Introduction to Panama Expat Community

Member since 30 October 2025

OcshmaviaMember01 November 2025 15:09:37

Hi I’m Jemonne (like Simone but with a J) and Panama is my leading choice as a retirement destination. It has all the things that my husband and I are looking forward to experiencing when he retires in a couple of years. Beautiful culture, accessibility, beaches and mountains. Being able to get back to America or get family to us easily is also attractive. I’m really just beginning to explore deeper into Panama and will visit some time in 2026 or early 2027. I also have one of my best friends that is interested in the country as a retirement destination. Maybe she and I will visit there to get a clear view of what living there would look like for us all. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

manper Active member

Member since 21 September 2014

manperActive member01 November 2025 16:46:29

My sincere personal experience living there in David and Boquete; Panama is unsafe, expensive compared with developed countries like Europe, authorities (including police) are corrupt and most of locals are xenophobic, they particularly hate Americans, Canadians and British (don’t diferénciate one of others…). DONT GO THERE!

Ocshmavia Member

Member since 30 October 2025

OcshmaviaMember03 November 2025 16:42:53

What did you experience that made you feel this way? Just asking because so many others on this site have quite opposite views and opinions about these two areas in particular.

manper Active member

Member since 21 September 2014

manperActive member04 November 2025 01:33:48

Living there 3 years with my family, not as retired but active executive of one the most important companies in Panama… I will not do again

NothingNew Member

Member since 13 October 2025

NothingNewMember04 November 2025 09:56:16

I'd have to agree with manper.

The locations he mentioned used to be amazing 35 years ago. Not now.

Decades ago people would come to Panama and retire for life. Now the average is 2.5 years before people want out.

In Panama as with any country you're considering for something as important as retirement use due diligence and don't listen to people who will be making money off of you (attorneys, relocation services, real estate agents, etc).

In spite of what the government says (they'll say anything) the economy is in rapid decline. They just layed off hundreds of workers from the national brewery due to declining sales. The economy is tanking everywhere and in a country with no social safety nets the results are horrible.