Digital Nomad Life in Panama City, Panama

"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," said one expat who made the move to Panama City.

"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 person 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 one expat who made the move to Panama City.

"I made a visit here in August,stayed in a pretty basic place in el Cangrejo, and felt quite at home. It reminds me of Greenwich Village in NYC. I'll be staying in the same place for a month, plan to begin the Pensionado process with a recommended-by-expats att'y., and then move about 1 1/2 hrs.outside the city, coming back in as needed to complete the paperwork," said one person in Panama City.

"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 expat who made the move to 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," explained one person living in Panama City, Panama.

"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 one expat in 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," remarked one member in Panama City.

"Expats in Panama City appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, with its colorful festivals, lively music, and delicious cuisine. The city's diverse population, with its mix of Latin American, Caribbean, and European influences, adds to the unique atmosphere. Expats also appreciate the city's excellent infrastructure, with its modern transportation system and reliable utilities. Finally, the city's tropical climate and stunning natural beauty make it a great place to live," remarked one member in Panama City.

"Very friendly people here at restaurants, stores, banks, public offices......they will always help you and are very welcoming," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

"Expats in Panama City often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to. Expats may also find it difficult to navigate the city's complex bureaucracy and to understand the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, the cost of living in Panama City can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one person in Panama City.

"For me it has been difficult to learn the language at my age. I try, I make my mistakes, but I am determined and so amazed at what is possible when you want something bad enough. To not learn the language is to miss out on so much," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Panama City.

"If you plan to stay in Panama City for a while, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa first before applying for a residency visa. You will also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a police record. Additionally, you may need to provide a medical certificate and proof of address in Panama," explained one person living in Panama City, Panama.

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

"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..," said one expat who made the move to Panama City.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Panama City. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people, as this can be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively, as revealing clothing can be seen as inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using offensive language. Finally, it is important to be aware of local customs and to avoid touching people without their permission," explained one foreigner living in Panama City, Panama.

"Healthcare services in Panama City are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare services are also available, and are generally of a higher quality than public services. These services are provided by a variety of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. In addition, there are a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services. The city also has a number of pharmacies, which provide medications and other medical supplies," wrote one digital nomad living in Panama City, Panama.

"Private hospital will do it like Pacificasalud or San Fernando. I had a Spontaneous Pneumothorax and my surgeon (an open heart surgeon) did the surgery by removing a "bulla" from my right lung so yes they have the same expertise as the USA. San Fernando is cheaper than Pacificasalud and my surgeon work at both hospitals. They also offer the surgery in Public (Santo Tomas) but I had to wait three weeks and could not wait that long so my surgery was done in San Fernando. Surgery went A1 with great follow-up," said one foreigner in Panama City.

"Traffic is bumper to bumper during rush hours, stop signs are useless since they don't stop and just slow down.....if you're lucky! If you drive on the highway from Panama City to Costa del Este, you feel like you are going thru a gigantic dumpster with so many garbage on the beaches. (refrigerators, tires, furnitures, etc, etc). Rivers connected to the Pacific ocean in Panana City on Balboa Street and in Coste del Este smell terrible (pee) and you can see garbage floating from these rivers to the Pacific ocean in low tide then back on the beaches (if you can call beaches) on high tide. I asked many questions about this situation as if it was a complete lack of education or lack of interest from the Panamians. Panama is carbon negative for the air so air is pure but the garbage and smell when you cross these rivers are terrible. Walking on the boardwalk of Balboa street crossing a river, you need to pinch or cover your nose, same by crossing a river in Costa del Este and any rivers," explained one person living in Panama City, Panama.

"Expats and digital nomads in Panama City enjoy the city's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and friendly locals. They also appreciate the low cost of living, the warm climate, and the easy access to the rest of Central America. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the city to be overcrowded and polluted, and the infrastructure can be unreliable. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Spanish," wrote one digital nomad living in Panama City, Panama.

"Nothing works right in Panama. It's very difficult to get quality workmanship. Also, it's too humid here for most people. The Covid lockdowns have been terrible and Panama is going through a near-depression right now. We plan on leaving this year for Portugal," said one foreigner in Panama City.