Marsha G. Says: Is it easy to hire household help in Panama? How much does it cost? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Writes: Like many expats, you may find it difficult to resist having a maid. It’s easy to find help in Panama, and a good employee can greatly improve your quality of life. A Read more...: How Much Does Household Help Cost in Panama?
Harry W. Says: What’s the tipping culture in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Harry, In Panama City, which is a cosmopolitan capital with world-class restaurants, sometimes people will tip 15-20% for an excellent meal, though for most cafeteria-type places 10% is just fine. Outside of Panama City, generally 10% is fine. Restaurants Read more...: What’s the Tipping Culture Like in Panama?
Nadia F. Says: I like the idea of moving to Panama City. I have a few words of Spanish from high school, but I’m a bit nervous about living somewhere people speak it all the time. Do you have any advice? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Nadia, I landed here in 1990 without Read more...: Do you Need to Know Spanish to Live in Panama City?
Rick S. Says: I’m 71, retired & soon to be single. What locations might be better or someone like me? I like warm weather. Author of Single and Ready to Move Overseas, Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Rick, I’m single myself. I began writing about life in Panama for International Living shortly after I moved to Read more...: I’m 71 and Single—Can you Recommend Some Warm Locations?
Jay P. Says: I see a lot of coverage of Panama as a retirement destination for people with pensions (pensionados). I’m not going to retire anytime soon but would still like to spend time there. What are my options? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Writes: Hi Jay, Panama isn’t just for retirees, and you don’t Read more...: What are my Options for Visiting Panama?
Bob S. Says: I’m thinking of selling my home in North Carolina and moving to Panama. I will only have the proceeds from the house and my Social Security. What type of taxes would I have to pay? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Bob, Panama actually doesn’t tax savings or your foreign income. Read more...: What Taxes Will a US Citizen Have to Pay in Panama?
Jonas B Says: How safe is it in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Jonas, Whether you’re comparing crime statistics, tourist guides, or travel advisories for the region’s different countries, you’ll find that Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. In fact, Panama ranks at number 68 in World Population Read more...: How Safe is it in Panama?
Lori L. Says Is Panama completely separated from the United States now and do you need an FBI report to move there? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Lori, While Panama has never been a part of the United States, Panama and the US have had very close, friendly relations since the Republic of Read more...: Do I Need an FBI Report to Move to Panama?
Ed B. Says: I’m attending the Panama convention next month. I have a small service dog that will be traveling with me. Do you have a list of all of the vaccination records or other issues that I will face passing through the immigration process? I’m planning to spend five days after the convention to Read more...: How do I Bring my Dog to Panama?
Susan R. Says: Are there any assisted living or long-term care facilities in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Susan, In Canada and the US, “elder care” typically includes a range of options for seniors, including assisted living, healthcare, and hospice, often in live-in facilities. That generally hasn’t been the case in Panama, Read more...: Are there any Assisted Living or Long-Term Care Facilities in Panama?