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Last Updated on July 25, 2019 - by Panama Relocation Tours

Three Ways to Discover Panama

There are three ways you can discover Panama.

You can sit in a stuffy conference room in Panama City to hear presentations by speakers who were hand-picked to tell sugar coated stories about life in Panama. You can see a few slide shows to see what Panama looks like…of course; they will only show the best of the best parts. In addition to the hefty conference fee for 2 1/2 days, you’ll also pay for your own overpriced hotel room and all meals and beverages. You get to walk through the gauntlet of people trying to sell you stuff just to get to the conference room. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see one square block of Panama City.

This is a great introduction to what your life could be like living in Panama. But you really need to SEE many different part of Panama before you make a decision to relocate.

That is NOT the real Panama!

WHAT’S THE 2ND WAY TO DISCOVER PANAMA?

You can discover Panama up close and personal during a full 6-day all inclusive Panama Relocation Tour. You pay one flat fee for 6 days of seeing the real Panama, not slide shows. You’ll travel in a super comfortable bus throughout Panama. We keep the tour size small so everyone gets personal attention. While we are traveling from one location to another, I’ll be conducting a rolling seminar to teach you everything you need to know to relocate the EASY way. What’s included in a Panama Relocation Tour? VIP airport shuttle service when you arrive, all ground transportation, all hotels, all meals, and a Copa flight back to Panama City. Plus you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully relocate to Panama.

You’ll get to actually see Gorgona, Coronado, Santa Clara, El Valle, Chitre, Las Tablas, Santiago, Las Lajas Beach, David, Boquete, Volcancito, Volcan, Bambito and Cerro Punta. Plus we will travel though a lot of other towns. No slide shows. No photoshop pictures. You get to really see Panama up close and personal.

It’s Not a Tour, It’s an Adventure! said Bob and Sally Lewis from my January 2015 tour.
They added … Besides all the great info you are going to get, you see so much of the country, will make some wonderful friends, that you will want to sell your house as soon as you get back home, like my wife Sally and I are going to do!! Jackie does incredible things to personalize the tour, like having a freshly baked Birthday Cake at dinner on my wife’s Birthday!! You don’t spend money on this tour, you INVEST it!!

You’ll meet expats in each area. They will discuss what their life is like in Panama. I don’t screen what guests will say except “no sales pitches please.” No sugar coating. You’ll hear the truth.. both the good, the bad and the down- right ugly. You’ll learn the pros and cons of living in each area. That’s not all…. you’ll also meet with Panamanians to hear what they think about expats living in their country and how you can make friends and “fit in” quickly.

You’ll learn about rental prices in each area of Panama. Some areas are more expensive than others. Some areas are incredible bargains. Each area has it’s pros and cons which we will discuss during the tour.

Jacqui is renting a one-bedroom house for $80 a month in Las Tablas. She is 5 minutes to the Pacific Ocean. Las Tablas has just about anything you’d need but Chitre is only 30 minutes away and it has even more shopping options. Chitre also has movie theaters and bowling alleys.

Doug is renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath with spectacular views in Boquete for $600. He has a 1/2 acre lot with coffee plants, bananas, avacados and oranges.

Colin and Sue are renting a 2-bedroom 2-bath in Cerro Punta for $400. The views are incredible (see photo below). You will get to see the many of these rental properties. No slideshows. You get to walk through the house and the yard and talk to the expat tenants. There are pros and cons to living in each area. You’ll learn exactly what they are so you can make an informed decision about where to relocate to in Panama (if you decide Panama is right for you).

You’ll get to see beaches communities, mountain communities and large metro areas too. And, in each area we visit you’ll get to see rental properties. During lunch and/or dinner, you will have the opportunity to meet expats who live in each area we visit.

You might see a rainbow or two while you’re in Panama. The colors are so vivid it looks like a box of Crayola’s.

You’ll see some amazing sunsets over the ocean or the mountains. And you’ll probably see more stars in Panama than you have ever seen before.

