Two Years in Panama: BEST and WORST Things Expat List!

[@IGoPanama]

Have questions about this video or anything else related to Panama? All of your questions about moving to Panama, retiring in Panama, living in Panama, or simply vacationing in Panama as a tourist can be asked on our I Go Panama facebook group! See you there! facebook.com/groups/igopanama We have OVER 100 fun & educational videos on Panama! View them all here: kzbin.infovideos

[@clinthumphreysr.6518]

I want moved there but I can’t convince my wife to make the move. Did y’all have to give up your American citizenship to live there? Can you be dual citizens?

[@IGoPanama]

@@clinthumphreysr.6518 We just have residency, not citizenship.

[@robertgillies9382]

@@clinthumphreysr.6518 I don't know of any country in the world where you need to give up your American citizenship just to live there.

[@gardensofthegods]

Sometimes in this vid your husband's voice drops down and I cannot really hear everything he is saying . Oh my cell phone I had the volume all the way up and it's frustrating trying to hear him

[@renigero]

@@IGoPanama we have the Residencia permanente and live here more then 2 years

[@robertgillies9382]

Panama is a nice place to live. I've been in Panama for 23 years now. I haven't been back to the states for over 10 years. If I did go back I would suffer from cultural shock. I am glad people are happy here. A goog place to retire. Life is a lot essier here. Certainly Panama is way better than Florida for lots of reasons.

[@mr-vet]

I was stationed in Panama in 1993 & 1994 when I was in the US Army. Met my Ecuadorian wife there…she was staying with her sister who was married to another Army guy. We were married in Panama and our daughter was born there in 1994. I was stationed at Ft Davis, near Colon, but the base was closed half way through my w year tour and then I worked out of Corozal.

[@helenequinn]

We lived in Ft Clayton in 1991-92 & loved it. I am a former Arny wife & some of my finest memories were in Panama. I’ve been back twice with current husband, who loves it. Our biggest hold up is trying to learn more Spanish & being so far away from small grand babies. It’s not as easy at this point in our lives in our mid-60’s.

[@thereseramey7743]

Congrats! I just got my Permanent Residence visa today! Just got back from David! Hecho!

[@IGoPanama]

AWESOME!!

[@thereseramey7743]

@@IGoPanama gracias!

[@pauljenkins6877]

Congratulations!

[@gardensofthegods]

@@IGoPanama you might want to scroll up about one spot to a comment by someone called tcbridges ... two months ago he asked you a question about coming there to get away from the winter cold in Pittsburgh

[@anthonyaranajr1996]

How do I do that I'm from Belize?

[@misschris662]

I am glad Panamanians do protest. An intelligent sign much needed in a world that is getting crazier by the day.

[@IGoPanama]

We have no problem with protests. We have a big problem when the protests cause food and fuel shortages and deaths due to medical services not being able to operate as needed.

[@misschris662]

@@IGoPanama prepare for worse. The world is changing rapidly. Again, thank god for those who see ahead, and fight for just causes.

[@papi7672]

Last time I was in Panama I became sick and I had to go to see a specialist and between the specialist and the medication it only cost me $55.00. I can live in Panama without worrying about having a medical or dental insurance, cause it is so cheap.

[@manuelarias9158]

U r utterly wrong

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Wrong...Insurance is very affordable, so get it...Get insurance in event you get REALLY sick!

[@dreamdiction]

@@paulbrungardt9823 Insurance is the reason why medical treatment is so expensive in USA.

[@pulsatingsausageboy2076]

@@dreamdiction That’s in the U.S.

[@dreamdiction]

@@pulsatingsausageboy2076 Yes, and if you implement a system of insurance in Panama then medical treatment will also become more expensive in Panama.

