Thinking of moving to Panama? Let me tell you, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—but there are a few secrets I wish someone had shared with me before I made the leap. These aren’t negatives; they’re the little insider-secrets that could have made my transition smoother and my experience even better. So, whether you’re planning to visit…or you’re just daydreaming about tropical sunsets, stay tuned because these six shocking Panama secrets will blow your mind—in the best way possible! Let’s dive in and make your transition to paradise a whole lot smoother!
#6: The Weather Is Perfect—But It’s Not What You Think!
You might think “tropical paradise” means sunshine 24/7, but Panama’s weather is a bit more nuanced. The country has two seasons: dry season—which is also referred to as summer—and rainy season. And guess what? The rainy season isn’t a dealbreaker. In fact, it’s my favorite time of year! Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, leaving the mornings sunny and lush. Plus, everything looks greener and more alive during this time. If you plan your day right, the weather is a dream.
For more about the weather in Panama, be sure to watch this video.
#5: The Cost of Living Can Be Shockingly Low
I knew Panama was affordable, but I didn’t realize just how much you can stretch your dollar here—if you know where to look and where to shop. Here’s the secret: tourist areas can seem expensive. Restaurants, grocery stores, and services in these spots often cater to travelers, so they’re priced accordingly…often MANY times higher than what you can get elsewhere. But once you learn to shop and eat like a local, the cost of living becomes dramatically cheaper.
For example, instead of shopping at high-end grocery stores that stock imported goods, visit the local mercados for fresh produce at a fraction of the price. Dining out? Skip the touristy restaurants and try a local fonda, where you can enjoy delicious Panamanian meals for just a few dollars. These small shifts make a huge difference in your budget and allow you to experience the authentic side of Panama without overspending. When you want to splurge on a bougie high-end restaurant, you can plenty to choose from. But even the high-end restaurants cost significantly less than similar restaurants in North America.
#4: Driving in Panama Is an Adventure in Itself
One thing I didn’t fully prepare for was driving in Panama. The roads can range from smooth highways to winding, bumpy mountain paths, and local driving habits can feel, well, adventurous. Don’t be surprised if you see a sudden stop, a creative use of lanes, or even people crossing the road far from any marked crosswalk. But here’s the good news: once you get the hang of it, driving in Panama opens up a world of possibilities.
Having a car lets you explore hidden beaches, remote mountain towns, and breathtaking scenery that public transport won’t reach. If you’re planning to rent a car or drive here, my tip is to go with patience, a good map app, and a spirit of adventure. It’s all part of the charm, and trust me, the destinations are worth it!
#3: Panama Uses the US Dollar—Really!
Here’s something that caught me off guard in the best way: Panama doesn’t just accept US dollars—it uses them as its currency. Unlike many countries where dollars are accepted alongside the local currency, in Panama, the US dollar is the currency. It’s a little confusing because when you look up currency rates, you’ll see something called PAB, which is known as the Panamanian Balboa. However, aside from a few Panamanian coins, Panama doesn’t print its own money, but rather it uses the US Dollar as legal tender. Because of this, you won’t need to worry about exchanging money or calculating tricky conversion rates. What you see is what you pay.
This makes Panama incredibly convenient for travelers and expats alike. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying for dinner, or shopping at the local market, transactions are simple and familiar. Even better? Your dollars go further here, thanks to Panama’s affordable cost of living. It’s just another reason why transitioning to life in Panama is easier than you might expect!
#2: The Expat Community Is Your Lifeline
Panama’s expat community is one of its greatest assets. Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, but having a network of like-minded people who’ve been through the same transition makes a world of difference. They’ll share tips, introduce you to local culture, and make you feel at home faster than you’d think. Whether you’re into hiking, book clubs, or simply grabbing coffee, there’s a group for everyone.
If you want to learn why being part of an Expat Community is so important, check out this video.
#1: The Healthcare System Is Surprisingly… Incredible
Looking back, I think I was expecting the healthcare to be second-tier. Here’s the biggest shocker: Panama’s healthcare system is not only affordable but also world-class. Many doctors are U.S.-trained, clinics are modern, and the costs are a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Whether you need a quick check-up or major surgery, you’ll be impressed by the quality and the cost.
But here is where Panama’s healthcare exceeds what you’re used to… the care and the service. Not only can you get same-day appointments, but many of the doctors will give you their personal WhatsApp numbers, so you can call or text if you have a problem. If you don’t reach out, many of them will text the next day to see how you’re doing. That’s a level of care that I never expected.
For more about healthcare in Panama, watch this video.
Closing
So, there you have it—the six shocking secrets about Panama that I wish I’d known before moving. From the incredible weather and low cost of living to the vibrant expat community and world-class healthcare, Panama has so much to offer. If you’re considering visiting or even making the move, I hope these insights give you the confidence to take the leap.
