Digital Nomad Life in Nueva Gorgona, Panama
Summary: Nueva Gorgona, Panama is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and easy access to the rest of Central America. The approximate population of Nueva Gorgona is around 10,000 people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Nueva Gorgona is around $1,000 USD, depending on lifestyle. It costs around $500 USD to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Nueva Gorgona. The best neighborhood to live in is El Palmar, as it is close to the beach and has a variety of restaurants and shops. The weather in Nueva Gorgona, Panama is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I meet people in Nueva Gorgona?
When we asked people living in Nueva Gorgona about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are several ways to meet people in Nueva Gorgona. One way is to take part in the various activities that are available in the city, such as recreational sports, tourist attractions, festivals and other events. You can also join local organizations such as sport teams, community groups or volunteer organizations. It is also a great way to meet people by exploring local nightlife and visiting the local bars, clubs and restaurants. You can also participate in online forums or social media groups which are a great way to meet people with similar interests," remarked one member in Nueva Gorgona.
What is life like in Nueva Gorgona?
When we asked people living in Nueva Gorgona what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nueva Gorgona is generally quite pleasant. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The infrastructure is modern and reliable, making it easy to stay connected to the rest of the world. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and plenty of sunshine. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from exploring the nearby islands to taking part in the local culture. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery, Nueva Gorgona is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one expat in Nueva Gorgona.
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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Where should I live in Nueva Gorgona?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"The first condo we found in Nueva Gorgona was through VRBO. We didn't know a lot about the area here, but we rented so if we decided it wasn't for us, we could always move to another area. After that, it's been by word of mouth that we have found places to live," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona , Panama.
"Nueva Gorgona has various options for finding a place to live. You can look in classifieds such as Craigslist or you can explore real estate websites and contact local agencies. You can also consider using a home-sharing website like Airbnb which is becoming increasingly popular. Lastly, you can explore the neighborhoods of Nueva Gorgona to find the right fit for you, ask locals, and check out expat websites for more information," said one person in Nueva Gorgona.
What do I need to know before moving to Nueva Gorgona?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Nueva Gorgona, they said:
"Before retiring in Nueva Gorgona, it is important to take a look at the cost of living and the income available. You should also research the current job market, cost of housing, and potential taxes on retirement income. You should consider the quality of health care in the area and the availability of transportation options. Things such as the climate, crime rates, and local entertainment options should also be taken into account. It is wise to take the time to explore Nueva Gorgona, talk to locals, and get a sense of the culture and lifestyle before making a decision to move there," said one expat in Nueva Gorgona.
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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.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do people appreciate most about the culture in Nueva Gorgona?
"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," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
"I love walking on the beach, collecting shells and sea glass and photographing the patterns the waves make in the salt and pepper sand on our beach. I love hearing the waves crash on the shore first thing when I wake up in the morning and last thing before I fall asleep at night. I love watching the Pelicans fly by and dive for food in the ocean. I love that there is a lot happening where I live and there is an active expat community and I can be involved in as much or as little as I want to. I love retirement and have days that I do absolutely nothing and enjoy the peace. I love all the fresh fruit at my disposal locally. My eating is more healthy than it has ever been. Life is good," said one person in Nueva Gorgona.
"Expats in Nueva Gorgona appreciate the laid back lifestyle, picturesque scenery, the warm and friendly people, the affordable cost of living, the fact that English is widely spoken and the easy access to fresh seafood. They also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, rich culture and history, interesting array of wildlife, beautiful beaches, and the thriving culinary scene. Additionally, the ample amounts of outdoor activities, including watersports, hiking, golf, and ecotourism, make Nueva Gorgona a great place for expats," said one expat who made the move to Nueva Gorgona.
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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Nueva Gorgona?
"I am the first to admit that learning a new language at an advanced age is a challenge. It's not easy but I'm plugging along and it's coming. Sometimes I'm challenged finding ingredients for a recipe but, I must admit, it's more reverse culture shock visiting the US and seeing the multitude of choices for any item and trying to decide which one to buy. Here either they have it or they don't, it's as easy as that," said one expat in Nueva Gorgona.
"Expats often find adjusting to a new culture and language one of the most challenging aspects of living abroad. Building a social circle in a new country can also be difficult, and different laws, customs, and practices can be confusing. Friends and family back home can be difficult to maintain at a distance, while the cost of everyday expenses in a foreign country may take some getting used to. As an expat, it can also be difficult to take advantage of the opportunities available in the new environment, given the unfamiliarity and learning curve," remarked one member in Nueva Gorgona.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Nueva Gorgona for a while?
"If you plan to reside in Nueva Gorgona for an extended period of time, you will need a valid tourist visa, or a valid work or residence visa. You may also be required to provide additional documents such as a passport, birth certificate, and/or valid identification. Be sure to verify the requirements for your specific situation with local authorities prior to your stay in Nueva Gorgona," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
"We needed a number of documents, all apostilled, which I had never even heard of apostilled before. All that means is notarized and presented to the correct authority to certify the notary is valid and current. We needed an FBI report which was the most difficult to obtain. I highly recommend using an expediter. Well worth the extra $$ to get it back in a couple of weeks instead of months. The rest was easy. Copies of bank statements, marriage certificate, letter proving monthly income for life (social security or pension as we got residency through the pensionado program). Everything notarized and apostilled," said one person in Nueva Gorgona.
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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 Nueva Gorgona?
We asked people in Nueva Gorgona if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"After walking the beach, I used to tell the guard I was mucho calliente until I found out that meant hot like spicy or sexy. Now I've learned to say mucho calor," explained one expat living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
"In Nueva Gorgona, it is important to be aware of and respectful of local culture and customs. It is best to avoid making negative comments or joking about the culture, tradition, or people of this region,intruding on personal space, publicly displaying affection, and taking photographs without asking permission first. It is respectful to dress more conservatively and accept any offers of hospitality without appearing too Westernized. Additionally, travelers should be aware of and accept the local religion, language, and customs," said one person in Nueva Gorgona.
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 are healthcare services like in Nueva Gorgona?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Nueva Gorgona, they replied:
"Nueva Gorgona offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The public health system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free of charge. The public health system includes primary care, preventive care, and specialized care. Primary care is provided by general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Preventive care includes vaccinations, health screenings, and health education. Specialized care includes medical and surgical services, as well as mental health services. Private healthcare services are also available in Nueva Gorgona, including private hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. These services are typically more expensive than public healthcare services, but offer a higher level of care," wrote one digital nomad living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
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 are the pros and cons of living in Nueva Gorgona?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Nueva Gorgona enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the easy access to the beach. The close proximity to Panama City is also a plus, as it allows for easy access to the city's amenities. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the lack of public transportation and the limited nightlife to be drawbacks. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Spanish," said one digital nomad in Nueva Gorgona.
"I love he town I live in. It's small but in close proximity to neighboring towns with many dining and shopping options. We are very happy with where we live. There is a good doctor in our neighboring town that speaks English and has specialists come into his office for easy access to people in our area. For more specialized medical procedures, Panama City has many private hospitals with excellent reputations and specialists in every field. We are about an hour from Panama City so access is not very difficult. I do have minor concerns about what would happen if I had a major medical emergency (heart attack, stroke) but I don't worry about it. Our philosophy is to deal with things as they arise. Maybe not the best approach, but our approach," commented a person living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
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.
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.
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