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

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.

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

Protests in Panama (& Why This Country is Still Where I’d Rather Be)

You may have heard about protests in Bocas del Toro dragging on and finally leading to a declared state of emergency… and if so, you’ve probably got questions. (Just how bad… or not bad… is a “state of emergency” in Panama, anyway?)

Here’s a breakdown, with some local perspective to help you understand more fully (because the superficial coverage offered by international news outlets can get a lot wrong).

- The epicenter of the protests is in Changuinola. Close to the Costa Rica border, this is a lesser-known part of the Bocas del Toro province. Most visitors (and expats) fly straight to the islands—the Bocas archipelago—and never even set foot on the mainland territory where Changuinola is located. (In Changuinola, peaceful protests escalated with some reports of vandalism and looting.)

- Everything’s peaceful for now, but internet and cell service were suspended, though many who have internet through Starlink were able to stay (mostly) connected. That part—in addition to supply-chain difficulties caused by some 45 days of protests and roadblocks—did inconvenience folks on the islands. That said, tourists have continued to arrive and enjoy the islands and their beaches. And expat communities, known for their close-knit grapevines, really shine when there are problems or inconveniences. Expats know better than most how to come together, help each other… and stay happy and grateful, too.

- The protester’s concerns are valid. The protests were sparked by the current government’s plan to make changes to Panama’s beleaguered social security system. (Workers—especially banana workers—said they would not accept having to work even more due to new social security regulations. Chiquita fired thousands of striking plantation employees and suspended operations in Panama entirely.

- There were protests all across the country, but by and large these have been peaceful. Protests are super common here; Panamanians young and old are vigilant about protecting their rights, the environment, unions, indigenous communities, social security… whatever they feel needs to be protected, in short. (In that sense they are very like the French—another people known for their penchant for protests.)

- Police in Panama are remarkably effective and moderate. I won’t say there aren’t some bad apples or regrettable periods in Panamanian history, but over my two decades here I can say they do tend to strike an admirable balance between safety and heavy-handedness. (Panama has one of the world’s highest ratios of police per capita, and the force cracks down crime waves before things get out of hand… hence this country’s reputation as a modern, safe, welcoming mecca.)

Want to know even more? Read on for my perspective piece after 20 years in Panama…

My Chosen Life in Panama

By Jess Ramesch

“Do you still love Panama?” he asked.

I was at a small gathering last night, talking to a neighbor about my travels.

“Yes. Now more than ever, really.” I said.

We were in my building’s rooftop social area, sharing appetizers, potluck-style, and listening to our friend Pete play the guitar and sing. It was a hot day, but a spirited breeze worked its mischief, lifting napkins, paper plates, and bits of rum baba... and cooling sweaty brows. Sunset gifted us pink ice cream clouds that floated deliciously over tropical fiesta blues and greens….

As I looked around me, taking in the warm Panamanian Pacific and the golf course beckoning beyond, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky.

I love being home just as much as I love traveling. I fall for nearly every country I visit. (I adore Mexico and Argentina… am newly interested in Uruguay… )

But Panama… Panama is my rock.

When I consider my travels throughout the country and abroad… what I’ve read in the US and global news… the turmoil of the past few years (and the silver linings)… all of life’s little foibles and pleasures… I am more grateful than ever for Panama.

Life is good here. People are chill. Even during times of great uncertainty—the global financial crisis, the pandemic, and the driest, hottest year all come to mind—in fact, especially during times of great uncertainty, Panama is where I’d rather be.

It’s boringly stable, comfortable, and convenient. It’s number one in Latin America for its environmental performance and sustainability. (Panama is one of only a few carbon-neutral countries on the planet.) It’s the wealthiest country in Latin America by PPP… it’s had the fastest growing economy in the region for years… and it’s known as the Hub of the Americas because of its incredible international airport, home to Central America’s best airline.

Panama is perfect… for me… but it isn’t without its problems. No country is perfect.

Here there are inefficiencies in government, the judiciary, and trash collection… to name a few. While very modern, with high-speed internet across the country and countless services online… it is also, in many ways, still developing. (As is every single country in Latin America.)

