Being charged by an ape and walking through miles of the oldest rainforests – this is the life of an environmental news reporter.
Rhett Butler, founder of the environmental news site MongaBay.com, joins the show. Find out what it is like to walk through some of the world’s oldest jungles.
Rhett also recounts getting charged by an ape and how technology is being used in creative ways to monitor protected animals. Join us for a great conversation and get some insight into what it’s like to cover environmental news.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
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The Show Notes
Learn more about Rhett Butler here.
There has been a lot written recently, in both print and electronic media, about the great possibilities that life in Boquete can hold for retirees and investors. With all this attention, it’s no wonder that a number of myths and misconceptions about life in Panama have appeared, making it more challenging to decide if moving there is the right choice.
Boquete’s attractiveness as an expat and investment destination is justified; the mountain climate, use of the U.S. dollar as the local currency, and Panama’s aggressive efforts to attract retirees and foreign investors all contribute to the town’s growing reputation as a premier place to retire.
Jason Cserny
Busting 6 Myths About What Life in Boquete Is Like
Regardless of the location, there seem to be any number of myths about what expats can expect when they move abroad. Boquete is certainly no exception to having several of these misconceptions distort what life in Boquete is truly like. Below are some of the most common myths and the truths that debunk them.
Myth #1: No One Speaks My Language
While it is true that knowing at least some Spanish can make life less complicated (and can help new arrivals immerse themselves in the local community), being fluent in the language is not essential. With a recent estimate of over 3,000 expats living in Boquete, use of English is more prevalent than in many other parts of the country. So making yourself understood is much easier than one might first imagine-even if you don’t habla español.
Myth #2: It’s In the Tropics – It’s Going to Be Too Hot
Boquete’s mountain location is a far cry from the tropical rainforest climate that one can encounter in the Panamanian lowlands. Being almost 4,000 feet about sea level makes for warm and comfortable daytime temperatures and cool, comfortable evenings.
An additional benefit of the moderate climate is that air conditioning use can be reduced dramatically without sacrificing comfort. This translates into lower electrical bills and a great savings that can be particularly important to budget-conscious retirees.
Viva Tropical
Myth #3: There Aren’t Any Modern Residences in Boquete
While it is true that Boquete is off the beaten path, the availability of modern homes and potential investment sites make the 45 minute ride from the city of David (with its new international airport) worthwhile. Here are some prime examples of the types of properties that can be found in and around Boquete:
Live Life at The Top
Located just a short distance (15 minute drive) from Boquete, is the picturesque community of Lucero. There you can find modern luxury living at the Jazmin Condominiums. There are three different floor plans to choose from to configure these 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath living spaces to your specifications.
Each unit has an open concept design, modern appliances, 24-hour security, and elevators to each floor. Additionally, residents have access to Lucero Golf & Country Club, clay tennis courts, and open space throughout the community to keep you connected to the natural beauty of the area. All this can be yours for only $238,650.
Roomy 4-Bedroom, 3-Bath in Boquete
This roomy 4-bedroom, 3-bath house in the Las Brias neighborhood of Boquete is ideally suited for family life. The fully fenced-in 630 square meter lot (the home sits on 310 square meters) is close to a school and a supermarket.
For those who don’t want to go to the effort of bringing their own furniture down, the property is fully furnished and currently listed at $225,000; it also can be sold at a lower price in an unfurnished condition.
This is the best deal in Boquete
Sitting on a .4 acre lot, this 3-bedroom 2.5-bath fully furnished, turnkey property is ideal for the investor looking for a quality rental home or a retiree seeking to find a piece of Panamanian paradise. Some of the features include a honeymoon Jacuzzi tub and open concept kitchen with upgraded Whirlpool appliances.
Exceptional green space around the property as well as an attractive terrace that wraps from the rear of the home to the left side of the structure are two more reasons why this may well be the best residential deal in Boquete. The offering price is eye-catching as well at $295,000.
With these properties and others to choose from, taking a closer look at what is available makes it clear that there certainly are modern homes in Boquete. Another myth gets busted!!
