By Liz Small
Contributing writer to LatinWorld.com
Please look before you leap.
After reviewing the many articles that are available on the Internet on the subject of relocating to Panama and discussing the subject with friends and neighbors, we (a handful of full time Panama expat residents) thought we would try to present a realistic view of the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” of this major life style decision.
The Good
Depending on your choice of location in Panama, you will find the beaches and the beautiful oceans
close at hand. They are typically warm but breezy, thoroughly refreshing, and relatively clean. Speaking of water, that which is intended for consumption, is fresh, pure, and entirely drinkable. There are areas, however, where thoughtless use of pesticides has resulted in the need for the installation of home purification systems.
If gardening is your thing (or even if your prefer to just supervise), you will find an amazing array of tropical flowers (with orchids being particularly hardy and with many varieties available) and trees to plant throughout the year – different things during the two seasons, the rainy and dry months. The climate consists of these two periods, both lasting approximately 6 months. The dry season (or summer) starts in late December, early January and ends in mid May. The rainy season (or winter) gets going around mid May and lasts until mid to late December. Typically, a day in the rainy season begins with the sun out and clear skies. Then in the early afternoon, there is rain for an hour or so, and then the sun reappears. Temperatures throughout the year (again depending on location) only vary 10 degrees or so (75-85 degrees during the day), the dry season being the higher. The climate encourages a particularly lush environment which, in turn, provides the perfect habitat for a host of colorful birds, native animals, and exotic looking – some say “beautiful” – insects!
We have all found these things (the proximity to great beaches and oceans, the ability to be surrounded by a vibrant landscape while enjoying the magnificent weather) have greatly contributed to an easy adjustment to life in Panama. Helping as well are the great roads which lead to many interesting sites and cities, the moderate cost of living, and the ability to meet and enjoy the Panamanian people.
The Bad
Favorite pastimes (reading best sellers, knitting, gourmet cooking, chatting endlessly with family members on the phone, or even receiving letters) sometimes have to be finessed or eliminated altogether. Bring a good supply of books in the language of your choice – unless it’s Spanish, then “no problemo” – and encourage guests to bring some along with them when they come for a visit. Ditto any special hobby needs or exotic ingredients which may be in short supply or unavailable altogether! Better get hooked up on Skype or some other communication modality and be email literate. Calling internationally and receiving mail is pricey!
Before you buy a piece of ground to begin to have your dream house built, please take into consideration the following: the “ mañana” factor! Everything goes at a slower pace here and there is no sense of urgency. If you have left your ability to be patient wherever you have moved from, please go back and get it. If you were never a patient person to begin with, please think long and hard about building versus buying an existing spec house or resale. Retrofitting an existing structure is much easier than building from scratch. Ask folks who have “been there, done that” and you will soon discover the wisdom of this advice. By the way, those folks you asked for advice, they are your new “family” so try to listen carefully to what they are telling you and profit from their experience. After you have listened and actually followed what they have told you and saved yourself no end of pain and expense, not to mention aggravation, have them over for dinner as a way of saying “Thanks”! They may become your new best friends!
The Ugly
Have you have started to think Panama is synonymous with Utopia? There are a few challenges of which you must be aware. Traffic in Panama City can be daunting. The lack of street signs combined with the curious driving habits of the cab drivers can often result in a hair-raising experience. Are you used to having everything available at all times and in close proximity? Unless you choose to live in Panama City, you will not enjoy that luxury. Many items (produce and paper goods to name two) have to be imported and therefore will not always be on the grocery store shelf and will be a bit more expensive due to importing costs. We have a saying in Panama: “If you see it and want it, buy it!” It may not be there the next time you go looking. Also, there is a suspicion that some manufacturers send goods they would not be able to market elsewhere to Panama. Quality can be an elusive characteristic.
Bienvenidos a Panama!
front photo provided by ethantate at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethantate/2750089356/
first photo provided by seracat at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mserarolsbcn/3370563337/
second photo provided by Alexander H.m: Cascone at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascone/1295936293/
Enjoyed your reflections on life in Panaman! Suggestions for a better title…
“AN AMERICAN IN PANAMA”
Do you think it’s original enough?
Panama does have its finer point and its ugly points, however in general I it is overall a great place especially when you factor in the cost of living. While Panama’s cost of living has increased in the past couple of years…it is still relatively less expensive than the US. Examples I like to use are the price of a movie ticket and the price of a McDonald’s Big Mac. Both of these items are the same throughout the world, however they cost differently depending on where one is located.
In Panama you can go see a first run movie (usually a week behind the US on Blockbusters) for as low as $2.15. You can even go to a state of the art VIP Theatre with plush leather recliners and butler service for only $7.50 -again for first run movies. As for a Big Mac, when they are not on special for $1.50, a Big Mac combo can be had for just under $4 at the Via España McDonald in the center of Panama City.
