Moving to Nueva Gorgona, Panama

What do I need to know before moving to Nueva Gorgona?

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

"Before moving to Nueva Gorgona it is important to be aware of the climate, language, cost of living, employment opportunities, healthcare system, quality of life and safety. The climate is tropical and humid with consistent temperatures year round. Spanish is the official language spoken but English is widely spoken in some areas. The cost of living is relatively inexpensive compared to other countries, however the currency is the US dollar. Job opportunities can be limited, however there are some opportunities in retail, hospitality and tourism. The quality of healthcare is good in most areas and the public healthcare system is available to all citizens. The quality of life in Nueva Gorgona is excellent with a low crime rate and a peaceful atmosphere," replied a member in Nueva Gorgona.

"RENT FIRST before you buy. Rent for several months in several areas before you buy," commented one expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona .

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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How do I find a place to live in Nueva Gorgona?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Nueva Gorgona has various options for finding a place to live. You can look in classifieds such as Craigslist or you can explore real estate websites and contact local agencies. You can also consider using a home-sharing website like Airbnb which is becoming increasingly popular. Lastly, you can explore the neighborhoods of Nueva Gorgona to find the right fit for you, ask locals, and check out expat websites for more information," said another expat in Nueva Gorgona.

"The first condo we found in Nueva Gorgona was through VRBO. We didn't know a lot about the area here, but we rented so if we decided it wasn't for us, we could always move to another area. After that, it's been by word of mouth that we have found places to live," added another expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona .

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If you're thinking about moving to Panama and haven't narrowed down where you would like to live, consider taking a tour with our partner, Panama Relocation Tours. The tour will take you from large metropolitan areas to resort beach areas that have every amenity and luxury you'd ever need, and funky beach areas with a laid back atmosphere. You'll also visit popular highland towns where thousands of expats live, and rural areas teeming with opportunity.

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If you're thinking about moving to Panama and haven't narrowed down where you would like to live, consider taking a tour with our partner, Panama Relocation Tours. The tour will take you from large metropolitan areas to resort beach areas that have every amenity and luxury you'd ever need, and funky beach areas with a laid back atmosphere. You'll also visit popular highland towns where thousands of expats live, and rural areas teeming with opportunity.

Learn MoreVIEW UPCOMING TOURS

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Nueva Gorgona?

"Nueva Gorgona is a town situated in the Central region of Panama and is a popular destination for expatriates due to its close proximity to Panama City. Expat homes and apartments in this area tend to be modern and typically come with all the amenities one could need. Expats can typically expect apartments and homes to be spacious, tastefully furnished, and often feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, wifi, washer and dryers, and kitchen appliances. Many properties in Nueva Gorgona tend to have bigger balconies that offer spectacular views of the beach and ocean. Security is usually tight in the area and many buildings have 24-hour security guards for added protection," added another expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.

"We currently live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo on the 17th floor at the beach," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona , Panama.

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What is the average cost of housing in Nueva Gorgona?

If you are thinking about moving to Nueva Gorgona, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Nueva Gorgona is relatively affordable, ranging from moderately priced apartments to luxurious villas and beachfront properties," added another expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.

"Housing costs are still lower than the U.S. Smaller homes in town run 300 to 800 per month to rent. Condos rent from 900 to 1800 per month to rent. Condos for sale between 200k to 450k, depending on amenities and the floor," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona , Panama.

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Expat Health Insurance in Panama

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Should I buy or rent a home in Nueva Gorgona?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Nueva Gorgona, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Nueva Gorgona largely depends on your current financial situation and the long-term goals for your residence. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Renting a home typically offers greater flexibility if you plan to stay in the area for a short period of time, and the costs of relocation are often lower when compared to purchasing a home. Additionally, if you are unsure of the local real estate market or have difficulty obtaining a mortgage, renting can be a beneficial option. On the other hand, an owner may benefit from increased privacy and enjoy potential tax breaks or appreciation of the home value over time. Ultimately, where and how you want to live should be your primary consideration when deciding whether to rent or buy a home in Nueva Gorgona," replied a member in Nueva Gorgona.

"We decided to rent. We sold everything we had in the US and want the freedom to move if we are ever inclined to do that. We rent furnished and love not worrying about maintenance or replacement of anything. Buying abroad can be tricky and I would encourage anyone buying to do due diligence. As for us, we are happy renting," commented one expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.

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What should I pack when moving to Nueva Gorgona?

We asked people living in Nueva Gorgona to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Clothing suitable for the climate (long sleeves and pants, hats, sandals or closed shoes), sunblock, insect repellent, basic first aid kit, toiletries, flashlight, a lock and/or safety deposit box, copies of documents, currency, laptop/mobile phone with chargers, maps and guidebooks," remarked another expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.

"Wish we would have brought an Amazon Firestick for TV, Small kitchen items and any electronics we might have wanted. Things we didn't need to bring, lots of shoes, a dress suit, the one I DID bring won't fit now, and dishes," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona , Panama.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Nueva Gorgona?

We asked people in Nueva Gorgona if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"In Nueva Gorgona, it is important to be aware of and respectful of local culture and customs. It is best to avoid making negative comments or joking about the culture, tradition, or people of this region,intruding on personal space, publicly displaying affection, and taking photographs without asking permission first. It is respectful to dress more conservatively and accept any offers of hospitality without appearing too Westernized. Additionally, travelers should be aware of and accept the local religion, language, and customs," remarked another expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.

"I accidentally stepped off a 2' patio while looking at fireworks in the dark and broke two metatarsals in my foot. Not really funny, but definitely a learning experience," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Coronado, Panama.

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