What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama?
We asked retirees what they find the most challenging about retiring in Panama. They wrote...
"Sometimes it's a challenge to find ingredients for a recipe or find a good steak but everything can be worked around. Learning Spanish at retirement age is not easy for us but we plug along one word at a time and we are getting there. In our area [in Nueva Gorgona], there are a lot of expats and a lot of English is spoken and that makes learning Spanish less crucial but we still want to keep learning," said another expat in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
"Adjusting to a new culture and language can be one of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama. There can also be the challenge of transitioning to a new healthcare system, and the cost of living in certain areas may be much different than a retiree is used to. Additionally, retirees may find it difficult to avoid scams or unfamiliar bureaucratic processes. Retirees may also face certain logistical challenges like finding optimal housing options, navigating the transportation system, and learning to survive without the reliable public services they may have received in their home country," wrote a member who made the move to Panama.
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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.
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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.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Panama?
- How do I find a place to live in Panama?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Panama?
- What is the average cost of housing in Panama?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Panama?
- What should I pack when moving to Panama?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Panama?
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- What are healthcare services like in Panama?
- What are medical services in Panama like?
- What are typical rents in Panama?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Panama?
If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.