Top 5 tips to live in Panama

Learn the language
Embrace new experiences and a new culture, and learn all you can from the locals
Be flexible and sparing about what is on your "must have" list
Expect things to be messed up and confusing at first, but remember this shall pass
Treat everyone with utmost kindness and respect, and it will come back to you many times over

Rent first don't buy. Admittedly lacking the breadth and wisdom of kristc99!

1. Except that this is not you home country and the laws, culture and expectations will be different here.
2. Appreciate the slower pace of life here (except when driving).
3. Learn the language, as difficult as this may be, you find it more difficult and frustrating not knowing it.
4. Find a good lawyer. Talk to other expats and see who will best suit your needs.
5. Don't complain about what you do not like or understand, it is not going to change for you. Enjoy the differences, the people and your day to day experiences and your will love your new adventure!

All good advice!  I recommend renting in Panama City for 6 months to a year and really get to know the city. It helps to know where things are and how best to get around.  Also, culturally, there is a lot to see and do.

There is Panama City and then there is the rest of Panama. They are very different experiences.

1.  Begin learning Spanish.  A little bit goes a long way.
2.  Rent a least a year before buying.
3.  Be prepared to adapt to a new and very different environment - rainy season, windy season, insects, internet interruptions, local foods, different type of customer service, water difficulties to name a few
4.  Be courteous.  Panamanians are very giving but they will shut down if you yell and scream
5.  Leave your 'first world' expectations behind and enjoy this beautiful country

That's all fine, but does Panama have 3 solid months of minus 20 Celsius temps? No? Huh!

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Before moving to Panama I would highly recommend reading The Gringo Guide to Panama - What to Know Before You Go

amazon.com/The-Gringo-Guide-Panama-Before-ebook/dp/B009VSDWVG/ref=dp_olp_1

Research blogs, forums, and everything you can find on the country you want to move to.  Try to narrow down the locations to consider and focus on them.

Visit the country that you are considering.  The exploratory trip is more important than you may realize.  The locations that you have been reading about may not be as described.   In Panama, spend time in Panama City, you just might be surprised how good life is in the city. 

Downsize your household goods, then put them in storage.  DO NOT ship anything.  Rent for 6-12 months.  Rent a furnished apartment or house.  Put your car in storage, until you are absolutely sure that the move will be long-term. 

Once you have made a decision, contact a lawyer and several rental agencies for help with documents and finding a rental.  Try to contact a rental agent while on the exploratory trip.  We found our agent while visiting PC and when we were ready to move 1 year later, he knew what we wanted and booked everything for us via email.

Start studying the language.  You really do need to know Spanish in Panama to adapt and enjoy life.  You can get by with minimal Spanish.

Apply for a residency visa, if you can afford it.  An ID is requested for nearly everything and it feels good to have the residency card rather than having to drag around a passport.  If you get the Pensionado, you will get the discounts that will start paying you back what was spent for the lawyer.

One last thing........think about what you want to do to fill your time in your new country.  The first 6 months are like a vacation.  After a while, a perpetual vacation might get old if you have a lot of energy or just recently retired.  I am finding that the volunteer opportunities are not as advertised and I have had to be creative.  Bring your hobbies or garden on the balcony.  Clean the nearby park or pick up trash while exploring.  Some retired expats are content having wine with lunch and chatting with other expats, some of us need some kind of work to be content.

oh my friend this is hell.. figuratively speaking... i wish we could get a little cool breeze from time to time

Hello marymiracle12,

It would be nice if you could also give us your top 5 tips to live in Panama..

Thank you
Yuveshen

1. Get used to a terrible customer service. People in general are very rude sometimes.
2. Bring all necessary documentation and enough money to ask for your residence/work permit preferably with a lawyer someone has already recommended.
3. When looking for a house to rent if you dont have enough money try the east and west zone of the city. Houses are cheaper there
4. Buy an inverter ac unit. The cost a little bit more but they are the kings of power saving.
5. If looking for a good job try international companies, they offer better salaries