Moving to Panama

Your Complete Relocation Guide

Before You Read...

We haven't filled this guide with glossy holiday photos or tried to sell you a dream. There are already thousands of websites that do that. Instead, we've focused on something we believe is far more valuable—honest advice, practical information and real experiences that might help if you're thinking about moving, investing or buying property abroad.

Every country has its strengths, its challenges and its own way of life. Our aim is simply to help you understand them, so you can decide whether it's the right place for your next chapter.

If this guide answers a question, helps you avoid a mistake or gives you the confidence to explore somewhere new, then it's done exactly what it was written to do.

Why Move to Panama?

Panama is often compared to Costa Rica, but after spending time exploring the country, I quickly realised they're two completely different experiences.

Yes, they share beautiful coastlines, tropical weather and incredible wildlife, but Panama has a character all of its own. In many places it feels more developed, more commercial and, for many people arriving from Europe or North America, a little more familiar.

You'll find modern shopping centres, international brands, excellent roads and impressive city skylines, yet you're never far from rainforest, mountain villages or quiet beaches stretching for miles.

Whether you're planning to retire, buy an investment property, work remotely or simply start a new chapter, Panama is a country that's well worth considering.

Why People Choose Panama

One of Panama's biggest strengths is choice.

Within a few hours you can be enjoying the cooler mountain air of Boquete, relaxing on a deserted Pacific beach, exploring Caribbean islands or spending the afternoon in one of Latin America's most modern cities.

Panama also uses the US Dollar, making life much simpler for many international buyers and retirees. Combined with good infrastructure, modern healthcare and a growing international community, it's easy to understand why more people are discovering the country each year.

Where Should You Live?

Like every country, Panama isn't just one destination.

Every region has its own personality.

One town might be perfect for retirement, another ideal for surfing, while somewhere else offers everything a remote worker could ask for.

The best advice I can give is simple.

Don't buy property during your first visit.

Travel.

Explore.

Stay in different places.

You'll soon discover that one location simply feels right.

Boquete

If one place genuinely surprised me, it was Boquete.

Nestled high in the Chiriquí Highlands, it almost feels like Switzerland in Central America. The cooler temperatures, green valleys, coffee plantations and mountain scenery create a completely different atmosphere from Panama's tropical coastline.

The town itself is charming, with cafés, restaurants, artisan markets and a welcoming community of both locals and expats. Despite its popularity, Boquete has managed to retain its Panamanian character.

If you're looking for a slower pace of life without the intense tropical heat, it's very easy to understand why so many people choose to settle here.

David

Only around 40 minutes from Boquete is David.

Unlike Boquete, David isn't trying to be a tourist destination.

It's a busy commercial city where local Panamanians work, shop and live their everyday lives.

You'll find hospitals, supermarkets, banks, shopping centres, car dealerships and almost every service you could need.

Although it may not feature on many holiday itineraries, it's a city you'll probably become very familiar with if you decide to live in western Panama.

Sometimes it's the practical places that make life abroad much easier.

Playa La Barqueta & Las Olas Resort

If your idea of paradise is peace and quiet, Playa La Barqueta deserves a place on your list.

The beach stretches for miles and often feels almost deserted. Instead of beach clubs and busy promenades you'll find endless sand, the sound of the Pacific Ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Nearby, Las Olas Resort offers exactly what many people come here looking for.

Peace.

Don't expect shopping, nightlife or endless attractions.

People come here because they want to slow down.

Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply having nowhere you need to be.

Bocas del Toro

On Panama's Caribbean coast you'll discover one of the country's most unique destinations.

Bocas del Toro couldn't feel more different from the mainland.

Colourful buildings line the waterfront, boats replace cars for many journeys and the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere makes life move at its own pace.

Island hopping, snorkelling, fishing and simply enjoying the laid-back lifestyle are all part of everyday life here.

Whether you're looking for a holiday home, investment property or somewhere unlike anywhere else in Central America, Bocas del Toro is well worth exploring.

Crossing Between Costa Rica & Panama

One thing many people don't realise is how easy it is to travel between Costa Rica and Panama.

The border crossing at Paso Canoas is used every day by tourists, locals and expats travelling between the two countries.

