Expats in Panama
Posted by Dommo1717@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 18 comments
Was hoping to find someone to chat with about the practicalities of moving to Panama. I’m from US, but don’t really have any preference as far as what country you were from originally. Since it seems to be a concern, I’m not selling a single thing to you lol…just want personal experience and some general advice, make sure I generally have my ducks in a row. Feel free to DM me is this applies to you.
JupiterMako@reddit
Check out Panama Relocation Tours, they'll answer a lot of questions you'll have. Take the tour, check it out, make sure it's the place for you first.
Dommo1717@reddit (OP)
I have seen them. I figured it would be wildly over priced, am I wrong?
JupiterMako@reddit
Yes, you are wrong. It is extremely excellent value for the money. Worth every penney. But if you knew of them (the most widely and best known relocation program in Panama) and still choose not to look, you would have discovered for yourself, so I suppose don't take my word for it. Keep with your assumption 🤷.... I'm just some internet stranger after all 🤣.
Moody_GenX@reddit
I disagree. Those tours don't give anyone an actual idea of what it's like living in Panama. They stroke everyone's ego and sell living in Panama as if it's for everyone when that's not the case at all. Unless someone is incapable of exploring themselves then yeah, those tours are useful. If they have half a brain they can do it on their own.
Dommo1717@reddit (OP)
What are you “arguing” for? Lol. That’s such a wild response.
So, to be clear…I am not saying anything negative about them lol. Only that I figured it would be cost prohibitive for me. Ease up a little bit friend.
JupiterMako@reddit
No arguments here. Just think it's "wild" you came looking for answers that are so easily within reach with a simple internet search, which has obviously yielded you a very viable and valid response, but you dismissed it out if hand based on an assumption. It's unfortunate you are going to miss out on a wealth of information, which as I mentioned, is as easily accessible as watching their YouTube videos, and would provide you with an excellent starting place and likely more than answer any of your basic questions (and then some).
scottreds2k@reddit
Retired to Panama almost 2 years ago. If you're retired with a pension or SS, it's easier to get permanent residency. If no pension or SS, you'll need to do some type of friendly nations visa, which is what we did. You should know some spanish to make you're life easier. If you live in FL or on the gulf coast, the weather is similar at the beaches here compared to summers in the US. If you like cooler temps, you're limited to the mountains, but you better like rain. If you're high strung and have little patience, it's not for you.
Dr-pi_314@reddit
We are also looking into Panama in a couple of years. Is the cost of living lower than US as expected? Have you had any issues with healthcare? That is a concern for us
Moody_GenX@reddit
Nobody answered you 2 months ago so I will. This very much depends on where you are moving from. If you are coming from a southern state like Alabama or Louisiana, the cost of living is higher. Washington, California, New York, it's lower.
Healthcare depends on you and if you already have health issues.
Dommo1717@reddit (OP)
Mind if I DM you some questions? Generally speaking, I have the answers to most of the points you mentioned.
scottreds2k@reddit
Sure. No problem
Dommo1717@reddit (OP)
Awesome, thank you. DM sent. (Don’t mind my novel-length message lol)
Suitable_Session_770@reddit
“Real monthly cost of living in Panama for expats (2026): • Rent 1-bedroom: $700–$1200 • Groceries: $300–$450 • Health insurance: $80–$200 • Utilities: $80–$150”
AdMany9373@reddit
So pretty much like U.S.
StartAbroad_Sarah@reddit
It’s smart that you want to get everything lined up before making the move to Panama. One thing to keep in mind is that relocating is really about rebuilding your daily life, not just ticking off paperwork. Piecing together info from random forums can sometimes leave you with unexpected headaches, especially around housing or local rules. A coordinated approach with support from people who know the local scene can help you avoid those costly missteps.
Dommo1717@reddit (OP)
So right now, that “people who know the local scene” are exactly what I’m looking for. One example of that is finding housing. There are a few seemingly decent places on line to find say an apartment to rent…especially since I’m looking at predominantly smaller areas, I suspect a LOT is lost with me being in the States trying to find that info. So I would think I could get a more reasonable answer from someone generally “there”. Kind of the same information as far as maybe the general fee of certain areas (safety, acceptance of foreigners, etc). I agree with you, not trying to turn it into a “checklist” per se…just looking for more recent opinions on specifics than I can provide. It’s been several years since I’ve been, and I was only down on vacation so my priorities were very different.
ChouetterayUSA@reddit
I'm also interested in rentals and if you know of any good lawyers to help with the process.
scottreds2k@reddit
No issues with health care. If you don't have preexisting conditions, you can get affordable health insurance for the private system. If you can't afford private, public health works but it's slow.