We’ll visit grocery stores. You get to walk the aisles to see if your favorite products are available. You can compare prices of imported vs. local products. Yes we have Butterball Turkey in Panama. You won’t hear this at the international conferences but the truth is that some grocery stores are terrible. Luckily there is almost always a great grocery store close by through. You’ll learn the secret place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and fish for 50% less!

We’ll visit department stores so you can see the great bargains which are available in Panama. You’ll also see electronic stores and furniture stores so you can compare prices and help you decide what to bring to Panama and what to just buy here. We’ll drive by several hospitals too!

Get the real scoop on health insurance options. Or why you may want to self-insure because medical care is so affordable. Discover why you could pay 50% more if you use an insurance agent/broker instead of going direct.

Learn how to bring your pet in to Panama. There’s a process but it is well worth it to bring your furry family members. My cat moved to Panama with me. She traveled In-Cabin. She loves living in Panama as much as I do!

We’ll eat at upscale restaurants but also have lunch at some $5 a meal restaurants with excellent food. This is the real Panama which you won’t find in an expensive hotel room in Panama City. Well also visit farmer’s markets during the tour. Sometimes, we stop for fresh coconut juice when we see a vendor selling it along side the road.

You’ll learn the easiest way to buy a car in Panama and why it is better if you do not ship a car to Panama.

Experience the real Panama! You never know what you might see when you are traveling through Panama. During one tour there was a truck with an elephant in the back. It was headed to a circus. Sometimes a parade breaks out. You will certainly see trucks full of bananas or plantains. Or sacks of 100 oranges for $4

You will meet with a Panama attorney to learn about your visa options, buying real estate and setting up a business in Panama. Our attorney will make sure you get your visa quickly and at the best price in Panama and that you don’t make any mistakes when renting or buying a property in Panama.

Discover the real Panama! You’ll see beautiful flowers and lush green trees everywhere we go. But to be honest, you’ll also see some areas that have trash alongside the road. You may smell some septic tanks that need to be cleaned out. You’ll see people riding horses next to the highway and probably see some roosters too. And there will be dogs walking around like the own the town. This is the real Panama!

You’ll get to touch, feel, smell, hear, and experience the real Panama up close and personal. During the 6-day all inclusive tour, you’ll travel 1200 kilometers (745 miles) to discover which part of Panama could be your new home. Leave the driving to our professional driver who knows every square inch of Panama.

We’ll look at some real estate in each areas but, unlike the conferences, we stress that you should NOT buy anything until you’ve been living in Panama at least 6 months… 12 months is better. We don’t try to sell you anything. But we know you want to see what houses and condos look like in various price points so we visit some rental properties.

You’ll learn the 4 most important questions you need to ask before you rent any property.

Keep in mind that I have absolutely NO financial ties to any property. I don’t get or want a commission when you rent a property. I tell the landlord or property manager to pass that savings on to YOU instead. I think it is a conflict of interest to do real estate tours pushing certain areas where tour guide will get a big commission. It’s just not right!

Whew! It sounds like a lot already but I actually cover even more. You’ll learn some creative ways to make money with an online business too!

The 6-day all inclusive Panama Relocation Tour is the best way to get a “feel” for Panama, learn how to relocate, explore a variety of area, and discover if Panama is right for you. You’ll be safe with my professional bi-lingual driver and being with a group of people who are also considering relocating to Panama.

WHAT’S THE 3RD WAY TO DISCOVER PANAMA?

You could rent a car and go it alone traveling through Panama. Most people who do this end up leaving frustrated because they don’t know where to go, what to do, or how to find expats to talk to. You’ll see a lot of Panama but you won’t learn any of the important things you need to know to relocate to Panama — certainly not the easy and affordable way. Most car rental places will not accept your insurance and will require you to buy their expensive insurance. GPS does not work very well outside of Panama City.

There you have it… three ways to discover beautiful Panama.

