Explore Panama
- Panama Forum
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- International Schools
- Healthcare in Panama
- Real Estate & Rentals in Panama
- Moving to Panama
- Living in Panama
- Panama Resource Guide
- Visa & Residency
- Panama FAQ
- Altos del Maria
- Bocas del Toro
- Boquete
- Coronado
- El Valle de Anton
- Nueva Gorgona
- Panama City
- Puerto Armuelles
- More Articles about Living in Panama
Panama Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Panama on our Panama forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Best Places to Live in Panama

7 Best 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 7 great places to live in Panama.
15 Best Beach Towns in Central America
People are flocking to Central America to enjoy a lower cost of living, the laid-back beach lifestyle and adventure. In this article, we explore 15 of the best places to live on the beach in Central America according to expats.
Best Places to Live in Panama City, Panama
Learn which neighborhoods rank as the best places to live in Panama City according to expats. Plus, learn which two neighborhoods may not fit the bill despite one of them being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Panama City.
Best Places to Live Overseas: Costa Rica vs. Panama
When expats consider a move to Central America, there are more and more options available to them. Often, the conversation will turn to Costa Rica vs. Panama. Read what expats who have lived in both of these countries have to say.
International Schools in Panama
International Schools in Panama
Expats with children who explore the possibility of moving to Panama first and foremost want to know what educational options are available there. Here is a great start on exploring the options in Panama City... and beyond.
Healthcare in Panama

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.

Expats in Panama offer advice about healthcare in Panama..
Hospitals in Panama City, Panama
A list of private and public hospitals in Panama City, Panama provided by the US Embassy. Plus, expat advice about the cost of healthcare and health insurance coverage.

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare and health insurance for expats, digital nomads and retirees in Panama.
9 Important Tips about Healthcare and Health Insurance in Panama
Expats in Panama offer 9 important tips about healthcare and health insurance in Panama. While the quality of healthcare varies, there are world class doctors and facilities throughout Panama. Health insurance is much less expensive in Panama. Doctors visits (with and without insurance) are very affordable. The one negative seems to be that medications can be more expensive that in the U.S. Despite these pros and cons, many expats mentioned that people have healthier lifestyles in Panama - cleaner air, cleaner water, fresh produce and less stress.
An Expat Exchange member talks about healthcare services, hospitals and health insurance in David.

An expat in Bocas del Toro talks about the lack of emergency medical services on the island, traveling to Panama City for medical emergencies, the cost of health insurance in Panama and more.

An expat in La Chorrera, Panama talks about a car accident that required a visit to the public hospital - followed up with a visit to a private doctor for stitches. In his opinion, the care at the public hospital was subpar to the US.

An expat in Nueva Gorgona, Panama talks about health care services, health insurance, the cost of prescription meds, English-speaking doctors in Panama and more.

An expat in Coronado, Panama offers candid advice about the healthcare system and health insurance options for expats in Coronado. She discusses issues that she and her husband have had with Tricare being accepted, having to pay cash at the hospital for emergency surgery and more.

An expat in Panama describes the major challenges her husband faced when he had surgery in Panama. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for other expats seeking medical care in Panama.

An expat in Coronado, Panama recommends Dr. Levy for general care. She has health insurance, but explained that his fees are low even if you don't have insurance.
Moving to 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?
Reports from Members about Moving to Panama
Real Estate & Rentals in Panama
Members in Panama talk about the Buying Real Estate in Panama.
Living in Panama

2023 Expat Guide to Living in Panama
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Panama.

Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Panama.
Reports from Members about Living In Panama
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.
10 Tips for Living in Panama
Expats, global nomads and retirees are drawn to Panama's ease of residency, low taxes (Panama does not tax on worldwide income), friendly Panamanians who always put family first, inexpensive healthcare and laid back lifestyle. Like any country, life in Panama does come with a few challenges. This articles covers all of these topics and 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.
Pros and Cons of Living in Panama
Expats in Panama talks about the pros and cons of living in Panama. Topics include the lower cost of living, bureaucracy, friendly people. Expats in Panama seem to agree that you'll have to come down and explore the country to find out if it's the right place for you!
13 Important Tips for Retirees in Panama
If you're thinking about retiring in Panama, here are 13 things you must know before you make the move.
Reports from Members about Culture Shock in Panama
Panama Resource Guide
- Health Insurance
- Moving & Shipping
- Visa & Residency
- International Schools
- Relocation Companies
- Language Schools
- Expat Tax
- Panama Expat Blogs
- Expat Counseling
- Mail & Mail Forwarding
- Expat Banking
- Real Estate Firms
- Medical Evacuation
- Auto & Auto Shipping
- International Car Insurance
- International Income Protection
- Currency Exchange
Visa & Residency

