[Jessica Ramesch]

It’s hard to go wrong RLBarker, there are so many great options that you’re better off deciding which country you’d love to spend time in and then zeroing in on towns within that country with good language programs.

That said I think Panama, where I live, is a great option. There’s a Spanish school in the capital’s colonial sector, Casco Viejo, that gets great reviews and the owner has spoken at IL Event in Panama so we know the school is real (IL’s annual Fast Track Panama conference), see https://cascospanish.com/.

Many say the easiest Latin American Spanish accent to learn in is Mexican or Colombian. I find the accent in Panama City to be very straightforward, it’s not sing-songy but rather more like newscaster accents.

Outside of Panama City if you get into rural parts you will find that people speak a bit differently (clipping words/omitting the end syllable, for example) but this is true in much of Latin America (easier for learners to understand “posher” accents in cities versus rural parts)

If you love countries like Argentina and Uruguay then that’s a quite different type of Spanish so you’d maybe want to go to a school that can teach you Rioplatense Spanish. And if you fancy spending a lot of time in Spain, same thing – it’s a quite different version Spanish, probably best to study it in Spain itself.

~IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi, IL Events should be able to help you with that, go to https://internationalliving.com/contact-us/ and send them a note or call the listed number (there’s a toll-free and a direct dial).

[Jessica Ramesch]

The Pensionado residence program is the most popular option for potential expats for many good reasons. It is highly effective in drawing people to Panama because, in addition to providing a permanent residence solution, it also entitles retirees or Pensionados to a host of moneysaving discounts. For more information see https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/, and best of luck with all your Panama plans.

~ IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

I don’t have a list of different countries that don’t tax passive income but you may want to be on the lookout not necessarily for countries that don’t tax passive income but rather for countries that don’t tax foreign-source income. International Living’s Expat tax bible (Expat Taxes Made Easy https://www.ilbookstore.com/expat-taxes-2024) does have a handy section on taxes in 12 different countries, including Panama, which does not tax in-country savings nor foreign-source income (whether passive or active). To stay up-to-date on the best jurisdictions it’s helpful to follow IL’s Global Diversification expert, you’ve probably seen his articles in mailings from IL, you can read recent articles here: https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/.

[Jessica Ramesch]

By the way, if you have good reviews on Airbnb, those can help convince a homeowner to give you a shot even if you have no reviews on THS.com. (I am a “host” on THS and have seen some sitters link to their Airbnb profiles.)

As a somewhat nervous home and cat owner I never consider applicants unless they have at least three five-star reviews (these generally show that the person is caring with animals and also takes good care of the homes they are entrusted with). That said, there have to be hosts our there who are willing to give new sitters their first break.

As a host I have 6 sits under my belt and each has been a five-star experience. Here are some insights: I only consider applicants who 1- send a coherent message with their application, showing that they’ve read my listing with care (many do not; my listing states that these will be automatically rejected), 2- have a lot of cat-sitting experience as evidenced by their reviews (many sitters have experience with dogs and not cats), and 3- are self-professed cat-lovers (extra points if they say they have/have had their own). Once I’ve verified that the candidate(s) look good on paper, I always have a zoom call and only then, if my gut feeling is that we are a good match, do I offer them the sit.

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hello, hope you had/are having a wonderful time in Panama. Rosalind Baitel was at the conference as an expat speaker, she is not a tour guide. Generally expat speakers participate in IL conferences to talk abut their full and enriching lives as expats. They do not sell real estate or offer tours. In your conference materials you have contact information for Pangea’s RETA concierge who can help answer questions about neighborhoods and real estate and put you in contact with brokers who offer tours. Generally speaking you’ll spend upwards of $900 a month for an apartment like that in a nice neighborhood in Pamama City and in the city electric is usually billed separately. Happy apartment hunting!

[Jessica Ramesch]

Currently Canadian citizens can visit Panama as tourists for up to 180 days without any special visa. It’s a good idea to make sure each person’s passport has over a year left on it if you’re coming down for a six month stay.

(Good rule of thumb for travel to any country: make sure your passport has more than 6 months left before it expires.)

Panama is a popular destination for tourists and expats because it’s generally safe and prosperous, you can read lots more more about it in International Living magazine (visit http://www.InternationalLiving.com, log in/click “members site” to search the archive).

[Jessica Ramesch]

I agree with Jim, above. In places like Coronado, where there are typially plenty of options, I will sometimes book myself into an Airbnb for a few days and then go to see longer-term options in person, tapping the expat facebook groups for recommendations as Jim mentions above.

