[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi T,

if you visit and find you like Panama City, Panama, it could be the place for you. It’s where you’ll find a larger concentration of educated people in all kinds of fields from STEM to literature and pretty much every other field imaginable. It’s also a very comfortable place to live with excellent entertainment, shopping, hospitals, etc etc. As a writer I am able to write from anywhere here with the generally excellent internet/cell connectivity. You’ll find my big feature article on Panama City in this month’s issue of IL Magazine.

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Mary,

Panama generally makes it easy to bring in dogs (or cats). The easiest way to do this is to contact a Panamanian relocation service or attorney, but you can also handle things yourself, just make sure you plan ahead as documentation is time sensitive. You’ll need to get health certificates for your pet(s) within 10 days of travel and get them certified by the appropriate local authority (USDA or Canadian Food and Inspection Agency) and a Panamanian embassy or consulate (or Apostille).

Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi P,

Retirement facilities like the one you describe aren’t very common in Panama. There are a couple nicer ones including Wonder Years (https://www.facebook.com/WonderYearsPty/?locale=es_LA) but mostly families care for their elder members in the home, hiring at home help. You may well have more options in Mexico as described in the other replies here.

Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Pat,

As you know the world’s been changing since you did that semester in Rome. Imagine all the change you’ve witnessed wherever you live now; in the 1970s US women often needed a man’s signature to get a bank account or credit card. That couldn’t be farther from the truth today, right?

All the other countries we’re talking about today have been progressing, too. I remember my first visit to Italy in the 90s and today more than 20 years later it’s a very different experience.

That said let me comment on Panama, where I live. In parts of Panama yes women will often be catcalled (generally women under 40), but in 2018 a new law and public campaign raised awareness and put sanctions in place, and that led to improvement. The wealthier Panama gets, the more educated and less prone to that sort of thing people are (today Panama is the wealthiest country in Latin America by PPP). Like other countries, Panama has evolved and continues to do so.

Is it a welcoming place for women? In my experience, yes. It’s pretty respectful (and by the way, elders are generally respected here and treated with more courtesy than in the US). For me it’s also a positive sign that there are women in high positions, as industry leaders, at the top in STEM careers, etc (Panama voted in its first female president in the 90s whereas the US has never had a female president).

I go out alone, even late night, and I have traveled the entire country (half the time on my own, driving my own car). Naturally I frequent nice areas and use the same blend of common sense and street smarts that keep me safe when in the States, but I am generally less worried when I am in Panama.

There may still be some challenges, here and no matter where you go, but as a single woman (and a POC) I feel safe and free to live my life in Panama, that’s a big reason why I love it and continue to live here.

Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Wendy,

You’ll need to note each country’s particularities individually. Panama has one of the world’s most stable banking centers so many expats have accounts in the US and here in Panama.

Research your US banks before a move abroad. Some banks—like Charles Schwab—may be able to offer you important perks like foreign ATM fee reimbursement. Others—like Capital One—may offer credit cards with zero foreign currency fees.

Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Eric,

Panama doesn’t require you to have health insurance but I urge everyone to buy travel insurance prior to any international travel and if you’re living in Panama rather than just visiting I do recommend looking into locally underwritten insurance if you’re under 64 or international insurance if you’re over 64.

After the age of 70 it can be difficult to get into an int’l insurance plan but you can use the super-subsidized public system in Panama and/or pay for inexpensive private out of pocket as it’s so affordable. (Most USCs keep some form of Medicare so they can return and be close to family in the event of anything major.)

Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi B,

You’ll need to note each country’s requirements individually.

In Panama: you can drive for up to 90 days on a US driver’s license but no longer. You’re generally allowed to stay for up to 180 days on a US passport but you can only drive for the first 90 of those days. Panamanian car rental companies generally require you to buy their insurance no matter what.

Most would agree Uber/the metro is preferable to driving in Panama City but outside of the city I do prefer to have a car.

Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Jonathan,
You’ll want to note each country’s restrictions (if any) individually as they can vary. I can answer for Panama: once you become a legal resident Panama asks you to touch Panamanian soil at least once in a two-year period to maintain residency. That means you never want to go two years without a visit, plan to come down in plenty of time before that two-year mark.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi CTFANDJCF,

It’s possible and you can find accounts online from people who’ve done the drive but because of safety concerns around certain border areas like Honduras it’s not something I would ever want to do, being risk averse myself. That said the Panama-Costa Rica border is safe and busy every day, that’s a drive you may someday want to do in your own car (or you can take the easy border buses or Ticabus as they’re called).

