[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi GATORLEACH,

Here are some important facts and thoughts:

As others have mentioned here – thank you all for chiming in – Panama runs the Panama Canal, not China.

Panama was prepared by the US to run the waterway over a 20-year transition period, as laid out in the Torrijos-Carter treaty. Thus Panamanian engineers, geologists and others were already working at the Canal alongside Americans long before Panama took over running the Canal. Panama has been running the Canal extremely successfully since Panama officially took over in 1999 (so we’re talking over two decades, 25+ years)

(Though the original Canal was completed by the US in 1914, the new sector of the Panama Canal expansion completed by Panama in 2016, after it was approved by the people of Panama in a nationwide referendum, is the only section that can accommodate newer, larger post-Panamax sized ships.

I do understand that many have concern because of comments the type of which are unprecedented by a US president or president-elect.

I may not be able to predict exactly what’s in store but we have good reason to expect that on a macro level things won’t be changing much.

Some may be justifiably concerned because there just isn’t a lot of LatAm foreign policy info or past examples to go on. Over the past years particularly with the covid crisis as a major concern, LatAm has not received nearly as much attention from the US government and now we’re seeing new focus and interest.

But I agree with the experts who say: Looks like it’s all about 1- pressuring countries like Panama to do even more to try stem the refugee tide and 2- the always popular topic of tariffs and trade. Not any real belief that any US leader could rally enough support to “invade and annex Panama” or “take back the Canal.”

With Panama’s stellar track record and long history of close ties with the US (and a long list of other countries) I like many others here am still feeling great about my decision to live in this incredibly peaceful country often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America.

(This moniker stems from Panama’s commitment – as home of the Panama Canal – to stay neutral. Panama has no military. As a non-political “autonomous” entity the Canal is not affected by changes in presidents/administrations.)

Panama became a sovereign republic with major support from the US over 100 years ago, in 1903. Panama has used the US dollar for over 100 years. The long history of friendship and respect between the US and Panama cannot be overstated.

In my experience Panamanians aren’t generally the type to judge all Americans by the actions of any one person. Sure, you might find some unfriendly people here (or anywhere else) but as a whole, overwhelmingly, Panamanians have continued to be welcoming and friendly to Americans, whether after the invasion in 1989, Wild Bill in 2010, or over the past month, so I feel confident that will continue.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Julie,
Pedasí, Venao, Isla Iguana, and Cambutal are among the exciting places you can explore on the Azuero peninsula; if you have a chance check out the June 2024 issue of IL magazine for articles about Venao, Cambutal, and Alaya (glamping in Cañas).

Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi ASHWEEE,
In my experience Panamanians aren’t generally the type to judge all Americans by the actions of any one person. Sure, you might find some unfriendly people here (or anywhere else) but as a whole, overwhelmingly, Panamanians have continued to be welcoming and friendly to Americans, whether after the invasion in 1989, Wild Bill in 2010, or over the past month, so I feel confident that will continue.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Rachel,
Depends on what part of the country you want to go to, for example I do know that in Pedasí and Coronado they have local outfits that can often be much less expensive than the international ones available at Tocumen International Airport, but you would generally need to get to those towns (maybe via bus, flight, or private shuttle) and then pick up your rental car there.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi HEALTHYPOPCORN2
Another option and perhaps cheaper would be a shuttle https://www.servicescoronado.com/
Hope it’s a great trip

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi PHIBETA52 – there are quite a few places that offer what you’re looking for, I chose Panama, this article explains in greater detail, please do check it out, thanks:

https://internationalliving.com/my-2900-a-month-california-girl-lifestyle/

You may also want to read some of the recent Spain and Portugal articles here on the International Living website and in International Living magazine.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi PATNAPVO,

CCRCs haven’t caught on in Panama – probably due to low demand from the majority of the population. While there are many nice gated communities here, they’re not set up as CCRCs and you or a loved one/designee would likely have to manage hiring nurses etc. on your own

Thank you for the suggestion – we try to do regular features for singles and we generally have a gathering/Q&A at IL conferences, too, I’ll add the webinar suggestion – thanks again.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi GTORMOM,

Panama has struggled with trash collection long before and regardless of the current migrant situation. It has gotten a lot better in Panama City and I am sure will continue to improve but trash collection isn’t well centralized and managed so it depends on which part of the country you are in. Most of the areas we like and write about have good trash collection and environmental initiatives and are not being affected by the migrant groups as concentrations are at the borders (i.e., the Darien “jungle province” border with Colombia, and the Costa Rica border at the crossing in the Chiriquí province – these aren’t areas we’ve ever recommended to expats). BTW Panama really does a lot to try and help refugees and the police is very effective and well staffed here.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi there’s been a lot of joking (and sure, indignation, too) but broadly speaking Panamanians like Americans – even after the “Invasion” of 1989 we didn’t see any kind of concerted backlash – so no, I don’t expect any real backlash, I’d say Panamaians won’t judge other Americans by one person’s comments or threats.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Where to go? This is an intensely personal decision that only you can make. International Living Publications does its best to publish the kind of ultra-specific information you will find useful in judging which destination is best for you (based on your personal needs and wants) and making your decision.

