That’s not the version you’ll be living in.

You found an apartment in Panama City.

The photos are gorgeous, the price makes you feel like you’ve cracked some kind of expat code, and the neighborhood looked perfectly fine when your realtor drove you through at 11am on a Wednesday.

The sun was out.

There was a little fruit cart on the corner.

Someone was hosing down the sidewalk.

You were charmed. I get it.

Now go back at 10pm on a Friday and tell me what you see.

This is not hypothetical.

If you’re moving to Panama City as an expat — especially if you’re relocating with kids — Panama City has some of the most dramatic neighborhood personality shifts I have ever witnessed, and if you don’t do your nighttime homework, you are absolutely rolling the dice on your quality of life.

Let’s talk about Casco Viejo, because Casco is everyone’s dream. It shows up in every Panama expat relocation guide, every “best neighborhoods in Panama City” blog post, and honestly? It is charming.

Colonial-era architecture, cozy public squares, rooftop bars, cobblestone streets, that golden hour light that makes everything look like a movie.

Daytime Casco is a postcard.

But here’s what those posts don’t always tell you: Casco Viejo at night Thursday through Sunday is a full-on party district.

Music, crowds, police officers using those whistles at full blast to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, rideshare traffic backed up for blocks, and noise that does.not.stop at a reasonable hour.

Before you start Googling “Casco Viejo apartments pros and cons,” you need to experience that firsthand.

For some people, that energy is exactly what they came for.

For anyone moving to Panama with kids, or anyone who values sleep as a personality trait, that is a very different calculation.

Then there’s the Financial District — Obarrio, Marbella, El Cangrejo.

Very buttoned-up during business hours.

Professional, walkable, full of lunch spots.

If you’re researching Obarrio vs Casco Viejo for expats, daytime visits to both will tell you almost nothing useful.

Because certain pockets of the financial district neighborhood at night transform completely once the sun goes down.

That quiet stretch with the tire shop and the shuttered storefronts?

By 9pm it might be a makeshift CrossFit situation with music blasting, or a corner that’s developed its own “micro-economy” nobody briefed you on.

And here is the real test I give everyone who asks me for Panama City relocation tips for Americans: when your rideshare pulls up to your potential new address at night, do you get out immediately?

Or do you pause? Do you sit there for a second and do a little assessment before you open the door?

If you hesitated — that is information. That is your gut handing you a note that says we need to talk.

I'm not here to scare you — and honestly, this isn't even unique to Panama.

I'd give you the exact same advice if you were moving to Miami, LA, Chicago, or any major city. Neighborhoods have two personalities, and you owe it to yourself to meet both of them. I moved here with my whole family. The longer I've been here, the more I've fallen for this place.

But if you want to know what it’s really like to live in Panama City, you need the full picture — not just the version that shows up in the jolly daytime relocation tours or sarcastic Facebook groups.

Go back after dark. Go on a Friday afternoon when everyone is trying to get out of the city on whatever wheels they own. Go on a weekend. Walk half a block in each direction. Grab something from a place that’s actually open and just be there for a few minutes. You might fall even harder for the neighborhood once you see it fully alive.

And if that PH building happens to have a rooftop pool, a gym, and a concierge — which, in Panama City, is not an unreasonable expectation — you'll wonder why you ever considered living anywhere else.

Or you might save yourself from a lease you’d be counting down the months on.

Either way — you deserve the whole picture, not just the highlight reel.

Daytime curb appeal is cute. Nighttime recon is how you actually decide.

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But honestly? Nothing says “I’m not on vacation, I actually live here now” faster than having to buy your own groceries and schlep them home.

Which might explain why grocery stores have always been a bit of a love language in our household. Our third date was to a Whole Foods Market.

Romantic? Debatable.

Informative? Absolutely.

Clearly, Mr. passed the test.

If you can calmly wander aisles together discussing snacks, produce, and dinner plans, there’s real potential there.

And the good news is that grocery shopping in Panama is genuinely enjoyable. Sometimes confusing. Occasionally maddening. But overall? A pleasure.

The options alone are impressive. From the super-sized chains like Rey, Super 99, and Machetazo, to higher-end favorites like Riba Smith, to smaller specialty purveyors like Foodie and Organica, you’ll find your rhythm pretty quickly.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Eggs Are… Just There

Eggs are rarely refrigerated. They sit out on shelves, neatly stacked, living their best unrefrigerated lives next to the chips. This will feel wrong at first. You’ll side-eye them. You’ll google it — they’re unprocessed and “it was scientifically proven” that they don’t require refrigeration. Fingers crossed.

Yes, You Can Buy Liquor With Your Groceries

Not just wine and beer. Vodka, rum, gin — it’s all right there. Panamanian grocery stores sell hard liquor alongside your produce and paper towels, which makes stocking up for at-home cocktails wildly convenient and very “you’re not in Texas anymore.”

The Shopping Carts Are Shockingly Clean

The carts are almost always sparkling clean. No mystery gunk. No ancient crumbs. No lurking ick from places that shall not be named. You’ll also find adaptive carts for varying mobility needs and the cute little ones for the kids to push (directly into your toes). They don’t always have many of the adaptive ones, but if you ask, someone will usually try to track one down.

Tip Your Bagger

That friendly young person bagging your groceries and offering to walk you to your car is likely not a store employee. Many are students working as “volunteers” and earn tips only. There’s endless debate about how much to give, but my personal rule of thumb is about one balboa (roughly one U.S. dollar) per hundred spent. Adjust as needed — but please don’t skip it.

Bring Your Reusable Bags

Reusable bags aren’t required yet, but they’re strongly encouraged. Otherwise, you’ll get standard paper sacks. After a few trips or deliveries, you’ll probably have more than enough anyway.

Labels From Everywhere

You’ll find local products alongside imports from North America, Europe, and Asia. Because of that, labels often appear in multiple languages — not just Spanish. Google Translate’s camera function is your friend. Use it.

Sales Are… Aspirational

If something is marked on sale, there’s a decent chance it won’t ring up that way. Take a photo of the shelf tag and be prepared to politely walk a manager back to the product and make your case. Unlike many American grocery stores, the customer is not automatically right. Sometimes they’ll simply peel off the sale tag and say nope.

Specialty Diets Are Covered

Panama passes my self-designed “Bob’s Red Mill Test”. If you have a food intolerance, allergy, specialty diet — kosher, gluten-free, keto, alternative milks, allergen-friendly brands — you’ll almost-always find what you need. It may not always be in the same store every time, but it exists.

Stock Comes and Goes Like a Mystery

You may need to shop multiple stores regularly. If something is mission-critical for your household, keep a back stock at home. Don’t be surprised when every variation of a product exists except the one you need for weeks on end, and then suddenly reappears. When it does, grab it like it’s Taylor Swift concert tickets.

