Retire in Panama

What is it like to retire in Panama?

"Bocas is a typical Caribbean small town in a lot of ways. But it has something more special too. Laid back, easy. Night life is fairly limited to bars. Permanent retirees are very active and interactive with locals. It seems you can be as busy or as lazy as you like. The music community provides many opportunities for entertainment in a variety of genres. Fairs, holiday celebrations and carnivals happen thru-out the year. Horseback, quad rentals, golf carts provide good fun and opportunities to see the whole island of colon. World class surf and good fishing too," explained a retiree in Bocas del Toro.

"There are a lot of expats in our area in Panama and a lot of opportunities to join groups for fun or community serice. A retiree can be involved in as much as they want here or nothing at all. There is a wide variety of restaurants nearby and some nightlife. Panama City is about an hour away and has everything anyone could want. We occasionally spend a night or two in the city. We have water aerobics, game nights and various group activities. The expats are a good community here. We all help each other and especially help the new people. Paying it forward is part of the process," explained one retiree living in Nueva Gorgona.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"Spend some time, several weeks if possible, to get a real feel for the area you are considering retiring to. We came here 5 times before we purchased," said a person in Taboga Island.

"Don't do it because you think you save a lot. At least not in Panama. Rural, small city town US is probably just as cheap overall. But healthcare is a big issue now and you can save a lot in Panama. Getting outside the US could be good if conditions in US get bad. I would probably choose Asia if I could. But it is too far away. Since I need to travel a lot back to US," remarked one retiree in Panama City.

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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama?

"Sometimes it's a challenge to find ingredients for a recipe or find a good steak but everything can be worked around. Learning Spanish at retirement age is not easy for us but we plug along one word at a time and we are getting there. In our area [in Nueva Gorgona], there are a lot of expats and a lot of English is spoken and that makes learning Spanish less crucial but we still want to keep learning," said one retiree in living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"Getting used to the cultural differences, language, pace of life and casual attitude about service," explained a retiree in Boquete.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Panama?

"Our stress levels have gone down a lot. We are very relaxed. We also eat better. So much fresh fruit and veggies available and everything tastes so good here. By far, our favorite thing here is living on the beach and going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the waves. It's so tranquil," said one retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

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What are healthcare services like in Panama?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Panama. They wrote:

"Bocas has just finished a new modern hospital Centrally located on Isla Colon. There is a quality Med clinic for daily no emergency needs. Several well stocked pharmacies. There are 3 dentist offices. Very good care for more serious instances can be had in Changuenola which is about an hour. Private state of the art care in David or panama city is available too. Depending on the location (private vs. public care) costs can be a fraction of those in the western world. Actual quality care can be had in the public hospitals for free. (lots of retirees unfortunately do not trust these hospitals and attempt to disqualify them ?????)," said a retiree who moved to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"There are several English speaking doctors in our area and clinics. The nearest major hospitals are about an hour away in Panama City but there are small hospitals closer to home. My last visit to the local ER cost $31 in total for X-rays, IV meds and Doctor consult. My ER co pay in the US was $75. You do the math," said one retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

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How do I meet people in Panama?

When we asked people living in Panama about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"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," commented one retiree living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"At first I shunned the gringo/expat organized weekly meeting, the Tuesday Morning Informational and Networking Meeting. All the people were of retired age, I'm not. Then I started going, I found I had things to say and others had things to teach. they soon published a small book of the meetings minutes with recaps of many speakers. I learned many valuable things and shared opinions and even changed some opinions. We bonded, we drank local coffee, we bitched and moaned and rejoyced together. seek out such groups and see what you can learn or contribute to them," explained one retiree living in Boquete.

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What is life like in Panama?

When we asked people living in Panama what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"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," said a person in Boquete.

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

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What do I need to know before retiring in Panama?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Panama, they said:

"Do not be surprised by the most modern technological society living in a first class environment," commented one retiree living in Panama City, Panama.

"Panama is NOT a good place for people with a "Service Dog" or a "Guide Dog". In general, many people are scared of all dogs because most dogs in Panama are GUARD DOGS for their property. Panama is behind the times in its thinking about "Service Dogs". In Canada (and the USA) all Service and Guide dogs are accepted everywhere. People who have such a "partner" really need that dog in their life. He is their "lifeline". They are highly trained and do not bother other people. Their main interest is the care of their owner! They DO NOT have "accidents" and they do not bother other people. 99% of the time they are very friendly with all people they meet. In Canada & USA the Service Dogs are fully accepted and allowed to go everywhere their owner wants to go. That includes all stores, clinics, businesses and restaurants. This is a fact of the 20th Century. Panama needs to catch up! These dogs are highly trained and get to need their owner as much as the owner needs them," explained one retiree living in Coronado.

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What type of recreational activities are there in Panama?

"Residents of Panama can enjoy a variety of recreational facilities such as amusement parks, museums, and spas. National parks, such as Parque Nacional Altos de Campana and Parque Nacional Sarigua, provide outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, camping sites, and varied wildlife sighting opportunities. Beach resorts along the Pacific coast and the Caribbean provide beachgoers with access to the picturesque white sand and tranquil waters found there. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy water-related activities such as surfing, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling in a multitude of locations. Shopping, golf courses, tennis courts, and other sport facilities are also available," wrote one person 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," explained one retiree living in Pedasi.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Panama?

"There is a Pricesmart like Costcos and the local chain Romeros has most anything you would need," explained one retiree living in Panama.

"There are 3 good food stores in Pedasi. However, for more international foods, most people drive into Chitre (1 hour) or Las Tablas (3/4 hour). For people wanting a taste of home, Riba Smith has lots of items that other stores don't carry," said one retiree in living in Pedasi, Panama.

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