Myth #4: It’s Safer to Live in a Gated Community with Other Expats and Lots of Security
This may be one of the biggest myths throughout Latin America! Gated communities are often a magnet for criminal activity; the very elements that are supposed to provide security become an advertisement that there are possessions behind those gates worth stealing, theft being perhaps the most common type of crime.
Surrounding yourself with only expats is going to detract from truly immersing oneself in life in the community. Taking normal precautions (not going into questionable areas, never leaving your home open, etc.) is often a far better deterrent than hiding behind gated walls. Important, Boquete has practically no violent crime, making it a far safer location than most U.S. cities today.
Steve McCallum
Myth #5: You Will Always Have to Make Do or Go Without
This is more about setting expectations than anything else. Expecting things to be identical to life in the U.S. is, frankly, not realistic.
Boquete is a growing community that is still Panamanian (in spite of the increasing number of expats). The local food market is going to have a far different selection of items than one might find in the average U.S. grocery store. Some items, such as electronics or computers, might require a trip into David or Panama City in order to be purchased.
Above all, the pace of life in general is going to be less hectic. Making an appointment does not necessarily mean that it will begin at the time requested; similarly, having work done may take longer that might have been estimated.
The important thing to remember is that one of the main reasons for becoming an expat was to experience a different way of life. By embracing the differences between life in Boquete and back in home in the States, daily life becomes less about “making do” and more about becoming part of your new tropical highland community.
Think Panama
Myth #6: The Medical Care Is Primitive
Medical services in Panama are one of the major attractions for expats and investors alike. The country has several state-of-the-art facilities including Punta Pacifica, located in Panama City. This hospital, in addition to being affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is considered one of the most technologically advanced health care providers in Latin America.
For those living in Boquete, quality medical care is provided by Hospital Chiriqui as well as two other modern facilities in nearby David. There are also a number of public hospitals run by the Ministry of Health. Regardless of whether you choose public or private, the quality of care is equal to, and in many cases, superior to that in the U.S. Even more importantly, the cost is far less than the U.S. average for the same services.
Become Your Own Boquete “Mythbuster”
Experiencing Boquete firsthand is the best way to debunk the myths about living the expat life. Visit this mountain community and see that the potential for growth, investment, and quality of life are certainly not mythical at all.
Jesse Thomas of Abundant Living Ecuador and I discuss the reasons to move to Ecuador. We talk about both the negatives and positives of living and working in South America. And explore why he chose to call the mountains home instead of the beach.
The podcast is investor-oriented, but we also cover life in Ecuador and that should appeal to anyone considering this diverse country. I also get Jesse to confess if he has tried the Ecuadorian mountain treat, Guinea Pig. Enjoy the show.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
Show Notes
Get to know Jesse better here.
React to the Show
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Antigua Guatemala could rightly be called “the heart of Guatemala.” Once the capital city of the Kingdom of Guatemala, this historic and cultural center has undergone a renaissance as foreign investors and expats have discovered both the beauty and potential of this highland community.
Colonial era buildings, designed in the Spanish Baroque style, blend with modern construction to form a unique duality that is difficult to equal anywhere else in Latin America. The type, style, and location of properties available for purchase can suit almost every taste and budget.
David Amsler
The Magnetism of Antigua Guatemala
There is a sense of being someplace special when walking along the centuries’ old cobblestone streets of Antigua Guatemala. After all, for 230 years, this city was the seat of Spanish power throughout much of Latin America. Below are some of the elements that add to the magnetism of Antigua.
History Told Through Stunning Architecture
Antigua has been recognized as one of the best examples of Spanish colonial town planning. The large amount of 17th and 18th century structures exhibiting the influence of the Italian Renaissance design that line the streets of the old city are a prime reason why Antigua was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Amazing Climate
Antigua has often been referred to as “The City of Eternal Spring.” With temperatures averaging in the 70s, there is little need for either air conditioning or heating; the obvious economic benefit in lower energy costs is an attractive benefit for budget-conscious expats with fixed incomes.
A Strong Cultural Connection
As the cultural center of the Captaincy-General of the Kingdom of Guatemala (which included Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador), Antigua has retained much of the ambiance of those bygone times. The city is known for having the largest celebrations and processions during Lent and Easter in the entire Western Hemisphere.
