Living in 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.

"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 one 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Panama.

"When I first developed an interest in moving to Panama the possibility of owning beachfront property was the big attraction. After spending a few years looking around I decided that I would rather not live in a beach community, although I love to be near the ocean and, in fact, have spent much of my life at sea. One of the best things about Panama is that you are never far from the sea. In my opinion the Coronado area is overdeveloped and excessively expensive. The area around Pedasi is much cheaper and less crowded. It appeals to surfers for obvious reasons. There are many islands on the Pacific coast, and they are fun to visit, although it would be quite inconvenient to live there. There are also hundreds of miles of unspoiled mainland coastline that are nearly inaccessible by land. You probably want to be somewhere that has a road to it, which further limits your options. Look at a good map and you will see what is accessible. If you don't see a road it's because there isn't one. There probably won't be any utilities either. I found that there are some significant drawbacks to living close to the beach and few native Panamanians choose to do so unless they are in the fishing business. You should look for yourself, though, and after visiting Coronado and Pedasi you might look at Las Lajas, Boca Chica, Puerto Armuelles, and the Boca del Toros archipiélago on the Caribbean coast. They're all beautiful in their own way but don't forget to look at the negative aspects including weather, services, access, and increased maintenance requirements. If you find a place you love you should rent for at least a year before you consider buying anything," explained one expat living in Panama.

"I would echo what the person who did the review on Boquete. Embrace the local culture and ways of doing things. Don't come here wanting to change the way folks have done things for a long time or try to make it like the US. At the same time you can teach the locals what you know in a nice way as you make friends with them," said one expat in Bocas del Toro.

"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," wrote a member in 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," explained one expat living in Panama.

"Priorities start with family, extended family, family friends, other friends, socializing, sports, all other non-work related activities, and finally: work," said one expat in Panama City.

"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.

"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," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"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," mentioned one in Boquete.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"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," said one expat in Panama City, Panama with children at International School of Panama.

"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," wrote a member in Panama.

"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.

"We do fine with $2000/monthly for everything. But, no mortgage, car payment, credit card bills..," remarked one expat living in Taboga Island, Panama.

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

"Panama’s cost of living is considered to be average by Latin American standards. Generally, the larger cities such as Panama City, David and Colon tend to be more expensive to live in compared to exciting places such as the Panama Canal or the sprawling tropical jungles of Panama’s East Coast. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Panama is between $500-700 USD a month and a nice 2 bedroom apartment is between $700-900 USD a month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant would generally cost around $10-30 USD depending on the type of restaurant or food ordered," mentioned an expat living in Panama.

"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 an expat 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," remarked one expat in Pedasi.

"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," mentioned an expat living in Pedasi.

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

"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," remarked one expat in Panama City.

"It is hot here. You do not want to be wandering about in the mid-day sun. Save your outdoor activities for the mornings and evenings. We do not get much rain compared to other parts of Panama. During the rainy season (typically April through December - the best time of year in the opinion of most residents) we typically get one or two short showers every day and then it clears up. This is unlike other parts of Panama where it can rain for days on end," wrote one expat living in Panama City.

"The restaurants mostly come and go (they have trouble lasting over the non-peak seasons), but there are a stable of very nice restaurants that hang on. For night life there are mostly a few restaurants that cater to the party crowd. There isn't much in terms of art/theatre - you would need to go into a bigger town for those. ," 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," commented one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"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," remarked one expat living in Panama.

"The Albrook Mall is the largest mall in Latin America, so there is plenty of shopping for when you need it. Albrook is also the hub for bus and plane service to travel throughout Panama, and there is a Metro station next to the bus terminal as well," commented one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"To just come to Panama for 3 months, no visa is required if you are coming from USA or Canada. You can actually stay for 6 months, but if you want to drive while here, you can only drive for 3 months. You need to leave the country for 72 hours to renew your time for driving. Pensionado visas are popular for retirees and allow you to stay longer. It is quite a bit of paperwork, and costs around $1500 if you use an attorney (recommended). You must prove income of at least $1000/month for this visa type)," remarked one expat living in Pedasi.

"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," mentioned one expat inPanama.

"In the event described above my experience was at least as good as I would have gotten in the U.S. This included the Dr. spending about 45 minutes sewing up the large wound in the back of my arm, 4 return visits for him to look at it to make sure it was healing properly and there was no infection. And on the other days if I hadn't taken and picture by noon to send to him and given an update that it was ok he sent me a text message to ask what was going on. On the 7th day I returned and had the stitches removed all for a grand total of $100. Keep in mind this was an open wound torn open on the pavement that was about a 2" circle exposing the muscle and tendons, this wasn't just a simple cut with stitches. There's a scar but I was amazed at how well it turned out. Not very noticeable unless I just raise my elbow and point it out," wrote one expat living in La Chorrera.