[Jessica Ramesch]

At an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, Boquete is a near-perfect refuge located at the base of Panama’s tallest peak, Volcán Barú. The Caldera River rushes through the middle of town, while lush green hills and waterfalls surround it. Though banana, mango, and passionfruit trees abound, this is coffee country. The climate is perfect for it, and Panama’s brews—especially the ones from this region—are world-renowned.

Thanks to the elevation, day¬time temperatures are generally in the 70s to low 80s F, and nights are cooler (though 60 F is about as cold as it gets). The spring weather makes Boquete ideal for full-time residents and snowbirds alike.

Like every expat destination, it has its pros and cons. It gets a lot of sunshine, but it also gets a lot of rain—up to 100 inches a year. (This is true of any mountain town in Panama). The upside: the frequent misty rain keeps everything green, so you can grow just about anything.

The community—mostly Panamanian, with a sizeable contingent of foreigners from different parts of the world—is the definition of welcoming. People of all colors, religions, and orientations live here. And though you’ll see expats everywhere, it retains a very traditional Panamanian feel. Parents walk their kids to and from school, and families spend Sundays together. As they say around here, life is tranquilo…tranquil.

Read more about Boquete on the International Living website and in International Living magazine. Here are some links to start and you can search for more:

https://members.internationalliving.com/articles/ditching-winter-snow-for-perfect-weather-boquete-mag-12-2022/

In the magazine: https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/july_2023/4110329/

Happy reading….

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi LIZZANZE,
US citizens do not need a visa to come to Panama for up to six months. Though I can’t predict the future exactly I can definitely say we don’t anticipate this changing anytime soon. We don’t expect Panama residency options to change over the next four years either. Keep reading IL Postcards, International Living magazine, and the Interational Living website for real-life accounts from Panama – we love Panama and will continue to dedicate ourselves to keeping you informed about this great little isthmus.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hello MAINEFUNCTIONALMED,
You can fly to Boquete if you’re pressed for time, it’s just an hour, see http://www.AirPanama.com.
Your best spot to see the Panama Canal is probably Panama City, you can stay in the city and Uber to the Miraflores Visitor Center on the city’s far western edge.
There’s tons to do all over the country, whether or not you choose to stay around Panama City, here are some recommendations and there’s tons more on the International Living website, start here: https://internationalliving.com/things-to-do-in-panama/
Have a wonderful time
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Bob, we 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 Denise, I see someone’s replied here already but I’ll add that on the International Living website we have a wealth of information about the different regions of Panama (outside Panama City) – there is a ton to choose from, including the mountains with their cooler, springlike weather and the beaches and islands of the Pacific and Caribbean.

Here are some links to get you started
https://internationalliving.com/up-and-coming-retirement-regions/
https://internationalliving.com/my-2900-a-month-california-girl-lifestyle/
(read article and scroll down to watch a new video)
And there’s lots more great info on the website, as you’ll see

And if you’re wanting /able to act now there may still be time to sign up for IL’s Feb 7-9 conference in Panama (See https://internationalliving.com/events/)

Best of luck with all your Panama plans…

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Thank you for posting this question – one common misperception about Panama (because of its famed pensionado or pensioner’s program) is that it doesn’t welcome younger expats or expats without pensions. However, Panama actually has great programs for non-pensioner expats, including the friendly nations program (for permanent residence) and a digital nomad option (for temporary residence) for people who want to test-drive life here for 9 or even 18 months.

The Friendly Nations Visa opens the door to professionals and entrepreneurs from countries that “maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships” with Panama. Created in 2012, the program is open to potential expats from dozens of countries, including the US and Canada.

It’s great because you can choose one of the following options to qualify:

Option A: Invest $200,000 in real estate.

Option B: Open a three-year fixed term deposit account in a bank in Panama – at least $200,000 but there is no requirement to spend those funds on real estate or any other investment. (The money remains yours.)

Option Show evidence that you require permanent residency for work purposes. (You will need an employment letter and work contract from a Panamanian company with a business license)

For more information on exciting, welcoming Panama visit the IL Website and choose Panama from the countries menu. Happy reading…

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Note that Panama does not have large high-end assisted living facilities as most families here (as is customary in most if not all of Latin America) choose affordable in-home care instead. There are some smaller options being talked about and I do hope to see more options added but at present there isn’t a huge demand… yet. You may want to join Facebook groups for expats in Boquete to keep abreast of any specific news about this particular topic and it’s great to see how potential expats gather info and post questions.
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

I’ll just add that far-right movements have had periodic resurgences in a wide range of European countries every decade since WWII. The spectre of this type of nationalism is always there, one part of a broad and varied political landscape. I wouldn’t necessarily let yourself be turned off of France because of what the media is saying today about any “Putin effect” if you love France. Take all opinions (including mine) with a grain of salt, keep asking questions and reading articles by people like Tuula who actually live in France, and do your own “macro perspective” study – you can have a lot of fun with it and you’ll feel empowered to make the right decision for yourself.

Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Many US residents of Panama keep Medicare thinking they will fly back to the States where they can use it for anything major. In the meantime while here in Panama many use an inexpensive Panama insurance OR pay out of pocket for minor health expenses because it’s so affordable even sans insurance.

(Right now some hospitals in Panama are now saying that they can bill Medicare Advantage directly which could be extremely helpful, but note that this isn’t guaranteed, just a possible new perk, we’ll see how well it works.)

As mentioned above WHEN to take social security is a question you do not want to deal with lightly, it’s something you want to be very informed and strategic about (getting your information from a verified expert and not just friends and family much less unknowns online).

A lot of helpful information has been shared by experts in International Living Postcards, International Living magazine, and on the International Living Bookstore.

It’s great that you’re thinking about this now, keep it up – the more informed you are, the more you lay out in a plan, the better and more empowered you will feel. (It’s a wonderful feeling!)

Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

For Panama I do often check internationally known sites like Airbnb, Booking, and Trip Advisor (one of the very helpful things on Airbnb is how messages between renters and landlords are automatically translated) but according to your preference you can also check locally popular site Compreoalquile.com – most of the listings will of course be in Spanish; if you’re fluent then great but if not Google Translate or ChatGPT can help.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi MRANADE,

For Panama you can check internationally known sites like Airbnb, Booking, and Trip Advisor.

You can also check local site Compreoalquile.com, most of the listings will of course be in Spanish; if you’re fluent then great but if not Google Translate or ChatGPT can help.

One last tip – and thank you for asking this question so I could post this,it’s a good question and one we get often: IL’s multi-region reports are a fantastic introduction for you to kick off your research. Generally speaking once you are far enough along that you’re ready to actually book a visit it’s best to research one country or region at a time there’s often no one-size-fits-all answer. Different countries (and regions) may have their quirks and differences (and we love addressing these!) You can post specific questions here and IL’s correspondents across the globe do their best to respond, and your fellow readers will often have valuable experiences to share as well.

Happy planning!

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Note that Panama does not have large high-end assisted living facilities as most families here (as is customary in most if not all of Latin America) choose affordable in-home care instead. There are some smaller options like Wonder Years and I do hope to see more options added but at present there isn’t a huge demand… yet.

As a single woman I chose Panama because it is one of the region’s wealthiest, safest, most modern and most stable countries – which means it’s great for single independent types like me who love having the freedom to roam. Panama’s expat communities have been singled out again and again as some of the most active, welcoming communities in the world. It’s so nice living in a place where you’re truly welcome, and where locals are very accustomed to foreigners, especially from the States. Here, I have the freedom to live my life as a single woman comfortably (and with access to so many little luxuries, from nice wine to island vacations)… I live here with a constant and pervading sense of safety and freedom … of possibility…

I did comment in the Panama Canal thread so please do see that above as well, thanks

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

• engineers

[Jessica Ramesch]

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

As a non-political “autonomous” entity the Canal is not affected by changes in presidents/administrations.

Panamanian enginners, geologists and others were already working at the Canal alongside Americans long before Panama took over running the Canal.

Panama was prepared by the US to run the waterway over a 20-year transition period, as laid out in the Torrijos-Carter treaty. Panama has been running the Canal extremely successfully since Panama officially took over in 1999 (so we’re talking over two decades, 25+ years)

I do understand these concerns are coming from 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 of you 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. The country has this year once again rotated into a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2025 & 2026. 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.)

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi RAVNSTAR

Hope you had a nice holiday season, I’m just back from annual leave and saw your post. Here’s the important information you need to know.

Panama is extremely sunny and extremely rainy, with over 300 sunny mornings a year and high annual rainfall. Here’s a breakdown:

Dry season: December to April in most parts of the country.

Rainy season:

First phase: May – June, most of the country gets afternoon showers (generally an hour or two).

July: Often there’s a “second summer” (three weeks or so with no rain). Otherwise generally same as above.

Heaviest rains and storms (no hurricanes): usually from August through November. Even during this heavy period we see the sun most mornings, it’s very rare to get more than three days of rain.

Annual rainfall in Pacific regions: 35 to 70 inches a year.

*** Panama’s mountain and Caribbean regions can get 100+ inches of rain per year.

Additional info: Average temp at sea level in Panama City: 88F daytime/78F nighttime. Pacific coast regions like Coronado can be a few degrees cooler. Boquete and other mountain towns are generally 10-15 degrees cooler and can drop to 60F at night. (Wherever you go, bring a light cardigan/jacket. Bus, boat, & plane rides in Panama are often extremely cold.)

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

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