Best,

Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi THELMAMAXWELL750
The Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Airport & Hotels are far from city conveniences. You may want to choose central/downtown areas for ease of exploration. Obarrio and El Cangrejo are popular neighborhoods for good value hotels like Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel (there are tons of other options), metro access, & walkability. Bella Vista is also walkable and offers ocean/Cinta Costera views/access and a little more luxury in hotels like the Hilton Panama and the Waldorf Astoria Panama. Casco Viejo is very romantic with its monuments, plazas and colonial architecture but also an expensive and at times noisy tourism/restaurant/nightclub district. It’s beautiful and walkable, though. Use online services like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, or Google Maps reviews to ensure your pick has good, recent reviews.

I use Uber to get around Panama City as it’s inexpensive and GPS-tracked. I also use the metro for easy access to the city center and Albrook. I do NOT recommend yellow taxis in Panama City. I do use yellow taxis in other parts of the country.

I love Panama City! There are a million fun things to do! Have a wonderful time!
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Tom, that’s wonderful, reach out to Pangea for info on tours organized around the conference time:
Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com
Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com
Best,
Jessica

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hello DANIYEL.FIRESTONE

You’ll find plenty of rentals in and around Bella Vista, along the waterfront and within a short walk of the bayside promenade called the Cinta Costera. Short-term you can try online listings sites like Airbnb or reach out to Pangea, contact info below. The longer you stay the more you can try to negotiate a lower rate. If and when you decide to rent long-term (a year) you’ll encounter much lower monthly rates.

You can get car rental costs from larger outfits like National Car Rental and/or ask in specific expat communities outside the city about smaller local companies that might be cheaper; this will depend on which communities you visit. Some expats depending on length of stay did decide it would be more cost-effective to buy a used vehicle sourced through the expat grapevine and then re-sell it when moving on.

One of the most popular beach communities with easy access from the city is Coronado, that’s about 65 miles away. Playa Caracol is about 55 miles. IL has resources that cover beach regions and other parts of the country, legal aspects of renting to avoid potential pitfalls, money matters, infrastructure, banking, healthcare/insurance, and other important considerations. See your IL products page if you’ve already got the Escape to Panama book or visit the IL Bookstore http://www.ilbookstore.com and/or consult your Panama attorney (info for an attorney below).

Enjoy your time in Panama!

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Real estate/rentals: International Living does not sell/broker real estate/rentals. You can write to Pangea, exclusive real estate advertiser to IL, to request broker information or to ask questions about real estate, developments, and renting:
Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com
Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com

VISAS/ATTORNEYS: If you plan to live or buy a home here, you’ll need a reputable, reliable Panamanian lawyer to assist you with legal matters. You can send legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to:

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

DAVID GOLD
Casco Antiguo Spanish School
US Tel: (203) 820-2234
Email: David@cascospanish.com
Website: http://www.cascospanish.com

[Jessica Ramesch]

Hi Mark and Sue, if you’re a member of Real Estate Trend Alert and have bought in one of the RETA member-only deals do also reach out to the RETA Concierge team. They’re on hand to help RETA members with any issue and address any concern. You can arrange to speak in person with the RETA concierge team at any time here https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BSEpCR6r94Fw31JQf9f4C1Oj_N?domain=events-c.mp.realestatetrendalert.com. Or email them at mdoherty@pangearesearchgroup.com

[Jessica Ramesch]

Sounds like a fab trip, hope you have a wonderful time. One month gives you a week or more in each country. Two months gives you two weeks or more in each country. It’s a good idea to research one leg/country at a time as you’re planning (and whether you’re posting here, on facebook, or elsewhere, you’ll get better responses if you show you’ve done some research/ask one question per post).

I don’t believe Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica has an airport. To get to Panama from Costa Rica: you can drive to the nearest airport or take a nice bus over the border, see Rome2Rio.com for some examples of options.

Here’s some important info for Panama:

IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION

Immigration

US/Canadian citizens: You must have a passport to visit Panama. You do not need to apply for a tourist visa. Check your passport’s expiration date—it must be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival. No visa application is required. Be prepared to show proof of solvency & of intended departure. Panama law requires adults to carry ID at all times.
For years, Panama Immigration has been allowing US/Canada visitors to stay for as long as 180 days (even though the law stipulates 90). Please note that this is not guaranteed and can change at any time in the future.
All information in this message is subject to change. Always check with your home country’s foreign affairs office (e.g. US State Dept/Government of Canada travel advisory webpages) prior to travel to see whether there are any alerts due to health issues, protests, etc.