[@hugogonzalezgomez4162]

Hola!, it is the first time I watched your channel and I loved it, I am Panamanian and have lived in Panama most of my life, but due to my job for over 20plus years I can only visit Panama once per year, and I agree with everything you said in this video, Panama is still a developing country but compared to the rest of Central America's countries; Panama is a better place to live an retire to, in my opinion, I have had the privilege of visiting about 60plus countries around the world and every time I get back to Panama I simply love it more and more. I am really happy you consider Panama your home, and I am sure it will continue being your home for a long more. Happy Holidays, and I can't wait for your next video to come out.... cheers

[@renigero]

we are too 2 years in Panama, The life is very good. Greatings from Coronado.

[@michellewalter2734]

I want to know more about panama

[@mrbrew1022]

Great info 🙂. I really enjoy hearing the guy talk … so laid back and such a soothing voice . What a beautiful background they chose 😍

[@amazing-osky2052]

Great summary of living in Panama/Bocas del Toro. I was in Bocas in October and had a great time. I saw a lot of foreigners too, I think they live in Bocas and I see why.

[@dogcreek8547]

Oh my goush you two are living the life of Riley!

[@vitalyaleksandrov9962]

thank you very much for your positive attitude, happy anniversary , wait for more HAPPY videos

[@maryrosa6119]

I love the way you describe your experiences in Panama. Thanks for sharing and caring.

[@MV-fv9rm]

Love you guys specially your Positive Energy about my country Panamá, I was raised in the states, and I cannot wait to retire in Panama, but I’m definitely gonna wait till 65 to go there and retire. Thank you keep up the good work. Looking forward to your next video and yes I subscribe you guys are awesome.

[@alainbergeron4520]

Mary, wishing you a speedy recovery, wishing you the best. I was told you're having surgery.

[@Kwaddy79]

Happy Panaversary! My likes and dislikes are exactly the same, except I’d add personal safety as a huge positive.

[@IGoPanama]

Yes, I think most SA citizens would put safety high up on the "pros" list as well!! Coming from the US, even from Los Angeles, it's not on my radar as much. But from the stories I heard from Joy about all of the major precautions Saffers have to take daily.....Panama would definitely be a huge relief! That said, we really do feel very safe here all of the time.

[@Lifestyles1031]

Great video. Thanks for all the information!

[@cl2385]

Thank you so much for all that information and truthfulness too 😊😊. I did sign up to the FB group and getting so much info there too prior to our possible relocation to Panama. Will be doing our exploratory trip in January.

[@yodaibe1175]

Would like to retire in Panama. Been watching the videos. Thank you~💜

[@coolmg7482]

Yesssss Panamá is amazing. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bwtaudio]

Speaking of speed traps brings back memories of living in the Canal Zone in the late 60's. Back then driving across the isthmus entailed going from the Zone into Panama. I'll never forget my dad haggling with the Panamanian police over having too many people in our truck. He loved talking them down from a big fine.

[@BornersCorner]

Trying to talk my wife into looking at some properties in Pedasi! I am so tired of the division created by media and politicians and ready to shift back a gear! FOMO is real in the US and I am done with it! Thanks for sharing as I might be coming alone!

[@gigigo126]

As a member of the US military, my husband, children and I lived in Panama for four years in the 1970's. I was amused at your "dislikes". They are just about the same as they were then. The "likes" also except, of course, for Amazon. Mostly anything we ordered came by ship from the States, and at least a 1 month wait.

[@laskajonesyard6546]

You look great. Thanks for all the information!

[@lorendavidsonmusic]

I *love* Brian's shirt. :)

[@Steve-Chicago]

I watch your video since you start, it’s so quick for two years now.

[@nikkipogorzelski3046]

You didn't speak about how long it has been since there were protests in Panama. A few weeks into this protest I was visiting Panama and I got to well filled grocery stores and was able to get from El Valle de Anton to Chitre and then to Boquete with very little problems. (I think it has been almost 20 years since a major protest/complete shutdown). Thanks for all the videos you produced. They are definitely a factor in my decision to move to Panama❤️

[@IGoPanama]

We were in the massive protests in July of 2022 that shut down the country. But we deal with fairly frequent smaller protests in Bocas on a very regular (a few times a month) basis.