Additionally, there are always events such as live music concerts, festivals, and various religious celebrations, as well as many free events, that make it easy to become immersed in the essence of the community.
Natural Beauty Is Close at Hand
For nature lovers, the surrounding area provides many opportunities to explore and experience the bounty of the highlands. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the challenge of scaling the three volcanoes close by. One, Acatenanago, is over 13,000 feet high and has options for overnight treks in order to experience the sunrise in a breathtaking setting.
Antigua is famed throughout Latin America for its chocolate products. There are classes and tours that can satisfy even the most dedicated “chocoholic” and explain how this sweet substance is made. There are also coffee plantation tours for caffeine aficionados.
Christopher William Adach
Why Consider Antigua?
There are a number of reasons to consider Antigua Guatemala, both as an investment location and as a possible expat retreat. One of the major reasons is the growing number of residences that are on the market at this time.
Antigua’s increasing popularity as a vacation and/or tourist destination has made investing in rental properties an attractive proposition. The type of properties available can range from colonial homes that can be restored in the central part of town, to modern residences with up-to-date amenities outside the city center.
There are also lots where you can build a home to suit your personal needs and requirements. Alternatively, buying the property and holding it as an investment also promises a good return on your initial outlay as the need for housing continues to grow.
Perhaps the best reason to consider Antigua as a place to live and invest is the fact that prices are still affordable. Being away from the congestion of Guatemala City (and the higher prices for homes), but still close enough to be accessible, has created a real estate market that is desirable but still reasonable from a pricing perspective.
The Digital City
For all its historical importance, Antigua has become a modern community with the kind of amenities one would expect from an established and growing metropolitan area. For expats who want to have the comforts found in U.S. cities combined with a tropical destination, Antigua should be on the short list of places to consider.
One important example of Antigua’s status as a 21st century location is the fact that it has become the first “Digital City” in Latin America. The ZONA WIFI (wifi zone) will permit free wifi access within the four corners of the Plaza Mayor (Main Plaza) of La Antigua Guatemala.
Not only does this make Antigua the first municipality to offer such free access in Latin America, this initiative puts this highland city ahead of many U.S. cities in offering a way for residents to stay “connected.”
Christopher William Adach
Is Antigua Guatemala Right for Me?
Learning about Guatemala in general is a great place to start in deciding whether to move or invest there. Using internet resources, interacting with social media to learn what others have discovered (good and bad), and asking questions can provide a context about what life would be like there.
From that point, narrowing your inquiries to Antigua will fill in the rest of the picture. As you work through the process, make a list of the positive and negative points that you have identified and see which list is longer.
One important item to factor into this potentially life-changing decision is the budget that you have to work with. Understanding your monetary resources at this stage can help clarify decisions on where to live and how much to spend later on – and to avoid “buyer’s remorse.”
Perhaps the most important step that needs to be taken is to actually visit Antigua for yourself; perhaps take more than one visit to see firsthand the possibilities that this colonial town has to offer. There is no substitute for actually being there and experiencing the “soul” of this unique community.
Once you have done your “due diligence,” the answer to the question “Is Antigua Guatemala right for me?” will become clear. Use your senses, and listen to your heart; Antigua is there to experience and enjoy.
Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Panama for expats and investors? We gave you an extensive list on Costa Rica, so let’s do that again with Panama! Don’t forget, we have a ton of resources for Panama on our site, and a whole bunch of Panama property for sale, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other really good ones out there! Check out our list of the top Panama websites!
Haakon S.Krohn
Blogs About the Panama Lifestyle
Most of the Panama blogs are by expats. From them, you’ll get a great perspective about life in Panama. If you notice quite a few differences in perspectives in them, that’s because everyone’s experience is different in Panama. And variety is good! Use them to glean whether or not a particular location or experience might be right for you.
- Permanently Panama – Written by 20-something expat Alice Beth, Permanently Panama offers a different perspective on what life in Panama is all about.
- Chiriquí Chatter – Probably the go-to spot for information on life, happenings, and straight talk on living in Chiriqui Province.