A quick tip for all newcomers – invest in a VOIP telephone adapter from your favorite internet phone company before you leave “home,” such as Vonage. I simply connect mine to my internet connection and instantly have a “local” New York number which I can make and receive unlimited phone calls in the US.
Great place to visit, great place to live and more importantly considering the economy…it won’t kill your wallet.
Writer for A Panama Guide
Hi Alexander,
Thanks for your comments. Good tips. If you would like to write a few articles about Panama, we welcome guest contributors. It seems like you are a pretty knowledgeable person about the country. If you are interested, you can click on Guest Contributors on the top navigation. Cheers, Brian
I have a couple of comments, and I will apologize in advance for the first one, as I am using it to get in touch with Alexander: Alexander – I accidentally deleted your e-mail about adding your link to our web site – would love to do so, and just can’t figure this e-mail system out yet (I know I can retrieve deleted e-mails somewhere, but I’m not using my old standy “Outlook” for this e-mail. Please e-mail me again at hotelcalamia@gmail.com with your contact details.
Second: Great comments about moving to Panama. I’ll add a few myself. I have been fortunate enough to get into a great situation, taking over operations for a hotel in which I have a small equity interest. Being associated with partners that I trust, I have been able to get great recommendations for lawyers and accountants, but the stories that I have heard lead me to believe that the best ones out there today could scam you tomorrow, so buyer beware and triple-check those references.
Now, for the reader’s amusement, I’ll relate my personal story of expat frustrations: Banking. Being in western Panama, the center of our universe is David. By default, HSBC is the most viable international bank available to us in David. Opening an account has been quite an adventure. You must execute a signature within the parameters of a small box, and it must look identical to your passport signature. Being that my passport is 8 years old, and never being forced to make sure that my signature was always consistent, this became quite an issue. I was made to practice it about 10 times while the banker studied various versions and advised me to replicate and/or improve upon certain executions. I had been warned that Panama would try my patience, and thought that I had come prepared, but as the banker was challenging me with this, I really had to fight the urge to stand up, throw the papers in the guys face and say “You’ve GOT to be kidding me?!!” I did give the guy an annoyed look and asked him if he was serious, but my attempts at intimidation were ignored. We finally seemed to get a version that was agreeable.
Then, try to wire money home – I dare you. Another form to be filled out. AND, if you draw any letters outside of the little boxes on the form, start filling out a new one (another iteration of “You’ve GOT to be kidding me!”). There was some “optional” information – my home bank’s street address – that I didn’t include: I didn’t remember it, and it said “optional.” The banker agreed that it was unnecessary, but of course, 2 days later, when I was checking with my wife to see if the wire went through, I got a call from the banker stating that I needed to include that information (“are you kidding me? it took you two days to notify me of this?” I’m seriously going to tear this guy a new one when I go in there on Tuesday – it certainly won’t help matters, but it will make me feel better).
The moral of the story is: It’s true, prospective expats, bring your patience with you. Plenty of it. You’ll hear it repeatedly, but it can’t be repeated enough – you’ll need it.
Thanks for the information everyone. I am laughing at some of the complaints about Panama as I have experienced the same issues on the other side of the world. I am an American ex-pat living in the Middle East for the past 11 years. Living in Cairo, Kuwait, and now Dubai for the past 7 years has been an adventure. But now that Dubai’s economy has fallen off a cliff my family & I are taking a serious look at Panama for a possible move in the future. If there is one thing the Middle East has in common with Panama it is the need to have PATIENCE. You can fight the system but eventually it will break you if you don’t learn to relax. In many respects Panama will be a step up for us.
I just discovered this website. It will now become part of my weekly research on Panama so keep the comments coming…
This is really fantastic!. I anticipate leaving L.A. within a few years and am pretty willing to endure the bad and ugly for the good. If anyone has a lead on how to find houses for under $90,000 in a decent half English speaking part I’m already grateful.
I am a Panamanian born man who is thinking of returning back to Panama to retire. I laugh at every comment that was made about my lovely country, Panama. All in all, it seems like those of you who live there, like it enough to make it your home. CONGRATULATIONS!
Ernesto E.
Great city indeed, I am from Costa Rica and have traveled to Panama and various opportunities, I will say that this is one of the best places to live in Central America, the other option being my own country
I’m thinking of moving to Panama City in the next year or so. What are the best areas of the city to buy a house in. I would like to be near the water if possible and the area needs to be safe. Would like to start looking at realestate on the internet but don’t know the names of the areas I should be searching! Can anyone help?
