International Living Community

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

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

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.

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!

Thanks Mike - I'll add that Panama's Copa Airlines also offers free long layovers if anyone who's passing through wants to stay a couple days and explore, see their website for info. Copa.com

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

With regard to the anti-mining protests, which were overwhelmingly peaceful: Panamanians in general do not blame or hate individuals when they take issue with government (or company) practices.

I.e., if you are Canadian (or American), people here tend to understand that you are not your government (or your mining companies).

The protests were last year and the protesters won - the Panamanian supreme court ruled in their favor and the government announced it would be closing the mine and no other/new mining operations may begin.

Thanks so much for your questions everyone, we answered most of them live and the recording is available here to watch anytime. You can also share with family/friends who are not yet members of IL using this link to IL's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3v7qaWPW6Q&ab_channel=InternationalLiving

Only members have access to watch and ask questions (here, you don't need to go to Zoom).

Thanks again!

IL Panama editor Jess 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!

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!

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

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

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).

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

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/.

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

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

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

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

Hi Cori,

In Boquete and indeed in any mountain town in Panama it pays to study the microclimates over an extended stay. Talk to immediate neighbors for the latest intel. In the greater Boquete district some areas may be windier or rainier while others may get lighter showers. The area known as Volcancito, for example, is notoriously windy. Ask neighbors to share experiences not just from this year or last but, if possible, over a five-year period. Panama is always affected by the El Niño and La Niña weather patterns; the former brings us drier weather (or droughts in parts of the country) and can last a year or more while La Niña ushers in a year or more of wetter weather (or flooding in parts of the country, including mountain regions).

No matter where you live in Boquete, though, it's very lush with frequent misty rain referred to as bajareque which means humidity is always high. Homes tend to be built with this in mind. E.g. slatted closet and cabinet doors can help keep clothing and shoes from getting musty or moldy, and some homes have air conditioning units even though the springlike temperatures mean you don't really need a/c (or heating). Running the a/c regularly can help you keep your home dry.

In a typical year in Boquete (no El Niño/La Niña) you'll have scattered showers and bajareque throughout the year with Jan-March being fairly dry and the heaviest downpours falling from August through November. Regardless of time of year, Boquete tends to be very sunny (and yes, that constant mingling sun and rain means lots of rainbows).

For more info you may want to check out https://www.boqueteweather.com/stations.htm, a truly wonderful resource that allows you to see recorded temps etc at the local weather station (it was amazing for this region to get this) and which cites among many other useful observations:

"A more typical day during the wet season in the Boquete District is to wake up to generally clear skies and sunshine. As the day progresses, you see cumulous clouds developing in the south and then growing into towering cumulonimbus systems. By mid afternoon, the cloud systems move into the area and rain falls. The thunderstorm rains last for varying amounts of time, but usually not more than a couple of hours. Slow steady stratus cloud rains from the Caribbean are unusual but occasionally occur during the wet season.

"Because the Boquete District is a large area with a lot of variation in elevation and terrain, there seem to be many microclimates. While this makes sense and there is a lot of folklore discussion about these microclimates, there is not a lot of available data from which to draw solid conclusions. "

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

• engineers

Hi Mark,

Hopefully readers who have scouted Panama will chime in. I'll just say I highly recommend coming down to see it for yourself, so it's great that you're planning a trip.

There are a lot of pros: the Pensionado residence program mentioned above, the strong dollarized economy, the welcoming people and long history of business- and foreigner-friendly policy, the out-of-this-world telecommunications, and the cosmopolitan capital with all its options for sports, entertainment, nightlife, culture, not to mention some of the best hospitals in all of Latin America. Some cons include customer service, trash collection in poorer areas, and driving habits. Though there are a lot of English-speakers it's definitely not like Belize where English is an official language; here you do need some Spanish to speak to bus drivers, store clerks, etc.

International Living's next Fast Track Panama event is slated for Feb. 7-9, 2025 - if you've ever attended an IL event then you know there's always an incredible roster of experts, expat speakers, and exhibitors - people who live in Panama and really know what they're talking about. Attendees have a chance to not only hear presentations but also chat with speakers. After the conference many feel confident to set out on their own in a rental car and explore, but exhibitors tend to offer a few specific area tours as well, great for those who enjoy being with a group (lots of friendships are made at these conferences).

Happy planning...

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch