Digital Nomad Life in Altos del Maria, Panama
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Altos del Maria, Panama because of its affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. The approximate population of Altos del Maria, Panama is around 5,000 people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Altos del Maria is around $1,000 USD. It costs around $400 USD to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Altos del Maria. The best neighborhood to live in is El Valle, which is known for its stunning views of the mountains and its close proximity to the beach. The weather in Altos del Maria, Panama is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
How do I meet people in Altos del Maria?
When we asked people living in Altos del Maria about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in Altos del Maria often join clubs and activities such as hiking, bird watching, and yoga. Expats also meet people through local events such as farmers markets, art shows, and music festivals. Additionally, expats often meet people through word of mouth, by attending local churches, or by joining social media groups," remarked one member in Altos del Maria.
What is life like in Altos del Maria?
When we asked people living in Altos del Maria what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Altos del Maria is generally peaceful and relaxed. The area is known for its lush, green mountains and stunning views, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from hiking and bird watching to exploring the nearby beaches and islands. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work remotely. The local community is friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make friends and feel at home. Altos del Maria is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work, with plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the local culture," said one expat who made the move to Altos del Maria.
Where should I live in Altos del Maria?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in Altos del Maria is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings of apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in the area. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in the area to help you find a suitable place to live. You can also ask friends and family who have visited or lived in Altos del Maria for recommendations. Finally, you can visit the area in person to get a better feel for the area and to look for rental properties that are available," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Altos del Maria.
What do I need to know before moving to Altos del Maria?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Altos del Maria, they said:
"Expats should be aware that Altos del Maria is a mountainous region, so the climate can be quite cool and wet. It is important to research the cost of living in the area, as it can be higher than other parts of Panama. Additionally, expats should be aware that the area is quite remote, so access to amenities and services may be limited. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Finally, expats should be aware that the local language is Spanish, so it is important to learn the language before retiring in Altos del Maria," remarked one member in Altos del Maria.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What do people appreciate most about the culture in Altos del Maria?
"Expats in Altos del Maria appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people. They also enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and the slower pace of life. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, rolling hills, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Expats also appreciate the abundance of outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. Additionally, the local cuisine is a highlight, with a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Panamanian dishes," said one expat in Altos del Maria.
"The open, friendly folks, not only the native persons but also the many, many newly acquired friends of all nationalities who have chosen Panama for their new home," remarked one member in Altos del Maria.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Altos del Maria?
"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," explained one person living in Altos del Maria, Panama.
"Expats in Altos del Maria often find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of life in the area. The local culture is more relaxed and laid-back than what many expats are used to, and it can take some time to get used to the slower pace. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for expats, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in the area. Finally, expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions, which can be quite different from what they are used to," said one expat in Altos del Maria.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Altos del Maria for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Altos del Maria for a while, you will need to obtain a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa 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 proof of health insurance and a medical certificate," said one person in Altos del Maria.
Connect
Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Altos del Maria?
We asked people in Altos del Maria if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Altos del Maria.
"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Altos del Maria. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of local religious beliefs and to be respectful of religious sites. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local language and to avoid using offensive language. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local wildlife and to avoid disturbing or harming any animals," explained one person living in Altos del Maria, Panama.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What are healthcare services like in Altos del Maria?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Altos del Maria, they replied:
"Altos del Maria offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The area is served by a number of private clinics and hospitals, as well as a public health center. These facilities provide a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialty care. The public health center also offers preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Altos del Maria also has a number of home health care providers who offer services such as nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy," commented a person living in Altos del Maria, Panama.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What are the pros and cons of living in Altos del Maria?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Altos del Maria enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the friendly locals. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of infrastructure and amenities in the area to be a challenge. Additionally, the remote location of Altos del Maria can make it difficult to access certain services and amenities," explained one person living in Altos del Maria, Panama.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote
Digital nomads and expats talk about what it's like living in Altos del Maria.
Panama Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Panama on our Panama forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.
Digital Nomads in Panama offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Panama.