The Ice Cream Situation

Frozen desserts are rarely frozen solid, which gives me great pause. Things melt. Things refreeze. Hmnnnnn…. We buy our freshly scooped ice cream from a local shop instead and call it supporting small business.

No Need to Shop Hangry Hungry

Most grocery stores have cafés where you can grab coffee, pastries, dessert… even hot breakfast or lunches in the warming case. Grocery run plus snack stop is excellent life design.

Order, Pick Up, Deliver — Anytime

Many stores offer order-and-pickup options, and remember — this is a big city. You can order groceries almost 24-7 using apps like PedidosYa because there are 24-hour stores and all-night mini-marts. Midnight snacks are never out of reach.

Checkout Is Kind-Of Efficient

If you’re used to cheerful small talk at places like Publix, H-E-B, or Wegmans, this will feel different. Cashiers are polite and focused. Even when you speak Spanish, checkout isn’t a chit-chat experience. It’s a transaction.

Every Mistake Requires a Supervisor

If an item scans twice or incorrectly, say as a six-pack instead of a single, the light goes on and a supervisor must be summoned. Removing that seventy-five-cent error will pause the already slow checkout process.

Tap to Pay Is Widely Accepted

Digital payments are widely accepted, so bring your phone and tap-tap-tap to pay!

Cash is always welcome but don’t bring too many large bills.

Any paper currency over $20 will require the light to go on for a supervisor to come and inspect your $50 or $100 note, interview you in some fashion, and then complete a form requiring your ID card or passport - as part of their fraud prevention process.

The people waiting behind you in line will not be amused.

Loyalty Programs Are Worth It

If you frequent a store, create a loyalty account. Sometimes it’s tied to your phone number, sometimes your cedula (Panamanian national ID number), and sometimes it’s randomly assigned. I keep screenshots of all mine in my phone for quick reference.

They Love Rearranging the Store

Store management loves changing store layouts for what feels like absolute fun. Not seasonally. Just because. As a busy mom trying to prepare some reasonably familiar and healthy fare, this invokes pure terror when I’m in a hurry for that one ingredient.

Returns Aren’t Really a Thing

Returns aren’t really a thing here, so only buy what you intend to use. This is true even for electronics or small appliances.

Big stores sell everything, and if you buy something that plugs in, they’ll often spirit it off to Customer Service to unbox it and plug it in right in front of you to make sure it works.

Because again — returns aren’t really a thing.

Produce Is Beautiful — But Costs More than Buying From The Local Vendor

The produce selection in Panamanian grocery stores is impressive, but it will always cost more than buying from your corner fruit vendor or local market. And imported, super-perishable fruit will cost significantly more.

The Butcher Section Is a Show

Every cut imaginable is on display. We routinely stop to gawk at pig heads lounging in the case for a few balboas, wondering which home chef needs an entire pig face. If that’s you, please invite me over. I bet it’s succulent and delicious.

You Can Browse the Supermarkets Online

One convenient thing about supermarkets here is that they show their inventory online, so if you need very specific products and want to check for availability or even price, you can always go to their websites and browse away!

Riba Smith

Supermercados Rey

Super 99

El Machetazo

Organica Store

PriceSmart

Have questions about grocery shopping in Panama? Send them my way.

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xo and

Which in internet time is basically a geological era.

And messes around with the algorithm as they say.

You know those Instagram accounts where people move abroad and suddenly their lives become a curated montage of European farmers markets, golden hour aperitifs, and children who somehow never have ketchup stains on their shirts?

Yeahhhhh, I don’t know those people.

Turns out when you move countries but you're not retired and don't have a trust fund, you just... do the same stuff.

Except now you're Googling "how to get a mammogram" in Spanish and having minor panic attacks about whether you’ve transferred the correct amount to the summer camp to pay for your child’s spot.

The highlight was four different summer camps across two countries. One week the kiddo is doing puppetry camp in Atlanta (we adults got a nice vacation out of it!). And the next week, we’re at day camp in an entirely different country, fielding WhatsApp voice notes from the camp director about my child’s apparent (sensory-related) need to wear long sleeved shirts at an outdoor summer camp in THE TROPICS: capitalization required, it’s Dora-the-Explorer muggy and buggy and rainy.

Yeah he’s definitely hot.

But the bugs are worse than the heat - at least in his mind.

And I may or may not have hidden some of his favorite long-sleeved monster truck shirts till he is back to being an indoors kid.

While we were in the States, we managed to squeeze in some sorely missed annual passholder time at Disney, also known as the hottest place on earth.

Orlando in the summer is brutal, and each year gets progressively worse.

Oh, and did I mention we're working?

Because: spoiler alert for all those people still daydreaming about moving to Thailand or Portugal or Ghana through some well-edited YouTube videos of “how cheap!!!” it is - "moved abroad" doesn't equal "early retirement".

My husband's still traveling for work - which now means I'm solo parenting while he's in yet another time zone, and I'm trying to figure out if that weird beeping noise coming from the freezer means we lost power.

But for how long? Is the food still good?

Meanwhile, I'm over here booking Spring Break 2026 trips for clients and helping them find rain ponchos at Disney World (for right now, this minute, via text message) AND writing grants for my most favorite nonprofit.

My next Substack will be called “Hey Momma, the multi-hyphenate”.

Nothing says "living the expat dream" like frantically typing grant applications on a deadline while your child “does puppetry” on Outschool at full volume in the next room and you're pretty sure you hear expensive beeping coming from the kitchen.

The power went out? But for how long? Is the food still good?

Adding to my TO-DO list.

"Can you work on your grant somewhere quieter?" my kid asks.

Dude, this IS the quiet room.

Your puppet sounds like it’s being bludgeoned to death.

What the hell is that skit about?

So yeah, international remote work is just regular remote work with more complicated time zone math and the occasional power outage that makes you question all your life choices.

We did a few weekend getaways that sounded amazing until we realized we’re still packing the same amount of snacks, still forgetting someone's favorite goggles, and still having the "Are we there yet?" conversation.

Dude, we just left the house.

And through it all? Laundry.

So much freaking laundry.

International laundry.

Bilingual laundry.

Multicultural laundry.

Outgrown laundry.

Wet laundry.

Full-of-sand laundry.

Rocks-in-the-pockets laundry.

Stained and paint-spattered laundry.

Even my tween was dragging his laundry basket, unbidden, across the house to do the laundry.

One load + one detergent pod = clean swim trunks to hit the community pool later.

He was going for a “night swim” with Momma.

Because we had watched Jaws for the first time and wanted to swim under the stars while we discussed the movie.

The pool is a dozen floors above ground level, so no risk of predators… except maybe mosquitos cuz THE TROPICS.

We mostly floated and reminisced about the giant green sea turtle that bumped my bum while snorkeling in Barbados three summers ago.