Moving to Panama is a big decision. It is important for you to have all the information you need before you decide to relocate. It’s also important to learn the good, as well as the not so good, before you pull the trigger and decide to move. I honestly think the only way you can discover Panama is to travel around the country. You can’t sit in a conference room in Panama City to learn what life is like living in Panama. You need to see the various areas for yourself. You need to talk to people who live there. And you need to explore the housing options and prices.

We’d love to show you how you can live better for less in Panama! Join us for a Panama Relocation Tour to learn how!

Here’s what Ellen Bailey had to say about the Panama Relocation Tour

I cannot say enough positive things about the tour!! Although my husband, 11 yr old son and I had already pretty much made up our mind about relocating to Panama, I decided a tour would be a great way to help affirm our decision. Thank goodness I found Jackie’s tour. It was everything I hoped and more. We toured breathtaking locations and stayed in several different types of hotels/resorts. Each was different in its own way yet all were perfect for the area where we were. We met many expats, saw several different kinds of properties and went on many exciting outings. It was a perfect way to discover Panama. All the information Jackie gives you is priceless from meeting with the attorney to exploring what grocery shopping is like. How many tours can you do that on??

So are we still moving there? Absolutely!! I feel so confident now knowing that I have someone like Jackie in my corner who is just a phone call or email away not to mention the many friends we met on the tour. In fact we went on the tour in September and have just returned from another visit this month!! All of it was possible because of Jackie!! If you are even remotely considering a move to Panama, Jackie’s tour is a must. Even my 11 yr old who is somewhat hard to please is in love with Panama and can’t wait to make it our new home!! So just do it!!! You will not be sorry!!

Ellen, Steve and Pryce
September 2014 panamaniacs

Here’s what Joe Fairchild had to say about the January 2015 Tour

I woke up this morning with no less enthusiasm for Panama. Can’t believe I’m actually going to do this. I’ll never be able to put into words my gratitude to you and Melissa. I’m feeling so positive about things for the first time in a long, long time!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

To all of you skeptics out there like I was: Have no fear. Jackie and her tour are the real deal. This was my first trip to Panama and when I arrived I had to ask myself: “What the hell was I thinking?” The next morning was the first day of the tour, and after meeting Jackie and my fellow tour mates, then boarding our spacious bus, my whole attitude changed and I felt more and more positive each and every day.

I never thought I would see so much of the country, nor receive so much valuable information. Jackie’s narratives which are complimented with our prepared manual, were so informative that all we had to do was relax and take it all in, all the while knowing we weren’t getting any sugar coated tripe. This was Panama as is really is.

Our accommodations and meals far exceeded my expectations. I slept like a baby and ate like I hadn’t eaten in a month. Also, we had enough free time to explore and see for ourselves how friendly and welcoming the Panamanian people are.

Jackie arranged for us to meet many expats who gave us their impressions thus far of relocating to Panama. They were more than happy to answer the many questions we all had.

From Jackie’s warmth and professionalism, to Melissa’s support and individual attention, to our tour bus driver Jorge’s masterful navigating, I could not have asked for a better experience. I’m making the move to Panama – others may not. I was lucky enough
to find Jackie and her tour to help cement my decision.

January 2015 tour member,
Joe Fairchild

Last Updated on March 11, 2020 - by Panama Relocation Tours

Pros and Cons of Living in an Expat Community

An expat community is a town that has a high concentration of expatriates or expats.

Relocating to Panama will be much easier if you move to a community where there are already many expats. With an established expat community English will be widely spoken at the banks, doctor offices, restaurants, and other services like cell phone or internet providers. It will be easier to get things done.

The three main expat communities in Panama are Panama City, Coronado, and Boquete. There are about 3,500 expats in Boquete and most of the expats live there full time. Boquete has a population of 30,000 so expats are about 10% of the population.

I’m not sure how many expats live in Coronado, but I see expats everywhere I go when I’m in Coronado. I’ve been told that approximately 40% of the expats are Canadian, 30% Americas and the rest are primarily European. Many of the expats in Coronado do not live there full time. My guess would be that there are more total expats in Coronado than Boquete but fewer of them live in Coronado full time.

