Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Panama
Summary: Expats in Panama face unique challenges in managing their finances while living there, and that always starts with settling on the right expat financial services. Here are some basic tips from expats living in Panama - their insights are based on their actual experiences managing their finances while living there.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
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:
- Panama Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- Real Estate in Panama
- Guide to Real Estate in Panama
- Pros & Cons of Living in Panama
- Cost of Living in Panama
- Panama's Pensionado Visa
- Panama's Pensionado Discounts
- Panama's Friendly Nations Visa
- How to Open a Bank Account in Panama
- 2024 Guide to Living in Panama
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama
Comments
DoctorGHaving just opened a Savings account with a:debit card at Isla Colon's Banco Nacional, one of two government-owned banks in Panama, and the only bank in Bocas Town, I have some insight to share. First, a $5,ooo deposit was required to open a simple savings account with a debit card. I asked if there was a minimum balance required and they to me no and that I could access the funds the next day, and I did a small withdrawal. I also quickly discovered that the "debit" card was not like what we're used to in the U'S, It's a "no-name" generic debit card, not like VISA or Mastercard and apparently cannot be used like debit cards in the U.S. From there I also discovered the fine print of debit cards (at least for government-owned Panamanian banks) and that the usage is limited to within Panama's borders. Because I have a Pensionado (retired) Permanent Residency Visa, the paperwork was surprisingly simple and quick. However, I soon also disc0vered more quirks of Panamanian banking: (1) a 15-day minimum for non-bank checks to clear, and the only way to get money in or out of Panama is by wire-transfer, even between international branches of the same bank. I've already determined, that as a light user, paying ATM fees in Panama for rent, utilities, and cash for the few places I need it, is cheaper than paying for wire transfers. So I'm left with wondering if I need a local bank at all and am still considering it. I plam om meeting with MulitBank and Scotia soon in Changuinola.