And Daddy saw a puffer fish in the water but didn’t tell us anything until we were back on the catamaran because we were already SCREAMING about the touchy turtle.

Not quite Jaws level. But still…

Excitement level = 10.

Danger level = 0.

Memories level = 10,000.

Happy and grateful laundry.

So I guess we could have kept posting through all this.

Could have scheduled some content about "5 Tips for Expat Families" or "How Moving Abroad Changed Everything!" Those posts would have been as authentic as my attempts to look like I have it together as a parent.

I’m truly very proud that we managed to keep everyone fed, relatively healthy (only one respiratory sickness logged but it required visits to 4 drugstores to find the prescribed medicine in the correct dosage), and mostly happy for another day.

(Home)school starts soon, so we will be back on a better schedule then.

Cannot promise we will be in one place though.

We will be back with more stories about the unglamorous reality of family life abroad. Because if we're being honest, that's way more interesting than another sunset photo anyway.

What did you do this summer? Did it involve sketchy puppets or monster truck shows? Pleaseeee tell me it involved less laundry than mine.

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xo Ven Sí Puedes | Come If You Can and

Planning a move to Panama City but concerned about navigating life with limited mobility? You're asking the right questions. While Panama's capital offers year-round warmth, affordable living, and a growing expat community, the accessibility landscape is complicated - and dramatically different from what you might expect if you're coming from countries with robust disability legislation.

After analyzing dozens of firsthand accounts from wheelchair users, mobility scooter riders, and people with various accessibility needs who've made Panama City their home, I’ve compiled some of the key things you need to know before making the leap.

1. Understand the Legal Reality: No ADA Equivalent Exists

The most important thing to grasp upfront is that Panama has no laws requiring disability access, nor specific guidelines that businesses must follow. Unlike the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States or Accessible Canada Act (ACA) or similar legislation elsewhere, accessibility in Panama is completely voluntary.

This means:

• Standards vary wildly between buildings

• What exists was built out of goodwill, not legal requirement

• Newer constructions tend to be better, but there's no guarantee

• You can't assume basic accessibility features will be present

The upside? Many businesses that do make accessibility efforts genuinely want to help, and you'll often receive VIP treatment in banks and offices - no waiting in long lines.

2. Choose Your Neighborhood Strategically: Costa del Este Wins

Not all Panama City neighborhoods are created equal when it comes to mobility access. Based on extensive feedback from wheelchair users, two areas stand out:

Costa del Este (Top Choice):

• Newer infrastructure with international standards in mind

• Better spaced buildings with less congestion

• Improved sidewalk conditions

• More commercial options for shopping and dining

• Less noise and traffic chaos

• Most wheelchair-accessible strip malls and shopping centers

Santa Maria (Second Choice):

• Good accessibility infrastructure

• More residential, so fewer commercial accessibility options

• Still within reasonable distance to downtown during non-rush hours

Areas to Approach with Caution:

• Casco Viejo: Narrow, broken sidewalks with business advertising blocking paths

• Most older neighborhoods: Designed before accessibility considerations

3. Prepare for Sidewalk Reality Shock

Perhaps the most consistent concern among mobility device users is Panama City's sidewalk infrastructure. Here's what to expect:

Common sidewalk problems:

• Uneven surfaces with potholes

• Missing sections entirely

• Electrical posts in the middle of walkways

• Cars parked on sidewalks

• Steep, non-standard ramps

• Missing or inadequate curb cuts

• Extremely smooth tiles that become dangerously slippery when wet

Coping strategies:

• Travel with a companion when possible

• Scout routes in advance

• Consider an all-terrain wheelchair for better navigation

• Plan for alternative transportation methods

• Expect to use building access points rather than street-level entries

4. Rethink Your Transportation Strategy

Getting around Panama City with mobility challenges requires creative solutions:

What works:

• Larger taxis and Ubers can accommodate wheelchairs

• The Panama Metro is designed to be accessible with elevators and preferential seating in trains

• Having a dedicated vehicle and driver might become essential

• Some expats hire full-time caregivers who also drive

What doesn't:

• Metro accessibility isn't fully consistent - some stations have broken elevators or missing tactile indicators

• Getting to and from Metro stations can be challenging due to poor sidewalk conditions around stations

• Cars rarely stop at crossings for pedestrians

• Even walking routes between accessible buildings can be treacherous

Budget consideration: Full-time caregivers who can drive typically cost $1,200-$2,000+ monthly, significantly more than some initial estimates suggest.

5. Know Where Accessibility Actually Works

While much of Panama City presents challenges, certain locations have genuinely good accessibility:

Reliably accessible spaces:

• Larger shopping malls (with caveats about ramp angles)

• Panama Canal visitor areas

• Bio Museo

• Amador Causeway

• Cinta Costera waterfront area

• Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market)

• Some areas of Casco Viejo (specifically, the main squares)

• Government buildings (though ramp angles can be extreme)

Mixed experiences:

• Hotels vary wildly - research specific properties

• Restaurants in newer developments tend to be better

• Hospitals generally have good access through main entrances

6. Plan for Equipment Challenges

The rough terrain takes a toll on mobility equipment:

Common issues:

• Wheelchair wheels damaged regularly by poor road conditions

• Standard wheelchairs struggle with uneven surfaces

• Mobility scooters face size constraints in many buildings

Preparation tips:

• Consider investing in an all-terrain wheelchair

• Bring backup wheels and basic repair supplies

• Research local repair services before you need them

• Have a backup mobility plan for when equipment needs servicing

7. Build Your Support Network Early

Successful mobility in Panama City often depends on having the right help:

Caregiver considerations:

• Non-Panamanian caregivers are often recommended for their reliability due to having minimal family commitments in country

• Many caregivers speak Spanish primarily

• 24/7 live-in care costs significantly more than part-time assistance

• Having someone who can drive is often essential

Community connections:

• Join expat groups before arriving

• Connect with others who have mobility challenges

• Consider areas with established expat communities for peer support

8. Investigate Building Infrastructure and Power Backup

Power outages are a reality in Panama City, and this creates a critical concern for anyone dependent on elevators to reach their apartment. Many older buildings lack backup generators, leaving residents stranded when the power goes out.

Essential questions to ask about any potential residence:

• Does the building have a backup generator that powers elevators?

• How long does the backup power typically last?

• What's the building's track record with power outages?

• Are there accessible ground-floor units available as alternatives?

Power-related accessibility considerations:

• Even buildings with generators may not prioritize elevator power

• Some backup systems only power emergency lighting, not elevators

• Outages can last hours, sometimes extending into the following day

• Stairwell access may be your only option during outages

On one online forum, a Panama City resident shared how a family member who used a cane had to move back to the United States specifically because elevator failures during power outages made it impossible to reach their apartment safely.

