🌴Guide to Panama Living 🌴

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Dreaming of trading the hustle for Panama’s beaches, mountains, and vibrant culture? As the #1 expat destination in 2025 (per InterNations Expat Insider), Panama delivers affordable luxury, top-tier healthcare, and easy residency. Here’s the essentials for a smooth move:

âś… Residency Options

  • Pensionado Visa: For retirees—$1,000/month pension (or $750 with $100K property); permanent residency + lifelong discounts (25% off utilities, 15% off healthcare, 50% off hotels).
  • Friendly Nations Visa: For citizens of 50+ countries (incl. US, Canada, EU)—$200K real estate or $5K/month income; leads to permanent status.
  • Short-Stay Visa: Up to 180 days visa-free for most; Remote Worker Visa for digital nomads (9 months, renewable).

âś… Cost of Living

  • Single expat: $800–$1,500/month (small towns); $2,000–$2,500 (Panama City).
  • Couple: $1,600–$2,800/month total—40% less than US averages.
  • Groceries: $300–$400/month (local markets slash costs 20–30%); Dining out: $4–$8 local meal, $25–$40 mid-range dinner.
  • Utilities: $80–$125/month (AC in heat bumps it up).

âś… Healthcare

  • World-class private hospitals (60–80% cheaper than US); Doctor visits: $15–$50.
  • Insurance: Local plans $100–$175/month; International: $150–$500. Public care: $5–$15/visit (low-cost but longer waits). Expats rave about English-speaking docs in major cities.

âś… Best Expat Hubs

  1. Panama City: Urban vibe, malls, metro ($0.50/ride), expat scene—ideal for professionals.
  2. Boquete (Chiriquí): Cool mountains, coffee farms, hiking—retiree paradise ($1,300/month possible).
  3. Coronado (Pacific Coast): Beaches, golf, modern amenities—1.5 hours from the city.
  4. Bocas del Toro: Caribbean islands, laid-back surf life—affordable eco-adventures.

đźš— Driving & Transport

  • US dollar currency = no exchange hassles!
  • Uber/taxis: $3–$4 short rides; Metro in city: Cheap & efficient. 4×4 advised for rural spots; international license valid 90 days.

📱 Internet

  • Reliable fiber (50–100 Mbps): $40–$60/month—perfect for remote work.

🌡️ Weather

  • Tropical year-round: Dry season Dec–Apr (sunny beaches); Rainy May–Nov (lush, fewer crowds). Mountains cooler (60–75°F).

💡 Pro Tip: No tax on foreign income—your pension/Social Security stays yours. Start with a local bank like Banistmo (passport + proof of address).

👉 Ready to say “¡Hola!” to Panama?

DM us or visit expatconnect.com for more information

#PanamaExpat #PuraVidaPanama #RetireInPanama