jimgh
American looking for information about Panama
Forum posts
40
About me
American
Registration: 11 February 2026
My expat journey
Panama
USA
Activity
Most common payment methods in Panama by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Panama, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights ...
@Cheryl Yappy and Nequi are most accepted in Panama. My advice is to have a confirmation method for all CC purchases or use cash. There’s a lot of scamsters there. Not much worse than anywhere else but my advice would be the same anywhere in ... Read More
Banking in Panama by efcrocker66
I'm looking at moving to Panama from the U.S. can anyone suggest a good/reputable bank to work with?
Banco General is my favorite. Make sure you don’t park backwards in front of the bank. lol Read More
Our Move to Panama by cleoh85
Hello!We're Mike and Cynthia. We're arriving in Panama in November of this year. We are hoping to settle in the Boquete area. Mike is from the UK and I'm from the U.S. We'd been living in Australia the past 17 years and are looking forward to ...
@gandalfwz I got a good chuckle out of that one myself. Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@Pauraii62 there is a small community of expats there. I believe it is west of Volcan a mile or two. It was some real estate guy from Texas that bought a large piece of land and he’s selling small parcels. it’s designed to be a ... Read More
Rental nightmares in Panama by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Panama can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
i’m gonna make this short and sweet because I have to go to work soon. So I lived in Panama for one year and that was around 13 years ago. I rented a house in Pedro Miguel next to the canal for $250 a month. It was supposed to be all utilities ... Read More
Looking at Panama to retire by energyparadigmllc
My wife and I have been researching different countries where we want to retire, and Panama seems to be a top choice for Americans. Coronado appears to be an ideal location for us. We have booked a trip in Feb. 2026 to see what we think. We're ...
@Javion7322 There are good and bad attorneys in Panama. You will need to hire an attorney to do your pensianado. I have heard good things about Carol González. I think she has an office in David. she might flip back-and-forth between Panama ... Read More
Looking at Panama to retire by energyparadigmllc
My wife and I have been researching different countries where we want to retire, and Panama seems to be a top choice for Americans. Coronado appears to be an ideal location for us. We have booked a trip in Feb. 2026 to see what we think. We're ...
Hi Frank (guessing that is your name). I have never lived in Coronado but have stopped there at the Rey store many times on my way through......and also Pio Pio. I lived several places in Panama 13 years ago when Martinelli was still president. My ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Everything you posted here is true and more. I could go on for hours myself but the real question is; what is important to each individual. What are the values that each person holds dear in their life. For me, it is Christianity. I also believe ... Read More
Getting around with your pet in Panama by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Panama with a pet also means learning how to navigate local transport systems together. From daily commutes to occasional trips, you have to navigate betwwen local rules and real-life experiences. Whether you’re a ...
I appreciate your thoughtfulness. It seems today that not many people have much consideration for those of us who dislike dogs. Including my own family Read More
Getting around with your pet in Panama by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Panama with a pet also means learning how to navigate local transport systems together. From daily commutes to occasional trips, you have to navigate betwwen local rules and real-life experiences. Whether you’re a ...
Here is some advice. Leave your pets at home or in your car. I am American and my wife is Panamanian. Neither of us like dogs. Frankly we are both sick of people in the US that think they need to take their pets everywhere they go, especially in the ... Read More
Malaria medication by mo12345
Hello,looking at taking a trip to Panama soon to check out some provinces west of Panama Cityit looks like the CDC website recommends anti-malaria medication. Doe those of you that have traveled there recently or live there, Do you think this is ...
It’s always good advice to be prepared. I always take some with me when I visit or am living there . Drugs to prevent malaria differ by country of travel. I just take Chloroquine Phosphate with me. Read More
Prerequisites to fly in as tourist by Javion7322
Hola everyone. I'm retired and want to visit a friend in Panama. Are there docs or forms I have to bring with me?
@Javion7322 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Panama.html Read More
Prerequisites to fly in as tourist by Javion7322
Hola everyone. I'm retired and want to visit a friend in Panama. Are there docs or forms I have to bring with me?
This travel advisory is likely due to the large escape from LaJoya prison. I believe it was like 174 criminals escaped and are at large still. Most of them being narco-trafficers and gang members of the worst kind. Thanks for the link Bhavna. Read More
Prerequisites to fly in as tourist by Javion7322
Hola everyone. I'm retired and want to visit a friend in Panama. Are there docs or forms I have to bring with me?
I have never had to bring any documents with me except my passport, of course and if you are going to drive, you need to bring your current drivers license. Read More
Unauthorized occupants in property by Dr Rima
Hi, I have lived in Panama (and other countries as well) and have property in Panama. I am thinking about relocating from the US. I am a retired physician who uses non drugs, only natural and advanced treatment strategies and I am fiercely ...
It’s never a good idea to leave property unattended anywhere. It’s always best to rent it cheap on the condition that the tenants take care of it. If not, then sell it. Panama gov is usually going to side with the Panamanian. You can get ... Read More