Moving Checklist

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I moved to Panama from Dallas, Texas, with my two small dogs. I thought I had done everything right. It turns out, I didn't. This entire website is designed to help make it easier for you to vacation, live and invest in Panama, the jewel of Latin America.

Bringing pets? Go to Bringing Pets to Panama page
  • Moving for good? You still need to buy a round trip ticket. If you don't, be prepared because you may need to buy an expensive one-way ticket BACK at the counter. If you are forced to buy a return ticket, be sure to buy a full-fare ticket that is refundable.
  • Valid Passport. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 3 months from your date of travel.
  • Money. Panama is a cash society. Credit cards are a good backup, but cash is king. Be sure to read the section on getting money to Panama. In a nutshell, if you get your documents in a row before hopping a flight down, it will only take about a week to open an account. But in case it takes longer, be sure to bring enough cash to last a week or two. 
  • Clothing. If you're not used to humidity, you may feel hot your first few weeks in Panama. Be sure to bring clothing you can layer. Resort casual is fine for the beach areas, but you will need business casual clothing to go into banks, and full business attire if you plan on doing business in Panama City. You will also need a light sweater or jacket for when you are indoors or going out in the evenings. If you are extra large or extra tall, you may not be able to find clothes in Panama. 
  • Self-tanner. You're in the land of dark skin and sunshine, so if you're addicted to self-tanner for your almost-natural glow, you better bring enough to last a few months. 
  • Cotton Underwear. It's humid here, which means your clothing sticks to you. If you don't own cotton underwear, be sure to buy some before you come. You'll thank me later.
  • Sense of Humor. You're not moving to Little America, you're moving to Latin America. Things are different here. Some things will make you fall in love, some will drive you crazy, and other things will amuse you. But if you bring your sense of humor, you'll find that the good outweighs the bad.