You “Americans” are funny; you think the US is the best place on earth and complain about every single place you visit but living in the US is the one of the worst experiences someone could suffer…here everything is ruled and regulated and nothing works the way its supposed to. Police brutality and abuse exceeds even soviet times police repression; there’s no freedom to protest against anything as people who decide to protest publicly is brutally repressed by police and national guard; politics are among the most corrupt in the world as you can see almost everyday in the news; social security it works to pay elders expenses, contrary to real social security in latin american countries where social security means public assistance to the people; FEMA is a joke and gives money away to later realize they gave money to people hey were not supposed to; H1N1 vaccine doesn’t exist and when created, didn’t supply to one tenth of the population; policemen are paid to be taking care of workers while fixing a street and they shoot people without any fear nor remorse without substantial reason; there’s more racism here in the US than anywhere else…state and federal government spent money on stupid things like financing a new stadium for the losers Miami Dolphins or sending more money and troops to Afghanistan and Irak while poverty increases everyday in the US…you can see a lot of homeless living under the bridges in Miami and begging to drivers for money while police cars just are standing by to the American Airlines Arena messing up the traffic…USCIS rises their fees about 200% and still are “short on employees” and cases taking over 4 years to be done, when in the most of the cases shouldn’t take more than one or two…The US isn’t a country to be proud of…it is a country of lobbyists and this country is base only on marketability…no real values, no real history…a country build up by immigrants and that discriminate any immigrant even being that most brilliant minds in this country are foreigners, immigrants
Now, you say that living in Panama, or any other country but the US is beyond patience limits…you complain but love to live out of the US…the same as I do, about this country in decadence.
Just enjoy our countries and adapt yourself to our uses and costumes…or leave and go back to your country of origin…
I am planning on retiring to Panama within the next few years. Meanwhile, I would like to start planning for my future. I mimic “Linda, see reply 15 Nov 09.” Looking for something affordable and safe. I am planning a trip to Panama this summer so I can see what may be available and possible options. Would love to find people to correspond with that are willing to answer questions I may have, provide guidance, and share their experiences. Thank you
If you ever think on buying a flat in the luxury and expensive Balboa Avenue looking for a peceful environment, think it twice! I live in one of those since november 2009 and I regret my decission ever since. I am suffering 12 hours of daily noisy christmas carols played through laudspeakers installed by the municipality in front of my building. A permanent fair with other kind of loud live music followed by crowds runs on the weekend’s evenings. Fantastic!!
I am thinking of moving to Panama and have just started researching. Please notify me when there are new comments.
I used to live in Panama when I was 9 – 14 years old. My dad was stationed at Fort Clayton. Now I am near retirement as is my partner, Dave. We are thinking about taking our puppy, a Maltese, and retiring to a beach commmunity. I speak fluent Spanish and I am a Spanish profesor here in the USA.
Any suggestions? Does my dog have to be quarantined? She would have a nervous breakdown! Dave loves to fish and I just want to get away from the ratrace and enjoy warm weather again.
thanks
r
Czeslaw,
Maybe you’re the one who needs to return to your country of origin. You complain about how terrible the US is, yet apparently live in Miami waiting for your green card application to wind through USCIS. If the US is so inferior to (cough) Latvia, maybe you should gtfo of the US and move back there. The people on this board posted about some problems (mostly annoyances) expats should prepare themselves for in Panama. What you did was blast an entire country in a hate-filled rant.
I agree with Spike. What is up with Czeslaw anyway, if you hate the US, go ‘home’, why are you still here?
Central America is a nice place (as far as touring from a cruise ship). Costa Rica has a beautiful rainforest to enjoy! The Panama Canal was very interesting and enjoyed our tour guide.
If you are thinking, like we are, to move there, go rent a house for a couple of weeks before making any decisions and read, read, read, there are plenty of books, just google to find, to get info on everything you could need to know written by US citizens living in these countries.
I found this link to be a bit distrubing:
http://www.panamalaw.org/panama_facts-the_ones_they_do_not_tell_you_about.html
Is anyone in the know on any of these issues?
Hi Tim,
I don’t know how I came across this site… in any case, I am Panamanian born and raised (although I lived for about 7 years in the USA before returning). In general, most of the things on that list are worst-case scenarios that stem from a lack of street-smarts, caution and unrealistic expectations that Panama functions like a 1st-world country.
The law over here functions in a different way than in a developed country such as the US. Nobody here really expects the law to function as it is supposed to, nor is naive enough to expect protection from it.
The upside to this, however, is very big, because if you know how the law works and stay out of trouble, you can pretty much pay no taxes on income, park wherever you want, and basically do whatever you want (not harming anybody obviously) as long as you keep an eye out. Just avoid the law to any extent possible and hire people to do legal transactions for you if they show any sign of complication – it’s really not worth your time when you can get a messanger to do it for you for $3.
