Panama: First Impressions - International living

What it's like to live in Panama - International living
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In this video, International Living Panama editor interviews potential expat Donna Prince. She has long been interested in moving to Panama, and this is her first visit. Hear what Donna has to say about her first impressions and Panama plans. Like others before her, Donna discovered that she could only do so much research. After a certain point, she needed to come and see for herself whether Panama would be as appealing to her in person as it was on paper.
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[@randygriffin5696]

I'm looking forward to moving/retiring in Panama as well. I understand what this lady is expressing when she talks about heart connection and life-style balance, good nutrious foods, fish etc. But I'm also an eburanite and must have my entertainment, shopping. resturants, clubs and social interaction. I think I will love thge rain forest, and beaches, being born and raised in Miami, Florida. I've not totally decided where to purchase a home, but I'm leaning toward Panama Pacifico. Just 8 more yr

[@olyolyoly3]

no im not in panama right now but just asking because my country of origin is not far from there

[@zenjim007]

@danielmcd1 I will; and thank you for you help.

[@albert214]

Her first visit shows how naive she is about Panama and how things are there. I lived there for over 5 years, and go back 2 or 3 times a year. I love it, but she has no clue about the way of life there. Good luck to her. I hope she enjoys it. There'a a million things to do and see, all over the country.

[@peterbrewer1116]

im a 28 year old Expat living in Panama. i moved here when i was 21. i was born and raised in Miami so im a full on American. I have Family that has been living in Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama for the past 10 years. i also lived in Boquete for 2 years (boring for a young person). if you guys have any questions, let me know!

[@yangyin09u]

That is the best advice, Dianne. I tell people people the same, except I say rent for one year to experience the whole cycle of weather, fiestas, and get to visit different parts of the country.. Having lived in Panama for three years in both Panama City and the Coronado beach area, I returned to the US (New York) for a 6 months and want to return. The other advice I give is to learn Spanish. The more you can speak the language the more interesting your time and the less it will cost you.

[@RayJames552]

In Panama city it rains every day in the rainy season. Just about set you watch on when it will start and stop for the day. There are weeks in the dry season without rain it gets hot but without the humidty it is nice. Look to live in the mountains were it is cool at night. There are many people that speak English but you must be able to speak some Spanish.

[@olyolyoly3]

daniel what website did you go? just asking

[@danielmcd1]

I am going to live in David Panama like the locals.

[@JasonCWaite]

Wow! I love this! Going to subscribe to International Living now. I just got back from Panama City, and I'm definately coming back to this AMAZING city!

[@diezeled]

dude, I am an expat living in Panama. Why would she go to San Miguelito? Ya its a bad area but every city in the world with around 2M people has bad areas, keep this in perspective!

[@zenjim007]

@danielmcd1 Hi Dan, how much should you have to live comfortably there.

[@danielmcd1]

Hi Cherri7, You are correct they don't want poor people. I guess they have their own and do not want to import more. The fact that a person need only verify with bank statements that they receive $1000 per month or more via social security or retirement benefits or any source that can prove that. For two poeple it requires $1200. So if there were tow people with a total of $1200 per month coming in then they could qualify for the permanent visa. i hope that information is helpful.

[@JasonCWaite]

I think I'm going to retire at age 36 in this city as well :) This looks AMAZING!

[@danielmcd1]

@zenjim007 Hi, I have been told by more than one source,people who live there, that the law states that a single person must be able to show that thet have $1000 US or more monthly income.A couple would need to prove $1200 US. The currency is the US dollar. No concern for exchange,they use our money. I will find out I hope later this year. If you can rent for less tahn half of your monthly income or benefit, you probably can enjoy a nice life. Stay in touch later this year when I go to Panama.

[@TheZapadora]

I urge everyone considering retiring in a foreign culture to go and spend at least 6 months RENTING in the area of your choice before just pulling up sticks and selling everything. I have lived in Boquete, Panama for the past 8 years and see many people come and go. Expat life is challenging and can be great but it is not for everyone. Dianne Heidke The Boquete (Not for Tourists!) Handbook - An Insider's guide to Surviving Life in Boquete,Panama"

[@jordand.8594]

Panama has a lot of pluses and minuses... a plus would be it is beautiful, but a minus would be that, you know... nobody gives a fuck about what you want/think.... 2 ½ years so far and I'm still getting used to the culture shock.

[@tropicaldevil2762]

Hi Carlos, how can I contact you?

[@diezeled]

Actually it's just a logical way of thinking, that's why you don't see laws like that in the US or Canada, lol.

[@dictionar1]

I wonder how long she'd survive en el barrio de San Miguelito. "Oh, hey thats my purse!..Ooooh no!! Where am I?!!!"

[@danielmcd1]

@bradq Hi My name is Dan and I live in California right now but I am going to move to David Panama within 18 months or less. If you have a monthly lifetime income benefit of $1000 US or more you can qualify financially to live here and have a permanent visa. I have researched this alot and it is possible to be a normal person not rich and live a nice life here. That is why I am going to do it.

[@albert214]

You have to show proof of income to prove you aren't a freeloader. If you don't have an income, how are you going to pay for food, rent, utilities, and everything else. If you want to live there, you have to be self-sufficient. They have enough homeless and jobless people without inviting more.

[@garybsg]

HOW IS THE CRIME??????? IS IT SAFE???

[@albert214]

CLUELESS Woman. Good lord. Hey, let's do a video and let a woman discuss Panama, which she knows absolutely nothing about.