I like to have all the answers before the questions become critical...

Hi! I cut and pasted your questions, and you can find my information under each one. I truly apologize for the lengthy response, but there is so much false information out there, all in an effort to lure retirees to Panama. Just be careful and if you have any other questions, I will gladly answer or find out if I don’t know.
Extra information I would suggest:

1. if you are on any medications, verify that they actually HAVE it here. Speak with your doctors, see if they would approve a Telehealth Conference. If I had known that, my Medical Insurance would be paying for my visits and prescriptions that could be mailed to me, because of the Miami address. However, I am having to pay approximately $600-$800/ month for Meds due to A) high cost of drugs, and B) No insurance here. Don’t trust International Health Insurance. A number of doctors told me that the companies required a full year of payments before they would start actual coverage of expenses.

2. You can get a Mailboxes Etc. Address, and have a Miami listing so as to prevent outlandish shipping and customs charges. I pay $40 a month, but it allows “Free Shipping” vs. $78 (example) international fees from Amazon to get a package.
BUT, it is still unbelievably expensive for ME to get anything to the United States. I sent ONE piece of paper, and it was in a large envelope to hopefully prevent it from being lost. Cost...$43!!! A 5lb. 12”x12” box would be around $300-$400 I was told. So, keep in mind. Easy and cheap for my sister to mail me packages, though.

3. Don’t relocate your house full of furniture and momentos before you are sure you are going to stay, and find an area that you would be happy with for an extended period. We came with one suitcase. Lord, I wish I would have brought more %100 cotton or linen clothes! Muy caro!! Very expensive and hard to find, so stock up on cotton, including cotton underwear 😁 and throw away anything polyester.
It is like wearing a plastic trash bag. Nights are very pleasant, though. I love to sit on my balcony and actually get chilly around 9:00.

4. Depending on your budget, very nice apartments are available here for any range of prices. I started with Punta Pacifica, because I made the mistake of believing and trusting the realtor. Trump Tower STUDIO apartment, so one room for my son and I, for $1250 per month. Long rant could be inserted here, but I will refrain... I found a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in El Cangrejo for $850. Rental laws here are actually on the renters side. If you give written 30-days notice, the lease is negated and, provided the property is in good condition, SHOULD get the deposit refunded. Take pictures of everything right when you move in.
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1. Where to find a street map of Panama City? - not even Amazon lists one!

—- I’ll try to find one for you. WAZE is a good navigation tool I use. You can search a specific area and specify restaurants, entertainment, etc.

2.  How's the public transportation in Panama City? Is it safe and reliable?  Bus? light rail? subway?

—— UBER IS clean, reliable, and safe. And prices are regulated, as opposed to the Taxis which are not, are individuals, and set their own negotiable prices. If I took Uber 6x per day for one month, I am WAY under what I was paying in a car payment and insurance each month.

——- There is a city bus system that seems great, and a subway line.

3.  Banking seems to be a big issue with Americans moving to Panama.  With direct deposit, online billpay, atm's and use of cards, is it necessary to HAVE a bank in Panama?  Is it possible/feasible to continue with Wells Fargo?

—— I only have my US account. However, I don’t plan on purchasing a home or car to finance. The only issue is the government (?) limited all ATM withdrawals to $500 per day. Sometime during the quarantine, I had to get $250, then immediately do another $250. The charge is $5.25 per transaction with a US bank, but my bank refunds these charges for me. And money transfers are outrageous. Just notify all parties involved and I also have a US billing address. If you have a chipped card, no worries. Used practically anywhere. However, I like to use cash as much as I can, simply because I am paranoid. 😬

4.  Are there senior organizations, and expat organizations to join/network with as a support system?

—— I’m sure there are, but I wanted my son to know the actual country and culture, and I love the Panamanian people. We can speak more on that privately, if you like.

5.  How are the libraries in Panama?

——-unsure

6.  Cell Phones - can you keep your current US carrier, or do you need to switch?  I haven't seen any ads for phone services.

——- TOSS US CARRIERS!! I was paying $325 per month for Verizon. Here, using my iPhone, they simply change the SIM card, give you a new number, and I have unlimited data, 900 minutes monthly to call the USA, and all for $40!!

7.  Best section of Panama City if you want an uptown lifestyle, with an eclectic, bohemian vibe for old hippies?

—- I love the renovations they have done in Casco Viejo, an older historic area of the city. Also, El Carmen/ El Cangrejo has some great areas.

I'm not social media savvy (just never have appreciated facebook, etc.,)  How to do private chat?

Can you clarify your health insurance/medication/situation for  me?  I'm 65 on 6 regular meds, what's my best means of staying on them?

How does keeping a US address help?  Does it need to be Miami?

My email is ***
I will help you with your questions.

Which is the best ocean front city?
Are the beaches and roads clean or littered with trash?
I want to move into a rental to find out first hand an ocean front to settle, should I find a furnished apartment?
Is bringing a couple of suitcases with summer clothes only a good idea?  or, what should i bring that is necessary and unavailable or too expensive?
What is the most reasonable way to move and stay in the country while I figure out my options for apartments / a home and location?