There are also a lot of expats in Panama City but expats are harder to find because it is such a large city with almost 3 million people.

No one knows for sure how many expats there are in Panama because there is no requirement to register with any Embassy.

Other areas like Volcan, El Valle, Las Tablas, Sante Fe, David, and Pedasi certainly have expats living there but a tiny fraction compared to Coronado or Boquete. English is not widely spoken in any of these other areas.

COMMUNICATION

The good thing about living in Boquete is that English is widely spoken. The bad thing about living in Boquete is that English is so widely spoken that you don’t need to learn Spanish. It’s much harder to learn Spanish if you live in an expat community. You will have a much better life in Panama if you learn at least some Spanish.

In non-expat communities few locals will speak English. So you will need to learn at least some Spanish before you make the move. A smile and “Buenos” goes a long way!

An easy way to learn Spanish is by taking an online Spanish Class. You can learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. I really like Gary Scott’s Learn Spanish in 3 Days Online Class. I attended this “live” class in Boquete Panama a few years ago I was amazed that by the end of the first day everyone in the class was speaking, reading and writing in Spanish! With this online Spanish class, your confidence to communicate in Spanish will go through the roof!

In non-expat communities, because English is not widely spoken, it will be harder to get anything done if you don’t speak some Spanish. This could cause frustration. I highly recommend that you order Gary’s Online Spanish Class and start studying before you move to Panama. Most towns will have translators you can hire too.

Panama is a Spanish speaking country so it is good to learn at least some Spanish. The more you learn, the easier your life will be in Panama. Plus you will not be limited to speaking only with other expats or only Panamanians who speak English.

Because there are so many expats living in Panama, some service providers now have English speaking support. If I have problems with my internet service, I can select #2 for English when I call support. If I need to call my 24/7 help line at my banks in Panama I can press #2 for English support. English is spoken at some local businesses. You can always use Google Translate to communicate if necessary.

ACTIVITIES

When you live in an expat community there will be plenty of weekly activities like live music events, theater, poker games, yoga classes, art shows, Zumba, chili cook-offs, and plenty of charities to get involved in. Some restaurants also have trivia or bingo nights.

In expat communities there seems to always be a reason for a party or a get-together. That’s certainly the case in Boquete.

In non-expat communities you’ll need to create your own expat activities. There may be a few activities but they will not happen often.

Expats who live in expat communities seem to be much more social. They like going to lots of events and hanging out with other expats. Of course, you don’t have to participate but the events will be readily available.

If you need social events, you’ll enjoy your life in Panama more if you live in an established expat community.

PRICES

House prices could be more expensive in an established expat community. But, you’ll find more North American style houses in expat communities.

Finding a house for less than $80,000 in an established expat community in Panama is not easy. Affordable houses are out there but they are hard to find. It is rare that you will find houses in that price range listed on a real estate agent’s website. You are more likely to find affordable houses by talking to Panamanians.

Yet in non-expat communities buying a house for less than $80,000 is much easier to find.

Rentals in expat communities could cost a little more than a non-expat community. An example is the furnished house like I rented when I moved to Boquete is $695 per month for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house. In Volcan the same house would rent for $500. In Coronado, the same house would rent for about $1,000 per month.. or even more if it were close to the beach.

Keep in mind that these are no-frills type houses. I’m talking about a basic 1200 SF house without granite countertops or any high-end finishes. It does include a laundry room too. My house has vaulted ceilings and large windows to let in the natural light. And the views… OH MY... you should see the spectacular views.

For a bigger house, you’ll pay more.

In Chitre, during a Panama Relocation Tour, we meet with a couple who rents a nice furnished two-bedroom house for $400…. with an Ocean view! Another couple I know in Volcan rents a furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath house for $500 per month. In warmer areas, electricity may not be included in your rent so you’ll have additional expenses for air conditioning.

If you live in an area like Boquete or Volcan, or anywhere above 3000 feet, the weather will be Spring-like year-round so you will have no need for an air conditioner. This saves a lot of money on utility bills. If you live at a lower elevation it will be hotter and more humid so you will have additional utility costs.

