Digital Nomad Life in Panama

"Priorities start with family, extended family, family friends, other friends, socializing, sports, all other non-work related activities, and finally: work," said one expat who made the move to Panama City.

"Living in Panama for expats and digital nomads can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Panama is known for its tropical climate, vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches and national parks, and its thriving expat community. With excellent infrastructure, a modern banking system, and a low cost of living, Panama is an attractive option for people looking to live and work abroad. The government also welcomes expat entrepreneurs, providing incentives to help them start and run businesses. Expats in Panama can look forward to making friends in the local international activities, making the most of their new home by exploring the many outdoor activities and attractions Panama has to offer. Finally, safety ranks among the highest in Latin America, making life in Panama even more attractive for expats and digital nomads," explained one foreigner living in Panama.

"We live in Costa del Este because we wanted to be very close to services without being in a noisy city and we also like to walk and Costa del Este is a beautiful place with wide sidewalks and beautiful landscaping," said one expat in Panama City.

"We lived in Panama City for a short time while we were waiting for our goods to arrive. The heat is almost unbearable. We had visited Boquete on previous visits and decided that its mild weather is a good choice. Never too hot or too cold. We purchase a dehumidifier for the rainy season, but you don't need an air conditioner or space heater. A lighted ceiling fan is all you need," remarked one member in Alto Boquete.

"One of the most popular ways to go about finding a place to live in Panama is to contact a real estate agent. Real estate agents have up-to-date databases on listings and can help you find something that fits your needs. Additionally, you can use online property listing services such as Pana Network and Encuentra24 to browse through property listings offered in Panama. You can narrow down your search by location, price, size, or amenities. You may also be able to find available rentals through online expat forums, social media, and other expatriate websites. You may want to consider visiting the location if possible to get a feel for the area and evaluate whether it meets your criteria," explained one expat living in Panama.

"Originally the view was unobstructed. But immediately around our apt. are schools, Atlapa, a large supermarket, a police station, community pool...things that will not get bought out and have a highrise pop up," said one person in Panama City.

"We wanted to live in a safe local neighborhood near the ocean. I listened to my friends who were already here and looked in those areas," said one expat who made the move to Bocas del Toro.

"When I first developed an interest in moving to Panama the possibility of owning beachfront property was the big attraction. After spending a few years looking around I decided that I would rather not live in a beach community, although I love to be near the ocean and, in fact, have spent much of my life at sea. One of the best things about Panama is that you are never far from the sea. In my opinion the Coronado area is overdeveloped and excessively expensive. The area around Pedasi is much cheaper and less crowded. It appeals to surfers for obvious reasons. There are many islands on the Pacific coast, and they are fun to visit, although it would be quite inconvenient to live there. There are also hundreds of miles of unspoiled mainland coastline that are nearly inaccessible by land. You probably want to be somewhere that has a road to it, which further limits your options. Look at a good map and you will see what is accessible. If you don't see a road it's because there isn't one. There probably won't be any utilities either. I found that there are some significant drawbacks to living close to the beach and few native Panamanians choose to do so unless they are in the fishing business. You should look for yourself, though, and after visiting Coronado and Pedasi you might look at Las Lajas, Boca Chica, Puerto Armuelles, and the Boca del Toros archipiélago on the Caribbean coast. They're all beautiful in their own way but don't forget to look at the negative aspects including weather, services, access, and increased maintenance requirements. If you find a place you love you should rent for at least a year before you consider buying anything," said one in Panama.

"Be prepared to change your life. Leave behind all your pre concieved notions of how it should be, what you need, want, and must have to get by. EVERYTHING is different, embrace it, learn from it, apply what you can to your life but don't come here with demands, strict ideals, uptight lifestyle, and the idea that you are going to save a third world culture from itself. I find the opposite is what happens, it saves you from yourself and what ever madness you left behind," explained one expat in Boquete.

"Retiring in Panama can be a rewarding experience for expats, as it offers a wide range of activities both outdoors and indoors. It is important for expats to make sure that their financial situation is in order before making the move and to be aware of the cost of living in Panama. They should also research the local customs and regulations for navigating their way around the country. Additionally, expats should consider taking up Spanish lessons to better experience the culture and gain insight into local life. Health care is also something to consider, as most international health insurance plans are not accepted in Panama. Finally, expats should get in touch with like-minded fellow expats to ensure smooth integration into local life," explained one person living in Panama.