Another thing is that people here (including police, civil servants, etc) are generally a lot easier to talk to and negotiate with and they are very sympathetic in general. There is little of the robotic “doing my job so screw you” attitude you find in places like the USA. THE #1 PRINCIPLE HERE is that if you treat people with calm, respect and humility they will generally go out of their way to help you, even if it’s against the law. If you avoid condescending, patronizing behavior, you will be very well off. Just because it is someones job to do something doesn’t mean its a good idea to assume they will do it if you get angry at them.
And speaking about crime: the truth of the matter is that the vast majority of crime here is organized crime related to drugs and gangs in bad areas. If you stay away from unsafe areas (they are easy to recognize) and keep away from anything related to selling or traffiking drugs, you will be very safe (and if you smoke weed in your car, be ware of road blocks!).
You also need to realize is that there is still a large minority of people here that are poor and have hard lives – and you need to realize that just by being from a developed country it is assumed you are rich, which will automatically make you more of a target than average, mostly for petty crime. The main idea is to take precautions and not unnecessarily display signs of wealth or talk about it around strangers (once you know people it’s obviously something else).
The bottom line is, don’t expect Panama to work the same as a 1st world country. It’s a totally different experience over here – and a lot of it is very positive. You just need to realize that it’s not a North-American suburb – it’s much more in-your-face and there are many more startling contrasts and characters, some of them disturbing. It’s also a much smaller country, where everybody knows everybody (even despite social class), where you spend much more time dealing with small companies and less with call-centers and corporate small-print.
Hi I’m Keegan
I was born in Panama and I’m going to move back there when I finsh college and live there the rest of my life. The kids in my school always picked on me. So I’m hoping Panama’s better.
thanks
Keep working ,great job! Will be back.
Hi! My husband and I are considering retiring to Panama. We have about 8 years until SS and our retirement funds are available, so it may be awhile. Considering this we would consider investing in something now that would help support us when we move. We would like to move within 5 years, but may not be able to unless we find the right investment. We need to do much more research and would appreciate any helpful information you may have regarding investing/moving to Panama. We are also looking at Ecuador, but are leaning towards Panama right now.
Thank you.
Hi,
Thanks for the message! I’m going to do a bit of research to see if I can send you some suggestions to help you out with your potential move!
Learning about Panama, considering a home there…sounds like SS might just be enough?
Hi, we are interested in Panama and Ecuador. I was there in 1997 and i need to return to explore Penonome, El Valle Chitre Pedasi, and Las Tablas. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
** In Ecuador I enjoyed Guayaquil,. pass through La libertad, Salinas and need to go back. Can someone Compare the two.?
Thanks
Joe joe.gomez2009@yahoo.com
Czeslaw, I totally agree with you. I AM a US citizen. Born and raised here. Like most people on this board, they are considering leaving the US. Why? I know I am leaving, because Panama has all that I am looking for when I retire in two years. I cannot find it anywhere in the US. Cost of living, beautiful oceans and mountains, great affordable health care, lower crime rate, respect for seniors and all the other things that you mentioned.
One thing about some Americans, is that we don’t take criticism too well. It is what it is. Every American has a choice if they want to live in America or Panama. I suspect that they felt that Panama was a better place than US.
I appreciate stories like Jeffrey’s as well as those like Czeslaw’s. They each gave their own point of view and comparison of the US vs Panama. I have only lived in the US all of my 60 years and I cannot say that one of Czeslaw’s comments were false about the US. Everyone is entiltled to express THEIR views of THEIR experience whether it is here or abroad. No two people will necessarily have the same experience at any given situation.
My biggest fear is that Panama will soon be flooded with US citizen who don’t respect other cultures that they choose to move into. I have seen plenty of negative comments as well as positive comments from people who have moved to Panama. However,I realize that it is their own personal experience and opinion. Czeslaw merely gave his opinion. (Probably because he was dupped into thinking he had freedom of speech) Give an opinion that SOME US citizens don’t agree with and you will quickly learn what Czeslaw is talking about.
Thanks so much for all the input and discussion. My husband and I are coming to Panama this spring to “take a look”. We would ideally like to retire in the spring of 2012. We’ve done a great deal of internet research. It sounds like a wonderful place to retire. We are into scuba diving and so we want the tropical atmosphere. We have been to Mexico and the Dominican Republic several times and understand the need for patience (in the D.R it’s known as being on DR time!) Since we will be leaving our family in the US we will need to be somewhat near an international airport and be able to have internet access so we can skype with the kids and receive visitors. We also would like to live in/near an expat community so we can establish new friendships and networks especially since we do not speak spanish – although we are more than willing to learn from anyone with enough patience to teach us! We are looking to purchase condo/townhouse but will entertain a house in a gated community. We would like to be near the city but not in the city. We currently live about 1/2 hour to 45 min from New York City and find that that’s perfect. We would also like to spend no more than $200,000 for a house and want to take advantage of the property tax abatement by purchasing a new home or one that has time left on it. Is there anyone who can help guide us as to good areas to go that fit some or all of our criteria as well as the places we should stay away from?
A group of us are looking to cashing is our retirements and selling our houses and moving to Panama and possibly doing something more laid back and getting out of the rat race. If you have a group of 8 to 10 people with children involved are you better to go the Highrise condo route or buying a larger property with a house in a gated community? Are there any private schools and are they safe for kids that are obviously foriegners? Crime rates, hiring help, and the loval authorities, health care, are some of my concerns. Anyone that has any input please let me know thanks.
Can you live decently on $1900.00 a month in Panama?
I am a Panamanian living in the USA. Panama has different areas and conditions. Panama City has some 1 1/2 or more million people. It has many malls, traffic (as the big cities all over the world have), and hundreds of private schools. In a private school your children will learn (Spanish, English and the language the school teaches). If you want your children to learn Mandarin…put them in the Chinese School (they will learn English, Spanish and Mandarin, with a trip to China after finishing high school); if you want them to learn Greek, put them in the Greek School (English, Spanish and Greek). There is the Italian, French, etc. Also there are private schools with different religions tendencies, Catholic, Episcopalian, Jewish, etc. In Panama City houses close to the center of the city are expensive ($250s, $300s and up. You can find some, but they will be small duplex, very close together. Remember, there is limited space to build in Panama City because of the Panama Canal (there is a need to keep 10 miles each side for jungle and fresh water for the canal, so the city cannot grow in a circle, but along the coast. There is a Subway or Metro in the planning and construction. That is why there is the tendency for high buildings. High buildings are fine if you do not like to drive long, private schools, universities and more of a first world country, plus living close to the banking area, safest areas, and nice malls and restaurants.
Now, there is a lot of people from Venezuela(running from Chavez) and Colombians moving into Panama City. Many Venezuelans are choosing the same neighborhoods to live in. Their character is different than Panamanian’s …they complain more and there is nothing like Venezuela for them…so I advise you to avoid those neighborhoods if you want to make friends with a diversity of Panamanian and international people.
Panama has the Colon Zone or a Free tax Zone (the second in the world after Singapore’s)…where most of the merchandising coming from different countries is stored and distributed to Latin American countries. So you will find all kind of merchandising, cheap clothing and all kind of electronics (same price as the US, unless you buy free of tax to be put at the airport and you pick it up when you leave…then you bring it back without paying taxes for it). I never bring gifts to my family because they are cheaper there.
SURE, if you want to find the roots vegetables you find in the North East, or blueberries, etc…IT WILL BE DIFFICULT…because THIS IS NOT NORTH AMERICA…THIS IS A TROPICAL COUNTRY.
IF YOU WANT TO FIND in a MOUNTAIN town (Boquete) or even DAVID the replacement for the rare vacuum cleaner you bought in Chicago, or Canada (believe me this is true)… it will be DIFFICULT…because PANAMA IS A TROPICAL COUNTRY…we do not use VACCUM that much…we do not use carpet because of allergens and humidity. How the newcomers expect the stores to have replacement for something people do not buy, or food people do not eat? Just think about it…
Then, if you would like a more relaxing life than Panama City, but to be able to find private schools, need to move to Chitre, Santiago, David or Boquete (from Boquete your children will have to ride some 45 minutes to David). All these are small towns with small airports, restaurants and small town/city life. David is some 7 hours in car from Panama City; Chitre is some 3 hours from Panama City. Santiago some 5. David is one hour from the border with Costa Rica…but unless you travel some 16 hours to San Jose, Costa Rica, you will not see anything. Chitre (some 50,000 people) is in the center of the country, close to beaches, in the Azuero Peninsula (one catholic private school there just won third place in International Math Competition). These areas have much of the authentic folklore of Panama, the carnivals, town festivals and the Pedasi area has some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama (Many artists from LA are buying there now). Chitre had just opened a new mall (the first outside Panama City). The area of the Peninsula is dry tropical, savanna, and it rains less than in David, which is more humid.
But if you prefer to live near the beaches of the central Pacific side of Panama, Coronado is a nice small beach area (not like Virginia Beach…not that build up), but is one hour from Panama City and do not have private schools. Many people from Panama City have summer houses there and move for the whole summer with their children. Altos de Maria is an area being developed in the mountains, but also one hour from Panama City…not for children; they will not have much to do.
