Living in Panama

"We see service dogs all the time here in Panama City in the malls, restaurants and bars. They accept them inside and some even offer them a water dish," wrote a member in Panama.

"Retiring in Panama can be a rewarding experience for expats, as it offers a wide range of activities both outdoors and indoors. It is important for expats to make sure that their financial situation is in order before making the move and to be aware of the cost of living in Panama. They should also research the local customs and regulations for navigating their way around the country. Additionally, expats should consider taking up Spanish lessons to better experience the culture and gain insight into local life. Health care is also something to consider, as most international health insurance plans are not accepted in Panama. Finally, expats should get in touch with like-minded fellow expats to ensure smooth integration into local life," commented one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Come and visit! I guarantee it is nothing like where you live. The culture is very different than the US and the systems and structures can sometimes make no sense at all. If you can't roll with things when they go wrong or get frustrating, it may not be for you," remarked one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"The public library in Bouquete is a wonderful place to relax and sponsors many programs for both expats and Panamanians. Amigos de los Animales is a good place to volunteer if you like dogs and cats. You can always find friendly expats at the weekly farmer's market. Many native people in Bouquete speak English fluently and if you make friends with someone your social circle will expand rapidly," said one expat in Panama.

"Expats in Panama often join niche interest groups, such as local book clubs and photography clubs. Many Internet-based expat forums and websites also offer chances for locals to meet and find activities together, such as hiking and sailing. There are also several expat-run organizations in Panama, such as the American Society of Panama. Expats also often meet each other through networking events, such as get-togethers at bars and restaurants, industry awards dinners and holiday parties, as well as volunteer opportunities with local charities and social organizations," said one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Besides the bars and restaurants, there are fitness classes, Spanish classes, dive lessons, Catamaran tours, Live music venues, the beaches, volunteer opportunities and just meeting people walking down the street," explained one expat living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"Living in Panama for expats and digital nomads can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Panama is known for its tropical climate, vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches and national parks, and its thriving expat community. With excellent infrastructure, a modern banking system, and a low cost of living, Panama is an attractive option for people looking to live and work abroad. The government also welcomes expat entrepreneurs, providing incentives to help them start and run businesses. Expats in Panama can look forward to making friends in the local international activities, making the most of their new home by exploring the many outdoor activities and attractions Panama has to offer. Finally, safety ranks among the highest in Latin America, making life in Panama even more attractive for expats and digital nomads," said one expat in Panama.

"Definitely life revolves around family and work here. The Panamanians are very friendly and family oriented. They have many festivals and celebrate life in many ways many times a year," said one expat who made the move to Bocas del Toro.

"There are a lot of retirees in Boquete, but not everyone is retired. You can have as active a social life as you want. There are many restaurants, and different interest groups, as well as classes in a variety of topics. The Panamanian culture is very family oriented," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"The locals work hard and have lots of festivals. They honor the old folks, thier heritage, and way of life. They take time for coffee, for conversation. They are more then willing to show you and teach you and help you to find your place in their society. If you even try to speak spanish they admire you for that and even try thier hand at English or apologize for their lack of. Everyone says hello, waves, nods, gives recognition, an old fashioned thing that I missed in the U.S," mentioned one in Boquete.

"We occasionally hear of petty crime in the area, mostly theft but there is little violent crime. We feel very safe here," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"Occasionally however most is of a petty nature based on lax security on the part of the victim however there is a new threat slowly emerging with home invasion but still quite rare," said one expat in Potrerillos, Chiriqui.

"No. But there are petty crooks here and there, and they do pay attention to "rich" Americans," said one expat who made the move to Las Tablas.

"Panama has a moderate level of crime. While most visitors pass through without incident, it is important to remain aware of one's surroundings in all areas, and especially in less populated areas or on the outskirts of cities. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and mugging is not uncommon in certain areas, and certain areas should be avoided altogether. The areas surrounding the Panama Canal and downtown Panama City tend to have a higher incidence of crime than other parts of the country. Tourists should take extra precautions when using public transportation," explained one expat living in Panama.

"This is a coffee town. The labor is provided by the Indians - the Nogobe Bugle. Women and girls wear traditional dresses and men wear rubber knee boots. They have their own places to shop and gather as do the gringos and its all good. Nobody minds or is wary of other social groups. Most gringos are well aware that we are just visitors, its thier country and the best we can do is learn, adapt, and be good members of the community. Contributing to the community is a good thing, trying to change someones way of life is a bad thing. Know the difference," wrote a member in Boquete.

