[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi Khari,

There’s no Mayo Clinic in Panama (I believe they do have a service for Panamanians traveling to the US). That said, Panama is one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced countries in Central America—and the capital’s quality healthcare facilities are a function of that.

The major private hospitals have affiliations with prestigious US and Int’l institutions.

Paitilla Hospital is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic, and the two hospitals hold joint conferences in Panama.

Hospital San Fernando affiliated with the Tulane University Health Services Center and Hospital Clinic, Baptist Health International of Miami, and the Miami Children’s Hospital. The San Fernando has a very well-regarded satellite in the beach town of
Coronado and an affiliation with the prestigious Hospital Chiriquí in David.

Hospital Nacional is run by the American Hospital Management Company, which is affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Kendall Medical Center in Florida.

Pacific Salud affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International and is among Latin America’s most technologically advanced hospitals, with state-of-the-art diagnostics and clinical care.

It was the first hospital in Panama City to offer direct billing for Medicare Advantage patients.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi John you can contact

MATT DOHERTY
RETA Concierge
Email: mdoherty@pangearesearchgroup.com

Or

DAVID HINTON
RETA Concierge
Email: dhinton@pangearesearchgroup.com

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi James while IL does not broker rentals or real estate you can contact Pangea for a broker contact:

Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com
Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com

We also often see good rentals posted on expat community Facebook groups like All Things Coronado but I recommend seeing units in person before committing to a rental found on Facebook for any number of days.

I always book myself into a hotel or Airbnb or similar (something with excellent reviews) for a few days while I go see options for longer-term in person.

Happy hunting.

Best,

IL Panama Jess Ramesch

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi Andrea,

Yes you do need to be in-country. You’ll get it if you apply and qualify for the Pensionado visa or if you become a legal resident (any visa) and are of retirement age (55 for women, 60 for men).

(Not technically a discount card, it’s a resident ID card… but it is indeed what you show to get the discounts.)

If you’re joining us at the big Bootcamp event in Portland this August 30-Sept 1, there’ll be a Panama attorney there to talk you through the process and answer all your questions about residence, real estate, wills… all the stuff expats need to think about.

Tons more info here: https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi Valeria,

While the obvious choice (The Panama Canal) is definitely worth a visit, see https://visitcanaldepanama.com/en/points-of-interest/miraflores-visitor-center/

I also highly recommend Casco Viejo, see this little write-up on fun things to do (go to the Panama City section): https://members.internationalliving.com/articles/bonus-content-vacation-in-panama-mag-11-2022/

And for a fun read and sense of all the city has to offer see: https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2024/4235809/

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

PLEASE PRESS PLAY

THANKS ALL 🙂

[Country Expert jessica ramesch]

Hi John, the next Fast Track Panama conference will take place March 20-22 during Panama’s glorious summer season. If you’ll be in Panama closer to December reach out to your RETA concierge, I’m sure they can help you view whatever good stuff they’ve got here.

November and December are extremely busy months in Panama with many holidays (and holiday traffic!)

Panama Holidays*

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)

2026

Jan 1, 2026: New Year’s Day
Jan 9, 2026: Martyr’s Day (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Feb 13-17, 2026: Carnival
Feb 18, 2026: Ash Wednesday
(March 20-22: International Living’s 2026 Fast Track Panama Event)
Apr 2-5, 2026: Holy Week (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours Good Friday)
May 1, 2026: Labor Day
Aug 15, 2026: Founding of Panama La Vieja (Original Site of Panama City)
Nov 2, 2026: Day of the Dead (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Nov 3-5, 10, 28: Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays)
Dec 8, 2026: Mother’s Day
Dec 20 (21?), 2026: National Day of Mourning (Dry – no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Dec 25, 2026: Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24 & 31)

* Subject to change. If a holiday falls on a Sunday 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

[Author]

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