It's only natural to wonder how you'll fill your hours here in Panama. If you come on a scouting trip, you'll hear certain things over and over, from different expats. Most of them find that their lives are more fun. It's easier to make new friends in expat communities, and people tend to have more time to socialize.
Talk to any expat in Panama and you're likely to find that, despite any negative experiences, the good outweighs the bad. That's why so much of the literature about expats seems so rose-tinted. They tend to be a grateful bunch, deriving immense satisfaction from a) being a part of a close-knit expat community, and b) learning about, befriending, and giving back to locals.
Most first-time visitors to Panama head for the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo, two of our showiest destinations. But to get a real sense of the country, you'll want to set aside some time to explore the countryside and the comarcas.
If you think that Chiriquí might be right for your next adventure, I recommend spending six months here initially—to see if it's a place you'd feel comfortable putting down roots. While you're here, be sure to take some time to just relax—but also be diligent about setting aside days to go out and gather information. The more you explore and learn, the easier it will be to decide whether you want to make this your new home.
A hot cup of coffee and a good chat with friends is one of life's best pleasures—and so is a hearty breakfast. In Pedasí, we are fortunate to have several places that serve good coffee and a great "first meal of the day."
As I write, I'm visiting with expats in a neighborhood called Majagual. They have invited me to see their homes and to hear their reasons for choosing a region of Panama that's somewhat "off the beaten path"—at least, insofar as retirement destinations are concerned.
As an expat, finding a comfortable place to be with friends and family is important to maintaining your emotional compass. That's why the local bars, restaurants, and other amenities can sometimes come to take on a special place in our hearts—they become gathering places where you feel a part of a community.
During the rainy season (off season), all of the tourist "things to do" are still open. So, it's a wonderful time of year to visit without the crowds, and experience the day-to-day lifestyle of Volcán. Volcán's expat population is growing, and there are now several venues where you'll find expats and locals hanging out all year.
Once this information becomes common knowledge, Panama could see another boom in property sales…in which case the smart thing may well be to buy sooner, rather than later.
For tourists, Panama is a wonderland waiting to be discovered. But if you're planning a move here, you'll want to check out the top retirement and relocation destinations. Once you've processed the information on your Panama Insider website—including descriptions of the towns mentioned here—you'll want to put boots on the ground to see what feels right.