9. Test Before You Commit

Given the significant accessibility variations throughout Panama City, visiting before signing a long-term lease is crucial:

What to test during a visit:

• Navigate your potential neighborhood at different times of day

• Try accessing grocery stores, pharmacies, and essential services

• Test transportation options

• Experience the rainy season challenges if possible

• Visit during both dry and wet conditions to understand how weather affects accessibility

• Ask about the building's power outage history and backup systems

Red flags to watch for:

• Dependence on elevators in buildings without reliable backup generators

• Buildings with only stair access

• Neighborhoods with no accessible restaurants or shops within reasonable distance

• Buildings where management can't clearly explain their emergency power procedures

Making the Call: Is Panama City Right for You?

Moving to Panama City with mobility challenges is possible, but it requires significantly more planning, higher costs, and greater flexibility than you might expect. The country's infrastructure simply wasn't built with accessibility in mind, and while newer developments like Costa del Este offer much better options, you'll still face daily navigation challenges.

This move works best for people who:

• Have the budget for additional support (caregivers, modified vehicles)

• Can be flexible about daily routines and destinations

• Are comfortable with a more limiting but potentially rewarding lifestyle

• Have realistic expectations about accessibility standards

Consider alternatives if:

• You require consistent, reliable accessibility for independence

• You're not comfortable with significant daily assistance

• Your budget is tight (accessibility often costs extra in Panama)

The expat community in Panama includes many people successfully navigating life with mobility challenges, but they've had to adapt their expectations and invest in solutions that might not be necessary in countries with stronger accessibility infrastructure.

Before making your decision, connect with others who've made this transition successfully. Their insights about specific neighborhoods, service providers, and daily strategies can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a fulfilling new chapter in Panama.

This post is free, but if you enjoyed it and would like to support our writing, please do:

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xo and

As someone with medication allergies myself, and as a person who is closely related to those with severe nut and other allergies, I've learned a few things about staying safe while still enjoying what this incredible country has to offer food-wise.

This goes beyond just peanuts and tree nuts, by the way. Whether you're dealing with dairy, egg, soy, sesame, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, lupus, food dye intolerances - traveling to Panama with allergies presents unique challenges.

If you've traveled with dietary restrictions before, I'd love to hear what worked (and what didn't) in the comments.

Let me be straight with you: food allergies simply aren't as common here among locals as they are elsewhere, which means the awareness and protocols you might be used to... well, they're not always there.

But that doesn't mean you can't have an amazing, safe trip.

You just need to be smarter about it.

The Food Allergy Landscape in Panama

You're going to encounter seafood, nuts, sesame seeds, and coconut pretty much everywhere. Sesame seeds show up as garnishes when you least expect them. Nuts appear on ice cream cones without being mentioned on the menu. And pistachios? Locals ADORE them, even in savory dishes where you wouldn't think to look.

Don't forget about drinks either - coconut water and coconut milk shows up in tropical cocktails, nuts can be blended into horchatas and specialty drinks, and dairy is standard in most coffee preparations unless you specifically request otherwise.

For dairy-free folks, you'll find some plant milk alternatives in larger supermarkets, but don't expect the variety you're used to… or for it to be in-stock every single time you happen to need it. Lactose-free milk is widely available, though, which leads me to believe that many Panamanians are lactose intolerant but still want that dairy taste in their coffees.

If you're managing Type 1 diabetes or need low-carb options, the rice and plantain-heavy local diet might require some navigation. And food dyes and artificial coloring are pretty common in processed foods here, so stick to known brands or read labels carefully if that's a trigger for you or your children.

One bright spot: Panama City has excellent kosher and halal options thanks to its multiethnic, multifaith population. You'll find established Jewish and Muslim communities here, which means legitimate certified options in Panama City and the larger towns throughout the country.

Before You Leave: Do Your Homework

This is where most people mess up - they think they can wing it when they get there. Don't.

Email ahead to your resort or hotel. Try info@, kitchen@, or foodandbeverage@ addresses. Find the Food and Beverage Director or Executive Chef - get the right person, not just the front-end customer service.

Inquire about their actual kitchen processes:

• Do they have dedicated fryers or shared oil?

• What about batters and coatings?

• For pasta dishes, do they use separate water for gluten-free pasta?

• Pizza - same prep station and oven for everything or are they separated?

• How do they handle sauces and garnishes?

• Do they have separate gluten-free bread displays with dedicated toaster stations?

Here's something I've encountered: if a kitchen handles celiac disease well, they usually handle other allergies well too. The cross-contamination protocols are basically the same. But again, you must verify each and every time that protocols are being followed.

Get Your Communication Game Together

This is non-negotiable for safe Panama restaurant dining with allergies: get allergy cards printed in Spanish - specifically Panamanian Spanish if you can manage it. But here's the thing that took me a while to figure out - don't just list your allergies.

Include the cooking instructions that will actually keep you safe. No shared cooking oil, separate pans, clean utensils, the works.

And here's something that works really well: adding visual elements to your cards. In busy kitchens with high stress and language barriers, pictures can communicate safety requirements faster and clearer than text alone. Green checkmark next to a picture of a separate pan, stop sign next to shared utensils. It's just good universal design - visual cues work for everyone, regardless of language or reading comfort level.

You can get good translated cards from suppliers like Equal Eats and Select Wisely if you don't want to DIY it.

Restaurant Strategy: Hope for the Best, Plan for Everything Else

Research “Panama restaurants and food allergies” ahead of time, but also think twice about those smaller food stands with limited prep space that still have allergens on their menu. The bigger restaurant establishments will usually ask about allergies when you sit down, but honestly, who knows what's actually happening back in the kitchen to keep you safe?

Always have a Plan B. Actually, have a Plan C too.

Buffets: Just Don't

Seriously, avoid buffets entirely. I don't care how fancy the resort is or how much they promise they understand cross-contamination. Those serving spoons get mixed up, people drip things, and allergens migrate across dishes. It's a nightmare scenario waiting to happen.

Ask to speak with a chef, and order directly from the kitchen.

Where to Stay: Location Matters More Than You Think

If my nut-allergic relatives were here for a visit, I'd advise them to book something with a kitchen, like a Residence Inn. Being able to prepare some of your own meals takes so much pressure off, especially when you're dealing with severe allergies and the anxiety that comes with that.

But here's something most people don't think about until it's too late: your hotel's proximity to quality healthcare. Panama City has excellent private hospitals like Johns Hopkins Medicine affiliated Pacifica Salud Hospital, with 24/7 emergency services and English-speaking staff. If you're staying in Casco Viejo or the modern financial district, you're golden - these places are maybe 15-20 minutes away.

But if you're thinking about those gorgeous beach resorts on the Pacific coast or heading to more remote areas?

That's a different story.

Some of those beautiful spots can be 2+ hours from serious medical care.

I'm not saying don't go, but factor that into your risk assessment.

Same goes for places like Boquete up in the mountains - lovely, but the closest major hospital is back in David, and that's not a quick trip.

