You’ve seen the YouTube videos. You’ve read the blogs. And maybe you’ve even chatted with that one friend who won’t stop talking about their amazing life in Panama.
But what’s real… and what’s just expat fantasy?
Stay tuned, because today we’re diving into the tropical truth behind what it’s really like to live in Panama… and busting some of the biggest myths out there.
#1: Panama Is Just for Retirees
This myth is yesterday’s news.
Panama is a retirement haven, yes—but it’s also buzzing with young professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. Whether you're in your 30s building a business or in your 70s living your best life, Panama offers modern infrastructure, coworking spaces, and a vibrant community.
Fun Fact: Panama now has a thriving remote work scene in both Panama City and the Coronado Beaches area. In fact, most of the new projects are now including co-working spaces to make your life in Panama that much easier.
#2: Healthcare in Panama is Mediocre
This myth needs a second opinion.
Panama offers high-quality, affordable private healthcare. Many facilities are affiliated with U.S. institutions like Johns Hopkins, and most doctors speak excellent English.
Here’s a Fact You Need to Know: A specialist visit in Panama typically costs between $40 to $60 with little to no wait time. Healthcare is truly one of the most shockingly SPECTACULAR things about Panama.
#3: Panama Uses the U.S. Dollar
This is true.
Panama’s official currency is the Panamanian Balboa. However, it’s permanently pegged to the U.S. dollar. This makes the US Dollar the de facto currency of Panama. For Americans, as well as many other international expats, banking, investing, and day-to-day purchases are simple and familiar.
#4: Moving Abroad Is Too Complicated
This is a myth… and it’s time to demolish this outdated belief.
Panama is one of the most accessible countries for expats. With immigration programs like the Friendly Nations Visa and the Pensionado Visa, a streamlined legal process, and bilingual attorneys, relocating to Panama is easier than you might think.
In fact, with the help of a good attorney, most expats can get residency in just a few months.
#5: Panama Has Third-World Infrastructure
This myth is as outdated as a rotary-dial telephone.
Panama has modern roads, reliable electricity, high-speed internet, and clean drinking water in most areas. And if you want urban living, Panama City has a fully functional 2-line metro system, with a 14-station third line that is slated to be completed by 2026.
Fun Fact: Internet speeds in Panama City rival those of major U.S. cities, making it perfect for remote work … and streaming the latest videos of Yours Truly.
#6: You Have to Know Everything Before You Move
This is a myth…You don’t need a plan, just a plane ticket
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Panama is a learn-as-you-go experience. From immigration and banking to grocery shopping and cultural differences, you’ll learn by doing.
Every expat has a “first time I messed up” story. It’s part of the adventure.
#7: You Can’t Own Property as a Foreigner
This is myth.
Panama allows 100 percent property ownership by foreigners, with the same legal rights as Panamanian citizens. Whether it’s a beachfront condo or a mountain villa, your investment is protected by law. The only restriction is that foreigners aren’t allowed to own land located with 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) of an international border for national security reasons.
Bonus: Property taxes are incredibly low, and some properties even qualify for tax exemptions. For example, in my building, we won’t pay property taxes until 2032.
Myth #8: You’ll Lose Access to Modern Conveniences
This is a myth.
Panama offers everything you need—from Uber and high-speed internet to international supermarkets and food delivery apps. You won’t be roughing it unless you choose to. You can still get gluten-free flour, Louis Vuitton handbags, and specialty hair products.
Myth #9: The Rainy Season Will Ruin Your Life
This myth is all wet.
Panama’s rainy season starts in May and ends in November. When you look at the online, the weather forecasts can be deceiving because you’ll see rain forecasted almost every day during rainy season. You might think to yourself, “I don’t want to go to Panama and have it rain all day, every day!”
But here’s what the weather apps don’t tell you. Most days it rains for just a few minutes to an hour in the afternoon, and then it’s back to sunshine.
So don’t let the weather apps fool you from missing out on the best time in Panama.
Myth #10: It’s Hard to Get to Panama
This myth should check the flight schedule
Panama is one of the best-connected countries in the region. Tocumen International Airport offers direct flights to major cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America.
It’s called the “Hub of the Americas” for a reason.
Fact #11: Panama Is Politically and Economically Stable
This is true.
Panama is known for its long-standing political stability and strong service-based economy. The U.S. dollar, the Panama Canal, and a robust banking system all contribute to a solid financial foundation.
The Panama Canal alone contributes over $4 billion to the economy every year.
WRAP-UP
So, what’s the truth about Panama? As you can see, it’s not all hammocks and coconuts—but it is pretty amazing.
If you're looking for a country with modern conveniences, global access, affordable living, and vibrant culture, Panama might just be your dream destination.
If you enjoyed this episode, hit the like button, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss out on the real side of expat life in Panama.
Tell me in the comments—which myth surprised you the most, and which fact makes you want to pack your bags?
