Panama Is One of the Top Countries for Expats, But Is It Right for You?

Panama often ranks high on lists of the best countries for expats and the best places to retire. While it’s long been a popular destination for American retirees, many professionals, young couples and others from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere, have been making the move to this small Central American country that comes with many benefits.

While there is a long list of reasons to consider moving to Panama, including warm weather year-round, scenery that’s stunning and diverse, friendly people and a wealth of things to do, living in Panama isn’t for everybody. Some make the move only to find it’s not what they’re looking for and that’s the last thing we’d want to happen to you.

To help you make the best decision based on your own situation, requirements, and interests, these are some of the important factors to consider.

What If I’m Single?

Many singles make the move to Panama thanks to the affordability and higher quality lifestyle, but it’s essential to choose a destination that will fit your budget and offer the social life and amenities that you’re looking for.

Panama City offers buzzing nightlife that includes live music at multiple venues every night of the week. There are expat get-togethers, activities organized specifically for singles and a wide range of classes and lessons that make it easier to meet like-minded people on topics like photography, cooking and salsa. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the white beaches of Punta Chame are just a 50-minute drive away. Many singles living in Panama City enjoy traveling on the weekends to mountain towns for a cool respite from the heat too.

What If I Have a Family?

It’s one thing if you’re thinking about moving just yourself, but if you have a family, it can be challenging to relocate to another country. The good news is that Panama offers a lot for families with children. It’s overall very safe and the culture is family-oriented, providing a healthy atmosphere for raising children. With a mild, tropical climate, they can play outdoors and enjoy all sorts of activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and snorkeling. Just imagine, no more being stuck inside glued to the TV or a video games.

If you have school-aged children, Panama offers great options for schools and include many private international schools like Balboa Academy, ISP and The MET so you won’t have to alter their curriculum drastically and it allows the children to easily integrate into US, Canadian, or European Universities when they graduate. They’re comparably quite affordable and classes are taught in English, providing a big advantage over many other expat destinations.

How’s the Cuisine?

Panama is one of the most diverse countries in Latin America which results in a rich diversity of cuisine. The culinary scene is a hodgepodge of multiple gastronomic cultures that make this country a fabulous adventure for the taste buds. If you move here, you won’t have to eat chicken stew (sancocho de gallina) every day. While it is the perfect meal for nearly every occasion as the country’s signature dish (and a great hangover cure), you’ll find authentic Asian, including Chinese food like jampao and shumai, Afro-Caribbean, Greek, Lebanese, and more.

The cuisine is typically a fusion of Latin, indigenous cultures, Asian and Afro-Caribbean, but there are plenty of American restaurants serving great burgers, BBQ and more. You might even find a slice of Canada here, thanks to the many Canadians who’ve decided to call Panama home.

Beaches, Mountains or City?

While many come to Panama to soak up the sun and the sand, if you’re the kind of person who wants to be able to enjoy city attractions, mountains and beautiful beaches, you’ll find it all here. This may be a small country but the terrain is diverse, providing something for everyone all within a short drive.

How’s the Healthcare?

Healthcare in Panama is high-quality. So high-quality, and much more affordable as compared to costs in the U.S., Canada, and European countries, that it’s becoming one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism. There are many highly experienced English-speaking physicians that have been trained outside of Panama and speak English along with excellent hospitals.

Hospitals in Panama City include facilities affiliated with the renowned Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins Medicine International, Tulane Health Science Center and Miami Children’s Hospital, among others.

Is Spanish Language Fluency a Must?

While English is widely spoken here, you’re likely to find yourself in situations where knowing at least some Spanish will be very helpful. It’s true that areas such as Boquete and Coronado have a high concentration of English-speaking expats which makes it possible to get by without learning much Spanish, but there will be times when it will be more comfortable to understand and speak at least the basics.

Learning another language is much easier when you’re immersed in it which can be a big benefit of moving to Panama. It will also help endear you to the locals and allow you to develop more friendships too.

What About the Traffic?

While there is a long list of positives, traffic (for the time being) is not one of them. There are efforts to improve and enhance infrastructure underway to help ease traffic such as a new bridge and road expansions. Additionally, the Panama Metro is currently under construction throughout Panama. However, for the time being, you’ll need to be prepared for heavy traffic congestion, especially during commute hours and inclement weather. Uber makes getting around the city easy and cost effective, you can typically get anywhere in the city for between US $3-$7.

How Convenient is it To/From the U.S.?

Another benefit of moving to Panama is that it’s incredibly accessible, located just a few hours’ flight time from the U.S. via three international airports, including direct flights to/from all the major hubs and Panama City.

Currently, there are non-stop flights between Panama City and Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Newark and New York City (JFK).

A Fast- or Slow-Paced Life?

While Panama City is a near first-world metropolitan city, depending on who you are interacting with – there is still something referred to as the mañana concept in Panama and most other Latin countries. While the word translates to tomorrow, it has another meaning here as an understanding that life happens and in the tropics, it usually happens at a slower pace. When you get outside of Panama City, everything is more relaxed here with the realization that life is meant to be lived and whatever needs to be done can be done tomorrow.

Quality of Life

With that slower pace of life comes less stress. And, when combined with all of the sunshine, the saltwater, the fresh mountain air, and opportunities to get active in the outdoors and socialize with friendly people, you can expect to enjoy a healthier, happier, higher quality of life in Panama.