The smaller clinics in remote areas might not always have the equipment or medications you'd need in a serious anaphylactic reaction emergency. For peace of mind, stick to areas where you can get to a major hospital within 30 minutes, especially if you're dealing with severe allergies.

A Word About Remote Tours and Embera Villages

If you're considering overnight tours to Embera Villages or other remote locations in Panama, think very carefully about your allergy management. These cultural experiences are incredible, but they present serious challenges for anyone with food allergies.

You'll be eating traditional foods prepared in communal kitchens with no ability to control ingredients or cross-contamination. There's not always a "separate pan" option. Plus, you're often hours away from any medical facility by boat and foot - not exactly ideal if you need emergency treatment.

If you have severe allergies, I'd honestly recommend day trips only to these remote areas. Bring your own safe snacks and eat your main meals back at your base accommodation. The cultural experience is amazing, but it's not worth risking your health over.

Other Places to Keep An Eye Out

Many airlines still serve mixed nuts in business class, so factor that into your seat selection and bathroom timing on the flight.

And those charming little grocery shops alongside the highway in Panama? They've got walls of nut snack packs right behind the cashier. Just be aware.

If You're Thinking About Moving to Panama with Allergies

A few people have asked me about relocating to Panama with food allergies and asthma, or epilepsy, or diabetes and other chronic conditions… honestly, it's doable but requires a different mindset than visiting.

The biggest game-changer for expats with medical conditions that might require urgent or emergency treatment is signing up for a private ambulance service. SEMM and Vive are two popular options in the Panama City area. For around $200-400 a year (depending on your family size and plan), you get access to ambulance services that will presumably show up quickly and take you to a quality private hospital. The public ambulance system... well, let's say you don't want to rely on it in an emergency.

These services know the fastest routes to the best hospitals, have paramedics who speak some English, and most importantly, they have agreements with the private hospitals so you're not stuck waiting in a public ER during a medical crisis. When you're dealing with anaphylaxis, those minutes matter.

You'll also want to establish a relationship with an allergist here early on. The private hospitals have good specialists, and having someone who knows your case history before you need them is invaluable.

The upside of living here long-term is that you learn which stores and local markets have the products you need, which restaurants you can actually trust, and you build relationships with people who understand your restrictions. It takes time, but it's absolutely possible to live well here with food allergies.

Know Your Risk Level

Always travel with your EpiPens - or other emergency or rescue medications - plural. Epinephrine auto-injectors aka EpiPens aren't commonly available at pharmacies here, so stock up and bring extras with you (some allergy specialists may carry them for their patients, but don't count on it).

Have an emergency plan. And remember, allergic reactions can get worse with repeated exposure, so even if you've had mild reactions before, don't mess around.

Clearly communicate the risk of cross-contamination and be honest about how severe your reactions actually are. Someone who gets a mild rash from touching nuts can probably navigate Panama differently than someone who goes into anaphylactic shock from airborne particles from steamed shellfish. Plan accordingly.

Know who in your travel group has what restrictions and how severe each person's reactions are. This isn't the time to downplay things or hope for the best.

The Bottom Line on Panama Food Allergy Travel

Panama has incredible food because of its heritage and location. With the right preparation and a healthy dose of caution, you can enjoy a lot of it safely.

Just don't expect the same level of allergy awareness you might be used to at home.

The key is being overprepared and having backup plans for your backup plans. It sounds like a lot, but once you get into the rhythm of it, you can focus on enjoying this beautiful country.

Anyone else traveled internationally with food allergies? What worked for you?

Got travel questions or stories to share? Send them my way. Your question might end up helping other travelers navigate tricky situations.

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xo and

So when it comes to choosing between Copa's direct route to Panama City or saving some cash with Avianca's connection through Bogotá, Colombia during high season, let me break it down for you.

Part 1: Copa Airlines - Better The Friend You've Tested

If you're flying to Panama City, Copa Airlines is essentially your default choice. What you might not know is that Copa is a United partner and Star Alliance member, which means your United status gets recognized.

Got Global Services or Premier 1K?

You can leverage that for upgrades and all the usual perks. They're codeshare partners, so it's essentially the same metal with different paint.

But here's where my Copa pet peeves begin: their website is absolutely janky.

I said it - janky.

It looks like someone's first airline website built on Wix, and their mobile app is equally weak.

Why they couldn't leverage United's infrastructure is beyond me, but the site is no bueno. The app is equally frustrating, so if you find yourself wanting to throw your phone, it's not just you.

Case in point: I purchased a flight with my Copa ConnectMiles member number already in the system, yet I still have to manually search for the flight and add it to my dashboard just to view basic details.

Logic, anyone?

And don't get me started on the fare tease game - you'll see a great price, click on it, and poof... gone!

Like, why you gotta play with my emotions, Copa?

Another Copa reality check: they're sticklers about carry-on luggage size, which is becoming increasingly common with LATAM carriers.

But being forced to jam your bag into that comically small luggage size tester just amps up your pre-flight anxiety.

I've been told to check my backpack full of laptops on an outbound flight from Panama City because it appeared "too large," but after compressing it down, I was able to prove it actually did fit the sizer - avoiding the checked bag fee.

So fair warning: don't bring that massive, honking Texas-sized carry-on. Check their size requirements and pack strategically, or risk a stressful gate conversation where you're frantically reorganizing your luggage in front of everyone.

Copa's aircraft fleet consists primarily of Boeing 737-800s, 737-700s, and the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 models. They're generally as comfortable as other airlines in the region.

Depending on which aircraft you get, the business-class cabin may have lie-flat configuration; otherwise, it's standard business-class seating.

Economy and basic economy are fine - just don't expect WiFi or seatback entertainment, so load up your devices with movies and games, or you'll find yourself staring at the back of a seat for hours.

Food is standard LATAM carrier fare in both economy and first… think chicken pasta, beef over rice, or something similarly predictable.

My wife calls it “lukewarm protein with sauce served over starch”. But hey, at least they feed you as part of the ticket price - yes, everyone, whether economy or business class - unlike certain other carriers I'll mention shortly.

The new terminal at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is modern and impressive, and Copa, being the flagship carrier, has a massive lounge for outbound flights. You might step off the plane into the old terminal, and after a solid 12-minute trek, you'll find yourself in the new terminal for Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs checks.

Part 2: Avianca - The Bogotá Detour Adventure

Now, let's discuss the alternative: Avianca's flight from Orlando (MCO) to Bogotá (BOG), then a hop to Panama City. We decided to try this route because it was more cost-effective for the entire family during high season.

The Avianca flight was your typical economy cattle car, but surprisingly comfortable with Recaro seats (which I'm actually a fan of). The flight to Bogotá was uneventful, and the flight attendants were genuinely warm and smiley.

