Retire in Panama City, Panama

"Life for a retiree in Panama City and its surroundings is quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from the United States and Europe. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Panama Canal, the Panama Viejo ruins, and the many museums and galleries. There is also plenty of recreation to be had, from hiking in the nearby mountains to swimming in the Caribbean Sea. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," commented one retiree living in Panama City, Panama.

"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," commented one retiree living in Panama City, Panama.

"Overseas retirees have varying pieces of advice for those considering retiring abroad. Many mention to do as much research as possible on the local culture and laws, as well as getting to know enough of the language to get around. Consider the cost of living in the area compared to your income, and budget accordingly. Visit the location beforehand to make sure it is the right fit; take a look around and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Have a plan in place in case of any possible health issues. Make connections with both expats and locals, as it can be helpful to have advice and support from those familiar with the area. Finally, ensure to allow yourself enough time to adjust to your new environment," explained one retiree living in Panama City.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama City is the language barrier. Although English is widely spoken in the city, Spanish is the official language and is used in most official documents and interactions. Additionally, the cost of living in Panama City is higher than in other parts of the country, making it difficult to stretch retirement savings. Furthermore, the city is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding, which can cause significant damage and disruption. Finally, the healthcare system in Panama City is not as advanced as in other countries, making it difficult to access quality medical care," said a retiree who moved to Panama City, Panama.

"Retiring in Panama City offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The city is known for its vibrant culture, with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees. The city also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to swimming and snorkeling. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, Panama City is home to a diverse population, with a variety of cultures and languages, making it a great place to meet new people and learn about different cultures," said one retiree in living in Panama City, Panama.

"Healthcare services in Panama City are generally of a high quality. The city has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services, including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. The public healthcare system is also well-developed, with a number of public hospitals and clinics providing free or low-cost care. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," said one retiree in Panama City.

"Expats in Panama City often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and hiking. Expats can also join local language classes, book clubs, and cooking classes. Additionally, many expats join local churches, volunteer organizations, and business networking groups. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Additionally, many expats make friends by exploring the city's restaurants, bars, and cafes," explained one retiree living in Panama City.

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

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Panama City is generally quite pleasant. The city is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty of amenities and activities to keep expats and digital nomads entertained. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also home to a diverse population, with many expats and digital nomads from all over the world. The city is also well-connected, with a reliable public transportation system and easy access to the rest of the country. Overall, Panama City is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a vibrant and affordable place to live," said one retiree in Panama City.

"Before retiring in Panama City, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to understand the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and expectations. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Panama City. Finally, expats should consider the safety of the area and the availability of activities and amenities that suit their lifestyle," said a person in Panama City.

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

"We see service dogs all the time here in Panama City in the malls, restaurants and bars. They accept them inside and some even offer them a water dish," said a retiree who moved to Panama.

"It's important to come down here to Panama on multiple due dilligence trips, to spend enough time down here in different areas, and different times of the year, to make sure you are going to enjoy the Country. Research online is important, and will help narrow down areas for you. However, no substitute for on the ground discovery. Work up your budget prior, based on your research, and determine what you can afford in retirement. This will help you determine areas/communities you can afford. Establish a good mail forwarding company, so you can receive Amazon, and your regular mail. Talk to insurance agents in advance to review insurance options. If you are looking to go Pensiado route, you can start this when you come down, if you are firm on Panama already. Prepare yourself for some family and friends thinking you are crazy, or making a big mistake. It's natural, and a lot of "sheeple" don't get it, thinking their legacy brand Country is better, and why would you move to a 3rd World Country! Crazy people still think Panama in this light, and then I explain we have more secure banking, Starlink down here, fiber optic internet in many of the newer areas, expanding rail system in the city, that is being built out towards the beach area. Start working on your Spanish/brushing up on it. Yes, many people speak English, however it is important to work on becoming part of the culture down here. You will be respected more by locals, by trying to speak their native language. Don't just move to where all the Expats are. I guess you can, but you are missing out on the experience of living in a new Country and spending time around locals," said one retiree in Panama City.

"Panama City offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The Amador Causeway is a popular spot for walking, biking, and rollerblading, with stunning views of the Panama Canal and the city skyline. The Cinta Costera is a 3.5-mile long waterfront park that is great for running, walking, and rollerblading. The Panama Canal Yacht Club is a great spot for sailing, fishing, and other water sports. The Metropolitan Natural Park is a great place to explore the local flora and fauna, with trails for hiking and biking. The Biomuseo is a museum dedicated to the biodiversity of Panama, with interactive exhibits and a butterfly garden. For those looking for a more urban experience, the city has a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife," said one retiree in living in Panama City, Panama.

"The Albrook Mall is the largest mall in Latin America, so there is plenty of shopping for when you need it. Albrook is also the hub for bus and plane service to travel throughout Panama, and there is a Metro station next to the bus terminal as well," wrote one person in Panama City.

"In Panama City, expats can find a variety of grocery stores and shopping centers to meet their needs. The largest supermarket chain in the city is Super 99, which has several locations throughout the city. Super 99 offers a wide selection of international and local products, as well as a variety of fresh produce. Additionally, expats can find a variety of international products at the Multiplaza Pacific Mall, which is a large shopping center located in the heart of the city. The mall also has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and stores. For more local products, expats can visit the Mercado de Mariscos, which is a large seafood market located in the city's historic district. Here, expats can find a variety of fresh seafood, as well as other local products," explained one retiree living in Panama City.