Is Panama a Retirement Utopia or a Retirement Dystopia?

Last activity 06 September 2015 by PacificaMaryAnn

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PacificaMaryAnnContributor07 July 2015 01:41:23

135

According to the so called "experts" Panama is a Retirement Paradise. "Save your Retirement!" or 'Live Cheaper in Panama!' The ads go on and on with come to Panama headlines that will save your retirement. For some expats, the ads speak the truth.

The ads are incomplete. Yes, Panama is a wonderful country filled with warm and wonderful people. Yes, some people live more cheaply in Panama than they did back home. Many economic refugees are living on less than they did back home. Did you know that some expats live very modestly in a house with no hot water? Some take showers in the rain water that runs off their roof during a heavy rain. Many expats living out in the interior of Panama live with water shortages, electricity outages, and internet that is intermittent. Read the blogs from those expats who have been in Panama for a while.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a simple life, if that is what you are looking for in retirement. People should know what they are getting into when they seek a perfect Utopia. Visit Panama and see for yourself if it is your dream Paradise or find out later that Panama may be another Dystopia.

kristc99Serial expat09 July 2015 19:50:34

881

One great thing about Panama is there are many options. You are absolutely correct though when you say a person must spend time in their chosen place before making any big decisions. What is no big deal to one may be intolerable to someone else. We can only tell you our experiences, not tell anyone else how they will feel.

SunsetSteveSerial expat09 July 2015 21:00:22

276

So true. For example, unlike pac Maryann, having escaped city life with skin intact 15 years ago I get no enjoyment from an urban lifestyle. 3 days in PC was about all I could take. I love village life and found that Boquete ticked more boxes than I would have thought. There was a smattering of annoying immigrants (aka expats ☺️) but pretty much ok for the most part (and plenty of Canucks to sweeten the pot j/k). A bit windy perhaps? The absence of a 7 month winter goes a long way in my books!

laura marina ruizActive member05 September 2015 19:27:11

Could you please recommend me some blogs from expats living in Panama for a long time? I am a Venezuelan lady and live in Venezuela with my senior mother. As you surely know, Venezuela is becoming this terrible and dangerous place. I have been looking into the option of Panama. Also, if you could recommend me some nice areas, considering that I am Latin American so should be accustomed to some discomforts. I would like an area which is not too hot, also safe and clean, with supermakets, etc, because I do not want to drive a car. Somebody mentioned El Valle. Also, about the hot water, isn't it possible to install a heater for the shower? I mean, that should not be very expensive....Thank you

SunnymikkelActive member05 September 2015 20:02:22

Check out - www.ourthirdlifepedasi.com

kristc99Serial expat05 September 2015 23:05:26

881

http://blog.thepanamaadventure.com/ David
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/ David
http://onemoregoodadventure.com/ Chiriqui (Boquerón)
http://hollycarter184.wordpress.com/ Boquete
http://tombseekers.wordpress.com/ Boquete
http://mcmoller.wordpress.com/ Pedasi
http://indacampo.wordpress.com/ Pedasi
http://panamadude.com/ Pedasi
http://time4panamaniacs.blogspot.com/ Panama City
http://panamaforbeginners.com/ Panama City, and lots of great general info.
http://www.2RetireesinPanama.blogspot.com Chame and Coronado area

If you want "not too hot" you will probably want somewhere in the mountains. Then, you need to find a community big enough to have supermarkets, etc. Boquete? Volcan? Santa Fe? El Valle? (I haven't been to the last two, so don't know if they are big enough to have supermarkets, etc).

laura marina ruizActive member06 September 2015 12:38:04

Thank you

laura marina ruizActive member06 September 2015 12:38:44

Thank you very much

PacificaMaryAnnContributor06 September 2015 21:43:51

135

http://boquete.ning.com/forum

I like the weather in Panama City. Evening breezes, cool mornings, and warm to mildly hot afternoons. It all depends on where one comes from. Central Florida is hotter and far more humid than Panama City.

Panama City is a fantastic place and it is worth considering. Everything one needs is in Panama City, including hot water! Since Panama City is walkable, no car is necessary. A bus is 25 cents and the new metro train is 35 cents. Taxis are easy to find and are mostly fair with the fees. If your elderly mom moves with you, she will receive respect and affection from the locals in Panama City.

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