But keep in mind: ANY drink costs money, including water and soda. There's nothing free in the back of the bus, and they only accept credit cards, so come prepared.

Most passengers brought their food and snacks (as did we), but we splurged a couple of bucks for a Coca-Cola with real sugar because, priorities.

In a first for my airline experience, they also offered to sell us a cup of noodles - yes, instant ramen at 35,000 feet.

One pleasant surprise: the aircraft was incredibly quiet. Normally, airline engine noise is a constant loud drone that only decent noise-canceling headphones can overcome, but Avianca's Airbus A320neo fleet is noticeably quieter than older A320 models and definitely quieter than any Copa aircraft I've flown.

The transfer between terminals in Bogotá was a bit hairy but less intense than I'd feared. We ended up in a long security line, scrambling to pull out laptops and iPads, expecting full scrutiny, but we xessentially sailed through.

Bogotá's airport is relatively modern and straightforward to navigate. The lounges appear small and dated (that's material for another post), but the staff are very friendly, and we found the available food quite good and very reasonably priced.

Then came the fun part: we took an escalator down to our gate where it became obvious we'd be taking a bus to the plane. Ugh. After a long flight and with the late hour, the last thing you want is to hop on a bus for a journey across the tarmac.

Boarding was chaotic with overlapping announcements from adjacent gates, so we jumped up and caught the first bus to crowd in and high-tail it across the tarmac to the aircraft.

Fingers crossed that it was the correct aircraft.

After walking out the sliding doors at the lower terminal and picking a bus from the lineup, no one actually checked our boarding passes again to confirm we'd chosen the right bus.

And the right aircraft, to the right destination.

It's always a treat lugging your carry-on up metal stairs that go straight up to the plane while engines roar and passengers literally run to board like it's the last flight leaving for Mars.

With a family in tow, it's like corralling angry cats up a scaffold.

Once settled and having claimed our row, the second leg to Panama was short and uneventful. We managed a brief nap and woke up to see Panama City's beautifully lit skyline coming into view upon descent.

The Bottom Line

We needed to get to Panama, Copa's prices were sky-high during high season for our budget, so we tried Avianca's route via Bogotá.

Would we do it again? Only if we really had to.

Yes, it was more cost-effective, but the layover, terminal changes, mediocre airport lounges, and that bus-to-plane experience made it more effort than expected - especially with a kid in tow.

Sometimes the devil you know (mostly in reference to Copa’s janky website) is better than the devil you don't, even if it means paying premium prices during peak season.

Your time and sanity have value too.

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xo We left the USA for Panama🇺🇸🇵🇦 and Real Talk Panama | Expat Life

Look, I know how this sounds.

"Woe is me, I can't find my favorite brand of hand sanitizer in my big city meets tropical paradise."

These are absolutely privileged problems to have, and I'm deeply grateful to be living this adventure in Panama.

But here's the thing - after trying multiple local alternatives that either didn't work as well or disrupted routines that keep our family functioning smoothly, some specific products have become genuinely necessary rather than just preferred.

When you're managing the stress and logistics of an international move, learning a second language, adapting to a different culture and climate, and especially when you have neurodivergent kids (or adults!) who rely on consistency, sometimes that familiar salty snack or specific brand of bandages becomes less about being picky and more about maintaining stability in the midst of big changes.

So yes - most of these are inconveniences, but it’s frustrating when the available alternatives we've tested just don't cut it for our family's specific needs. A few are genuine safety or health concerns, but the majority fall into the 'daily life friction' category.

Personal Care & Health

☐ Band-Aid Brand Bandages

Not really about brand loyalty here - it’s just that other big name and no-name brands cause our skin to welt so it's about preventing painful reactions. The adhesive formulations differ between manufacturers, and finding the one that works for sensitive skin is crucial, especially for active kids who need frequent bandages for real (and imagined) boo-boos.

☐ Neutrogena Hydroboost Line

Skincare routines become even more important in humid climates, and switching products can cause breakouts or irritation when your skin is already adjusting to new environmental conditions.

We have not been able to restock our favorites formulations from this brand as it seems only the more established Neutrogena lines are available here - and even the old standbys like Cerave or Cetaphil didn’t work.

Expensive product testing, I know.

Specifically, we have replaced our North American favorite Cetaphil Body Lotion with the Neutrogena Hydroboost Fragrance-Free Body Lotion because of how moisturizing it is - but yet not sticky-feeling in this extremely HUMID Central American climate.

☐ Dove Sensitive Skin Bars

Stores here seem to have all the other Dove soaps, including the original formula, but the sensitive skin formula is the one that's missing….. grrrrr! For families like mine with sensitive skin, this specific version prevents irritation. For now, we bring it with us when we travel back in.

☐ Tylenol Brand Acetaminophen

When you have kids, you know which pain reliever works best for your family. We brought giant Costco-sized bottles with us, and interestingly (another post for another time) we hardly get headaches or have need of it here, so that’s been an unexpected plus.

☐ Purell Brand Hand Sanitizer

The consistency, scent, and effectiveness of this particular brand makes it easier to maintain hygiene routines for our sensory-sensitive and routine-dependent pandemic-raised kid. Other brands surely work just as effectively, but have different scent profiles or textural “feels” that my kiddo resists using.

☐ Swimmer's Hair Shampoo (brands like Malibu C or Paul Mitchell)

The high humidity and frequent swimming in Panama's climate can wreak havoc on hair. These specialized shampoos remove chlorine buildup and mineral deposits that regular daily shampoos can't handle, preventing that dry, damaged feeling.

A bottle of this stuff works wonders and lasts a long time, so it’s low on the list of replacement concerns.

☐ Stylish Women's Swim Rash Guards

Despite the sunny tropical climate, people tend to wear regular swimsuits here aka one-pieces or bikinis. The few rash guards available locally are plain and super sporty aka purely functional - great for sun protection but lacking in style options. Finding ones that offer both UV protection and actually look good can be surprisingly difficult in a place where you'd think they'd be everywhere.

Despite being from an island, I get horrible heat rash when I don’t cover my arms and upper body on a day where I receive a lot of direct sunlight - think itching my arms while I’m sleeping and already slathered in calamine lotion.

☐ Booster Seats for Kids

Honest truth: I have had to completely dissociate from the car-seat obsessed mother I was before moving to Panama.

The cultural differences around child passenger safety are stark - I've seen infants held in front seats and kids packed like sardines without seatbelts in what can only be called "carpool.

Practically speaking, you'll find infant and toddler seats in department stores, but product availability tapers off sharply for the backless booster seats that meet North American safety standards for bigger kids. With traffic moving slowly due to city congestion, and most people only going limited distances across the city (most Panamanians live in or around their capital city), I'm guessing this contributes to safety outcomes and also why car seat culture differs so dramatically here.

Long story short - I've simply had to accept that car seat safety culture varies significantly everywhere you go on this earth.