The quality of homes in expat communities will usually be much better than the quality of homes in non-expat communities. Hot water at every faucet is NOT a given in Panama. But in expat communities you are much more likely to have hot water at every faucet in the house.

If you want to live close to an expat community but you’re on a limited budget, you can usually reduce your costs if you move 15 or 20 minutes away. You’re still close enough to participate in all the activities. Caldera is about 20 minutes away from downtown Boquete. Last year an expat bought a 2 bedroom house on a large lot for $35,000 there. You’d never find that price in Boquete.

I helped a friend find a nice, furnished one-bedroom house in Alto Boquete for $200 a month and it includes all utilities, internet and electricity. The deals ARE out there!

We strongly recommend that you rent for at least 6 months before you even think about buying a property in Panama. In some cases, it makes more sense to just be a renter and not buy. Rents are affordable. Renting gives you the flexibility to try out a variety of different areas in Panama. Buying is easy but selling could take many years.

CONVENIENCES

In expat communities you are more likely to have a wide variety of restaurants with very good food. In Boquete, we have may traditional Panamanian food ($5 a meal) restaurants, fish restaurants, Italian, Mexican, Peruvian, Spanish, Pizza, Egyptian, sandwich shops, and more. We even have a microbrewery in Boquete!

In non-expat communities your choices for eating out will be extremely limited and there will be limited choices at the grocery stores.

If you live in a larger town like David or Chitre, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants and many excellent grocery stores, hardware stores, and malls. These towns will even have a McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Subway. You will not find these “chain” type restaurants in smaller communities.

Even in small expat communities like Boquete and Coronado you’ll have a better chance of finding a good grocery or pharmacy.

In small non-expat communities like Sante Fe and Pedasi there will be less of a selection so you’ll need to make occasional trips to a larger town to get the things you need.

IN CONCLUSION

There are always trade-offs in Panama.

Moving to a non-expat community will be more affordable and have a bigger upside potential if you buy. As more expats move in to the area it will be converted in to an expat community with more services, more restaurants, and more amenities. Home prices will go up as there is more demand. But you need to learn Spanish.

Moving to an already established expat community will make your transition much easier.. you’ll have more social activities, and you’ll have more conveniences ..but all that comes at a price. You’ll pay more to live in an expat community. English will be spoken at most places.

Where you decide to move to in Panama will depend on your personal preferences and your budget.

No matter what you’ve read about each area in Panama or seen on videos, you can’t really get a “feel” for what it will be like until you go visit the town.

PanamaRelocationTours.com will show you a VARIETY of different areas during our 6-day all-inclusive tour. You’ll get the chance to meet with expats every day during the tour. Panama has something for every budget and every preference. Come see how you can live better for less in Panama.

Join us on a Panama Relocation Tour to find your paradise!

Last Updated on June 25, 2020 - by Panama Relocation Tours

13 Things the Offshore Gurus Will NOT Tell You About Panama

Ask 100 expats what their life is like in Panama, you will get 100 different answers. Their perspective depends on where they live, how patient they are, and how much they have attempted to accept Panama for what it is… a developing country.

When you read offshore publications about Panama you’d think the whole country is a “Paradise.” The distant photos of down town Panama City look like any first world metropolis. But walk the streets or drive around the country and you will quickly notice that it is not as developed as the USA, Canada or Europe.

With its beautiful skyscrapers and new subway system Panama City is certainly impressive. Some areas are very modern with underground utilities. But that is not the way it is in most of Panama City – or Panama in general.

Many people say Panama is like the USA was in the 1960s but with cell phones, internet and flat screen TVs. I grew up in the 60s and have fond memories of what life was like then. Panama does offer a simple life where young children can walk all over town safely and family values still exist.

But it is not all paradise.

Here are 13 things you won’t read about in the sugar-coated publications about moving to Panama:

(1) Don’t assume you will have hot water at every house or at every faucet in the house. Some houses only have warm water at the shower. Be careful to check out the hot water situation before you decide to rent or buy. You should not rent a house without seeing it first.