It's also commonly used by expats living in Costa Rica who need to complete what's often referred to as a visa run before returning.

Provided you have the correct documentation, it's generally a straightforward crossing and gives you the perfect excuse to spend a few days exploring another beautiful country.

Shopping

If you're travelling from Costa Rica, one thing you'll notice almost immediately is the shopping.

Panama has far more large shopping centres, retail parks and international brands than its neighbour, and thanks to favourable tax policies many products can be considerably cheaper.

Electronics, clothing, household goods and branded products often represent excellent value.

Even if you're only visiting for a couple of days, you may find yourself returning home with more shopping than you expected.

Getting Around

Driving around Panama is generally straightforward and the road network between the country's major towns is good.

Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, particularly compared with Europe or North America.

One small tip.

Around border crossings, shopping centres and transport hubs you'll often be approached by friendly locals offering to find you a taxi.

While they're usually trying to help, some receive a small commission for directing customers towards particular drivers.

Take your time.

Ask the driver the fare before getting in and don't be afraid to politely question or negotiate the price if it seems high.

It's perfectly normal and all part of travelling around Central America.

Food & Drink

One thing I always enjoyed in Panama was the local lager.

It's inexpensive, refreshing and tastes even better after a day exploring the country.

Fresh seafood is excellent, tropical fruit is everywhere and, just like Costa Rica, some of the best meals you'll eat won't be found in expensive restaurants.

Eat where the locals eat.

Those small family-run cafés often serve the freshest food, the biggest portions and give you a far better taste of the country's culture.

Panama Has Its Own Personality

If you're arriving directly from Costa Rica, Panama may initially feel different.

Costa Rica famously abolished its army many years ago and has a very relaxed atmosphere.

Panama has a more noticeable security presence around certain public buildings, airports and border crossings, which can make the country feel slightly more formal when you first arrive.

The more you explore, however, the more you'll notice its personality.

Modern architecture.

Recognisable American brands.

Excellent shopping.

Contemporary developments.

For some people, those familiar surroundings make relocating abroad feel much easier.

If you enjoy tropical living but still appreciate having modern conveniences close by, Panama offers an excellent balance.

The Climate

Like much of Central America, Panama enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.

The coastal regions are generally hot and humid, while mountain towns like Boquete enjoy a much cooler and fresher climate.

The country has both a dry season and a rainy season, and although tropical downpours can be dramatic, they also transform the countryside into an incredibly green landscape filled with rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.

Don't let the words "rainy season" put you off.

Some of Panama's most beautiful scenery appears after the rain.

My Advice

Don't compare Panama to Costa Rica.

Experience Panama for what it is.

Spend time in Boquete.

Explore Bocas del Toro.

Visit David.

Walk along Playa La Barqueta.

Sit outside with a cold local beer.

Talk to local people.

Take the back roads occasionally.

Like any country, the real Panama isn't found in a brochure.

It's found through experience.

Wayne's Thoughts

Every country leaves you with a different feeling.

Costa Rica won me over with its rivers, wildlife and the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Panama impressed me in different ways.

Its mountain towns, long beaches, modern infrastructure and friendly people make it a fascinating country to explore. I also think many people relocating from Europe or North America may find Panama slightly easier to settle into. The familiar brands, shopping centres and modern developments give it a feeling that's somewhere between Central America and North America, while still retaining its own identity and culture.

If you're thinking about making the move, don't rely entirely on YouTube videos, social media or travel blogs.

Go and see it for yourself.

Walk the streets.

Drive the roads.

Talk to local people.

Sit in the cafés.

One place will simply feel right.

And when it does, you'll know.

Related Panama Guides

• Buying Property in Panama
• Panama Residency Guide
• Healthcare in Panama
• Driving in Panama
• Cost of Living in Panama
• Renting vs Buying in Panama
• Moving Your Pets to Panama
• Selling Property in Panama
• Property Taxes Explained

About the Author

Wayne Johnson is the founder of Slide'N Doors and has spent years travelling, buying, selling and researching property across Central America. Rather than simply listing facts, his guides are written to share practical advice, honest observations and the little things that often make the biggest difference when considering a move abroad. His aim is simple—to help people make informed decisions and discover the place that's right for them.