r/panamaexpats

Hi, I heard that people on pensionado visas in Panama get discounts at restaurants, cinemas, etc. Are the discounted prices lower than the prices that everybody else has to pay, or are they just lower than what ordinary foreigners have to pay, but still higher than some (ultra-discounted) prices for local citizens? It doesn't make sense for the Panamanian government to be treating pensionado foreigners better than its own citizens, right? Thanks!

I'm visiting Panama in two weeks for about three weeks total, covering Panama City, El Valle de Antón, Pedasí and the Playa Coronado area. Activities and sights are already sorted!

I'd love to make the trip multipurpose though, as I'm seriously considering a move to Panama and want to use this visit to start getting a real feel for life there. Any advice on what to pay attention to, questions to ask or things to experience that helped you when you were making the same decision?

Perhaps an additional/better question, what do you WISH you did?

I am US expat. I live in Chitre but I have friends in Volcan

Hello! My dad and his spouse went to a conference for international living in March and fell in love with Panama… so much so, that they decided they want to relocate there from Orange County, California within the next year or so. I believe they are closing on a property in August, some condo in a high rise.

My dad is 77yo. He is a plastic surgeon and will be closing down his practice to make the move and “retire.”

I’m a little concerned that he was shown the best of the best in Panama and made his decision off that. He was saying the rainy season “isn’t bad,” and that it only rains for a few hours a day, leaving the rest of the day in sunshine. He said he really didn’t see a downside of relocating, other than being further away from his children…

Please share some of your honest experiences, I’d love any info about what has or still surprises you… whether it be about food, transportation, weather, money, activities etc.

Thank you!!

Hello,

I am travelling to Ecuador and I have an overnight layover in Panama City. Was just wondering if there was an area where I should book my hotel so that I can experience the nightlife or at least a couple bars. I thought I would ask here to get an expats perspective. Thank you in advance.

Like it says in the title. What do foreigners who come to live there get wrong (langage, manerisms, behavior, economically, mentally) about Panama?

Look, I'm not your parents, and I cannot make you do a thing. But, keep it constructive instead of a complaining festival, please? "Why don't you speak (non-Spanish language)", or "Gentrification" are too easy, so think harder about this one.

Hello, I have a question about the friendly nations visa in regards to real estate investments.

Does the investment have to be $200k in an existing property? Or, could I purchase land and build a house, and the assessed value is $200k or more after its built, it can qualify?

Wondering because my parents are in Panama on retirement visa and have built a house. The neighboring property is for sale but it's only $50k and needs a house built. I'd love to be able to buy this lot and build near them if possible.

Thanks for any insights!

What does your actual monthly expenses look like in Panama City?

I (33F) am from USA and will be traveling to Panama for the first time next month. My goal is to explore as much as possible and assess whether to retire there in the near future. I’m planning to leave the workforce in 2 years. I’ve heard only great things about Panama City.

Here are a few factors I am considering:

- 3-bedroom apartment in a safe/upper middle class/rich area like Obarrio, costa de este and Marbella for 4 people including 2 kids
- won’t buy a car. I’ll use uber/public transportation 90% of the time and car rental maybe 10% of the time.
- kids will be homeschooled first, but I’ll be open to private schools later if they are good

What do you spend per month on the following:

Rent
Groceries
Take outs
Transportation
Entertainment
Health insurance
Local travels/vacation
Kids education
Internet/water
House maid if you have any

Do you just live off your portfolio income or do you also work in Panama?

Thank you very much for your help.

I'm a 20-year-old Saudi national planning a permanent move to Panama within the next 5 to 7 years. I'll be working as an online strength and conditioning coach (own business, foreign income). Currently building my client base and earning certifications (CSCS, TSAC-F).

I'm looking at the Friendly Nations Visa as my pathway. I'd love to hear from anyone who has gone through this process recently:

1. Friendly Nations Visa requirements: Is the ~$3,000/month income requirement strictly from a single source, or can it be combined across coaching, content, etc.? Any tips on documentation?

2. Banking as a non-resident: Any recommendations for banks that work well for expats setting up before permanent residency?

3. Areas to live: I want nature access (mountains, forests, coast) more than city life. Boquete and El Valle keep coming up. Any other hidden gems?

4. Learning Spanish: What level would you say is necessary for daily life outside Panama City? I'm willing to put in the work, just want a realistic target.

5. Things you wish you'd known before moving: Anything you'd tell your younger self?

Thanks for any insight. I'm trying to set myself up for a smooth transition years from now.

Hello, I'm interested in relocating out of the U.S. I hear good things about Panama. What cities/towns should I check out? I don't think my 1st trip there I'll end up staying as I'm looking to jump around to a few countries before I settle. I would like to hear about lodging recommendations as well for about 2-3 month stay. Thanks!

Hi everyone. My wife and I are relocating to Panama City and I've found a property manager that has some options in Costa Del Este's Arcadia Tower and in something called Yoo Panama. Do you have any insight into which area would be better for us to stay? If it's C) none of the above I'm open to hearing your perspectives.

I’m probably looking for something that doesn’t exist but humor me? I’m visiting for a scouting trip in August. I’m going to several expat places but I’m looking for a place potentially outside those major hubs.

Is there a town/ area/ community that offers the following:
-Within 30-45 min of the beach
-Quiet and laid back but close proximity to amenities like grocery stores and medical
- Affordable
-Has a mix of local culture but some English speakers and some expats
-Warm but not as humid as Bocas
(Pedasi seems to offer this but man it’s out there are removed from everything else)
Even if there are towns that offer most of these but not all.

I'm fed up with dealing with the problems in my country (Spain) and with my own compatriots seeing me as a criminal and wanting to expropriate me just because my businesses are doing well. Right now, I don't see a future for myself if I stay in my country.