Panama, where I live, may not suit your needs, but I also love Uruguay and you’ll find quite a few articles here on the International Living website and a book called Escape to Uruguay in the International Living Bookstore. We also recently ran an article about different regions of Uruguay in International Living magazine, go to the member’s site or use https://members.internationalliving.com/magazine-issues/2025/ and search “Uruguay” or click on the May 2024 issue. See also Dec 2024 issue. Happy reading.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Sonya, I don’t know the exact terms of squatter’s rights but Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly can advise you:

Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
http://www.mata-kelly.com

Generally in apartments there are concierges/security so no one can squat. If you have a house somewhere isolated (i.e., not in a gated/developed community) you’d probably want a caretaker. Many expats and Panamanians who travel for long periods prefer apartments or homes in developed communities so they can easily “lock and leave.” I have pets so I have been using TrustedHousesitters.com to get someone to care for them (and my apartment) in exchange for lodging.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hello Susan,

I lived in Panama City and still visit more than a few times a year; as a single woman I liked how many nice, walkable areas there were. Seeing people relaxed, wearing jewelry, walking along the waterfront (Cinta Costera), driving nice cars… and the scintillating nightlife and restaurant scene… put me at ease. I walked outdoors, went out till late at night, took the metro and Ubers, and had a great time.

Every city has bad areas too but in Panama City they’re easily avoided and hard to stumble into. Furthermore random crime like snipers and mass shootings and serial killers are unheard of here. That means if you’re not involved in organized crime and the like it’s far easier to avoid being a target in Panama. I generally feel safer in Panama City than in US cities. You’ll hear many expats here say the same.

If you’d like to learn more about the modern impressive Panama City of today you can read a full detailed article about Panama City in the December issue of International Living magazine here https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2024/4235809/

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

The more you learn, the more you’ll enjoy yourself – because you will understand more and because you’re even more likely to be liked and helped when you show respect for a country’s language and culture. That said, most of the expat communities we write about – including beloved destinations like Coronado and Boquete, in Panama – are home to lots of English speakers and provide a comfortable soft landing for new arrivals who don’t speak the language.

Not all Panamanians speak English. Many doctors and white collar types do speak English, while lower wage earners like bus drivers and store clerks generally do not… however there are so many international residents all over Panama that it’s very easy to find help in English.

Panamanians are incredibly welcoming and love to tease and laugh, so trying (and making mistakes!) will generally get you lots of smiles and help. Even if you don’t speak the language, learning please (por favor), thank you (gracias), and just a few other polite phrases is hugley beneficial and every expat should do this.

Have fun exploring…

Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi JREEDORCHARD I never get bitten in central Panama City as it’s so developed and regularly monitored and sprayed for mosquitoes. If you go to heavily forested areas like Howard/Panama Pacifico or the rainforest parks, you’ll likely want to wear repellant. I always keep some Off in my car just in case (but almost never need it).

If you travel to parts of the country with abundant mangrove growth, sand fleas or small gnat-like bugs can cause similarly itchy bites so again it’s nice to keep repellant in your go-bag and/or car (not an issue for me in most of the nice beaches I frequent though)

Remember that medical professionals generally recommend wearing mosquito repellent in any country where mosquitoes are prevalent, to ward against maladies like dengue.

To read up on vaccinations and health advisories, check online sources that offer recommendations specific to the different areas of Panama (or whichever country you are visiting… or even different parts of the US), including the World Health Organization (website: http://www.who.int), the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control, website: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/), or the Canadian Foreign Affairs Office (website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca).

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi TALAIRYS,

The Panama Canal doesn’t have any discernable impact from a Panama City resident’s point of view.

You can read about the Panama Canal’s environmental programs and achievements here: https://pancanal.com/en/green-route-strategy/

There are no beaches in Panama City.

There are hundreds of swimmable beaches from Veracruz and Taboga (about 20 minutes drive and 30 minute by ferry from Panama City, respectively); to the Pacific Coast regions around Chame, Coronado, Farallón, the Azuero peninsula and the province of Chiriquí; to the Caribbean beaches and islands from Bocas del Toro to Portobelo. You’ll find helpful information on the different beach regions of Panama on the International Living website and in International Living magazine.

For anyone with further interest in environmental topics:

Panama is number one in Latin America on the Environmental Performance Index.

The Panama Canal Authority, Panama’s Environment Ministry, non-governmental organizations like ANCON, and Panamanian activists have all played important roles in raising and maintaining Panama’s status on the EPI. New laws and initiatives have proliferated over the past decade, and today Panama is a pioneer in everything from plastic bag use to wind energy to electric car incentives.

Panama is one of only three carbon-negative countries in the world.

There are about 50 national parks and protected areas here, including marine parks and important mangrove areas. As a matter of fact, the country boasts rainforest coverage on over 60% of its land, making it the most forested country in Central America.

Panama has also protected a vast amount of its maritime region. In 2023, the country announced that it had surpassed its “30% by 2030” goal by expanding protection to include more than 50% of its total marine area, making it one of few countries on the planet to have achieved such a significant milestone (and the only such country in Latin America).

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

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