How to Meet People & Make Friends in Panama

One of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts of moving to a new country is building a new social circle. The good news is that Panama has a warm and welcoming expat community, along with countless opportunities to connect with both locals and fellow foreigners. If you’re wondering how to meet people and make friends when you relocate to Panama, here are some tried-and-true ways to start building meaningful connections.

Why Friendships Matter When You Relocate

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know anyone. Without friendships, it’s easy to stay home, feel isolated, and start to wonder if you made the right decision. But when you surround yourself with a supportive community, Panama quickly feels like home.

Friends help you navigate everything from where to shop, to finding the best doctors, to learning the cultural quirks that make life here so special. More importantly, they bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging—transforming your move from simply living abroad into truly loving your life abroad. That’s why making new connections should be one of your top priorities when relocating to Panama.

The good news is, Panama offers countless ways to meet people and make friends—and Panama Relocation Tours has created a few extra ways to make it even easier.

Go To The Monthly Panama Relocation Tours Meetups

Panama Relocation Tours makes it easier than ever to plug into the expat community. Each month, PRT (Panama Relocation Tours) hosts a Monthly Meetup at eight different locations throughout Panama—all happening at the same time.

These gatherings bring together PRT alumni and other expats who are already living in Panama, as well as newcomers who are just getting started. It’s the perfect chance to:

🔴Swap stories and experiences about relocating

🔴Share tips about the best doctors, restaurants, and places to shop

🔴Ask questions and get advice from those who have “been there, done that”

Make lasting friendships with people who understand the joys and challenges of moving abroad

Whether you’ve been in Panama for two weeks or two years, these meetups are an excellent way to expand your social circle and feel more connected.

See these photos from a PRT Meetup:

Jackie Lange, the owner of Panama Relocation Tours, knows firsthand how important it is to build a supportive community when moving to a new country. After moving to Panama herself in 2010, she realized that while the adventure of starting fresh is exciting, it can also feel isolating if you don’t know anyone. That’s why she created the monthly PRT Meetups—to make it easier for expats to connect, share experiences, and build friendships in their new home country.

These meetups are now held at eight locations across Panama on the same day and time each month, giving everyone—no matter where they live—the chance to meet others who are also navigating life in Panama. Jackie’s goal was simple: to provide a welcoming space where people could ask questions, exchange advice, and create lasting friendships. Thanks to this initiative, countless newcomers have quickly found “their people” in Panama and discovered that they never have to go through the relocation process alone.

Get Involved with Local Activities

Beyond the meetups, consider joining local activities that match your interests:

🔵Hiking groups in Boquete, El Valle, and other mountain areas

🔵Beach clean-ups or surf clubs along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts

🔵Cooking or art classes offered by locals and expats

🔵Churches, volunteer groups, or nonprofit organizations that bring people together around a common purpose

Getting involved in activities you enjoy is a natural way to meet like-minded people while also learning more about Panamanian culture.

Attend Community Events and Festivals

Panama is famous for its vibrant festivals and community celebrations. From Carnaval in Las Tablas to local parades, artisan fairs, and cultural events, there’s always something happening. Attending these events not only gives you a window into local traditions but also provides plenty of opportunities to chat with neighbors and make new friends.

Internations organizes weekly events in Panama City. Most events have a fee!

Live music events usually draw a crowd, making it an excellent opportunity to meet people!

Use Social Media and Expat Groups

Facebook groups such as US Expats in Panama are active hubs where newcomers can ask questions, find out about upcoming events, and arrange casual meetups. Many towns also have their own local WhatsApp or Facebook groups where residents share news and organize activities. These platforms make it easy to connect online—and then transition those connections into real-world friendships.

A reminder to meet in public places and not invite people to your home until you know them well.

Be Open, Friendly, and Curious

Perhaps the most important advice is to stay open and approachable. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, or say yes to an invitation. Panama has a diverse and friendly community, and most people are eager to welcome newcomers.

Initially, it’s best to meet people in public places and not invite them into your home until you know them well.

Building a social circle when you move abroad can feel daunting, but in Panama, it’s easier than you might think. Between the monthly PRT Meetups at eight locations, the many community activities, and the natural friendliness of both Panamanians and fellow expats, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by new friends.

So, when you arrive in Panama, make it a priority to attend a meetup, join a local group, or strike up a conversation with someone new—you never know when you’ll meet your next lifelong friend.

Panama Relocation Tours Makes It Easy to Build Your Community

At Panama Relocation Tours, we understand that relocation isn’t just about logistics like visas and housing—it’s about creating a life you love. And a life without friends can quickly feel isolating. Too often, people move abroad and spend far too much time at home, feeling alone instead of experiencing all the beauty, culture, and adventure that drew them to Panama in the first place.

That’s exactly why Jackie Lange, founder of Panama Relocation Tours, created the monthly PRT Meetups at eight locations across Panama—so you never have to feel alone. These gatherings are filled with friendly faces, laughter, and support, giving you the chance to build friendships that make every day brighter.

Stay Connected Long After Your Tour

When you go on a Panama Relocation Tour, a Private Tour, or purchase the Online Panama Relocation Guide, you’ll also get exclusive access to our private Facebook community. This group has thousands of members who are either planning their move or already living in Panama. It’s the perfect place to ask questions, get recommendations, and start building relationships—even before you arrive. Once you’re in Panama, you’ll already have a network of friends waiting to welcome you.

Your New Life in Panama Awaits

Don’t try to navigate your relocation alone. With Panama Relocation Tours, Private Tours, or the Online Panama Relocation Guide, you’ll not only get the resources and expert contacts you need for a smooth move—you’ll also gain access to a thriving community of expats who are eager to help and connect. From our monthly meetups to our private Facebook group, we provide everything you need to feel at home in Panama and start building friendships that last a lifetime.

Come See How You Can
LIVE BETTER For LESS In Panama!