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Moving to another country is exciting—but it can also feel lonely at first. One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of a successful move abroad is finding your people—the friends, connections, and community that make a place feel like home.
When people talk about “finding your tribe,” they’re talking about more than just acquaintances. Your tribe is your support system. These are the people you laugh with, learn from, celebrate with, and lean on when you’re navigating life in a new country.
The good news? Panama makes finding your tribe easier than you might expect.
What does “Your Tribe” Really Mean?
When you move abroad, your tribe can include:
*Fellow expats who understand the transition you’re going through
*Panamanians who welcome you into their culture and daily life
*People who share your interests, values, lifestyle, or stage of life
Your tribe doesn’t have to be large. Even one or two genuine connections can completely change your experience living in Panama.
Why Finding Your Tribe Matters So Much
Having a social circle isn’t just “nice”—it’s essential for long-term happiness abroad.
Your tribe provides:
Social Support: It can help mitigate loneliness and isolation that often accompany relocation to a new country.
Practical Assistance: Your tribe can offer practical advice on various aspects of daily life, from navigating bureaucracy to finding a doctor or a reliable mechanic.
Cultural Integration: Connecting with locals and building friendships can deepen your cultural integration and appreciation.
Professional Networking: For those moving for work or study, your tribe can include professional connections who can help with career opportunities and advice.
Shared Experiences: People in your tribe can relate to the unique challenges and triumphs of living abroad, making it easier to share experiences and provide mutual support.
Building your tribe when moving abroad can take time and effort, but it’s essential to creating a fulfilling and successful life in a new country. Be open to meeting new people, seek out opportunities to connect, and actively nurture the relationships that resonate with you. Your tribe can become like a second family, providing a sense of belonging and support while you’re far from home.
The good news is that when you move to Panama, all expats have gone through the process themselves. That makes it easier to find empathetic friends.
Most people don’t leave Panama because of the cost of living, healthcare, or visas.
They leave because they never found their community.
Finding your tribe or community in Panama can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re an expatriate seeking like-minded individuals, a traveler looking to connect with locals, or someone pursuing a particular interest or lifestyle. Here are some steps to help you find your tribe in Panama.
The Advantages of Moving to Panama
One of Panama’s greatest strengths is its welcoming expat culture. Nearly everyone you meet has gone through the same adjustment you’re experiencing right now. That shared experience creates instant empathy and openness.
That said, just because someone is an expat doesn’t automatically mean they’re your people. And that’s okay.
Finding a real connection takes intention.
Choose Your Location with Lifestyle in Mind
Where you live plays a huge role in who you’ll meet.
Before choosing a town, ask yourself:
Do I want an active social scene or a quieter lifestyle?
Do I enjoy live music, happy hours, and events—or early mornings and outdoor activities?
Do I want to be around people in a similar age or life stage?
Panama offers very different vibes depending on location.
Panama City – Foodies, professionals, digital nomads, endless activities
Boquete & Coronado – Social scenes, live music, happy hours
Bocas del Toro – Younger crowd, water activities, nightlife
Pedasí & Azuero beach communities – Quieter, relaxed, community-focused
Choosing a location that matches how you want to live makes finding friends far easier.
Be Friendly—and Follow Up
Panama is a social culture. People stop to chat. Neighbors talk. Strangers say hello.
Embrace it.
Be open during everyday activities
Exchange numbers when you connect with someone
Follow up—coffee, lunch, a walk, a casual meetup
Remember: you’re the one with the open calendar. Long-time residents are often busy, so don’t be afraid to initiate.
Once you get someone’s information, don’t just disappear. Follow up and plan a laid-back meet-up for coffee or lunch! If that one goes well, then great! You can plan another hang or follow up again later.
Remember that when you’re new to a place, you probably have more of an open social calendar than those who’ve lived there for one, five, or ten years. Don’t be shy about being the first to reach out and follow up!
Show Up Where People Gather
Community events are one of the fastest ways to meet like-minded people.
Look for:
*Live music, festivals, and markets
*Workshops and talks
*Church or faith-based groups (including English-speaking churches)
*Classes: cooking, art, dance, fitness
*Attend regularly. Familiar faces turn into friends.
Lead With Your Hobbies
The fastest way to find your tribe?
Do what you already love.
Hiking, yoga, golf, fishing, knitting, gardening, photography—there are groups for almost everything.
Join Facebook groups, ask locally, or start something yourself if it doesn’t exist. Shared interests create a natural connection.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many volunteer opportunities in Panama. Many cities have spay-and-neuter clinics. Some have a charity that cares for stray animals. Some towns have a library where you can help Panamanian children learn English (or you can learn Spanish).
Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with locals and fellow expats who share your commitment to a cause you care about. Search for volunteer opportunities in the town you plan to move to so you can determine what volunteer options are available.
Expat Groups: Helpful, But Choose Wisely
Expat communities can be incredibly valuable—especially early on. They’re great for:
*Information
*Referrals
*Events
*Meeting people in your town
But a word of advice:
Avoid cliques (and Facebook groups) built on gossip, negativity, or politics. Those dynamics exist everywhere—and they don’t lead to a real connection.
Choose people who uplift, support, and respect others.
Don’t Skip Panamanian Culture
Living in a beautiful country with a lower cost of living is great. To embrace your new life in Panama, you must experience Panamanian culture.
Don’t limit yourself to expat groups. Also visit Panamanian festivals, parades, and events. There, you will likely meet other expats who want to learn and experience the Panamanian culture, plus you’ll meet Panamanians who are glad to help you learn. You just found a new tribe!
A big mistake many expats make is hanging out only with other expats.
Attend cultural events, festivals, and local celebrations. These events often bring together people from various backgrounds and can be a great way to immerse yourself in Panama’s culture and connect with others.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Once the excitement of moving wears off, loneliness can creep in. You don’t need a packed social calendar—but you do need connection.
Your tribe becomes your chosen family.
They make Panama feel safe, familiar, and fulfilling.
Your INSTANT Tribe Is Already Waiting
One of the easiest ways to start building community before you even move is to join an all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tour or purchase the Online Panama Relocation Guide.
That gives you immediate access to our private alumni Facebook community, filled with thousands of people who:
*Already live in Panama
*Share honest insights about each area
*Are happy to answer questions and welcome newcomers
*It’s an instant network—and often the beginning of lifelong friendships.
When you become part of the Panama Relocation Tours family, you’re never doing this alone. One of the biggest advantages is access to monthly in-person Meetups in Panama, held at multiple locations nationwide. These gatherings are designed to help you meet people, build friendships, and connect with an instant community of others who are already living in—or actively moving to—Panama. Whether you’re newly arrived or have been here a while, these meetups make it easy to connect quickly with people who understand exactly what you’re going through.
What’s even more powerful is that the Panama Relocation Tours community doesn’t stop at Panama’s borders. Members are now organizing monthly meet-ups across the U.S. and Canada, creating local support networks for those still in the planning phase. These gatherings give you a chance to share experiences, ask questions, exchange tips, and build real friendships before you move. By the time you arrive in Panama, you won’t be starting from scratch—you’ll already know people, feel supported, and be part of a community that truly feels like family.
Come see how you can
LIVE BETTER for LESS in Panama.
Your tribe is here—and they’re waiting for you. 🇵🇦✨