[@thomasmagnum3588]

I have been living in Panama City for over a year now, and no question the protests are getting worse. More organized, more frequent, more disruptive. I finally asked one of my native friends about it, and he confirmed the severity and frequency of the protests here have escalated in recent years. Of course coming from the US, we respect the rights of a free people to protest, to petition their government for redress. The difference here is that one single protest can shut the whole country down! It is definitely a factor to consider in moving here.

[@marcd1981]

Thank you for the video. My wife and I are planning on finally getting to Panama this year. The pandemic messed up a lot of plans, so we're finally getting to catch up. I was happy to hear about the positives and negatives, as you need to know both to make an intelligent decision about moving there. The low anxiety and friendly people are probably two of the best reasons you could have to live somewhere. Then top that with quality medical care and it seems to be a no brainer. I have some experience with being cut off from society because of protests. I was visiting Quito, Ecuador and stayed overnight about 2 hours outside of Quito. While having breakfast at the hotel the next morning, there was a lot of commotion and noise out in the street. I found out there was a major protest going on because of gas prices, and the main road back to Quito was cut off to all traffic (bus, taxi, etc.) I ended up staying in Ibarra for another two days until the protest was over. Thanks again, and Happy New Year!

[@MAG-x3n]

Yes the great thing of Panama is the Panamanians , the way the are is amazing. I been to many places in Europe and USA and the life is very depressing but Panamanians have so much spirit to live and Drs in Panama are amazing. And you can be more free in Panama. I love Panama, amazing place to get retired .

[@marshab.7224]

I have farm for sale in Pese,Herrera, Panama

[@tcbridges]

I hate winters in Pittsburgh, Pa USA and would love to just come there every winter for a couple months. Any suggestion on doing that and finding something to rent say Jan thru March 2024

[@gardensofthegods]

I just told them where your comment can be found and hopefully they will answer it . But if you scroll down one or two spots you will see where they responded to some people and if you click on to their logo and name there they will more likely than not see your question

[@jeff_costarica]

Nice congrats hope you are gona try to learn spanish , myself after just 1 month in costa rica i was feeling so bad not been able to speak spanish it turn to be my number 1 goal quickly . Curious about panama will follow for sure even if i feel so good in CR and will stay here for sure .

[@IGoPanama]

We speak enough Spanish to get by in everyday life. It's just when there's something major- car trouble, medical stuff, etc.... that our vocabulary isn't sufficient and the language barrier becomes a problem.

[@louisrodriguez2238]

Congratulations!! 👍🏽👍🏽awesome video

[@user-ju5vh4wl9g]

I got dengue when I lived in puerto armuelles. Do you have to wear mosquito repellent or do you not have issues with them?

[@user-ju5vh4wl9g]

Also, I know the trash is really bad in the city. Is it clean up there in the interior?

[@AliceInDiamonds]

Loved these shares thank you!!

[@justinellison4117]

Great video. Good to see a fellow grappler! Love the content.

[@gwenritch]

Happy Canadian living in Panama for years now

[@michellewalter2734]

How is living in panama?

[@schitre01]

Thank you guys!

[@michellewalter2734]

Good to know about panama!

[@ellenf.thomas9074]

Like your comments. Just add: Protests affected El Valle only slightly. Plenty of food/gas. Purposely did not drive anywhere for fear of getting stuck somewhere tho. Vets: we are lucky, there’s one in EV and a bunch of them in Coronado, Gorgona, Rio Hato.

[@KARW37]

How is the hiking? Any serious hiking??

[@jameslowder1274]

You beat us by 5 days. If not for COVID, we would have been here June 1st 2020

[@IGoPanama]

Yep. If not for Covid we would have been here in June 2020 as well (if not earlier!). Oh well, we're both here now so that's what matters! 😉

[@renanserracin2462]

saludos, soy de chiriqui gracias por mostrar lo bello de panama.

[@davenichols4595]

Happy Panaversary! Ours 2nd was last week of October

[@joelsonf95]

Hi I’m planning on going to study in Panama but for almost an year I’m struggling to finding a small and affordable place to rent. Can you please recommend me any place?

