It is hard to follow social media and news outlets without thinking that our world has been turned upside down. Some places have rioting, fighting, looting, and mass shootings, and how could we forget this horrible thing called Covid-19.
Because of all this, some have begun to do some deep reflection and even started wondering if now is the time to move to a different country to start a new adventure away from the madness.
This is the perfect time to consider moving to beautiful Panama. You may even be able to retire early because the cost of living is so much more affordable in Panama. Life is much more tranquil in Panama.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIVE
Because of Panama’s diversity, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer the warmer weather of the beaches or the cooler temperatures of the highlands, you can find it in Panama.
If vibrant nightlife is what you are looking for, Panama’s capital city may be a perfect fit for you. There are many different residential communities in Panama City, each with its own vibe. Belle Vista and El Cangrejo are especially popular with expats.
If you’re looking for a more upscale beach community, you should check out Coronado and the surrounding beach towns like San Carlos. Coronado has a thriving expat community, many amazing restaurants, and just about every amenity a North American would need to feel at home. Rental prices for a high-rise condo facing the Pacific Ocean start at about $1200 a month for a furnished two-bedroom. That price does not include electricity which could be from $50 to $300 a month, depending on how much you use your air conditioner.
Perhaps you’d like a town with Spring like weather (no air conditioner needed) where you can walk almost everywhere. Boquete would be a perfect fit. It is also a town with many social activities, great restaurants, and many places where you can listen to live music at multiple venues. Boquete is in the mountains, where the temperatures range between 65 at night to a high of 80 during the day. Boquete has a population of about 25,000 with an estimate that 4,000 are people from other countries. A nice furnished two-bedroom rental will start at about $700 in Boquete.
If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, then Volcan in the highlands would be ideal. Or, if you prefer warmer weather and beaches, the towns between Chitre and Las Tablas in the Azuero Peninsula would be a good fit for you. Both of these areas are super affordable too! You can get a nice furnished one-bedroom house with all utilities included for less than $450 a month and a furnished two-bedroom will be $600 a month.
HOW TO MOVE TO PANAMA
If you make at least $1000 a month in lifetime income (like Social Security), you can retire in Panama. A couple would need to have $1250 per month in lifetime income. There are plenty of places you can live on that income. The famous Pensionado Visa will help your income go even further because you’ll be able to take advantage of discounts on restaurants, pharmacies, airfare, doctors, hotels, and utilities. The Pensionado Visa also entitles you to live in Panama indefinitely. We have more details about getting a Visa in our FREE Living and Retiring in Panama 15-part email series which you can get here.
If you have more income to work with, you’ll have more choices when you move to Panama.
Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of people relocate to Panama the stress-free, easy way.
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE… IN EVERY BUDGET!!
Regardless of where you relocate to in Panama, you will meet some of the friendliest and most helpful people in the world who are truly proud of their country and eager to share it with you.
After going on an all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night Panama Relocation Tour or getting the information in the Online Panama Relocation Guide, you may decide to take that leap of faith to move to Panama and be “all in.”
But some decide to give Panama a “test drive” for three to six months to make sure Panama is right for them before making a permanent move. You may even want to try out several different areas in Panama before you make your final decision.
Once you decide you’re ready to relocate to Panama, you may want to sell everything they own to start a new life in Panama. Gone are the “things” you thought you could never live without. Trust me when I say it is one of the most liberating things you will ever do!
Some decide that they need to keep some of their possessions so they ship a 20′ or 40′ container to Panama.
NOT ONE RIGHT WAY!
The right way is the way that makes you feel most comfortable.
Starting a new life in a new country will require acclimating to a new culture. It is necessary to check your expectations at the border and remember that you aren’t in your home country anymore and almost everything you were used to is going to be, at best, a little different.
One of the biggest adjustments will be the slower pace of life. You learn that you just need to relax and go with the flow! You are probably ready to slow down and get off that hamster wheel anyway!
When I see the mayhem that is taking place in some places in the world, Panama is so tranquil! It’s no wonder that Panama is the #1 place to retire in the whole world!
LIFE IS GREAT IN PANAMA!
If you’re ready for a fresh start, you can start learning about what your life could be like in Panama with our FREE 15-part series Living and Retiring in Panama. GET IT HERE. We will email you your first lesson immediately, then email a new lesson every couple of days.
Don’t take our word for it. Bridgette Sloan wrote,” Hands down the best traveling experience I’ve had!! I was full of worry before the tour, but because Jackie planned everything out, including a shuttle from the airport, I had nothing to fear!! I thoroughly enjoyed the drive through the country and the wealth of information she provided! I will return back to the states with wonderful memories of this beautiful country and start planning my retirement here soon!!”
Tens of thousands of people from other countries have relocated to Panama.
Michael says
Have a friend that visits Panama often and recommended me looking at retirement there. I’m a retiring physician w health issues and very interested in long term relocation w my fiancé
Jackie Lange says
Hi Michael
To qualify for the Pensionado visa, you and your fiance will each need to prove at least $1000 per month in lifetime income.
If you were to get married before you move to Panama, you will only need to show a combined $1250 in lifetime income to qualify
You mentioned that you have health issues. You may not be able to get Panama health insurance but there are other options.