It’s always wise to double check websites/social media for updates from airlines/airports, embassies/consulates, government travel advisory issuers, etc.

Additional resources you may find helpful:

The US Embassy in Panama website: https://pa.usembassy.gov.

Panama’s tourism authority: http://www.tourismpanama.com.

Resources & Trip Planning

Arriving/Departing: Most travelers fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY), aka the Hub of the Americas. East of the Panama City center, it’s our only major international airport. As Latin America’s largest airline, Copa helped transform Tocumen into the region’s busiest hub with a growing selection of international flights (and domestic flights between Panama City & David).

Many other airlines also serve Tocumen—check United, Delta, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, or whatever airline you prefer. You can get important updates by monitoring airlines on social media and/or by signing up for mailings. If flying from Canada, Sunwing or Air Transat might offer packages/charter flights direct to the beach region airport, Scarlett Martinez (about a half-hour’s drive from Coronado, near Playa Blanca/Rio Hato). Promotional fares are often available via Copa and United online. Spirit offers budget flights to Panama.

*If you need help planning your visit, contact a travel agent or make use of travel and airfare tracker websites such as Kayak.com.

Hotels/accommodations: For help choosing a place to stay you can use online services like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, or Google Maps to ensure your pick has good reviews that are also recent.

Panama City: If staying in Panama City: the Riande Airport & Crowne Plaza Airport Hotels are far from city conveniences, so you may want to choose central/downtown areas for ease of exploration (Obarrio and El Cangrejo are popular neighborhoods for good value hotels, metro access, & walkability while Bella Vista offers excellent ocean and Cinta Costera views and a little more luxury in its hotels).

I often use Uber to get around Panama City as it’s inexpensive and GPS-tracked. Yellow taxis are readily available but I do not recommend using them in Panama City. They don’t use meters & they charge extra for pickup at hotels, airports, and tourist destinations. Always settle on the fare with the driver before getting in. For safety I also recommend taking a photo of the cab number/plates and sending to a friend or family member. Don’t tip unless the driver has gone above & beyond. Though I personally avoid taxis in Panama City, I do use them in other parts of the country (such as Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro).

White “tourism taxis” are the only ones authorized for pickup right outside airport doors. These & private ground transport companies charge $35 and up to/from city center. I try not to use them, as Ubers are often cheaper/better. Uber pick up is from the middle lane or airport parking lot.

Domestic air travel: The Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama City’s Albrook sector is a hub for domestic airline Air Panama with flights to popular sites such as David, Bocas del Toro, Contadora, Guna Yala (formerly San Blas) and sometimes Chitré/Pedasí.

Boquete/David: You can drive, take a bus, or fly from Panama City (Air Panama from the domestic airport in Albrook or Copa from Tocumen International Airport) to David. (The Enrique Malek airport in David offers flights to/from Costa Rica; all other flights are domestic.) You can rent a car at the David airport if you want to. The drive/bus ride from David to Boquete is usually around 40 mins.

Coronado/Arco Seco Pacific beach region: The Scarlett Martinez airport at Rio Hato serves mostly charter flights from Canada.

Tours/ground transportation: There are many providers offering road trips, tours (day tours, eco-tours, etc.), ground transportation, airport pickups, travel agency assistance, etc. Here are a few options, but you’ll find many, many more on review websites like TripAdvisor:

• Ancon Expeditions anconexpeditions.com
• Roadrunner Panama panamaroadrunner.com
• Inside Panama transport@insidepma.com
• Namu Travel Group namutravel.com
• (Coronado Region) Services Coronado servicescoronado.com

Rental Cars: There are many options, including National Rent A Car (http://www.nationalpanama.com/english/index.htm), which in my experience tends to have good rates/service.

Waze is a great driving app to help you navigate Panama City if you have local data. If not, you can download Panama City, Panama to your smartphone’s Google Maps app for offline access. For local cell/data service, you can buy a cheap cell phone or Panama sim card for your international/unlocked cell phone at Tocumen airport or at local malls.

