Retire in Panama

"Our little island is pretty calm. No nightlife, which is one of the reasons we chose it. A constantly changing landscape with the ships waiting for the Panama Canal, whales and dolphins in the waters out front and views of the neighboring islands," commented one retiree living in Taboga Island, Panama.

"We feel like we are on a perpetual vacation. I remind myself that we live where people vacation. For me, there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves lapping always in the background. I have never felt more at peace in my life. Life is good," said a person in Nueva Gorgona.

"Panama is a nice place, but hot and humid with the best climate from December to April. Advertising from some relocation services about how cheap is Panama is not really up to date since Panama is getting expensive. The best way is to visit the recommended places and, by yourself, visit the stores (especially grocery) to figure out prices of some products are twice the US price. You can buy local but you will be considerably limited on food and food diversity is very important for a good health. Everything is full retail price in Panama and lots of people order from the US and it still is cheaper even with shipping with a much larger selection as Panama selection is very limited and it's understandable with only 4M population. We have lived in Panama and Portugal but there are no comparison as Portugal is the best place to be but it's far away from the US with a different time zone and currency. Portugal price are much lower than Panama on everything and the grocery food selection is the best you can have. Panama is a nice place to live with nice people but not based on lower cost of living since it has changed in the past few years. There maybe places you can live "cheap" but that won't be next to big center with not much services accessibility and diversity (hospitals, clinics, pharmacy, grocery stores, etc) with no price/selection competition among the different stores," remarked one retiree in Panama City.

"I would encourage any one who is thinking about moving overseas to take the plunge before it's too late and the US Gov. makes it to difficult to expatriate," said a retiree who moved to Potrerillos, Chiriqui, Panama.

"Adjusting to a new culture and language can be one of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama. There can also be the challenge of transitioning to a new healthcare system, and the cost of living in certain areas may be much different than a retiree is used to. Additionally, retirees may find it difficult to avoid scams or unfamiliar bureaucratic processes. Retirees may also face certain logistical challenges like finding optimal housing options, navigating the transportation system, and learning to survive without the reliable public services they may have received in their home country," explained a retiree in Panama.

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

"It's Panama. Complete freedom--unbridled freedom to live my life however I choose," said one retiree in living in Las Tablas, 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," explained a retiree in Nueva Gorgona.

"Yes, Panama has first world medical care but also has third word cares and everything between," said a retiree who moved to Potrerillos, Chiriqui, Panama.

"Healthcare services in Panama are generally accessible and of a good quality. There are both private and public hospitals, as well as smaller clinics, offering a range of treatments and medical services. Doctors in Panama are well qualified and the government is implementing mandatory insurance for all citizens that provides access to free medical services. Pharmaceuticals are also widely available, with both generic and branded drugs available at reasonable prices. Many retirees choose to move to Panama due to its high quality and affordable healthcare services," said one retiree in 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," commented one retiree living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"I don't really know. I've been to a doctor a few times and a dentist. A typical visit costs $30. I sort of think I could get some acute care if I needed it. But for instance I had a post-covid heart attack several months ago, and I thought that I was dying. Then I realized that that would be okay with me, over and done with, then I laughed at myself. After a while the pain subsided, and I continued my walk. I am called fearless Fred for a reason," explained one retiree living in Las Tablas.

"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," said one retiree 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," commented one retiree living in 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 retiree living 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," said one retiree in 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," commented one retiree 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," explained one retiree living in Boquete.

"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 retiree in living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

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

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

"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," said one retiree in 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," said one retiree in Pedasi.

"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," remarked one retiree 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," said one retiree in 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," wrote one person in Pedasi.