[Jessica Ramesch]

So true, can get pricey. I use TrustedHousesitters.com to get sitters that specifically have experience with cats (and are self-professed cat lovers!) I have easily found sitters with great reviews for sits as long as 3 weeks. I think you might be able to find someone thrilled to do an even longer sit, taking on the full-time role of pet mama or papa and even some expenses in exchange for free lodging (that’s what the site is for, to facilitate a cashless exchange, usually pet sitting in exchange for a nice place to stay).

[Jessica Ramesch]

There are so many great destinations for singles these days. I lived in Panama’s capital, Panama City, for 17 years. It’s a truly cosmopolitan, international city—perfect for new arrivals eager to network and make friends. There are dozens and dozens of organizations that host fun events here.

Check out websites and social media for the Alliance Française, the American Society, and Internations.org for starters. Whether you go to the theater, a gallery, or a sporting event, you’ll have opportunities to meet other singles.

I walked, drove, took the metro, and used the Uber rideshare app to get around. I felt safe going out during the day or at night. When you see just how rich the nightlife and cultural landscape are, you’ll understand why.

In August of 2021 I found a beach apartment with stunning views at a great price, so I moved. The beach town of Coronado—just an hour’s drive away—is one of the most welcoming places on earth. I’m 46 years old and already have friends of all ages and backgrounds. Some have weekend homes in and around Coronado, while others live here full-time, like me. Some are Panamanian, and some are expats. It’s a dynamic town, and it’s packed with restaurants and services that make life super convenient.

I’m really glad I chose Panama, but I’ve spent time in Mexico, Spain, France, and several other countries with singles-friendly destinations. I’m certain I could’ve been just as happy in Playa del Carmen or Madrid. I tell you all about these places (and many more) in my Single and Ready to Move Overseas report.

From one (very happy) single to another: yes you absolutely can live your best life overseas. I am!

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi John,

There are many veterans living in Panama who receive their payments without trouble.

The U.S. Embassy here confirms that, “Veterans Affairs beneficiaries residing in Panama are eligible to enroll in the International Direct Deposit Program” to receive payments via electronic transfer. There is even a local hospital in Panama that will accept VA-FMP, TRICARE or CHAMPVA.

Applying for the International Direct Deposit Program should just involve filling out a form and attending an appointment with the Federal Benefits Unit. You can see the process in detail on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

For detailed information on veteran-related matters in Panama, visit the Panama Veteran’s Commission website, and contact Panama-based Healthcare Alliance via email.

Bear in mind that you may have to spend some additional money to get any medication couriered into Panama. If you plan to move to the Boquete region of Panama, reach out to the Healthcare Alliance person there via email.

[Jessica Ramesch]

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 Panama was founded (with conspicuous help and assurances from the US) in 1903.

The US was responsible for building the Panama Canal, and as a part of its canal-related treaties with Panama, the US was allowed to build multiple military bases here and to operate US bases as sovereign territory (along with the canal and its watershed), until 1999.

Though it’s been 24 years since the canal reverted to Panamanian administration, the US and Panama have maintained a friendly relationship. US visitors and expats in Panama tend to feel welcome and at ease. Panama is incredibly international (thanks to the canal) and locals are accustomed to meeting people from all over the world, so it’s a generally familiar and comfortable environment.

If you’re a US citizen and you’d like to visit and sample life in Panama for up to six months, you don’t need a special visa or an FBI report. If, however, you would like to become a legal resident, you will indeed need an FBI report showing you’ve had no prior arrests/convictions. You’ll also need to provide a health certificate (this is easy to obtain here in Panama), as certain communicable diseases can also impede you from becoming a resident.

Panama makes becoming a resident quick and easy with its renowned visa programs—we’ve studied the programs of similarly desirable countries and, year after year, International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index ranks Panama’s visas and benefits at number one.

Once of the easiest ways to get a residence visa is to show proof of a pension. If you have a pension of at least $1,000 a month (or $1,250 between you and your spouse or dependent), you’ll find it’s easy to qualify for the Pensionado visa. It can take as little as four to six months to get your application approved. And once you’re in, the benefits include significant discounts on travel, healthcare, and more.

If you don’t have a pension, don’t worry. There are other excellent programs, including the so-called Friendly Nations program and the telework visa, that you can look into.

