WARNING: Life in Panama may cause excessive relaxation, an addiction to fresh seafood, and an inability to tolerate cold weather ever again. Proceed with caution!
Have you ever wondered if you could actually survive living in Panama? Well, let’s find out with this definitive 10-step survival test. If you think you can handle it, you just might be cut out for life in the tropics.
10 - Surviving… Year-Round Tropical Weather
Let’s start with the obvious: Can you handle living in a place where it’s always summer? No more shoveling snow, scraping ice off your windshield, or wearing five layers just to check the mail. Instead, you’ll be “suffering” through 80-degree breezes every single day. If warm, tropical weather offends you… Panama may not be for you.
9 - Surviving… In-Home Spa Treatments
Picture this: You’re in your apartment, the ocean breeze drifts through the open balcony, and a professional masseuse is working out all the stress you used to have before moving to Panama. Can you handle a world where in-home massages cost less than a casual lunch out? If not, maybe stick to that overpriced chair massage at the mall.
8 - Surviving… Cheap Domestic Services
In Panama, it’s completely normal to have regular maid service. Some expats splurge and have a weekly maid, while others have jumped all-in and employed a full-time maid. At $25 to $40 a day, you don’t have to be a billionaire to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Imagine never scrubbing a toilet, mopping a floor, or folding laundry ever again. If letting someone else handle the chores while you sip a piña colada on your balcony sounds too stressful… well, consider yourself warned.
7️ - Surviving… The Golf Course Dilemma
Panama is home to 11 golf courses—many with spectacular ocean or mountain views. The real challenge? Deciding which world-class course to play on any given day. If facing an endless lineup of lush fairways sounds too overwhelming, you might want to rethink your survival skills.
6️ - Surviving… An Overload of Fresh Seafood
Ever had lobster for lunch on a Tuesday just because it was cheap and fresh? Can you endure unlimited ceviche, shrimp, and grilled fish straight from the ocean—without your wallet suffering cardiac arrest? If the thought of affordable, top-quality seafood sends shivers down your spine, you may be in trouble.
5️ - Surviving… Restaurants That Actually Remember You
Unlike big cities where you’re just another anonymous customer, Panama’s restaurant scene is personal. The waitstaff remember your name, your favorite dish, and even how you like your coffee. If you prefer bland chain restaurants where nobody cares… then Panama could be too much for you.
4️ - Surviving… The Low Cost of Living
Imagine your carrying costs are just a tiny fraction of what you’d pay in North America, your healthcare bill doesn’t require a second mortgage, and dining out every night actually makes financial sense. If spending less money on more luxury is a burden… good luck.
3️ - Surviving… A Laid-Back Lifestyle
Life in Panama moves at a different pace. Things take time, people actually enjoy their coffee breaks, and nobody is in a rush to stress out. If you thrive on road rage and office burnout, this might be your breaking point.
2️ - Surviving… Making New Friends Instantly
Expats in Panama are friendly. Really friendly. You’ll find yourself meeting new people at happy hour, in the grocery store, even at the dog park. If you prefer cold, distant social interactions—well, Panama might be a bit too welcoming for you.
1️ - Surviving… Never Wanting to Leave
Here’s the ultimate survival test: Once you get here, you won’t want to leave. Vacations back to your home country will feel like trips to the frozen tundra, and every time you check real estate prices elsewhere, you’ll laugh. OUT. Loud. If you’re not ready to fall in love with paradise… better stay put.
Final Score: Did You Pass the Panama Survival Test?
If you made it through all 10 points without running for the hills, congratulations! You just might be able to survive the ultimate challenge—enjoying your new life in Panama.
Thanks for tuning in. I’d love to stay and chat but… my masseuse is here.
See you in Panama!
Have you ever wondered if you could actually survive living in Panama? Well, let’s find out with this definitive 10-step survival test. If you think you can handle it, you just might be cut out for life in the tropics.
10 - Surviving… Year-Round Tropical Weather
Let’s start with the obvious: Can you handle living in a place where it’s always summer? No more shoveling snow, scraping ice off your windshield, or wearing five layers just to check the mail. Instead, you’ll be “suffering” through 80-degree breezes every single day. If warm, tropical weather offends you… Panama may not be for you.
9 - Surviving… In-Home Spa Treatments
Picture this: You’re in your apartment, the ocean breeze drifts through the open balcony, and a professional masseuse is working out all the stress you used to have before moving to Panama. Can you handle a world where in-home massages cost less than a casual lunch out? If not, maybe stick to that overpriced chair massage at the mall.
8 - Surviving… Cheap Domestic Services
In Panama, it’s completely normal to have regular maid service. Some expats splurge and have a weekly maid, while others have jumped all-in and employed a full-time maid. At $25 to $40 a day, you don’t have to be a billionaire to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Imagine never scrubbing a toilet, mopping a floor, or folding laundry ever again. If letting someone else handle the chores while you sip a piña colada on your balcony sounds too stressful… well, consider yourself warned.
7️ - Surviving… The Golf Course Dilemma
Panama is home to 11 golf courses—many with spectacular ocean or mountain views. The real challenge? Deciding which world-class course to play on any given day. If facing an endless lineup of lush fairways sounds too overwhelming, you might want to rethink your survival skills.
6️ - Surviving… An Overload of Fresh Seafood
Ever had lobster for lunch on a Tuesday just because it was cheap and fresh? Can you endure unlimited ceviche, shrimp, and grilled fish straight from the ocean—without your wallet suffering cardiac arrest? If the thought of affordable, top-quality seafood sends shivers down your spine, you may be in trouble.
5️ - Surviving… Restaurants That Actually Remember You
Unlike big cities where you’re just another anonymous customer, Panama’s restaurant scene is personal. The waitstaff remember your name, your favorite dish, and even how you like your coffee. If you prefer bland chain restaurants where nobody cares… then Panama could be too much for you.
4️ - Surviving… The Low Cost of Living
Imagine your carrying costs are just a tiny fraction of what you’d pay in North America, your healthcare bill doesn’t require a second mortgage, and dining out every night actually makes financial sense. If spending less money on more luxury is a burden… good luck.
3️ - Surviving… A Laid-Back Lifestyle
Life in Panama moves at a different pace. Things take time, people actually enjoy their coffee breaks, and nobody is in a rush to stress out. If you thrive on road rage and office burnout, this might be your breaking point.
2️ - Surviving… Making New Friends Instantly
Expats in Panama are friendly. Really friendly. You’ll find yourself meeting new people at happy hour, in the grocery store, even at the dog park. If you prefer cold, distant social interactions—well, Panama might be a bit too welcoming for you.
1️ - Surviving… Never Wanting to Leave
Here’s the ultimate survival test: Once you get here, you won’t want to leave. Vacations back to your home country will feel like trips to the frozen tundra, and every time you check real estate prices elsewhere, you’ll laugh. OUT. Loud. If you’re not ready to fall in love with paradise… better stay put.
Final Score: Did You Pass the Panama Survival Test?
If you made it through all 10 points without running for the hills, congratulations! You just might be able to survive the ultimate challenge—enjoying your new life in Panama.
Thanks for tuning in. I’d love to stay and chat but… my masseuse is here.
See you in Panama!
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