Random questions from a future expat

Hi!

We aren't permanently in Panama yet but we are here now having just achieved our permanent residency cards, bank account and driver's licenses.  It won't be long before we make our move.

We did a tour in January 2023 and it was a great choice for us because we are still working in Canada and felt our time was better spent getting info and experience with a professional company.  We didn't have to worry about picking hotels and restaurants and got a great,  broad view of the country.  The guides also provide a ton of information about moving that is valuable to future expats.  We came back in January 2024 to start the process of becoming residents.

We also got access to the network of people that can help in a variety of ways such as trusted immigration attorneys and people who can help you navigate the driver's license process as examples.  (If you want to drive in panama you need a Panamanian drivers license as soon as you initiate the process at immigration.)

Private tours are also available if you've narrowed down your areas. But even though we didn't think we wanted to live in Boquete, we actually wanted to see it. So the tour was really good for us to see the diversity of Panama and we don't regret it a bit.

We haven't driven here yet so I can't answer your car questions.

Some people are very happy coming here and navigating the process on their own so it's really your decision.  Good luck with whatever you decide!

You always need to know where you want to go or what is most conducive to you. You should get a feel for the people and how you are received at any specific event. If not, you may not like the place simply because something did not mesh, not because it was not a good fit or a great place to retire. pick someplace that is near something that interest you, i.e. mountain view, breeze a lake or just a place where you get the things you want or where you want to get away from it all. You need to pick the parameters for the environment you want, after all this is your final destination, so be happy, your more than likely going to get used to it. community evolvement can help out if that is your thing. Just showing up someplace does not mean things are going to work just because you can afford the place. You want to be part of, make friends, have something to do or someplace to go. Are you a member of Masons, Rotary club, Fishing or sport club, Knights of Columbus, something that gives you a group, to be part of. That is always a good start. Finances are important, but second to being happy...just my opinion... pick something that you will be able to build upon not imprison yourself in. . Just make sure you're not out of place where you pick. Everyplace in the country is not for everybody. Think about your medical, climate and social needs. Then think about your shopping likes or dislikes. Do you want the City or Country and what do you want to do with your free time. how much or what quality of internet do you require?  Buying a car is easy Encuentro 24. or several other sites. Cars are not too expensive, if it's just for driving.  There is just so much more. So look around and asses your needs before you make it a go. Latins are somewhat narrow sited on (this is the way things work), and they cannot see past that unless you are in a more educated or more capable group, then everything can open up. The people, for the most part, are nice, the country is safe, everything is available and good medical care can be inexpensive. Food can be fairly inexpensive but check what is common for the area you move into i.e. restraints etc. some entertainment within traveling distance its good to check. These are just off the cuff thoughts.   I live in Panama, sometimes in Florida sometimes In Puerto Rico some time and here or there in Europe on rare occasions. Driving in Panama can vary wildly roads and infrastructure are not as mature as the US, Canada or Europe. Speed limits are slower. inner city may be more aggressive as they know their way around and are trying to get their quick and remember you are trying to process getting from 1 place to another in an unfamiliar environment. Rural areas may be very easy to drive. I don't remember any high-speed roadways, I mean I think about 55 to 60 is about as fast as you will go without getting stopped, especially if there is a local event, holiday, election, carnival or whatever else may be going on will cause an increased police presence and you will get stopped if you are doing something extremally stupid. Get a sticker for tolls that is important in Panama city. Not worth the issue of not being able to pay the toll, you will get raked across the coals for that.  In short, they will have everything you want in country, just find what it is you want and go to a place that has that, and gives you the warm and fuzzies.  Enjoy, don't overthink and always look for your "Descuento Jubilado".it will give you 10 to 25% off on most activities including Restaurant meals, if you over 60 or so.. not quite sure as they have given it to me since I was about 50 here or there and I just never argued to pay more.  You get a discount on everything if you are old enough Cooking Gas, Electricity, Prescriptions, Restaurant food theatre tickets, museums etc. you just have to ask. Most of the time you don't need to go to a Md, just go to the grocery store pharmacist; and tell them what you have, and they will take right good care of your 1st time. only go to the Dr. if you need stiches or something serious like an IV.  hope this helps from a natural born Panamanian raised abroad.

@CanadianWayne cars are no problem here and even if you are too attached to your car, you can bring it. BUT!!!! but but but... have in mind that even if you have a , let's say Toyota, and you bring it here, it has a reasonable chance that your car and the same model here are from different assembly factories.  This means that sometimes some spare parts are different.

For insurance there's no problem. Just have in mind too that all cars over 5 years won't get full coverage.

About moving to rural areas, Do you have any names in hand? There are places like Isla Colón, Boquete, David, Santiago, Mariato, Santa Catalina, Pedasí, Sorá, Chicá, and Panama to research.  I listed them from west to east but if you want recommendations look for Boquete and Pedasí first as the expats community is growing and the housing development is made towards the expat buyers.

@CanadianWayne

Just from our experience, we toured Panama on our own on the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean side. We were very clear upfront that we wanted to live in an urban setting so remote areas of Panama were not in consideration. We have our pensionado visa and travel back and forth between Panama and USA during the year. If we do settle down there it would be in Panama City given our comfort level with amenities such as medical, banking, and other sectors we may need as we get much older and find it difficult to travel. The relocation tours are expensive but maybe worth it since they show you the range of possibilities for you to consider later on. In any case, do not buy into real estate early on. Rent for a while at different places so you get a feel for what suits you best. Just my two cents worth.

Good luck. Panamanians are warm and affectionate people. Every country has its pros and cons so best you see it first hand and then decide.