Expat Life Hacks

Thinking of moving to Panama? Knowing what to expect can make life easier! Housing - Things are not built the way you might be used to. Items like dishwashers, screens on doors and lighting fixtures are not standard and might be missing when you get delivery of your new house or condo. Check with your builder or agent to know what is and is not included in your purchase, and be prepared to spend more than you expect to for a North American or European style home. Water - Water pressure is not always consistent. Running water can vary from place to place and even season to season, depending on where you live. Some areas also face regular shortages. Be sure to ask about water problems in the area you a thinking of moving to. In most cases, having a well will ensure you have running water, even if the area does not.  

 Noise - Panamanians don’t have the same feelings about noise as many foreigners do. Music is often cranked full blast and parties last until the early hours of the morning. Assess the house and the neighborhood you are thinking of moving. If you can’t avoid the party or join it, cement walls and good windows can go a long way towards getting you a restful night sleep even, while the party continues outside.

Insects - Expect large, loud and biting bugs, especially in the evenings. No matter where you live, insects are a Panamanian reality. You will see many newcomers sporting welts on their hands and legs while their bodies get used to living with insects. Even if you have a patio screen or live in a high rise above the insect line, many social events will take place outdoors. Get used to using bug spray before you leave for the evening, or carrying some with you.

Infrastructure - Streets and sidewalks are not as well maintained as you would expect them to be. It is not uncommon to find open and unmarked manholes in sidewalks and roads. Sometimes there there could be trees growing in the middle of streets. Areas of highways and roads are not well lit, and are often used for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Laid Back Attitude - Panamanians take their time getting things done. Many expats have a frustrating time dealing with the“manana syndrome”. Expect things to take longer to accomplish to avoid disappointment, and be pleasantly surprised when events move faster than anticipated.

Expenses - Many people ask if they can live in Panama for $500 a month. The short answer is ‘yes’, but don’t expect it to be anything similar to the quality of life in North America or Europe. In the last few years standards of living have increased in Panama along with the cost of living.