When my husband and I were moving to Panama, we did nearly everything wrong.
Well, not wrong exactly, as we ended up in the right place at the right time. But the way we went about it was driven by desperation rather than proper planning.
It all worked out in the end, but if you’re thinking about moving to Panama — or anywhere overseas — there are better ways to do it.
Recently I was invited to record an interview about my expat experiences. Tony Argyle of The Expat Chat reached out, and we spoke for about half an hour.
Here’s the result… including all the ugly details of why you shouldn’t plan your move the way we did.
Panama City photo courtesy of Randy Hilarski.
Hi Susanna. Just listened to your interview yesterday and enjoyed it thoroughly! So fun to hear about Las Tablas and remember our visit in Panama as well as spending some fun time with you and Mark. Hope that you can follow the expat trail again soon! Anita
I’m a 68 year old Veteran and was stationed at Fort Clayton in Panama in 1970.
Panama was my final Duty Station after 6 years service in the US Army and I nearly remained in Panama at that time. I would like to return to Panama to live out what ever remaining years the good Lord sees fit to give me in a quite community near the ocean where I can live well on my modest social security check of $1500.00 and fish whenever I desire. I’m not looking to be way out in the sticks. I still want some amenities suck as shopping markets, movies, etc. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Rich,
On that income, Panama City might be a stretch. Have you considered David? It’s large enough to have shopping centers, lots of restaurants, and a good-sized expat population that does regular get-togethers and events. Of course, just about anywhere in the interior would be affordable for you, it just depends how far away you want to be from amenities. You should definitely visit and spend some time before deciding.
Please drop me an email if you would be so kind.
I am leaving Panama City for the Azuero and am in much the same circumstance you were.
Thank you so much,
Kent