Well, finally, Panama is a SMALL country…some 3 millions people. It is not like the USA…it has its own charm and nice people if you treat them well. I have live in a town of Louisiana where the only thing big is a Walmart…so evey place is different and has its own great things. It will never be like HOME because we will always miss HOME…then will end up comparing what we are missing to feel that we still love home.
For Dawn,
1. 80% of people in Panama City speaks English, internet is all over the country and cellular phone, Skype, etc.
2. It seams that you are looking into areas like Coronado, Altos de Maria, and many beach areas close to Panama City, but I think the biggest expat community lives in Boquete or around the mountains of Chiriqui. Many though, move there and feel lonely or it to be too cold. This is extrange because people from Vermont think it is cold and not for us the Panamanians. Some move then to more hot areas. I have seen many new buildings and gated communities around the beach areas.
Hi,
It really depends where you live and what you mean by decently, but unless you’re interested in living in a high end condo in a new, flashy development that should get you by nicely.
Greetings All and Happy New Year. I have been contemplating a move to Mexico but with the instability and dnagers there now, am rethinking. Panama has come up time and again and my initial ‘look’ has been positive. If any one can provide answers to specific questions I’d be most grateful.
1) Is there any reasonable way to move to Panama with some belongings (kitchen items, and misc household items)? Same for taking a car or do you buy there and is that practical from $ standpoint?
2) I would like to rent – a nice home 3/2 – in or near an expat community, or gated community – is that possible and what might the price be?
3) I understand Cerro Azul is a good place – 30 mins from Panama City, far less hot and humid – what are thoughts of this area, versus Boquete and Chiriqui?
4) In the area of Panama City would one find Costco, Walmart, Home Depot etc, as in many parts of Mexico?
5) Is it expensive to buy furniture and appliances there?
6) How about the process for becoming a legal resident – difficult? What are financial requirements? And bringing a pet (dog) into the country?
7) Any site I should be sure to check out for more information?
Thank you all for your input – much appreciated.
Hi,
I would love to get the answers to Karen’s questions too!..
I am 28 years old and fell in love with the country when first visited in 2002. I am not intended to live in cold climate, hence Montreal, Canada is not meant for me! Having travelled a lot to Central and South American, along with Europe, Panama is where I felt the most at ease – it feels like home to me.
Ideally, I would like to get a temporary job to keep me afloat (I am fluent in French, English and Armenian), learn Spanish at a school, and rent a place for a few months until I figure out where is the best place for a person like me to buy a property and what kind of business I would like to open or get involved with.
If anyone has any ideas or options, I would be very grateful! Thank you
This is for Bella
“1. 80% of people in Panama City speaks English, internet is all over the country and cellular phone,”
80% speak english in Panama??? Maybe 80% speak english in California, although I doubt, but not in Panama. 5-10% maybe, but of course not when you need it.
And to Spike, why you pick on Czeslaw, everything he said was right. I don’t know about Florida, but I know California and and it is the most communist state in the union.The people have no rights there. In fact there are many forums where the americans display the reason they left the States and include many of those presented by Czeslaw
Hello,
I would love to know the worse things about living in Panama ! Like poisonous snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. I can research legal stuff and read tons of fluff but I am interested in the everyday living. I got the point about being patient, I can handle that because if you ever had directv installed in your home in the us guess what – almost as bad lol at least in Panama you will just expect it. I have 3 boxers so their safety is also my concern. I know I can adapt but would like to know if I should be prepared to be woken up regularly staring at a spider or have them crawling on me at night lol THANKS ! Does anyone have a comparison between Costa Rica and Panama they could share with me ???
I have been seriously thinking of moving to Panama in the next few months.I had thought of India.I would be living of my soc sec $1,200.00 a month.can one live comfortably on this in a safe area.My needs are not great .internet,a/c if needed and telephone.hopefully a large apartment.I do not know the language,willing to learn. The slower pace and people sound great.i want my greatest worry to be if i’m going fishing today or not. Or is this all just a dream for me ?
Maybe this question has been already asked but I am thinking of returning to panama as well. I was born there in the 70′s in the canal zone. Ancon to be exact. If I bring my birth certificate can I avoid the hassles of a visa or tourist permit,etc? I have not lived there since I was three and would be considered a gringo as I am caucasian.
It has been an interesting read on here. Im a 49 yo man living in North Dakota. I moved from Northern California to ND 20 years ago. This adventure has been GREAT, Ive made a good living, have had a great quality of life, learned some Midwest values (people with money here dont show it for instance). I left CA searching for a better QUALITY life than CA offered. I tell people the main difference is in CA, everthing is very regulated, taxed, lawsuits al the time, and in ND you can really do what you want so long as your not totally stupid and if you do something stupid be respectful, people here have good hearts and are understanding. I tell my friends that people from Panama and Costa Rica are like North Dakotans in general, just a lil shorter. Good people. I came here (ND) and became part of a small community. I expect the same will be for me in Panama in a year or so..YOU get out what you put in…gate yourself off, well be isloated, thats not for me!