Panama's Pensionado Discounts
Panama's pensionado discounts are available to legal residents (55+ for women, 60+ for men). These generous discounts include 25% off airline tickets, 25% at restaurants, 50% off at hotels during the week, exemption on import tax for up to $10,000 household goods and much more.
Panama's Pensionado Visa
Panama's Pensionado Visa offers retirees with a retirement income of at least $1,000 an easy way to become legal residents of Panama and includes many perks.
Panama Visas & Residency
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. How long you can stay in Panama without a visa (or on a tourist visa depending upon your citizenship)? What are the advantages of becoming a legal resident of Panama? Would I qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa? How old do I have to be to qualify for the Pensionado Visa? How do I apply for a work permit in Panama? It also addresses how and why some expats choose to become citizens of Panama.
Panama's Friendly Nations Visa
Panama's Friendly Nations Visa was introduced in 2012 and enables immigrants from 50 nationalities to easily obtain residency and a work permit.
Questions & Answers:
- What do I need to know before moving to Panama?
- How do I find a place to live in Panama?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Panama?
- What is the average cost of housing in Panama?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Panama?
- What should I pack when moving to Panama?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Panama?
- Why do people move to Panama?
- How are healthcare services Panama?
- What are medical services in Panama like?
- What are typical rents in Panama?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Altos del Maria
Expats' Guide to Altos del Maria
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Altos del Maria.

Expats in Altos del Maria offer advice about Moving to Altos del Maria.

Expats in Altos del Maria talk about the Pros & Cons of Living in Altos del Maria.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Altos del Maria.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Altos del Maria.
Bocas del Toro

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.

2023 Expat Guide to Living in Bocas del Toro
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Bocas del Toro.

Expats in Bocas del Toro offer advice about Moving to Bocas del Toro.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Bocas del Toro.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Bocas del Toro.
Boquete

11 Expats Talk about Living in Boquete, Panama
11 expats talk about what it's like to live in the beautiful mountain town of Boquete, Panama. From the Tuesday Market at the BCP to group hikes and drinks at Mike's Global Grill, expats love living in Boquete.

2023 Expat Guide to Living in Boquete
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Boquete.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Boquete.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Boquete.
Coronado

Expats' Guide to Coronado
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Coronado.

Expats in Coronado talk about the Pros & Cons of Living in Coronado.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Coronado.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Coronado.
El Valle de Anton

Pros and Cons of Living in El Valle, Panama
We are grateful that Jon, an Expat Exchange member living in Panama, took the time during the pandemic to submit an article about the the pros and cons of living in El Valle. Thanks, Jon!

2023 Expat Guide to Living in El Valle de Anton
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in El Valle de Anton.

Expats in El Valle de Anton offer advice about Moving to El Valle de Anton.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in El Valle de Anton.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in El Valle de Anton.
Nueva Gorgona

Expats' Guide to Nueva Gorgona
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Nueva Gorgona.

Expats in Nueva Gorgona talk about healthcare in Nueva Gorgona.

Expats in Nueva Gorgona offer advice about Moving to Nueva Gorgona.

Expats in Nueva Gorgona talk about the Pros & Cons of Living in Nueva Gorgona.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nueva Gorgona.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Nueva Gorgona.
Panama City

Panama City, Panama
Global nomads, retirees and expats are attracted to Panama City for many reasons. Our Guide to Living in Panama City, Panama covers the Best Places to Live, Schools, Healthcare, Cost of Living, Transportation and more.

2023 Expat Guide to Living in Panama City
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Panama City.
Best Places to Live in Panama City, Panama
Learn which neighborhoods rank as the best places to live in Panama City according to expats. Plus, learn which two neighborhoods may not fit the bill despite one of them being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Panama City.
International Schools in Panama City
If you're moving to Panama City with school-aged children, living near your children's school will make life easier. There are schools in central Panama City, Clayton and elsewhere. Below you'll find information about the most popular schools for expats in Panama City.
Cost of Living in Panama City, Panama
Should you move to Panama City for a lower cost of living? The answer may surprise you.

Expats in Panama City talk about healthcare in Panama City.

Expats in Panama City offer advice about Moving to Panama City.

Expats in Panama City talk about the Pros & Cons of Living in Panama City.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Panama City.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Panama City.
Puerto Armuelles
Expats' Guide to Puerto Armuelles
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Puerto Armuelles.

Expats in Puerto Armuelles offer advice about Moving to Puerto Armuelles.

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Puerto Armuelles.

Expats offer advice about Buying & Renting Homes in Puerto Armuelles.