[@LibbyMourant]

Rent depends: city can be expensive, gated community is expensive. If you are fluent in Spanish it is very helpful. Clayton side of city is nice near the canal ... you would likely be able to pick up a small apartment there for 1000 or so. Utilities can be expensive but if you are careful you can keep it cheap.

[@PhoenixBeI]

Awesome video as usual. I do have a question about Amazon. Is there anything you CANNOT bring in? There are some gourmet items we will have a hard time giving up, and I wonder if one can import Italian cheese (#FirstWorldPromblems). How about import taxes? Do you have a special service to get it? Where do you pick it up? Any information you could provide on how to use Amazon in Panama would be very helpful. Thank you!

[@IGoPanama]

I'll be doing a video all about Amazon soon!

[@mariaclark4836]

Protest really suck. I was there and i was stuck 9 hours to get to the city. Not a great memory. I hope it NEVER happens again.

[@IGoPanama]

It will....... :(

[@maricharoargote6041]

There will be protests when there are problems to be solved. I am sorry you came when there were issues we were trying to put an end to. That's how democracy works.

[@Veepet856]

What were the protests about?

[@gabrielricci4464]

not long ago I watched your video on ElValle de Anton and heard you talking about your Suzuki Jimny. How has that vehicle worked out for you?? All my research indicates that car has few peers and report on Suzuki reliability are always rated in the top 3 globally. Also have you done any upgrades for the rolly polly suspension and wind gust protection?? Both are easily fixable. Also, some complain about the steering. I think they find that it does not go back to center automatically. Jimny uses worm drive tech which is the most long lasting and reliable tech for steering. How about fuel economy. Thanks in advance for any comments on the awesome vehicle.

[@IGoPanama]

We really like it! No upgrades.

[@ludysyazary8039]

Hope best day and hope every city has good hospitals, no matter who need to right healthcare close their town. No more city’s insolated

[@mmone1178]

Thanks soo much for sharing 🥰

[@edensfamilyadventures2714]

We got our permanent resident visas summer 2021. We really want to be there permanently already but can't yet. 😔

[@dogcreek8547]

The medical cartel have shown their true colors.

[@dsipdeepsoulinprogress9434]

Hi there ! I wonder what kind of online teachings you do for profession? I already got my PR /Cedula done in 2021. The only thing I m struggle is how to get a financial income if I m living in Panama … Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Subbed because awesome

[@mariaclark4836]

What kind of things you feel that are different in Panama compare to USA. Could you please be specific and name them?

[@IGoPanama]

That's a question best asked at facebook.com/groups/igopanama

[@billcrawford5623]

Goooood afternoon ma'am how do we get the bags please

[@IGoPanama]

ojobio.com/ngabe-bugle-bags/

[@dogcreek8547]

I live in the states and I have no desire to leave the crib.

[@MyLatinLife]

Great list!

[@nusquamnemo4780]

You can find lab equipment in Panama there are specialized stores in Panama City and David, I think.

[@cissystrange4164]

Still can’t get good vegetables here!!

[@IGoPanama]

OH no! Where are you? We get fabulous veggies- broccoli, carrots, lettuce, sweet potatoes, green beans, celery, potatoes, chayote, etc...

[@pauljenkins6877]

I agree. In Coronado, even basic vegetables (e.g. broccoli) are hit and miss.

[@robertlu.x]

@@pauljenkins6877 , Riba Smith?

[@doug729]

I notice that you have never mentioned the on-going political (WEF/WHO) world issues being imposed on & in every country worldwide

[@IGoPanama]

Because I don't feel like anything is being imposed on me.....

[@noreenperez8666]

Mouths of the cow, Bocas del Toro ,Panama😀

[@ellenjohnston9457]

What the heck is wrong with, BLESSING?

[@TalesFromTheCryptoTalesfromThe]

i cant wait to get there no more trudummy castro

[@NibrocNod]

Why do you hate the word "blessing"?

[@IGoPanama]

Because I don't like its connotations.

[@mr-vet]

As an atheist, I also despise the word….it’s an imposition on non-religious people…basically, a violation of their religious freedom.

