We go to some pretty far-out extremes to be happy. Some of us pour our money into expensive cars or clothes. Others dutifully deposit funds into the “vacay” jar, longing for the next opportunity to escape. Some of us, though, decide to create lives that we don’t need to escape from. Because to escape would mean […]
Category: Lifestyle Tips
Shopping in Panama: A Survival Guide
The holidays are upon us, and for most of us that means it’s time to do some shopping. As an obliging mother of 2, I’ve spent many Christmas’ in Panama scouring the country, credit card and crayon-sprawled wish list in hand, looking for the best places to play Santa Claus. Luckily, Panama offers the best shopping […]
Staying Healthy in Panama (Even During the Holidays)
In Panama, it seems to me that some holiday traditions are charmingly novel to the expat, while others are more universal. For example, you will almost certainly find yourself humming along to a Spanish version of Little Drummer Boy in the aisles of the supermarket (though being able to sing it is another story.) And yet, […]
The Modern Day Cost of Living in Panama
It may strike you as odd that I felt it necessary to specify “modern day cost” in the title of this article. Truthfully, most of the “cost of living” articles I see these days are painfully outdated. It drives me up the wall! “Live in Panama for $1000 a month.” What a bunch of crock! Okay, they’re […]
6 Tips for Driving in Panama
Driving in Panama can be stressful, especially for those of us hailing from places like the Unites States and Canada. Being an Australian myself, I definitely experienced somewhat of a cultural shock upon first hitting the roads. I soon came to realize, however, that the cultural differences between driving in Panama and driving elsewhere are not […]
Are Expats in Panama Being Targeted?
As a foreigner living abroad, it’s virtually impossible to escape to the potential of being targeted, or at least standing out. As a light-skinned, light-haired Australian woman who refuses to ditch her heels regardless of being taller than most, I’m no stranger to the phenomenon. While being the “Black Sheep” doesn’t have to a be a […]
FFQ: Frequently Feared Questions about Panama
Recently, it has occurred to me that many of my clients’ frequently asked questions about Panama are driven by fear. Fear of the Unknown, fear of change, fear of risk-taking. While having a certain level of fear is healthy to some degree, it’s important to assess fear with an open and fact-based mindset. Wouldn’t it be […]
The 4 Best Hospitals in Panama
Panama’s healthcare system has gained an international reputation for being one of the best in the world. Countless North American and Europeans are choosing to have medical procedures done in Panama for a fraction of the cost- and they’re doing so with confidence. Whether paying out of pocket, receiving discounts from the Pensionado Program, or using […]
How to Apply for Your Panama Visa
The procedure for applying for a Panama visa is the same whether you are applying for your Pensionado visa or your Friendly Nations visa. (As the former applicant, however, you must also provide proof of having these requirements for a Panama Pensionado Visa.) I have done my best to effectively translate and simplify these requirements, removing […]
10 Tips for Visiting Panama Immigration (without wanting to jump into the Canal)
Let’s be honest, here. Visiting immigration is one of my least favorite things on the PLANET to do. It’s confusing, lines are long, and it’s just- well- boring. To be fair, though- it’s a small price to pay considering all the various and distinctive benefits of living in Panama. Most of us never have to deal […]
Panama Pensionado Visa Requirements
Are you 18+ years of age? Do you receive any kind of monthly pension over $1,000? Is that pension guaranteed for life? Are you without any serious criminal history? If you answered yes to all, congratulations- you qualify to retire in Panama under the Pensionado Program. Now comes the fun part- proving it! Panama requires you […]
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