(2) Internet speed is not the same throughout the country or even on the same street. If you are lucky enough to live in an area serviced by Cable Onda fiber optics, you can get up to 100 mbps for about $40 a month. If you can’t get Cable Onda, you will be forced to use satellite internet like Planet Telecom where 3 mbps will cost you $99 per month and you will pay a whopping $250 for 10 mbps.

(3) The sidewalks are not level if they exist at all. The sidewalks could have holes big enough your whole foot can fit through, or metal pipes protruding in bad places or the sidewalk may have stretches which are completely missing. You need to wear sturdy shoes and watch where you are walking at all times in Panama.

(4) If Code Enforcement from the USA came to Panama, they would probably shut down most of the country. There is crazy wiring inside and outside. There are steps and other unlevel surfaces with no handrails or safety devices. There usually will not be a GFI outlet within 6 feet of all water sources. The only exception is new construction in the higher price ranges… maybe.

(5) Most businesses will have a sign in the public bathroom asking you to NOT flush the toilet paper but instead to put it in a waste basket which is next to the toilet. Oh, and don’t assume that all public bathrooms will have toilet paper… bring your own. The reason you should not flush toilet paper because most businesses and homes have a septic system. The more toilet paper that is flushed, the more often they have to get their septic tanks cleaned out and it is just as expensive to do that in Panama as it is in the USA. We recently paid $175.

(6) You can pick your temperature by your elevation. If you are at a lower elevation, it will be hot and humid. If you are at 3500 feet it will be 75-80 just about every day and less humid. Get above 5000 feet and you can enjoy weather in the high 60s to mid-70s every day. Lower elevations (less than 3500 feet) will have more snakes, spiders, and bugs. There are trade-offs.

(7) There will be power outages. They usually only last a few minutes but they could last for several hours or even days. Power outages seem to happen more often in the dry, windy season OR the power will go out the last 10 minutes of a movie I’m watching on Netflix. Luckily most stoves are powered by gas so you can still cook. It’s a good idea to always have a lantern, flashlight and candles readily available.

(8) Name brand, imported items will usually cost more, but similar Panama brands will usually cost much less. You may or may not be able to find all the name brand items you use now but there is usually a good substitute. Fruits and veggies are more expensive at a grocery store than they are at a local fruit veggie market.

(9) It rains a lot in Panama. We average 100 – 120 inches of rain a year. It does not rain every day or all day… usually. In the dry season, January – April, it may not rain for a month. In October and November it will pour down rain like the Heavens opened up and dumped the Pacific Ocean on Panama….but this usually happens in the late afternoon so you can plan accordingly. The rains keep everything looking lush and green and provide plenty of water for ships to go through the Panama Canal.

(10) Speaking of water… yes, there is plenty of water but the water distribution systems are not what you are familiar with. Some rural areas have water delivered in a small PVC pipe that gets busted occasionally. That means low water pressure at your house or no water. In the dry season, there may not be enough water pressure so it is important that you rent or buy a house that has a large reserve water tank so you have consistent water pressure. Other areas have more modern water delivery systems. In some areas, the water is treated in other areas it is not. So you really need to have a good water filter system at your house. Take all this in to consideration when you select a place to live.

(11) Panama is a Spanish speaking country. In Panama City, Coronado and Boquete English are widely spoken. But in other areas it is not. Even in the areas where English is widely spoken, not everyone will speak English. If you want to live in a Spanish speaking country, you need to learn some Spanish.

(12) Getting things done like opening a bank account, getting a driver’s license, auto registration or even getting mail will be more complicated. It will get done, but your patience will be tested.

(13) Panama has small earthquakes. In the last 12 months I have felt 3 small tremors. They usually last 1-2 seconds. If you are sitting still, you will feel them. If you are driving or moving around you probably won’t feel them at all.

(14) I will throw in one more… There is poverty in Panama but it is not as bad as other South American or Central American countries I have visited. The indian tribes are most affected by poverty because many of them have no skills and only make $25 – $30 a day. But Panamanians are proud people so you rarely see anyone begging for money.