Until next time,
See you in Panama!
But what’s real… and what’s just expat fantasy?
Stay tuned, because today we’re diving into the tropical truth behind what it’s really like to live in Panama… and busting some of the biggest myths out there.
#1: Panama Is Just for Retirees
This myth is yesterday’s news.
Panama is a retirement haven, yes—but it’s also buzzing with young professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. Whether you're in your 30s building a business or in your 70s living your best life, Panama offers modern infrastructure, coworking spaces, and a vibrant community.
Fun Fact: Panama now has a thriving remote work scene in both Panama City and the Coronado Beaches area. In fact, most of the new projects are now including co-working spaces to make your life in Panama that much easier.
#2: Healthcare in Panama is Mediocre
This myth needs a second opinion.
Panama offers high-quality, affordable private healthcare. Many facilities are affiliated with U.S. institutions like Johns Hopkins, and most doctors speak excellent English.
Here’s a Fact You Need to Know: A specialist visit in Panama typically costs between $40 to $60 with little to no wait time. Healthcare is truly one of the most shockingly SPECTACULAR things about Panama.
#3: Panama Uses the U.S. Dollar
This is true.
Panama’s official currency is the Panamanian Balboa. However, it’s permanently pegged to the U.S. dollar. This makes the US Dollar the de facto currency of Panama. For Americans, as well as many other international expats, banking, investing, and day-to-day purchases are simple and familiar.
#4: Moving Abroad Is Too Complicated
This is a myth… and it’s time to demolish this outdated belief.
Panama is one of the most accessible countries for expats. With immigration programs like the Friendly Nations Visa and the Pensionado Visa, a streamlined legal process, and bilingual attorneys, relocating to Panama is easier than you might think.
In fact, with the help of a good attorney, most expats can get residency in just a few months.
#5: Panama Has Third-World Infrastructure
This myth is as outdated as a rotary-dial telephone.
Panama has modern roads, reliable electricity, high-speed internet, and clean drinking water in most areas. And if you want urban living, Panama City has a fully functional 2-line metro system, with a 14-station third line that is slated to be completed by 2026.
Fun Fact: Internet speeds in Panama City rival those of major U.S. cities, making it perfect for remote work … and streaming the latest videos of Yours Truly.
#6: You Have to Know Everything Before You Move
This is a myth…You don’t need a plan, just a plane ticket
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Panama is a learn-as-you-go experience. From immigration and banking to grocery shopping and cultural differences, you’ll learn by doing.
Every expat has a “first time I messed up” story. It’s part of the adventure.
#7: You Can’t Own Property as a Foreigner
This is myth.
Panama allows 100 percent property ownership by foreigners, with the same legal rights as Panamanian citizens. Whether it’s a beachfront condo or a mountain villa, your investment is protected by law. The only restriction is that foreigners aren’t allowed to own land located with 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) of an international border for national security reasons.
Bonus: Property taxes are incredibly low, and some properties even qualify for tax exemptions. For example, in my building, we won’t pay property taxes until 2032.
Myth #8: You’ll Lose Access to Modern Conveniences
This is a myth.
Panama offers everything you need—from Uber and high-speed internet to international supermarkets and food delivery apps. You won’t be roughing it unless you choose to. You can still get gluten-free flour, Louis Vuitton handbags, and specialty hair products.
Myth #9: The Rainy Season Will Ruin Your Life
This myth is all wet.
Panama’s rainy season starts in May and ends in November. When you look at the online, the weather forecasts can be deceiving because you’ll see rain forecasted almost every day during rainy season. You might think to yourself, “I don’t want to go to Panama and have it rain all day, every day!”
But here’s what the weather apps don’t tell you. Most days it rains for just a few minutes to an hour in the afternoon, and then it’s back to sunshine.
So don’t let the weather apps fool you from missing out on the best time in Panama.
Myth #10: It’s Hard to Get to Panama
This myth should check the flight schedule
Panama is one of the best-connected countries in the region. Tocumen International Airport offers direct flights to major cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America.
It’s called the “Hub of the Americas” for a reason.
Fact #11: Panama Is Politically and Economically Stable
This is true.
Panama is known for its long-standing political stability and strong service-based economy. The U.S. dollar, the Panama Canal, and a robust banking system all contribute to a solid financial foundation.
The Panama Canal alone contributes over $4 billion to the economy every year.
WRAP-UP
So, what’s the truth about Panama? As you can see, it’s not all hammocks and coconuts—but it is pretty amazing.
If you're looking for a country with modern conveniences, global access, affordable living, and vibrant culture, Panama might just be your dream destination.
If you enjoyed this episode, hit the like button, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss out on the real side of expat life in Panama.
Tell me in the comments—which myth surprised you the most, and which fact makes you want to pack your bags?
Until next time,
See you in Panama!
RSS Feed