☐ EpiPens (Epinephrine Auto-Injectors)

For families managing severe allergies, EpiPens are literally life-saving medication that must be readily available. These are not widely available locally under the same brand name, might require different prescriptions or paperwork, or could be prohibitively expensive.

Best to stock up and bring rescue medications with you, or liaise closely with your local allergy specialist doctor about workable emergency plans. If you’ve ever dealt with life-threatening allergic reactions, you know that having backup supplies and understanding local emergency protocols becomes critical for health and safety.

Food & Supplies

☐ Pirate's Booty Snack

It’s a familiar snack that’s dye-free (we need this to avoid behaviors for some of us). Plus this airy, cheese-flavored snack is a lunchbox staple that's hard to replicate.

And to be honest, I consume 1/3 of the bags.

It’s my go-to salty, crunchy thing for me to keep on hand to reliably address my car sickness when we take long drives to the beach or the interior of the country.

☐ Applesauce Pouches

The convenience factor is huge - these pouches are perfect for lunch boxes, car trips, and quick snacks. Local applesauce options are often sold in glass jars or larger containers, making them less portable and practical for busy families on the go.

This snack is still in the rotation for my always-hungry snack food eater.

☐ Dye-Free Food Coloring and Sprinkles

For families avoiding artificial dyes due to sensitivities or preferences, these baking essentials can be nearly impossible to find. Regular food coloring often contains dyes that cause behavioral reactions in sensitive kids, making the natural versions non-negotiable.

Not a necessity but we brought some supplies with us to have on hand when we bake during the holidays or around birthdays.

☐ Quart-Size Ziploc Bags

They sell pint-size bags locally, but quart-size ones are rare and incredibly useful for meal prep, organizing kids' items, travel snacks, and protecting documents in humid weather. The size difference matters more than you'd think for food storage and daily organization.

☐ Familiar Printed Book Series

Continuing favorite book series or finding familiar authors in English can be challenging. Reading familiar stories provides comfort and continuity during big changes, and maintaining reading levels and interests becomes more important when kids are adjusting to new schools and environments.

☐ Greeting Cards in English

Finding birthday cards, sympathy cards, holiday cards, and other greeting cards written in English can be difficult. When you want to send a heartfelt message for special occasions or difficult times, having cards that express sentiments in your native language makes a real difference in connecting with friends and family.

Because the postal mail system isn’t a thing here, it’s not as big of an issue as I would anticipate. My kiddo constructs handmade cards for his friends’ birthdays and I got a box of plain notecards that will do the trick when writing the sentiment is what truly counts.

Electronics & Technology

☐ Streaming Device Compatibility

You need a plan for your entertainment devices to work with local internet and streaming services. Maintaining family movie nights and familiar entertainment helps with the transition, and some devices have regional restrictions that aren't obvious until you try to set them up.

To sum it up, my dear internet-friends:

Please don’t judge. Transitions are hard even when you actively pursue them. Don’t insist that I or or our kiddo need to release every single aspect of what’s familiar to us just because we moved from the USA to Panama.

Sometimes the little things do matter and yes, I keep a running list of those things that do frustrate us when we don’t have access to them.

It’s important to find the right balance between embracing local and available products and maintaining the comfort items that help your family thrive during a major transition.

Don’t worry, I will cross off items as we find them!

xo

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"There's something magical about watching the city wake up from the malecón," Ms. Puedes says, pausing to observe fishermen casting lines from the seawall. "You see families, joggers, elderly couples holding hands - the whole city comes alive here."

The five-mile ribbon of parkland offers panoramic views of the city's dramatic skyline on one side and the glittering bay on the other. Ms. Puedes typically completes a three-mile loop before the tropical heat intensifies, often stopping at a small vendor for fresh coconut water served directly from the shell.

DIM SUM TRADITION. By 11am, Ms. Puedes meets her husband and son at Palacio Lung Fung, a Chinese restaurant in El Dorado that has become their Sunday ritual. "My son has become a dim sum connoisseur," she says with a laugh. "He can spot the freshest har gow from across the room."

This iconic Panamanian restaurant fills quickly with multigenerational families as servers push metal carts laden with bamboo steamers between tables. Ms. Puedes navigates the options with confidence, selecting pork siu mai, translucent shrimp dumplings, and crispy turnip cakes while teaching her son Cantonese food terms.

"In Trinidad & Tobago, we have a strong Chinese-Caribbean influence in our cuisine," she explains. "The dim sum tradition here is next level though. Yet, seeing the families and friends dining together reminds me of Sunday gatherings back home. The point is that everyone gets together and shares a meal that is reflective of their mixed heritage".

AFTERNOON RECHARGE. The Panama heat peaks by early afternoon, driving Ms. Puedes and her family back to their home in Costa del Este, a tree-lined residential area on the eastern outskirts of Panama City. While her son engages his friends and cousins on FaceTime, she creates her own sanctuary of calm.

"Sunday afternoons are non-negotiable me-time," she says, settling onto her balcony with its view of the distant skyline. "Sometimes it's a proper nap in the darkened bedroom under the swirling fan, but usually it's diving into a novel while the breeze comes through on the balcony."

An avid reader, Ms. Puedes alternates between American classics, Caribbean literature that connects her to her roots and books about Central American history and culture. "I'm trying to understand Panama through its stories," she says, mentioning recent works by Panamanian authors she's discovered online and at local bookstores. In time, Ven hopes to start a book club in her building to meet more of their neighbors.

SUNSET DINING. As daylight begins to fade around 6pm, Ms. Puedes and her family prepare for dinner at Filomena, an elegant Italian restaurant perched above the bay encircled by bustling Avenida Balboa. The family takes a rideshare from Costa del Este through the city as it transitions from day to night, the skyscrapers beginning to illuminate against the darkening sky.

At Filomena, the family is seated near windows that showcase the twinkling city panorama. Ms. Puedes typically orders the Caesar salad artfully served in a giant metal bowl followed by the savory rolled Lasagna Nº1.

"Our son is growing up between cultures," she says, watching the lights from the container ships move slowly across the bay. "These Sunday dinners are when we process our week and talk about how our experience in this new-to-all-of-us third culture is unfolding. New friends, new routines, new discoveries."

The family lingers over dessert - decadent chocolate cake served with amaretto ice cream and liberally drizzled with crushed hazelnuts - as Panama City's nighttime identity emerges. Well before 9pm, they're in another rideshare heading back home, with beats from Panamanian Reggaeton artiste El General flowing from the speakers - another Sunday bridging their multinational identities coming to a close.

"In the car ride home, I'm already thinking about next week's dim sum," Ms. Puedes says. "These Sunday rituals are how we've made Panama feel like home."