- Along the Gringo Trail – Follow recent American expats to Panama who took up a residency in Chame, Panama
- Richard Detrich -If you choose to read long-time Panama resident Richard Detrich’s blog, you’re certain to learn the ins and outs of life in Panama.
- The Panama Blog – All things Panama! From travel and living to even a bit of news and other tidbits of the happenings in Panama.
- The Panama Investor Blog – Looking for an investment blog perspective? Be certain to put The Panama Investor on your list, right after you read all of our great Panama investments tips.
- Playa Community – Playa Community is made up of hundreds of expat residents and business owners. The articles you read on the site are written by real people who live there and do business there.
- The Panama Adventure – Follow the adventures of a retired American couple who decided to retire to David, Panama.
- Panama For Real – Want a first-hand tour of Panama? That is what you will find at Panama For Real, one town at a time.
- A woman, a plan, a canal… Living in Panama! – Emma’s an international music educator, who tells you about how all of those little mundane things you take for granted in your home country change drastically when you move overseas!
- Let the Adventure Begin – “Let The Adventure Begin” is a blog about a couple’s new life living in the highlands of Panama.
- Young Expats in Panama Want to connect with Panama’s younger expats? Start here first.
- Panama Dude – A blog about the lighter side of Panama.
- Panama Gringo Guide – Having traveled the world for 36 years, author and expat blogger Elizabeth Vance hopes to share and connect with people moving to Panama and the Panama expat community through the Panama Gringo Guide.
- The Panama Gringo – Written by a frequent traveler to Panama, follow the site for the latest in rumors, news, and reviews on restaurants, hotels, things to do, and general issues facing a newcomer to Panama.
- My Move to Panama Blog -Learn about Panama through the eyes of a (once single, now engaged) California girl. It’s about restaurants, holidays, fun events, crazy things that happen, doing business in Panama, and other interesting things about living in Panama.
- In da Campo – In search for a place to land away from the snowy winters in Canada, this girl, her guy, and two cats landed in the Azuero Peninsula.
- Boquete Guide – You want to move to Boquete, Panama? Awesome! Be certain to check out one expat’s journal (he calls them his opinions, experiences, and observations) of what life is like in Panama’s most sought-after expat hotspot.
- Bouqete Ning – Not really a blog, although members of this Boquete open community forum do post individual blogs, it’s a place to connect with other expats living in Boquete and the surrounding Chiriquí Province.
- Ambler – Specializes in sharing Panama travel perspectives, sustainable development of incredible destinations, and ecotourism efforts.
- Our Third Life-Pedasi, Panama – A good resource for those interested in life in Pedasi.
- One More Good Adventure – A well-rounded blog about whatever is on the author’s mind and the experience of growing old in someone else’s country.
- Villa de la Torre – A great blog about building a Spanish Colonial Revival house in Panama.
- Postcards from Panama – The blog of a retired couple relocating from Canada to Panama.
- Sweltering in the Tropics – Tales about family life in Panama City.
- Kate In Panama – The Author bills herself as a somewhat naive Southern Girl trying to establish a life in Panama City.
- My Panama Video Blog – Written by the co-founder and co-owner of The Lost and Found, an eco-resort and adventure tour company, following along means learning what it’s like to live in the remote areas of Panama.
- Panama Daze – A musing on day-to-day life in Panama.
- Living in Panama – Living information, real estate and living advice about Puerto Armuellas, Panama.
- ExpatFreedom – Learn how to make the jump to expat life in Panama.
- Randy Hilarski.com – This US Veteran gives you his spin on expat life in Panama. Along for the ride is his view on Bitcoin, social media, precious metals investing and expat living.
- Future Expats – (Specifically Panama) Future Expats Forum focuses on those ideas/concerns close to the expat; supporting yourself on a portable career and gearing up for the move.
IMIX
Panama Real Estate Websites
Yeah, real estate is our main focus at Viva Tropical. We have a ton of Panama real estate for sale in Panama here. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t tons of other great Panama real estate companies.
- Panama Realtor – With 10 years of offering real estate listings in the Republic of Panama, they represent properties throughout the nine provinces of the republic.
- Panama Equity – Featured in multiple publications, Panama Equity is located in Panama City.
