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," explained one expat living in Boquete, 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.

"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," explained one expat living in 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," mentioned one in Bocas del Toro.

"The Tuesday Market at the BCP (Boquete Community Players) is a good place to see and be seen. Very easy to meet others if you are at all outgoing. There is also a newcomers group that meets a couple of times a month. There is always something happening, somewhere to go, something to do. There are many non-profits looking for volunteers, so just find one that speaks to you," said 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," remarked one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

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

"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 who made the move to Potrerillos, Chiriqui.

"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.

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

"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," said 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," remarked one expat living in Panama City, Panama with children attending International School of Panama.

"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," said one expat in Costa del Este with children at AIP (Academie Interamericana de Panamá).

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"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," said one expat.

"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," commented one expat living in Panama.

"Cost of living entirely depends on your personal habits. A single person could survive on their US Social Security check if they don't insist on luxury. For most Americans, if they want to continue the profligate lifestyle to which they are accustomed, the cost will be comparable," remarked one 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 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.," said an expat in Panama.

"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," remarked one expat in Panama City.

"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," wrote one expat living in 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," commented one expat who moved to 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," 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," wrote one expat living in Panama City.

"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 who moved to Panama.

"There is a Pricesmart like Costcos and the local chain Romeros has most anything you would need," remarked one expat living in 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)," wrote 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," commented one expat who moved to 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.

"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," remarked 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," mentioned one expat inBocas del Toro.