"I appreciate the excellent and affordable health care -- that doctors think of themselves as regular human beings. I appreciate that family comes first. I very much appreciate the lack of consciousness for politically correct speech. I appreciate that calling me a gringa is not derogatory but descriptive and even endearing and that because people do not take offense with such nicknames, there is very little if any racial tension. I appreciate that if I am late for an appointment due to traffic, for example, I don't have to stress because no one expects anyone to be on time. I appreciate that privacy from the government is still valued. That people still dress up a little when they leave the house to run an errand, that traditional music, dance and dress are kept alive and taught in the schools," remarked one member in Santiago.

"The food. The appreciation for and enjoyment of everyday life and family. They are not as driven by the dollar as people in the USA. Their many celebrations and traditions and their enjoyment of them," said one person in Nueva Gorgona.

"I appreciate the dedication to family - it's refreshing to see entire extended families spending time together and enjoying life," said one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Culture....hhmmmm. Disinterested sales personnel who seem to resent being at their post. Bright colors are welcome and plentyful. Another challenge is the general physical size of the locals...as it relates to finding clothing that fits. If you are female and larger than a size 8, good luck finding undergarments. For my husband and his size 12 narrow foot, murder finding shoes," said one expat who made the move to Altos del Maria.

"If you plan to stay in Panama for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa, also known as a visa de residencia. You must first fulfill certain requirements such as having proof of sufficient economic resources, a police record, and a current passport. You can apply for the visa in your home country before travelling to Panama, or at any Panamanian consulate abroad. Alternatively, you can apply for the visa upon entering Panama at any Immigration offices, through the National Migration Network or at the Immigration office at Tocumen International Airport," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Panama.

"Pensionado which relatively easy to obtain. costs about 1700 dollars for a couple," explained one person living in Panama City, Panama.

"Giving our housekeeper and gardener a raise caused quite a stir amongst the neighbors. Inviting the "help" into the house and sharing the mid day meal was also considered a no-no. Having never had any sort of hired help, I didn't know the general practice of either not feeding or giving a sandwich to them to be eaten outdoors or in the garage. For the record, I still have lunch with them, cook some of their favorite American dishes and really enjoy their company. They help me with my "Spanglish" and I help them with their English," said one expat in Altos del Maria.

"Not officially asking my girlfriend out was one. Apparently you have to do it formally one night. Went 6 weeks with a girl, didn't ask her out formally (because you would assume that's it) but you have to ask here to officially make you exclusive boyfriend and girlfriend! who knew..," remarked one member in Panama City.

"Panamanians are very tranquilo people and willing to help. If you are politely sincere, they will overlook any faux pas. However, don't mistake kindness for weakness. Panamanians are also tough. If you approach them as a superior jerk, you will get the jerk treatment. One of the things I love most about Panamanians is their insightful sense of humor. It is quite sophisticated. My Spanish is not good, but our joint sense of humor supersedes all language barriers. Just be good and relaxed," explained one expat living in Panama.

"In Panama, it is important to be respectful in all interactions. Pronouncing Spanish words incorrectly or using slang can be considered offensive or inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of local dress codes, as wearing revealing clothing in religious or traditionally conservative settings can be seen as inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to respect Panama’s indigenous cultures and be sensitive to any cultural differences that may exist. Showing deference and respect to authority figures is also key. Finally, do not be disrespectful to Panamanian flags, emblem, and customs, as this can be considered a serious offense," said one person in Panama.

"Healthcare services in Panama are generally of a high quality, with both public and private options available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all Panamanian citizens. It is also available to foreign residents, although they may have to pay a fee. The public healthcare system is generally of a good quality, with a wide range of services available. Expats in Panama can use the public healthcare system, although they may have to pay a fee. Private healthcare is also available in Panama, and is generally of a higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare is more expensive than the public system, but it is often preferred by expats due to the higher quality of care," explained one expat in Panama.

"Care will not be as good unless you live in the city. Insurance will not cover pre existing," remarked one global nomad in Bocas del Toro.

"Being from the U.S. it's hard to say medical care is better, but the difference is it's 1/10th the cost to get the same type of medical care. Don't be afraid that you're going to get 3rd world medical care in a foreign country. Also, just as in the U.S., don't be afraid to ask questions or to give your opinion of what you think needs to be your course of treatment," explained one digital nomad living in La Chorrera, Panama.

"Expats and digital nomads in Panama enjoy the country's low cost of living, its tropical climate, and its friendly people. They also appreciate the country's excellent infrastructure, which makes it easy to get around and stay connected. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier challenging, as Spanish is the official language. Additionally, Panama's healthcare system is not as advanced as some other countries, so expats may need to seek medical care abroad," said one foreigner in Panama.