But there’s no other place on earth that offers so much with so little inconvenience:

• A mild sunny tropical climate, Pacific and Caribbean beaches and islands, and zero hurricanes

• Proximity to the US and Canada (we’re about a three-hour flight from Miami)

• A strong dollarized economy (Panama adopted USD over a hundred years ago)

• Affordable quality healthcare

• No foreign income tax

• Low property taxes

• And much more…

Panama keeps rising to the top (in fact, it has topped IL’s Annual Global Retirement Index more times than any other country).

I live very well here… and I have a deep sense of security and well-being.

No matter who you are or what part of the world you’re in, I think we can all agree on one thing: The past few years have been kind of crazy. All kinds of crazy, really.

Collectively, we’ve lived through “interesting times” of the sort that come along once every few decades… and that force us to stop and take stock of our lives.

I’m incredibly grateful that I got to spend those years in Panama. It’s here that I found my place in the sun. It’s also where I’d choose to weather any metaphorical storm.

And no matter who you are, or what part of the world you’re in, a storm is bound to come along, sooner or later. Choose your safe harbor wisely… and weather it well.

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!

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

Thanks Doug, I'll add that Casco is romantic, beautiful, and fun, but it's also pricey by local standards and filled with tourists and revelers, so it's worth booking a longer stay to see how you feel... some expats adore it and don't mind the tourists while others prefer to visit often but live elsewhere. Happy exploring...

Hello HPMALM,

While I can't anticipate what special needs your group might have here is some important information. (I'm including some resources you can reach out to for further information, scroll all the way down.)

Re your other question here's all the info I have about firearms (I am fairly certain there would be zero recognition in Panama of any permits you hold in the U.S.):

"Hunting is not allowed in Panama. The fauna is protected here, and illegal hunting
will subject you to arrest and the imposition of heavy fines.

Importing firearms and obtaining permits for use of firearms have always been
arduous processes in Panama. At present, there is a moratorium on the importation
of certain firearms—consult a reputable Panama attorney to ensure you have the
latest info before attempting to ship or bring in any type of weapon.

In mid-2018 the government also announced new requirements and restrictions on gun permits.
Applicants are subject to biometric facial recognition exams and must provide DNA in
addition to fingerprints. Again, for the most up-to-date information, consult with your
Panama attorney.

Keep in mind that very few countries outside the US are liberal about gun
ownership and use. Bringing a gun into Panama without an importation permit is
considered gun running, with stiff penalties. Having a gun without a gun permit is a
serious offense. Shooting an intruder or trespasser could land you in prison with no
recourse. And while Panama is modern in many ways, its jails are not."

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IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR PANAMA TRIP

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Dear Panama Enthusiast,

International Living (IL) takes pride in being your best resource for info about life in Panama & other locations around the world. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important information with you.

Immigration

US/Canadian citizens: You must have a passport to visit Panama. You do not need a tourist visa. Check your passport expiration date—it must be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival. Be prepared to show proof of solvency & of intended departure. Panama law requires adults to carry ID. Panama’s tourist law states that Americans/Canadians can stay for 90 days but for many years now immigration has been granting 180 days, meaning you are welcome to stay up to six months with no visa required.
All information in this message is subject to change.

Always check travel info and advisories before you go (see US State Dept - travel.state.gov or Government of Canada - travel.gc.ca). It’s wise to also double-check websites/social media for updates from airlines/airports, embassies/consulates, etc.

Additional resources you may find helpful:

US Embassy in Panama: https://pa.usembassy.gov.
Panama Tourism Authority: www.tourismpanama.com.

Resources & Trip Planning

Airport: Most travelers fly into Tocumen International (PTY), aka the Hub of the Americas, located east of the Panama City center. Copa, Panama’s flag carrier and Latin America’s largest airline, helped transform Tocumen into the region’s best and busiest hub with an incredible selection of international flights (and domestic flights between Panama City & David).