- Veraguas Realty – From Chame to Bocas del Toro, Veraguas Realty has hundreds of listings to browse.
- Boquete Highlands Real Estate – Contact them for small farms and unique home sites in Boquete.
- Banner Real Estate – Offering listings throughout Panama.
- Inside Panama Real Estate – Ideally located within Panama’s most coveted communities, their turnkey properties are an option for your next adventure in life.
- El Valle Real Estate – Specializing in El Valle, this group offers more than just typical real estate listings, they also offer property management and maintenance along with real estate listings nationwide.
- Arco Properties – Arco Properties focuses exclusively on Casco Viejo, Panama City.
- Buena Vista Real Estate – Since 1998 Buena Vista Real Estate has offered its services for those looking to move to the Caribbean side of Panama.
- Paradise Found Real Estate – Find the perfect spot in Bocas del Toro or all of Panama. These guys will work with you to help find your dream spot.
- Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. – There is simply no other place in the world that offers the natural beauty and investment opportunity that this area of Panama provides, says Bocas del Toro Realty Services. Give them a look.
- Casa Solution – More than just great real estate listings, check them out for news, information, and the low-down on life in Panama.
- CBRE Panama – A worldwide company, with over 438 offices in more than 57 countries, they offer great resources to help clients in the investment process.
- CPanama Real Estate Corp. – Offers a comprehensive list of tools that help clients in their Panama real estate investments.
- The Panama Perspective – The Panama Advisory International Group is a duly licensed real estate company in the nation of Panama, conducting investment real estate and general brokerage business.
- Boquete for Sale – Properties for rent and sale in Boquete, Panama.
- United Country Panama – They offer homes for sale in Panama’s mountains, on its oceanfront, and throughout the nation.
- Remax Beaches and City – Thinking about a well-known real estate name? Then check out Remax Beaches and City, offering properties nationwide.
- Panama Advisory International Group – Billed as a commercial advisory group aimed to select clients requiring real estate services including acquisition and disposition, real estate and business development in Panama.
- TryPanama – Services provided for Real Estate, Relocation, and Rentals, with a focus on Panama’s beach areas.
Pereira Miguel
Panama Boutique Hotel Sites
You might be surprised to find hotel websites on the list. But the fact is that lots of them are run by expats. And many have valuable information on their websites and blogs. Plus, who wants to stay in a chain hotel when scouting the tropics?!
- Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Sleep out over the ocean in Bocas del Toro; featuring exclusive over-the-water cabins where you will have access to crystal clear waters from your private terrace.
- Bocas del Mar – A 2014 Top Small Hotel in Panama according to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Bocas del Mar is a situated on a privileged coastal location of the mainland of Boca Chica, Chiriquí Province.
- Boquete Garden Inn – Enjoy a limited number of cabañas within some of Boquete, Panama’s most beautiful gardens.
- La Casa del Risco – Six luxurious rooms nestled within view of Panama’s largest volcano.
- Hostal Café Limón Hotel – This cozy 4-bedroom hotel and café is situated in the small town of Limón de Pedasí, Panamá, and near to many of the surfing beaches on the Azuero Peninsula.
- Casa Cauyo – An off-the-grid boutique Eco Adventure Resort nestled in the remote jungle of the Bocas Del Toro.
- Coco Plum – About an hour’s drive from Panama City and a five minute drive from Portobelo lies the quirky eco-resort, Coco Plum.
- El Nido del Postre – El Nido del Postre is a beach hotel situated in Isla Grande, on the Caribbean Coast of Panama.
- Finca Lerida – Spend the night in a working coffee plantation nestled next to Volcan Baru.
- Panamamonte – With nearly a century of experience under their belt, enjoy a respite in one of Boquete’s most sought-after hotels.
- Hotel Laguna A unique German style hotel, the best one in the main street of the Colon Island.
- Hostal Villa Marita – Villa Marita is located in Boquete, where it is surrounded by coffee farms, walking trails, flowers, and exotic birds.
- Los Quetzales Lodge & Spa – At 7260 feet above sea level, Los Quetzales is the highest lodging facility in Panama and lies inside the primary cloud forest of Volcan Baru National Park.
- Cielito Sur B&B Inn – Country hospitality in the mountain town of Nueva Suiza.
- Al Natural Resort – Located on the secluded beach of Punta Vieja on the southeast tip of Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro.
- Canopy Tower – Panama’s top spot for birding and ecotourism since 1999.
- El Otro Lado – El Otro Lado is a private retreat situated in the area of Portobelo Bay.
- DeVille Hotel – DeVille Panama City Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of Panama City’s banking district.
- Casa Sucre – Located in the historic Casco Viejo district, this is a renovated 1873 five bedroom, three apartment guest house for those wanting to visit Panama’s most historic city.
Soman
Panama News Sites
You’ve got to know what is happening in Panama. Here are some of the top sites. These are English-only.
- The Panama Report – English-only Panama travel and investment news.
- The Bocas Breeze – All the must-know news happenings in Bocas del Toro.
- Playa Community News – A well-established news source for those living in Coronado and the surrounding communities.
- The Panama News – One of the longest running English-only news sources for Panama.
- Newsroom Panama – Compact and concise daily reports on happenings in Panama.
- The Panama Digest – Check here for “Unfiltered Panama News,” along with lifestyle, tourism, environment, crime, and development topics.
- The Visitor – Probably the most sought-after news source for visitors and recent arrivals in Panama.
- Panama Pulse – This is a sort of jack-of-all trades site, which offers a comprehensive list of news and blogs in Panama.
Panama Tourism Sites
Tourism companies? Yep, lots of good info for would-be expats and investors.
- Explora Ya – Great tours and service for getting out there and seeing Boquete & Chiriqui.
- Panama Travel Consultants – Panama Travel Consultants specializes in providing private customized vacation packages to Panama and Latin America.
- Vive Boquete – All you need to plan a trip or exploration tour of Panama’s top destination.
- Barefoot Panama – Get face-to-face with incredible culture, awe-inspiring wildlife, and unforgettable adventures with this adventure and eco-tour company.
- Habla Ya – This language school offers amazing eco-tour packages and adventures in Panama’s interior.
- Boquete Outdoor Adventures – Planning an eco-vacation? Start here.
- Sendero Panama is an ecologically and socially responsible team of tourism and hospitality professionals
- Pedasi Sports Club – Thinking a fishing and dive trip? Check out Pedasi Sports Club and see why Panama is ranked among the top destinations for both.
- Panama Tourism & Travel – Sort of a 411 on all things touristy in Panama. It’s definitely worth a visit.
- Panama-Tourism – Official tourism and commercial directory of Panama.
- Panama Travel Corp – A one-stop shopping place for all things related to packaged tours of Panama.
- Panama Visitors Guide – Panama Visitors Guide will help you to find information on the Republic of Panama, on the Panama Canal, tours and day trips, Panama hotels and hostels.
- Virtual Panama – A great list of Panama’s tourist attractions.
- Boquete-Chiriqui Panama – A small, but thorough, look at tourism in Boquete.
- Casco Antiguo Spanish School – Known as the highest rated spanish school in Panama City and with students from all over the world.
- VIP Panama Tours – They are the first choice for Transport and Tour Groups in Panama.
Panama General Info Sites
Go to these top picks first.
Panama Articles and Research by Viva Tropical– We’ve written dozens of articles and guides about investing and living in Panama. So of course we are going to add them to our list. Give them a look. We are certain there isn’t much about Panama that you won’t find on those pages.
- Panama Info – Panama’s #1 travel guide (and a bit of news too).
- Panama Relocation Tours – Specializing in 6-day all inclusive tours of Panama for those who are considering relocating to Panama.
- Expat Freedom – Dedicated to showing you first-hand what it’s like to live overseas, especially Panama.
- Visit Panama – Ministry of Tourism of Panama’s official website.
- Ciudad de Saber – Learn more about Panama’s push to be known as a City of Knowledge.
- Autoridad de Turismo de Panama – Although in Spanish, this is an excellent tourism site from the Republic of Panama’s official tourism agency.
- Bocas Del Toro – Official tourism page for Bocas del Toro.
- Boquete-Chiriquí – Chiriquí Province official tourism page.