After ruling out several options, I think Panama is a country where I can fit in perfectly and where I can develop my business without interference, since private property seems to be respected.

Unfortunately, I can't leave for another 18 months (fingers crossed that my government's threats don't materialize in that time), and I want to use that time to prepare myself well so that my arrival in Panama is as smooth as possible.

The idea is to obtain residency through investment in the country (by divesting from my own country, although I'm sure I'll have to deal with inspections and lawsuits to prove that I no longer actually reside here and that I have no further tax obligations here after I leave).

Any Spanish expats here who can offer some advice?

Perdón por escribir en español pero creo que si traduzco mis palabras al inglés se va a perder parte del sentido de lo que digo.

He publicado varios mensajes aquí y en otros lugares sobre Panamá y creo que mis palabras no han sabido expresar correctamente lo que busco al mudarme a Panamá.

Algunos creo que han interpretado que lo que busco es aprovecharme de las leyes de Panamá, enriquecerme a costa de los locales y hacer cosas que en mi país son ilegales y por consiguiente nocivas.

Nada más lejos de la realidad.

Respeto profundamente lo que están construyendo en Panamá, escucho los problemas y las peticiones que tienen los que viven allí y las entiendo y las respeto.

Por lo que he leído y algunos han expresado sobre lo que entienden que me encontraré cuando llegue allí, con respecto a lo que tengo en mi pais, lo puedo comparar con un abrazo. ¿Saben ese abrazo cálido y reconfortante de alguien que te respeta y entiende tus necesidades? Esa podría ser una buena metáfora de lo que significa un marco regulatorio que funciona y unas leyes justas que entiendo que es lo que piden para Panamá y yo respeto.

Bien, pues en España y Europa ese abrazo es tan fuerte que se ha convertido en algo cercano al estrangulamiento. La presión es tan fuerte y las reglas tan férreas que es asfixiante. La burocracia y los controles suponen que cada movimiento, por muy justo que sea, tarde años. Y que, incluso hacer el bien, sea algo plagado de obstáculos. Arreglar una gotera, por ejemplo, puede llevar fácilmente varios años (tienes que pedir permisos, rellenar papeleo, pedir citas con la administración, planificar el impacto de la obra, notificar a las autoridades que te tienen que dar el visto bueno y un error en un papel puede llevarte de vuelta a la casilla de salida) y lo digo con conocimiento de causa porque tengo una humedad en el salón por un desperfecto en la fachada desde hace más de un lustro.

Panamá camina hacia el progreso, pide que los servicios funcionen mejor, que la gente sea menos egoísta, que el ciudadano reciba un trato justo. España y Europa han dejado de caminar. No hay avance, no hay progreso. Las personas van con los oídos tapados, los ojos cerrados, amordazados y con los brazos cruzados. Aquí reina el sálvese quien pueda, tonto el último, que cada palo aguante su vela y si te he visto no me acuerdo. Y por parte del estado todo son sospechas, preguntas indiscretas, estructuras planificadas que, incluso cuando no funcionan, no se pueden cuestionar.

Yo quiero vivir en un lugar donde las cosas sean más sencillas, donde pueda vivir tranquilo y donde los problemas se afronten y se solucionen entre todos.

Si mis mensajes han sonado duros es solo porque estoy frustrado con los problemas de mi país, en el que las soluciones tardan tanto en llegar que por el camino van apareciendo nuevos problemas que se van solapando y atascando por esa parálisis de la que hablaba. Y las únicas soluciones que se ofrecen, es más papeleo, más regulaciones, más normas, más retrasos... El abrazo no para de estrecharse.

Cuando miro a Panamá veo lo que quiero tener también en mi país: tranquilidad y menos estrés.

Do you have a service (expat relocation services, exploration, transportation, or a legal/housing/expat-related business)? Post it in the comments.

• One comment per person advertising your business. Let's not make it messy in here.

• Be brief yet informative. This is your time to shine. What is your business name, what do you do, why are you better than others (don't tear them down, build yourself UP), example of your pricing, and how people can contact you.

• ONLY post a comment with your services in HERE: anywhere else, like in another post (either a post from you, or a comment in another thread) violates the rules.

• Nothing illegal (either against US, Panamanian, or your local laws, nor against Reddit sitewide rules) is to be promoted here.

• Neither Reddit or the moderation team make any representations of quality, legitimacy, or value of the services discussed here. If you're interested in them, do your own research and check out who's offering them (like independent searches for them, recommendations, etc.), to make sure they are legitimate. NEVER offer anything of value (credit card number, cash, Western Union, wire transfers, gift cards, etc.) unless you're one hundred percent sure about them and their services.

Caveat Emptor.

I'm planning to relocate to Panama this year. I've decided to make the drive from California. Has anyone done the drive from Cali to Panama? Any must see/avoid places along the route. Me and my partner will be traveling with my 50 lb dog so any tips on how to make border crossings with him easier? We're all super excited to make the road trip.

The main question here is about availability and willingness to prescribe them.

I have a family member that needs Wellbutrin. The worry is that there will be lots of hoops regarding getting a continuing prescription, and also getting English-speaking psychiatry to monitor them with the family member, or make changes as needed.

We plan to live in Panama City.

Anyone with any experience or relevant knowledge (beyond guesses or ChatGPT) would be really appreciated if you'd respond, please?

Hello! I’m planning to visit for the first time this Winter. Boquete is at the top of my list for possible relocation. I’m lucky to have a pension that might make it possible. I’m a single woman, mid 50’s and active. What is single life in Boquete like? I like music, art, nature, history, hiking, animals (I have a dog).

I don’t play pickleball, lol!