle and friendly locals. The biggest challenge to retiring there has been the difficulty having his service dog accepted in the same way it would be accepted everywhere in the United States. Most locals view dogs as guard dogs and there are no special accommodations for service dogs.
Moving to Alto Boquete, Panama
An expat in Alta Boquete, Panama talks about choosing Alta Boquete and making the move there. She talks about what to bring and what to leave behind, one moving company to avoid and other recommendations.
Moving to Boquete, Panama
We visited here many times before moving and stayed in different areas each time. There are 13 micro-climates here and they vary greatly. Some roads are not good so that may play into housing decisions too.
Dream vs Reality of Living in El Valle, Panama
An expat in El Valle, Panama suggested that anyone moving to Central America read up on what to expect so that you are prepared for the good and bad. He's been most bothered by the fact that many Panamanians litter. To help with the issue, he and other expats are doing litter pickup in order to keep Panama beautiful.
Retirement in Boquete, Panama
An expat retiree in Boquete, Panama offers some insight into the best way to retire abroad there. Includes information about cost of living, health care, finance, and more.
More Culture Shock Reports for Panama
Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Panama handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Panama:More Living in Panama Reports
What are people's priorities in Panama - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Panama:
More Moving to Panama Reports
What should you take with you when you move to Panama? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Panama? Below are some of the responses from expats in Panama:
Reviews of Schools in Panama
Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in Panama. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in Panama:
Dream vs. Reality of Living in Panama Reports
Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Panama. If you are already living in Panama, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Panama:
Retiring in Panama Reports
Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Panama, by filling out our Overseas Retirement report. Below are some of the reports from expats in Panama:
Having a Baby in Panama Reports
How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Panama? Below are some of the reports from expats in Panama:
Working Abroad Report
What's it like to find a job in Panama? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Panama? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.
Submit a Working Abroad Report
Expat Panama: 5 Great Places to Live in Panama
Panama is a great place to live or retire with easy residency laws, warm people and lots of expats. Whether you want to live by the beach in Bocas del Toro or need to live in Panama City for work and schools, there are many places to explore. We highlight 5 great places to live in Panama.
5 Great Places to Retire in Central America
Central America is an increasingly popular retirement destination. Retirees love it's proximity to the United States, lower cost of living, beautiful cities, amazing beaches, healthy lifestyle and friendly people.
10 Tips for Living in Panama
Did you know it's hot in Panama City all year round? Did you know that it's hard to get a work visa in Panama? Did you know that Panama has great incentives for foreign retirees?
The Most Sought After Document in South America
Charles Barrett offers some helpful tips to ensure that you minimize risk associated with a lost or stolen passport.
World's Top Retirement Havens 1 Through 9
Where are the best places to retire overseas? Which retirement haven is right for you? France? Ecuador? Panama? Nicaragua? Thailand? Kathleen Peddicord shares the pros and cons of the world's top 9 retirement havens.
Investing in Panama
Trying to decide where to move abroad, don't overlook Panama! If you're a retiree, Panama has the best incentive program in the world for foreign retirees.