Don’t forget to share this video with anyone you know who is dreaming about life in Paradise.
See you in Panama!
#6: The Weather Is Perfect—But It’s Not What You Think!
You might think “tropical paradise” means sunshine 24/7, but Panama’s weather is a bit more nuanced. The country has two seasons: dry season—which is also referred to as summer—and rainy season. And guess what? The rainy season isn’t a dealbreaker. In fact, it’s my favorite time of year! Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, leaving the mornings sunny and lush. Plus, everything looks greener and more alive during this time. If you plan your day right, the weather is a dream.
For more about the weather in Panama, be sure to watch this video.
#5: The Cost of Living Can Be Shockingly Low
I knew Panama was affordable, but I didn’t realize just how much you can stretch your dollar here—if you know where to look and where to shop. Here’s the secret: tourist areas can seem expensive. Restaurants, grocery stores, and services in these spots often cater to travelers, so they’re priced accordingly…often MANY times higher than what you can get elsewhere. But once you learn to shop and eat like a local, the cost of living becomes dramatically cheaper.
For example, instead of shopping at high-end grocery stores that stock imported goods, visit the local mercados for fresh produce at a fraction of the price. Dining out? Skip the touristy restaurants and try a local fonda, where you can enjoy delicious Panamanian meals for just a few dollars. These small shifts make a huge difference in your budget and allow you to experience the authentic side of Panama without overspending. When you want to splurge on a bougie high-end restaurant, you can plenty to choose from. But even the high-end restaurants cost significantly less than similar restaurants in North America.
#4: Driving in Panama Is an Adventure in Itself
One thing I didn’t fully prepare for was driving in Panama. The roads can range from smooth highways to winding, bumpy mountain paths, and local driving habits can feel, well, adventurous. Don’t be surprised if you see a sudden stop, a creative use of lanes, or even people crossing the road far from any marked crosswalk. But here’s the good news: once you get the hang of it, driving in Panama opens up a world of possibilities.
Having a car lets you explore hidden beaches, remote mountain towns, and breathtaking scenery that public transport won’t reach. If you’re planning to rent a car or drive here, my tip is to go with patience, a good map app, and a spirit of adventure. It’s all part of the charm, and trust me, the destinations are worth it!
#3: Panama Uses the US Dollar—Really!
Here’s something that caught me off guard in the best way: Panama doesn’t just accept US dollars—it uses them as its currency. Unlike many countries where dollars are accepted alongside the local currency, in Panama, the US dollar is the currency. It’s a little confusing because when you look up currency rates, you’ll see something called PAB, which is known as the Panamanian Balboa. However, aside from a few Panamanian coins, Panama doesn’t print its own money, but rather it uses the US Dollar as legal tender. Because of this, you won’t need to worry about exchanging money or calculating tricky conversion rates. What you see is what you pay.
This makes Panama incredibly convenient for travelers and expats alike. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying for dinner, or shopping at the local market, transactions are simple and familiar. Even better? Your dollars go further here, thanks to Panama’s affordable cost of living. It’s just another reason why transitioning to life in Panama is easier than you might expect!
#2: The Expat Community Is Your Lifeline
Panama’s expat community is one of its greatest assets. Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, but having a network of like-minded people who’ve been through the same transition makes a world of difference. They’ll share tips, introduce you to local culture, and make you feel at home faster than you’d think. Whether you’re into hiking, book clubs, or simply grabbing coffee, there’s a group for everyone.
If you want to learn why being part of an Expat Community is so important, check out this video.
#1: The Healthcare System Is Surprisingly… Incredible
Looking back, I think I was expecting the healthcare to be second-tier. Here’s the biggest shocker: Panama’s healthcare system is not only affordable but also world-class. Many doctors are U.S.-trained, clinics are modern, and the costs are a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Whether you need a quick check-up or major surgery, you’ll be impressed by the quality and the cost.
But here is where Panama’s healthcare exceeds what you’re used to… the care and the service. Not only can you get same-day appointments, but many of the doctors will give you their personal WhatsApp numbers, so you can call or text if you have a problem. If you don’t reach out, many of them will text the next day to see how you’re doing. That’s a level of care that I never expected.
For more about healthcare in Panama, watch this video.
Closing
So, there you have it—the six shocking secrets about Panama that I wish I’d known before moving. From the incredible weather and low cost of living to the vibrant expat community and world-class healthcare, Panama has so much to offer. If you’re considering visiting or even making the move, I hope these insights give you the confidence to take the leap.
Don’t forget to share this video with anyone you know who is dreaming about life in Paradise.
See you in Panama!
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