Many other airlines also serve Tocumen, including United, Delta, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines. If flying from Canada, Sunwing or Air Transat might offer packages/charter flights direct to the beach (Scarlett Martinez airport, Rio Hato, about 30 mins from Coronado).

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

Hotels/accommodations: Use online services like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, or Google Maps reviews to ensure your pick has good, recent reviews.

Panama City: The Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Airport Hotel 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 metro access, walkability, & good value hotels like Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel (there are MANY other options). Bella Vista is also walkable and offers ocean/Cinta Costera views/access (luxury hotels here include the Hilton Panama and the Waldorf Astoria Panama). Casco Viejo is very romantic with its historic plazas and colonial architecture. It’s generally expensive and can be noisy (loud music). It’s beautiful and walkable and fun.

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.

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 don’t use them as Ubers tend to be cheaper & nicer. Uber pick up is from the middle lane or airport parking lot.

Domestic air travel: Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (“Albrook airport”) is a hub for Air Panama with domestic flights to Bocas del Toro, Chitré, and David.

Boquete/David: You can drive, take a bus, or fly to David from Panama City (Copa Airlines/Tocumen Airport or Air Panama/Albrook Airport). The Enrique Malek airport in David is mostly domestic (Costa Rica being the exception). There are several car rental agencies at the airport. The drive/bus ride from David to Boquete is about 40 mins.

Coronado/Arco Seco Pacific beach region: Drive or take a bus from Albrook bus terminal (Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, Grantnt.com). The Scarlett Martinez/Rio Hato airport is used for private/charter flights only (no regular commercial flights). The drive to Coronado is about 1.5 hours. Avoid rush hour (heavy traffic, lane reversals).

Tours/ground transportation: There are many providers offering road trips, tours (day tours, eco-tours, etc.), ground transportation, airport pickups, trip planning assistance, etc. Here are a few options, and you’ll find 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 beach region) Services Coronado servicescoronado.com

Kindly note I am a writer and not a tour guide.

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

Navigation/connectivity: Waze is a great driving app to help you navigate Panama City if you get local data. Download Panama to your smartphone’s Google Maps app for offline access. For local cell/data service, you can buy an esim or get a local sim card/cheap cell at the airport or 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 Panama-minted coins.

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

Foreign exchange: You can withdraw USD from ATMs, use your credit card for purchases, or take care of your exchange needs on arrival in Tocumen Airport. ATMs are easy to find in most cities but some small towns/islands do not have ATMs. Plan ahead.

Climate & weather: Average temp at sea level in Panama City: 88F daytime/78F nighttime. The Coronado beach region is generally a few degrees cooler. Boquete and other mountain towns are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than Panama City 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.

Dry/summer season: December through April in most parts of the country.

Rainy/green season: starts in May, most of the country outside of the Caribbean gets afternoon showers (an hour or so).

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

Heaviest rains and storms (no hurricanes): usually from August through November.

Mountains and Caribbean get nearly 2x as much rain as the Pacific region.

For current weather information consult a trusted news/weather source like Weather.com.

**Important resources for potential expats: **

Here are some providers that will be happy to hear from you and help with relevant matters:

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 Panama-related legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to:

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

Ted Baumann is IL’s Global Diversification Expert, focused on strategies to find the right country for residence, expand your investments, lower your taxes, and preserve your wealth overseas. To book a consultation visit https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/.

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

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Serious about Panama? Step it up with IL’s best-selling book on Panama.

Escape to Panama by Jess Ramesch is the ultimate resource, with detailed chapters on everything from high-value destinations with active expat communities to property law, taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and visas. Learn about important regions that are worth exploring now… and get insider tips for a smooth move, along with info on Panamanian culture, language, etiquette, and more. See www.ilbookstore.com.

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Information on the next International Living seminar in Panama City, Panama will be posted at https://internationalliving.com/conferences as it becomes available. The next event will be in 2026. 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.

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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)

• 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 of luck with all your Panama plans!

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

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

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

Did you know... you can ski in Argentina! (Or pretend to snowboard, like me, Miss Fallsonherbutt!)

Amazing wine, chill people, snowy slopes... I'm in love with Bariloche!

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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

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/.