Moving to Panama City, Panama

Last updated on Oct 11, 2023

Summary: Expats move to Panama City, Panama for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent quality of life. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests to its bustling nightlife and world-class shopping. Additionally, Panama City is a great place to live due to its low cost of living, excellent healthcare system, and strong economy. With its tropical climate, friendly locals, and unique blend of Latin American and Caribbean culture, Panama City is an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home.

What do I need to know before moving to Panama City?

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

"Get a feel for the area by driving around, gauging traffic (it's terrible in Panama), checking out amenities and entertainment nearby. Stay away from the casino and nighlife streets as the noise and activity (bad and good) is constant all week. Paitilla and Pacifica are close enough so you can sleep in peace and get to your favorite club or casino in 15 minutes," said one expat in Panama City.

"The best thing I can say about my apt. is that I know where my leaks are. 7 or 8 months of rainy season - sunny mornings, you get out, do your errands early, then afternoon showers. It took me two years to know that Windex kills ants. Silicone seal around EVERYthing. Neighborhood - we got lucky. We chose the apt., and were clueless about the neighborhood, except the info the broker was pushing," said one expat who made the move to Panama City.

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How do I find a place to live in Panama City?

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About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.