SO WITH ALL THESE NEGATIVES, WHY IN THE WORLD
WOULD ANYONE WANT TO LIVE IN PANAMA?

Some relocate to Panama for purely economic reasons, others move to Panama for political reasons, and some are just ready for a new adventure. Regardless of the reason, these are the things you can enjoy when living in Panama:

Low utility costs (if you live in an area where you don’t need air conditioning) + 25% discount if you have a Visa
Affordable health care – $2 to 20 to see a doctor (not a co pay)
Affordable health insurance – in 2019, at age 65, I pay $2560 for worldwide health insurance with $500 deductible
(if I did Panama only health insurance, I could cut that cost in half)
No wars, no military
Very strong economy
Very low crime in most areas
Fresh air
Fresh fish from both coasts
Great produce and fruit supply – some organic
Great soil to grow your own food
Government leaves you alone and has less rules and regulations
Low or no taxes in Panama
If US citizen, you can take advantage of the $107,600 Foreign Earned Income Exemption
No hurricanes, No snow, No tornadoes
Consistent weather year round – no extremes
Visible improvements happening all over the country .. for the better
Not a country divided with conflict from strong left or strong right political parties
Incredibly beautiful scenery
A lot of opportunity
Small country so you can go to two Oceans or the mountains in a day…. Driving
Friendly and supportive expats… almost always
Friendly and supportive Panamanians… almost always
Panamanians do not have an entitlement mentality
I could go on and on…

Come check out Panama during a 6-day all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tour to decide if living in a developing country is worth the trade-offs. Panama is just right for some. But Panama is too big of an adjustment for others who want everything to be like it is back home… wherever that might be.

Panama Relocation Tours will NOT sugar-coat what life is like in Panama. You will learn about the good things and the bad things about life in Panama. I will share my current personal experiences about living in Panama and so will all the other expats you meet with during the tour. The country is changing so quickly, you need to know what it is like being in expat in Panama this month.

For me personally, I can tell you that my only regret is that I did not come to Panama to check it out 10 or 20 years ago then move here sooner.

If you’re not a group tour kind of person…

We also offer instant access to the Online Panama Relocation Guide which has all the same information as a Panama Relocation Tour but you can learn from the comfort of your home. You’ll get a lot of information about the best places to live in Panama so you can narrow down your search to the ideal temperature and location that fits your budget. Then come check out Panama on your own – no group, no schedule! The Online Panama Relocation Guide contains our rolodex of reliable contacts like immigration lawyers, honest real estate agents, property managers, whee to buy health insurance for 40% less, how to get your pets in to Panama and much much more!

Here is one person’s perspective:

Soup Campbell came on a Panama Relocation Tour then moved to Volcan/Cerra Punta in 2013. He says Panama is like the USA was in the 1960s. Since he knows what the changes were like in the USA between 1960 and 2014 – it is easy to know what the changes will be like in Panama except they will happen faster because the technology has already been invented… but it’s just not all in Panama yet. It will be a fun ride!

Here’s what Ann and Ken Bruce who attended the May 2014 tour have to say about the tour

What a way to experience Panama! You can sit in a hotel conference room and be bombarded with disjoined information until you are numb on both ends or you can travel through, see, and participate in THE REAL PANAMA with knowledgeable people, Jackie and Richard, and with a great group of observers, like yourself.

From the cities to the beaches to the mountains, Panama has it all. We live in Florida, so the mountains, especially beautiful Boguete, really appealed to us. The visits to the expat’s homes were really neat!

Jackie and Richard tell it how it is! And we certainly saw a broad spectrum of Panamanian life. Throughout the tour we were well taken care of. Thank you again for such a great tour. We’ll be back!