- Panama Tours – Billed as Panama’s virtual tourism portal. Lots of great info here for first-time visitors to Panama.
- Boquete Travel – Dedicated to all things Boquete. Very easy to navigate.
Did we miss your site?
If you have a great site about Panama and think it should be on this list, give us a shout, and we’ll review it for you!
Panama City, Panama has been called the “Dubai of Latin America” due to its skyline that seems to reach endlessly into the clouds and the fact that it’s a hub for commerce between North and South America. As such, it’s become a popular place for expats to live and work.
Andrew Campbell
Yet, no matter how cosmopolitan it appears, the fact remains that it’s still a developing country. As such, it comes with its own unique set of growing pains. Check out our top tips for living in Panama City, Panama.
1. Brace yourself for the bureaucracy.
Possibly nowhere is Panama’s inefficiency more evident than when it comes to processes like applying for a visa, getting a building permit, or even just changing your mailing address. Regulations and requirements change frequently, and what you were told last week may have changed by this week when you come back with what you thought was the required paperwork.
It gets even worse after an election when the newly elected party comes in and cleans house, much like a new college head football coach. Their first order of business is often to reverse any of the unfavorable laws they didn’t like from the previous administration.
All you can really do to combat this issue is to keep good documentation, remain polite, be persistent, and just keep doing everything you can to move the ball forward at every opportunity.
2. Expect everything to take at least twice as long.
As you might have guessed from the first point, Panama and its capital city are not known for their speediness. That quick trip into the utilities office to pay your bill could turn into you standing in a line that would make a U.S. DMV office look like a cakewalk. And a contractor who says he’ll show up “mañana” to fix your leaky roof might not come around until some time next week.
Traffic is another area where huge delays can be a problem. The culprit could be anything from one of the many construction projects in and around the city to an accident caused by a local driving recklessly, a common hazard in Latin America.
It can be frustrating, but with a measure of patience you’ll eventually start to learn to calm down and appreciate the slower pace of life that was likely one of the very reasons you moved here anyway.
3. Use common sense to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
While violent crime does exist in Panama City, much of it is related to drug and gang activity and, as a result, somewhat avoidable. That’s not to say that innocent bystanders never get caught in the crossfire, but it’s a lot more likely to happen if you’re in a dark alley in a bad part of the city than if you’re out walking your dog in a public park in broad daylight.
What is more common is petty theft, and tourists and expats are often easy targets. To avoid becoming a victim, try not to draw attention to yourself. Don’t go around flashing cash or carrying valuables. If you do, don’t leave them unattended.
Jasperdo
4. Soak up every possible ounce of culture.
Panama City has the double benefit of being both a cosmopolitan city and a world class cultural hub. The city dates back to 1519, and many old Spanish buildings from that area can be found in its central neighborhood of Casco Viejo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s also home to museums, galleries, symphonies, shopping, and everything else you’d expect from a first world destination. That’s not true about every expat hotspot. Panama City is in a class of its own when it comes to cultural attractions.
5. Understand it isn’t the cheapest expat destination.
When comparing the cost of living in various expat favorites, Panama City is far from rock bottom. In fact, it’s almost at the top. As it’s become a prime banking center, a communications hub, and a logistics necessity, the price of everything from clothing to cold beers has only gone up.
Its real estate market is booming, and therefore prices are high. However, like any large city, there are options to fit every budget. You may have to make a few sacrifices (e.g. shopping in farmer’s markets and giving up pricy imported brands), but living in Panama City is still doable for most expats.
6. Realize that living in Panama City still represents an incredible value.
You can’t mention the somewhat high cost of living in Panama City and not follow it up by pointing out that it’s still considerably less than the cost of living anywhere in North America. And that’s not an apples to apples comparison. In other words, in Panama City you can enjoy a lifestyle comparable to Miami’s South Beach and still spend less than what it would take to live in a bland U.S. suburb.
It’s a great place to live, as evidenced by the thousands of U.S. expats who call it home. With a great blend of commerce and culture, coupled with a growing economy, first world infrastructure, and a reasonable price tag, Panama City is definitely a place worth keeping on your short list of potential expat destinations.