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Panama is an amazing country. I love living in Panama, and I think you will too!
But there are some things that I do NOT like about Panama.
It’s time to discuss things that will probably frustrate you and things you’ll need to adjust to if you want to survive in Panama!
Listen to the replay of the “Things I Do Not Like About Panama!”
Here’s the consolidated list (for more details, listen to the call)
1. I don’t like that there is not enough parking at many businesses. A restaurant can have seating for 50 people but only 4 parking spaces (if you’re lucky). Don’t even think about going to a grocery store on the 1st or the 15th of the month. That’s when Panamanians get paid, there will be no parking.
2. I don’t like that Panama allows the Ngobe Indians to block the PanAmerican Highway and other roads. It should be against the law! The PanAmerican Highway is the only road to get across Panama.
3. I don’t like that Panama discriminates. They has never done this until the pandemic. Vaccinated people have one set of rules. Unvaccinated people have a different set of rules coming into Panama. And in 2022, Panama will only allow vaccinated people to enter fairs, music festivals, sporting events, and some restaurants.
4. I don’t like that there are so many dishonest real estate agents/consultants in Panama. Previously there was only a handful. But now, there are a lot more dishonest agents. I probably would not even know about the problem agents if we did not have so many people moving to Panama every month who report their experiences. Luckily, there are some great honest agents too – we found them.
5. I don’t like that the potholes on auxiliary roads never seem to get fixed. They patch them, then a month later they are full of potholes again.
6. I forgot to mention this one. I don’t like the new visa rules which make it harder for non-retirees to move to Panama unless they have at least $200,000.
Thank you for all the useful knowledge, I really appreciate the sharing and everything my wife and I have learned.
Hope to meet you soon.
Well fiddlesticks… Had a 5 year plan hoping to relocate to Panama but like you said, one of those issues might be a deal-breaker. If I want to live in a world similar to a Gattaca type society where the powers at be create “valids” and “invalids” then I can just leave my nice comfy area in Kaufman County and move to the East or Left Coast. Other than Austin, most of the rest of TX is still somewhat sane, at least for the time being.
This saddens me but since my plan was probably going to take 4-5 years to pull off I’ll just wait and see how this all shakes out over time. I appreciate all the effort you put in to making the videos, calls and articles you’ve given us access to. I’ll still try to make the Saturday calls when I can. Be blessed.
I hope things get better soon. I do think it’s important to let everyone know what’s “really” going on.
I agree on #3. Vaccinated people still get Covid. I am not vaccinated and have already had Covid. There is definitely a degree of unfairness and discrimination, not only in Panama, but in the US and other countries as well. My long term plans to retire in Panama may not come to fruition.
Excellent article and it’s much appreciated……while some people don’t agree with #3 …. I, on the other hand, do. I also read that Panama is smoke-free country and I was jumping for joy…I am sure there might be things I won’t like but heck I could live with it….it is, after all, a beautiful and weather wise gorgeous country,
,
the beauty and weather in Panama far outweigh any negatives.
I am in full agreement with your assessment.
OMG. My heart has been set on moving to Panama for 2 years now. I am crushed to hear that your country would discriminate against the unvaxxed. Why would anyone get vaxxed if they already have immunity? Ridiculous. I will pray that things will change. I have cancelled my tour.
Are people really checking everyone’s vaccination status? I’m sure this is going to prove being an impossibility especially for a country that has travel as one of its biggest sources of revenue. Mandates here in the states are proving to be a gigantic issue and looks like it’s going to cost many their jobs and many of these jobs create safety for many. Once the covid and yearly flu shot are combined this will become a nothing burger a couple of years from now. I’m sure we will be on to the next pandemic by then if China has anything to say about it. Daszak and Fauci are already sending funds to make sure that comes to fruition. I know everyone thinks fairness exists everywhere all the time but that’s simply not the truth. The facts are even the vaxxed can contract the virus and those who have better immunity then taking the shot. Until more is known and fear has been relinquished this is going to be the way of the of the world and each country will have their own set of rules. It’s obvious there is not one person who can claim expertise on this or at least that anyone could agree is that person. Until one set of rules can be adopted this is the world. You can thank China for it all.
HI James
Panama really does check vaccine cards when you enter Panama. You are required to upload them to their digital affidavit form. You can see details at https://www.tourismpanama.com/plan-your-vacation/advisories/
So very sad to get the real flavor of what is going on in Panama. I too will halt any plans until this craziness is over.