Many restaurants have WiFi if you don’t have data or don’t want to incur roaming charges.

Money matters:

Panama uses the US dollar ($). It is locally referred to as the Balboa (B/.). Paper currency is all US but you will see some Panama-minted coins.

Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted in Panama City. Amex is not widely accepted in this country. Outside the city you may need cash for many expenditures, including lodging (as always in travel, assume nothing & ask before you go).

Foreign exchange: If coming to Panama with euro (or any other currency aside from USD), note that this is not a country where you’ll find exchange posts around every corner. You can withdraw USD from ATMs in Panama City, use your credit card for purchases, or take care of your exchange needs on arrival in Tocumen Airport.

Climate & weather

Average temperatures at sea level in Panama City: 88F daytime/78F nighttime. The Coronado beach region is often a few degrees cooler.

Dry season: December through April in most parts of the country. Rainy season: starts in May, with most of the country experiencing only afternoon showers. Heaviest rains: usually from August through November.

Boquete & Bocas del Toro get almost 2x as much rain as the Pacific region. Boquete/mountain regions can be cool (60F) at night. Wherever you go, bring a light cardigan/jacket. Bus, boat, & plane rides in Panama are often extremely cold.

There are no hurricanes here. For current weather information consult a trusted news/weather source like Weather.com.

Best of luck with all your Panama plans.

Serious about Panama? Step it up with IL’s best-selling book on Panama. Escape to Panama, by Jess Ramesch, is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to live/invest here. It’s a treasure-trove of detailed info on everything from high-value destinations to property law, taxes, & visas. Find out more at http://www.ilbookstore.com.

Information on the next International Living seminar in Panama City, Panama will be posted at https://internationalliving.com/conferences as it becomes available. To contact IL Events see Internationalliving.com/events-questions/, or call toll free from the US/Canada: 1-800-681-2402. International/direct dial (not toll-free): + 443-353-4232.

Panama Holidays* 2024

Jan 1, 2024: New Year’s Day
Jan 9, 2024: Martyr’s Day (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Feb 9-13, 2024: Carnival
Feb 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday
(Feb 16-18: International Living’s Fast Track Panama Event**)
Mar 28-31, 2024: Holy Week (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours Good Friday)
May 1, 2024: Labor Day
July 1, 2024: Presidential Investiture (every five years)
Aug 15, 2024: Founding of Panama La Vieja (Original Site of Panama City)
Nov 2, 2024: Day of the Dead (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Nov 3-5, 10 (11), 28, 2024: Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays)
Dec 8 (9), 2024: Mother’s Day
Dec 20, 2024: National Day of Mourning (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Dec 25, 2024: Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24 & 31)

2025

Jan 1, 2025: New Year’s Day
Jan 9, 2025: Martyr’s Day (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
(Feb 7-9: International Living’s Fast Track Panama Event**)
Feb 28-March 4, 2025: Carnival
Mar 5, 2025: Ash Wednesday
Apr 17-20, 2025: Holy Week (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours Good Friday)
May 1, 2025: Labor Day
Aug 15, 2025: Founding of Panama La Vieja (Original Site of Panama City)
Nov 2, 2025: Day of the Dead (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Nov 3-5, 10, 28, 2025: Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays)
Dec 8, 2025: Mother’s Day
Dec 20, 2025: National Day of Mourning (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Dec 25, 2025: Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24 & 31)

Subject to change. If a holiday falls on a weekend observance may be moved to the following Monday via executive decree (dates in parentheses). May be announced only days ahead of time.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Jessica Ramesch]

There’s a lot of variance. It really depends on the town/neighborhood as well as the type of property (apartment or home, luxury or mid-range, etc), so it is important to do your research based on these factors, but note this is definitely not a flipper’s paradise. I bought because I wanted to live here. What I like is the stability, we don’t tend to have major booms or bubble bursts. I’m confident I’ll be able to sell if/when I want to (bought in 2021, planning to keep for 5 years then evaluate whether to sell and buy again). Not expecting a huge profit but I’ll come out ahead versus if I’d rented. Mid-range property purchased for under $200k, coveted building with amenities (gym, pool, etc.) on a golf course in a top beach town. One bedroom (admittedly harder to sell than a 2/3 br, but I would have zero trouble renting it out and covering the mortgage and maintenance fee), just over 1,000 sq ft.

Best,

IL Panama editor Jess Ramesch

[Author]

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