Can anyone tell me what they think of Las Tablas. I have been thinking about moving from U.S. to Panama. And heard that Las Tablas would be a nice place and not too expensive.
I’ve read a lot of the posts on this site and all of you seem to be knowledgable about Panama. My husband and I will be moving to Panama at the end of the summer. I’m a type 1 diabetic and my husband’s a type 2 diabetic. Do any of you know who we can contact in Panama regarding healthcare for diabetics?
In response to Tim’s post from May 2010, a google search on the law firm Panama Law will reveal a major bias leading this site. Be extremely cautious when dealing with lawyers by proxy, your due dilligence (and as mentionned above – references) are your best protection, but by no means complete.
This law firm no longer operates out of Panama and in fact is leading people to Guatemala, simply look at their site and it is evident (including the fact that they use 502 area code). On the left hand menu of their site they do not even seem to offer a Panamanian Corporate formation services, yet it is not on their list of offshore juristiictions to avoid (which is subjective at best!)
A few of the statements from that website that stood out as particularly false to me – after 4 years of research (trust me, I am OCD when it comes to investigating potential investments) are as follows:
1. CITIZENSHIP “The law reads that after having a permanent residency for five years one is eligible to apply for citizenship. It does not say you are going to get a citizenship as if this is the only requirement. You need to get the President of Panama to approve your application. When we took a look we saw an average of 2.5 people a year were granted these citizenships in the years we looked and their last names were the same as those holding political office.” now I have no proof to substantiate this one way or the other, by why exactly would relatives of Panamanian officials need citizenship??? Furthermore, this has the earmarking of a deliberate and thin scare tactic to me (read: IMHO!!!!)
2. PANAMA BANKING “Corporation and foundation bank accounts cannot receive any debit or Visa cards. For cards you need a personal account and then the cards have your name on them.” In direct contradiction with almost every law firm based in 507 which claim that through many banks you are able to get a corporate card with only the name of the corporation embossed.
3. ASSET SAFETY “There is a way to get a court order in Panama from a Panama Court to garnish, lien or levy a Panama Bank account. If you do not know where the person’s bank is you can have the court send a Fax to all the banks in Panama asking them to seize, lien, levy any bank account associated with the name of the person as a beneficiary owner or signatory. This is called a Sequestro.” I have a few issues with this, #1 they are the only people throughout the internet to have any mention of this, and copy and paste under different names on different sites. #2 as an authorized signatory to an account you are not (in the eyes of the law) the benefiacial owner thereof and thus the assets cannot be subject to perseuction against you. The case must first be made, and passed that you are the defacto beneficial owner of the assets. Furthermore, any reputable firm is able to layer your assets in such a fashion as once the ball starts rolling on this you are provided with months of notice while the matter is tied up in the courts.
4. SEARCH WARRANTS “The police in Panama do not need a search warrant for any reason to search anything. This can include your home, your person, your car, your vault box, your business etc. This is fine if you trust the government, I guess.” More scare tactics, Investigators may enter a person’s home only with consent or a written order (search warrant) from a competent authority or to assist victims of crime or natural disaster (Steve C. Ropp. “Administration of Justice”. Panama: A country study (Sandra W. Meditz and Dennis M. Hanratty, ed.). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (December 1987).)
5. CRIME OF PASSION “If you catch your spouse with another person being intimate you can kill one or both of them as a crime of passion and not be prosecuted. The crime must happen as soon as you catch them. You cannot like go to a friend’s house, get a gun and return in that this would be premeditative. You could do this with a girlfriend or boyfriend but could be more risky than with a spouse. So you can get away with murder in Panama.” A simple Google search brings up many results on the first page to contradict this – ’nuff said!
6. GUN RIGHTS “You can get permission to own and or carry a gun in Panama as a permanent resident or pensionado. Now they want an Interpol records check and the wait for that could be well unlimited. It takes most people three to five years to get a permanent residency so what do you do for the first few years? Panama has a high crime rate. To get a gun you need to supply DNA from your blood. There is also a urine test (drugs) and fingerprints. Then the gun goes in for ballistic sampling. Process can take several months. Who do they share your DNA with? There have been some close calls regarding people losing many of their gun rights.” Completely and utterly false. Google the procedures to own a gun, Americans in Panama group on Yahoo has a great thread on this.
I have written these 7 contradictions to the site posted and as this reply is MASSIVE and I am not even 1/5th through the lies I feel I have perhaps made my point and shall end it here.
