Jessica Ramesch

Paula M. Says: I’ve read a lot of your articles about Panama’s Chiriquí province, and I like the idea of retiring to Boquete. I read recently that the airport in nearby David might start serving international routes to the U.S. Is that true?   IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Paula, Boquete is a Read more...: Will the Airport in David, Panama Become International?

Kerry B. Says: I plan to go to Panama from January to March, 2024. Is it cost effective to buy a cheap car and resell it when leaving?   IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Kerry, This is not unheard of in Panama, expats often source and sell their cars through the expat grapevine. Read more...: Should I Buy a Car While Visiting Panama and Resell It?

Donna H. Says: I’m thinking about moving to Panama. I am 70 and draw SS benefits, so I’m sure I would qualify for a Pensionado visa. However, my daughter is 46 years old and disabled. She draws $1,200 a month in disability. She would be living with me. Could she get a visa? Thanks for Read more...: Can My Adult Disabled Daughter Get a Visa to Panama?

Carol S. Says: Could Jessica please let me know if there are any fishing villages of about 5,000 inhabitants that are on the pacific coast side of Panama? If so, does she have any information she could share for potential long-term rentals?   IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Carol, According to the last Read more...: Could you Recommend a Fishing Village in Panama?

Cheryl B. Says: What’s the alternative healing scene like in Panama?   IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Cheryl, Panama has always had its share of alternative medicine practitioners. As foreigners continue to move here in search of healthier lifestyles, the industry continues to grow. You’ll find all kinds of therapies and treatments available Read more...: What’s the Alternative Healing Scene like in Panama?

Patti B. Says: We’re interested in residing in Panama for part of the year, hoping to explore different locations each year. What kind of visa is required for perhaps a three- to five-month stay?   IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Patti, If you’ve got a U.S. or Canadian passport, at time of writing Read more...: What Visa Do I Need to Spend 3 to 5 Months in Panama?

I landed here in 1990 without a word of Spanish and, at first, learning it seemed like an insurmountable task. I soon realized, however, that a bit of Spanish would help me make friends and have a richer experience. I also learned that Panamanians love to tease, and so I got comfortable—very quickly—with making mistakes. 

Though healthcare in Panama is affordable, that doesn’t mean insurance isn’t a worthy consideration. Don’t assume you’ll be able to pay all your medical expenses out of pocket. 

Getting a Panamanian passport is possible, but for most expats living here it’s not necessary or desirable. Mostly due to the difficulty of the process and its requirements.