"Yes, Panama is highly diverse. Panama is home to many different ethnic and racial groups, including Mestizos, Mulattos, Whites, Blacks, and Amerindians, and is also home to a large Chinese community. Additionally, Panama is home to many different religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and others. This diversity is very visible in Panama, as different communities can be observed living and working side-by-side throughout the country. In general, people in Panama are very accepting and tolerant of differences, with many being proud of the nation's diversity," commented one expat who made the move to Panama.

"Besides the multicultural Panamanians there are people from all over the world here and seven different Indian tribes. For the most part everyone gets along great. There are occasional clashes in any community and this is a tight knit one where people help their neighbors. Panama welcomes people from many countries with great expat laws and easy residency," remarked one expat living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"Boquete has some diversity and I have found it to be a very open and welcoming culture. A variety of religions and also non religious people. There is a vast economic diversity in Panama in general," wrote one member in Boquete.

"Predominantly non practicing Catholics, multi/mixed racial component, with distinctly cultural diversity, but easily assimilating into a common citizen," remarked one expat who made the move to Panama City.

"This is a good option for a foreigner who wants their children to learn Spanish and the Latin culture versus being in an international school that is mostly in English," commented one expat when asked about AIP (Academie Interamericana de Panamá) in Costa del Este.

"Look closely at all of the schools Panama has to offer. The MET is a great option for an international school and they have the IB program for all grades. Consider Collegio De Javier or San Augustin for bilingual (mostly spanish) speaking schools with good curriculums and extra curricular activities. Another great choice is AIP. They far surpass ISP in academics, have a lovely campus, and is 1/2 the price," explained one expat in Panama City, Panama, Panama with kids at International School of Panama.

"A couple (renting) can live in a condo and a very comfortable lifestyle, eating out a time or two a week, for $2-2.5K/ month in this area or less depending on where you live. We are pretty spoiled," wrote a member in Nueva Gorgona.

"Our situation on isla Solarte in Bocas is such that we can live comfortable spending $1500 a month. Renting an apartment in town and riding a bicycle can produce a similar situation. I have older, single friends who live in town who spend much less than we do," commented one expat who made the move to Bocas del Toro.

"The cost of living in Panama is generally considered to be very affordable. Groceries, rent, utilities, healthcare and other necessities are typically more affordable than in many other countries. The cost of dining out, entertainment, and other services is also competitive. Panama is a great option for those looking to live comfortably and keep their cost of living low," remarked one expat living in Panama.

"I suppose for normal people (unlike me) you'd best have a couple thousand dollars per month," wrote one member in Las Tablas.

"We do fine with $2000/monthly for everything. But, no mortgage, car payment, credit card bills..," remarked one expat who made the move to Taboga Island.

"Cost of groceries is good, especially when buying local produce. Some meats, sugars, and grains are price controlled and can be very inexpensive. Compared to my home area of rural Ohio, food expense is about the same. Cost of electricity at our house is less than $25.00 per month, and we use the air conditioner some mid-days. Usually ceiling fans provide more than enough comfort. Gas tanks are used for cooking, and the one tank we purchased for $25.00 has yet to run out after 7 months of use. ," commented one expat who moved to Pedasi.

"You an rent a home for under 500 a month. Utilities are cheap, food is also cheap. Maybe 50 every two, weeks maybe 100 for, 2 people to, eat well," said one expat.

"Residents of Panama enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. Popular beaches include Playa Blanca, Santa Clara, and Coronado, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also numerous parks throughout the country, such as Parque Natural Metropolitano, which offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. Other outdoor activities include fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Additionally, Panama City is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Panama Canal, the Panama Viejo ruins, and the Biomuseo," said one expat living in Panama.

"The beaches in Pedasi are a big draw for surfers, boogie boarders or just swimmers. One of the developments (Andromeda) has a restaurant and pool oceanside. People also do kite sailing. Fishing is a big draw as well. There are offerings of yoga classes and other activities of that sort," mentioned one expat inPedasi.

"Volcan spring like weather all year around. Puerto Armuelles is hot and humid and your on the P.acific Ocean.," remarked one expat in Panama.