To anyone who has read this full post, I am 30 and moving down to Panama after spending approximately 90 days there/year to learn it. My parents-in-law have been there for 4 years and I am finally able to transition my business there. Be wary of what you read, always quadruple check facts and please (PLEASE!!!) don’t believe what every law firm says (especicially these BSers)!
Out!
Thank You all for your ideas on moving to your country. I have the same needs as Karen S. I want warm, safe and low cost of living. I also have two small dogs. I can’t afford to live in the US much longer. Can I live off $1,200.00 a month, and enjoy learning all about you. I also have a 9 year old. I have SSD and no child support.
We have Muscular Dystrophy and we can both walk but need warm water to keep us limber. It is the only exercise we can do and I make too much to get help from our government and too little to pay the bills from all the Doctors here. I can NOT have any delays with my monthly direct deposit, drug store near by to get our med’s each month. We also need to sell our car, We can’t afford to drive there. What is the cost on taxi or bus to get the things we need? Please Help!!! Thank You so nuch
Hello, my name is Kat and i’m 53 and getting ready to retire in about 5 yrs i’m hoping to vaca in Panama it sounds like the perfect place to spend the rest of my life… i would like to be by the water and karen had these questions which r perfect. I couldn’t have asked them better myself!
If any one can provide answers to specific questions I’d be most grateful.
1) Is there any reasonable way to move to Panama with some belongings (kitchen items, and misc household items)? Same for taking a car or do you buy there and is that practical from $ standpoint?
2) I would like to rent – a nice home 3/2 – in or near an expat community, or gated community – is that possible and what might the price be?
3) I understand Cerro Azul is a good place – 30 mins from Panama City, far less hot and humid – what are thoughts of this area, versus Boquete and Chiriqui?
Bugs, Spiders and Snakes? Give me the honest run down on what i should be counting on?
4) In the area of Panama City would one find Costco, Walmart, Home Depot etc, as in many parts of Mexico?
5) Is it expensive to buy furniture and appliances there?
6) How about the process for becoming a legal resident – difficult? What are financial requirements? And bringing a pet (dog) into the country?
7) Any site I should be sure to check out for more information?
Thank you – anything will be much appreciated.
My wife and I are really looking at relocating (from the US) to the Panama City area, and would love any current information. Ultimately we are wondering what it would cost to rent a small 2/3 bedroom house within 30-45minutes of Panama City and surfing? We also do have 2 small dogs and would need at least a small backyard area.
I work online and would be able to make about $2000 a month (US). Can we survive on that? Keep in mind that we are pretty simple people and dont need luxurious living…
Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks
I’m considering moving there with my children. I’m only 34 and love Panama. My mother’s whole side of the family lives there. I just got back from being there all summer long. Once I came back I could totally see the difference in both countries. It is totally worth leaving the falling economy we live in especially if you plan on investing or opening a business. It is also way cheaper to live there then in the US. One business that left me in awww was one that was like a internet cafe. It was about 40-50 computers in a small business that charged 50¢ for 30 minutes and $1.00 for an hour. All in all the business could be put together for around 10-15,000. One can also hire someone to run it for 6 days a week at 12 hours a day for around $450.00 a month for there wages. The place gets great business especially from kids who like to chat. They also had faxing and copying for small fees too. Panama has great advantages for the US citizen in living there and even having a business. One just has to look into it thoroughly. Also a great freight company that charges reasonable prices is seaboardmarine.com. I found them to charge me around $2,600 for a 40 foot container delivered to my door. This fits approximately 4 cars and then some. All others where wanting close to 2 gran for just one car to be shipped. Good luck everyone
The stores there that are as close as it gets to the US would be:
Pricesmart (Sams) membership
Do it center (Home Depot)
Machetazo (Walmart)
Rita Smith ( it carries just about everything found in US grocery stores, but more costly)
I would have to say most appliances are cheaply made and more costly then in the US, but if you go to colon you can find stuff cheaper at the free zone. I would have to say I adore my kitchen and all that I use, so I think I would cheap that with the freight and vehicles. Oh and the pots and pans are way to expensive and cheap made compared to a good set in US. Another thing is you can check craigslist to buy somethings for your house, because most people are there temporarlly and sell there stuff. Dont get me wrong it’s a wonderful and inexpensive place to live. They also have a metro bus just like the ones in the US air-conditioned and all for .25 cents. They go pretty far I would have to say I took it as far as 20 miles. The taxis are also cheap I usually didn’t pay no more the 2.50 to go where I needed.
Brett-Just curious…would you be willing to share what type of business you do online to earn $2000 per month? The thing that holds me back from moving is how to make a living once I am there, I am not retirement age yet.
Also, does anyone know what are the best places to go for salsa dancing in Panama City? I have been dancing here in the US for 9 years…I would think there would be lots of places, but maybe there are some recommendations from those that live there? Thanks!