[@holgermessner851]

Well. Where to start? I’m a German. Around 2003, I couldn’t find a job in IT anymore. I was a IT manager. Every small to medium size company did quit at the time. And there was a big problem. In the IT business in Germany, everyone has to be 18 years of age and don’t ask for money! So with 38, I was classified as “too expensive “ to hire. After 3 weeks unemployment, I couldn’t sit on my couch anymore. Lucky me, I am always falling on my feet like a cat. Did many different jobs in my life. Got 3 red seals and one university degree. But if you can’t find a job, you change directions. I never had a problem with that. So I drove around to go from one company to the next. Nothing in IT needed. On my 3rd day, running to any logistics company, I did kinda change what I am asking for. “What do you actually like to hire?” - That’s how I ended up as a truck driver - at Night Shift! I had my drivers license from the German army. On my 3rd year on the job, I got a job over from Canada. Wasn’t really thinking. Just said yes. Sold everything. Had to start at zero again. 14 years later - I decided to stay 5 months in Panama. Escaping the Canadian winter was the plan. Well. I arrived November 2019 in Panama. Couple months later, millions of life’s were changed by the pandemic! Because I never gave up my German passport (citizenship) - I couldn’t return to Canada for 2 years. Permanent residents of Canada are kinda “2nd class” people to the government of Canada! 2 years I called or wrote the embassy of Canada in Panama City. “It isn’t necessary that you travel…..” After my online application was denied the last time, I lost it. “Okay! I just spend $4,000 on fees and immigration lawyer in Panama to get my Visa Pensionado! (Lawyer, documents & translations, government fees etc.) I just thought: F--- it! I’m selling everything in Canada and clean up, so nobody can tell differently. I’m since November 2019 in Panama. 9 months of lockdown. But with all of this troubles, I didn’t care. I am also like a potato. Putting my feet into the ground, I am growing roots in no time. Since 2005, I wasn’t 1 day back in Germany. Since 2019, not 1 day back in Canada. Panama is my home now. With little money, I bought a small lot in the San José area (close to Coronado, Panama Oeste), and started building myself a house. Well. It took 16 months to get my building permit. It’s Latin America not Germany or North America, where time is money. In Panama, people have lots of time - but no money. And yes. People mentioned that it would go faster if I would pay “some extra dollars “ for “some special service”. But for what? I don’t work anymore. Have lots of time. So I got my building permit anyway. Than you have people, asking when I am expecting to move in - putting in the answer themselves already with: “….. when do you think you move in? 3-4 months?!” Hey! I’m retired. I am building it myself. Alone! Until now, the water and electricity isn’t available. (Another Panama story!) So I always say: “ I started end of June 2023. Hopefully I move in around August 2024.” And I point out, that I am a “one man crew”. I learned in Panama that people work in construction from 6:30 to 14:00. After that time, it gets too hot. I’m adjusting to it. 7am to mostly 1pm - and I am closing everything up, driving to my rented house close by. I got too many sunburns, before I realized that I was the last one working….. “Hey, red tomato. How are you?” 😅 And yes. My Panamanian neighbors thinking that I am absolutely crazy, to build the house by myself. Why I am doing it? Anyone interested to get a house. Please drive to any construction site and check out how the walls are made! Horrible!! Not straight, not leveled! I hat now many people, who own a lot in the same development area, visiting me. After a short conversation comes always the same question: “Could you please build our house?” Short answer. NO! I’m old, disabled and I have enough pain after I am done with my house! 😂 Hope that explains my good and bad points. 1. Nothing goes fast. Not even Fastfood! -> 1. People are very nice and helpful!

[@chrism5126]

Thats a dude you dont mess with

[@dogcreek8547]

Could it be that the whole shut down scam in Panama is just simply that, a scam?

[@mrketo7077]

Strange not to fit in the states 😂and move to worse

[@billcrawford5623]

Gooooood afternoon how do we get the Bags Ma'am

[@IGoPanama]

ojobio.com/ngabe-bugle-bags/