"The temps go from 29 C on the hot days to 20 C for lows. The temps are very even from day to day. Dry from Dec. through April, rainy the rest of the year," wrote one expat living in Pedasi.

"No doubt it's humid but the best months are from December to around April with almost no rain and windy so it's refreshing. Buildings look dirty because of humidity, there should be a law where buildings needs to be cleaned once in a while," commented one expat who moved to Panama City.

"The weather in Panama is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from May to December, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in October and November. The dry season runs from January to April, with the hottest months being March and April," said one expat.

"They have great restaurants with excellent foods recognized internationally. Using your permanent residency card at restaurants will make you save around 25% but not on the total bill so it's not really 25% as advertised but it still very appreciated when you save money," said one expat.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Panama is La Posta, located in the heart of Panama City. This restaurant serves traditional Panamanian cuisine, such as sancocho, tamales, and ceviche. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. Another popular restaurant in Panama is El Trapiche, located in the city of El Valle. This restaurant specializes in traditional Panamanian dishes, such as carimañolas, tamales, and empanadas. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. Finally, La Casa de Lourdes is a popular restaurant located in the city of Boquete. This restaurant serves traditional Panamanian dishes, such as sancocho, tamales, and ceviche. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican," commented one expat living in Panama.

"People living in Panama typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and open-air markets. Many people also shop at larger chain stores, such as Walmart and PriceSmart, which offer a wide variety of products. Additionally, there are many small, independent stores and vendors throughout the country that offer unique items," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"The process of applying for a visa in Panama depends on the type of visa and the duration of stay. To apply for a tourist visa, you must provide a valid passport, a completed application form, a processing fee, and adequate evidence of financial means to cover the costs of your stay. A work visa requires an employment offer from a Panamanian company with an approved government business license, a valid passport and a completed application form, processing fees, and adequate financial means to cover the proposed length of stay. The process of applying for residency in Panama includes submitting an application for residency, providing supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means to cover living expenses, evidence of health insurance, a police certificate from the country of residence, and a valid work permit, depending on the type of residency being applied for. The applicant may also be required to wait for a period of 6 months to a year before a decision is made, and may even need to attend an interview in Panama. Once granted, the residency will remain valid for two years and can be renewed as long as certain requirements are fulfilled," wrote one expat living in Panama.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Panama can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Panama can be higher than in other countries, so it is important to research the cost of medical care before making any decisions," commented one expat living in Panama.

"If you can get health insurance before you have issues, the private insurance is affordable compared to the US. I'd say about 25 percent of the cost," remarked one expat living in Bocas del Toro.

"Health insurance is not accepted by providers of care. Have Tricare which is military insurance world wide and is part of the Hopkins network so we thought the private hospital that says they are part of Hopkins would accept it. We were sadly mistaken and had the worst experience of our life. If you compare US costs and Panama cost, yes, it is less expensive. But, it is still expensive if you have to pay for surgery before any care is rendered. ," said one expat living in Coronado.

"Last week I decided that it was time to do something about the chest pains I have been having for several months. I chose a private medical clinic in Boquete, "Clínica Especializada Boquete S.A." because there was an empty parking space in front of it. Within five minutes I was speaking with Dr. Josimar Gómez. He speaks fluent English and spent some time discussing my symptoms before measuring my blood pressure and strongly recommending that I do something about it immediately. A routine consultation costs $15. If you show up in the middle of the night it will be $40. He prescribed blood pressure medication immediately and told me to get blood and urine tests and a chest x-ray. I went to a medical laboratory around the corner where it took about 15 minutes to provide specimens. The results were available by email before the end of the day. Cost: $45.00. I had to go to Hospital Chiriquí in David for the x-ray. Again, no appointment necessary, but I did have to wait over an hour, possibly because they forgot about me. Cost: $25.50 and results were available by email the next day. After a week on the blood pressure medication I returned to Dr. Gomez, he found that my blood pressure was down to 140/80, I was no longer experiencing chest pains, and the tests did not show any serious problems. I will continue with the blood pressure medication and talk to him again in two months. Total cost: just over $100. In the US I'm quite sure that the first doctor would have sent me to the hospital emergency room and the total bill would have run into thousands of dollars. They would have prescribed the most expensive tests they could think of, possibly including invasive procedures that are painful and risky, and I expect that I would still be waiting for a diagnosis," mentioned one expat inPanama.