James Davis came on the very first tour in 2010 and how lives happily in Boquete Panama where he hikes 3 times a week, does ocean kayaking, enjoys organic produce and even got a dog…

For all you folks out there looking for a really great place to retire, you need to look real hard at Panama. And the way to do that is to take Jackie’s overview tour and check out some really good retirement areas. If you are like many, you will be very tired of the hassles of living in big cities, like Panama City, and want to check out some quieter surroundings like the beach or the mountains, then this tour is for you.
Jackie has conducted this tour for small groups for MANY years and has located a most outstanding Panamanian guide who is exceedingly well informed about all things Panama and he drives the group to selected locations with very different geographies.
Now this is not a house buying tour where real estate agents try to sell you their houses, but an opportunity to see a whole lot of Panama and decide if Panama is the right destination for you.

Or read what Marilyn Leff from the April 2014 tour experienced:

If you are considering or only curious about having a presence in Panama, you can do no better than to take this tour. Jackie Lange and her daughter Melissa have arranged a near seamless experience packed full of important information presented in a vacation-like, relaxed program. We traveled to a number of places on the pacific side of the country exposing us to a variety of towns, living choices and lifestyles. We met people who can assist with a move, people who have moved who shared their experiences and saw many options.
Though Chiriqui province was very charming, I am going to return to Panama to look at another area that has piqued my interest and may be the place for me. This tour has made me very positive about Panama, its “way of doing things” and its people. Even after the 6 books I read before arriving, Jackie gave us so much more important information and so many contacts, it was priceless.
Our accommodations were varied through the tour, a taste of the choices one has in Panama. The same spectrum was shown in housing options. There is apparently a wide choice of lifestyles available in Panama and places to enjoy them, two coasts, mountains, small towns, big cities. They have it all.

Panama Relocation Tours — Admiring the view at Coronado Bay

Ric Winstead made the move to Panama after attending the Panama Relocation Tour. Here’s what he had to say:

Thank you again for a uniquely wonderful and informative trip. It was exactly what I was looking for. As a person seriously interested in relocating to Panama, the trip fit the bill perfectly. I truly appreciated the breadth of detail of necessary information about the relocation process, the introductions to helpful local resources, contacts, and a variety of people who had relocated. It was especially helpful to have the time to ask questions and explore their experiences. The written manual and map will be a great reference as I take my next steps.

The trip itself provided real and helpful experience of the variety of climates, locations, and communities where people are relocating- from the Pacific beaches to mountain towns. Everything remained lazer-focused on relocation. The pros and cons were explored without sugar-coating or sales. We experienced Panama as it is from the perspective of relocation. It is not a tour in the usual sense. It is way more.
Jackie takes the time to understand each person’s interest and readiness to relocate and makes sure she answers your questions, or puts you in contact with someone who can. Her focus is to provide the information you need to make a decision and to successfully relocate. It is unique and remarkable and she continuously adapts the trip to refine and improve the experience.

The entire trip was expertly managed, from initial contact and booking, through each day’s agenda. It is clear that everyone makes the extra effort. Jackie and her team made sure everything worked- the bus and driver were exceptional, the itinerary and timing worked for stops, meals, breaks to see the different locations, and the hotels along the way all flowed smoothly. Thanks to the evident knowledge of the country, careful planning, flexibility, and hard work of the team everything flowed smoothly with no gaps or gaffs.. All was focused on making this an exceptional experience. And they delivered!

I recommend without qualification taking a trip with Jackie’s Panama Relocation Tours for all who are contemplating relocation. At least once.
The information provided during the tour helps people make an informed decision to relocate to Panama (or not) and how to make the transition as easy as possible. Lorilei Gilmore lives in a great apartment in the premier gated community, Valle Escondido. Here’s what she says about the Panama Relocation Tours:

Thank you, Jackie, for having the foresight to provide this tour for those of us interested in relocating to Panama. I so enjoyed the February 2012 Panama Relocation Tour. It was a wonderful experience and I have just recently moved to Boquete, Panama. It was definitely worth the money spent as I could never duplicate what we did on this tour, the experiences we all had, and the stress-free atmosphere that prevailed throughout the tour. Truthfully, had I not booked this tour I probably would not be living here today.

READ MORE TESTIMONIALS HERE