To learn about Panama’s best residence visa programs, visit our dedicated resource page.

[Jessica Ramesch]

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 Review’s “Crime Rate by Country 2023” report—lower than the U.S., which ranks at number 56.

So, does it follow that Panama is free from crime? No… I’ve traveled the globe and I’ve never encountered a country that was free from crime or corruption.

In every country, there will be some dangerous areas (due to localized organized crime or gang-related activity), but also many safe ones. In Panama it’s generally very easy to tell when a neighborhood is poor and thus certain to have more crime. Most are not areas you would accidentally stumble into.

In areas popular with expats, your biggest concern is likely to be petty theft or break-ins. Random violence is practically unheard of here. Panama has a large police force and crimes against tourists or foreigners are seriously dealt with.

Home-invasion-style robberies can be violent, but they are rare, especially in communities favored by expats. It’s neither quick nor easy to obtain a firearm permit in Panama, and a long-running moratorium on importation has helped keep gun prevalence relatively low. Gun-related offenses have major consequences in Panama.

On occasion, visitors to Panama make the mistake of letting their guard down completely—something they’d never do back home. In any unfamiliar city or town, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to do what you can to blend in. Ask questions, use your city smarts, and you’ll see just how easy it is to live and travel safely in Panama.

Read my complete guide to safety in Panama here.

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Bob,

Panama actually doesn’t tax savings or your foreign income. So, if you deposit the proceeds from the sale of your home in a bank account here in Panama, those funds won’t be taxed.

You’ll want to make sure you continue to pay whatever you owe to Uncle Sam every year, however. Your US tax expert can help you determine what you’ll owe the US government as an expat living abroad.

Here in Panama you’ll be liable for income tax only if you earn income on Panamanian soil—if you own a restaurant here, say, or a B&B or vacation rental.

If you buy a new primary residence in Panama you’ll also need to pay property tax, but many homes here come with exemptions and, once the exemptions run out, property taxes are low at between 0.5 and 0.6% on most homes.

My 1,130-square-foot apartment, for example, is exempt till 2030. After that I will pay less than $400 a year in property taxes.

Since I don’t derive my income from any source here on Panamanian territory but rather from overseas, I pay zero income tax.

Aside from sales tax at stores (7% on most things except food and medicine, which are exempt, and 10% on luxuries like wine), I’m pretty much living here tax free… for now.

If and when I sell my apartment, there will be a transfer tax and capital gains tax (that will likely be 2% and 10%, respectively).

Hope that helps explain how things work. If you want more details, and an on-hand resource you can refer to at will, I recommend picking up a copy of our detailed Escape to Panama guidebook, which I wrote.

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Barbara,

I generally prefer to fly from Panama City to David, then rent a car. But let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for you.

By land: It’s an easy drive or bus ride from Panama City to David, which is where you’ll change buses or, if driving, turn off the PanAmerican Highway to head north into the Highlands. It takes at least five hours to get to David from Panama City by land, provided you’re not on a multi-stop bus.

I like the midnight express bus from Albrook (Gran Terminal Nacional) to David, as you can go to sleep in Panama City and wake up in David. Buses are usually freezing cold, so bundle up. To buy your ticket, go to Albrook Mall & Transport Terminal, buy a Rapi>Pass ($2.50), then buy your bus ticket.

By air: You can fly to David (Enrique Malek Airport) from either of Panama’s two major airports:

Tocumen International Airport (PTY), on the eastern edge of Panama City, or
The domestic hub at Albrook (Marcos A. Gelabert), on the western edge of Panama City.

If you’re flying into the country and want to go straight to Boquete, you’ll probably want to fly from Tocumen on Copa Airlines. These flights tend to be the cheapest with the best baggage allowances.

If you choose Albrook, you’ll fly with Air Panama.

There are several car rental outfits at the airport in David, I usually go with National because I’ve had good experiences with them in the past.

Bear in mind that September can be extremely rainy in Boquete. That said, this is an “El Niño” year, which generally means we get a lot less rain than is customary. You should have some sunny mornings and some showers (and possibly some storms).

These are usually easy to plan around, so check your weather apps and avoid the rain… or consider bringing a slicker. And lightweight gum boots, because they’re fun. Note that umbrellas aren’t always super helpful, as Boquete can get very windy. I actually enjoy this time of year in Panama’s mountain regions; it’s never too cold, so with the right gear it’s still fun to get out there and sightsee.

Splash away I say!

[Author]

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