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xo Ven Sí Puedes | Come If You Can and

When this parent reached out on social media about relocating to Panama with their newly-diagnosed autistic toddler, it struck a chord. They were concerned their carefully laid plans might need reconsideration - a feeling many parents in similar situations understand all too well.

The Reader's Question

Mom of 3 kids ages 2-11. The plan was to move to Panama this summer and I'm worried that my plans may be interrupted. My 2-year-old was just diagnosed autistic. Anyone have kids on the spectrum or diverse learners? Are there resources in Panama to support neurodivergent kids?

This will be long - but I hope it is helpful as you decide what to do.

As the parent of a near tween with AuDHD (Autism with ADHD) who received his autism diagnosis at age 2.5, I've walked this path. We recognized the delays and began speech therapy by 18 months and occupational therapy (OT) by age 2, so that first diagnosis wasn't entirely unexpected. My son was considered low verbal until nearly age 4, and additional diagnoses emerged as he entered school.

Since you have older kids, you've got some insight into the fact that their needs do change as they develop. And the supports they need at age 2, will be very different at 5 and then at 10 and so forth. We have traversed a variety of educational setups and therapies and have had to learn to engage flexible thinking ourselves on what his path would look like - and knowing to move on when something wasn't serving him anymore despite our best efforts or how much we ourselves "liked" the people/resources/setting.

After years of support, he was discharged from all therapies at almost 9, and we moved to Panama at a mid-elementary grade - switching to homeschooling in the process. We use a secular, eclectic approach with a private tutor online (someone who taught him IRL previously so they had established a rapport with him and were well aware of his needs and abilities).

We are enrolled in an online umbrella school to provide some reporting structure to our homeschool with an enrollment letters, ID cards, report cards, and eventually, a transcript. Twice a year, he participates in MAP Testing to track his progress. He studies everything at grade level except for Mathematics which is a couple levels behind, and we are OKAY with it because the learning setting can support it without disturbing his own sense of self or peace.

Most of all, he enjoys learning and we adore the flexibility it affords our family.

In preparation for our move, we started with a tour of the bilingual international school that felt closest philosophy and culture-wise to his last private school (age 5-9), and were kindly advised he would need a dedicated aide. Which we calculated would more than double the tuition. I had a lovely list of other international private schools - but at that stage, they were correct that he needed continued supports in a classroom. And to be fair to them, we've done summer camp at that school and plan to do so again in future, because camp was overall a success.

We also toured a Learning Center in a suburb of the city, led by a very experienced Special Education teacher with a low-ratio (think one teacher working with 3 kids), super-individualized learning setup similar to his "autism school" from age 2-5. And, as it should be - to support livable educator salaries - the tuition was high and incredibly close to what we had paid for a similar approach in the US. Ultimately, we decided we wanted flexibility and freedom - hence the schooling-at-home arrangement above.

For a more comprehensive framework to guide your decision-making process, I've created a free downloadable resource: "Essential Questions for Moving Abroad with Autistic Kids." This PDF walks through crucial considerations from healthcare and education to social supports and legal protections. You can download it using the button below this article.

Download Essential Questions Checklist

Location Matters: Why Urban Centers Offer More Support

So, my best advice, if Panama is your long-term home base is to go where the largest pool of supports and resources are - and in my humble opinion, that would be Panama City. With a newly diagnosed autistic two-year old child, you should head to the biggest city - I would give the same advice for any country you consider expatriating to with a young child who has a newly identified developmental (or other health) diagnosis. Simply because, you do not know what they will need as yet.

At age 2, we had the usual pediatrician and dentist, but also saw neurologists, psychologist, audiologist, allergist, did all sorts of testing, as well as speech therapist and occupational therapist twice a week, and eventually behavioral therapy 4-5 days a week. Plus consider the options for pre-schools and primary schools with the different philosophies and curricula and teachers. The teachers will spend the most time with your learner, guiding them along with their peers - who will rightfully need to have their own needs met in an equitable manner. Moral of the story is: you need to assemble your support system and ideally, you have a large pool of candidates from which to choose.

Our son made the biggest leaps when those teachers and therapists and other providers collaborated, so they need to know what each other is doing. Staying organized is central to moving things along, but at some point, they will need to connect - for example, speech and OT will need to shadow them in the classroom or speak with a classroom teacher about how to best individualize or accommodate your child's needs.

Will your child need any or all of this? Maybe not.

But depending on how far off their developmental milestones they are, you may need access to services like these.

With the increasing number of kids with special needs - it's not just in the United States - access to certain services can be limited. Panama is modern in many ways but traditional in things like working hours and holidays, which are respected here. So the number of appointment slots you have available to begin with will be limited. And if having English-speaking service providers is important to you, then you limit that pool even more. Same thing if you are looking for providers who have studied or worked in their fields in the U.S. or Canada - not because they have better education or training but simply, if you are seeking a familiar approach, culture-wise.

Perhaps you practice attachment or gentle parenting and need therapists who respect your non-negotiables during sessions, understanding the importance of maintaining trust and emotional safety for your child. Cultural approaches to child development vary significantly across countries. By extension, professionals within those cultures may potentially have different perspectives on independence, discipline, and achievement milestones than what you're accustomed to in your home country.

You and your child will be spending a lot of time with these specialists, and some therapists may even come into your home to provide services in a non-school or clinic setting to work on social skills or do parent training. And sometimes a provider that is great on paper or at the evaluation, is simply not professional, or doesn't have schedule availability, or doesn’t accept insurance, or costs too much, or simply isn't the right fit after all.

So, yes, you can drive in from the beaches or the interior, but when those last minute specialist spots pop up, how convenient will that be? Plus juggling the schedules and needs of everyone else in your household. Your other children are also young, and need your attention. Creating a home base where you can serve the highest-support needs with most ease, is giving yourself a gift.

In the U.S., we drove 25 miles each way to take our son to school from age 2 through 9 - that was 100 miles a day on our cars, and toll on our bodies sitting in the cars (a lot of time in the drive thru just grabbing coffee and snacks, trying to make it to that afterschool therapy appointment and back home in reasonable time for dinner). Would I do it again? YES! Would he be where he is today without any of those environments? He certainly would not. But, I know, practically speaking, that if we had his diagnosis before we committed to that specific home in that specific school district - that we would have considered that home base location differently.

Also consider if spending time in the car is a sensory-positive thing for your child, as if it is not enjoyable, or at least acceptable, it will increase the burden. That's a lot of hours strapped into a carseat they dislike while you navigate the nuances of transportation in Panama.

Driving here is not particularly relaxing - think ongoing closures and diversions due to construction (yay! new roads or trains or whatnot), lane reversals during heavy traffic where the 3+3 lane highway converts to 5+1 lanes to accommodate the heavy flow in a certain direction, police roadblocks and document checks, unpredictable pedestrian patterns, animals (we navigated a herd of cows coming directly at us one day, led by a gentleman on a horse, I kid you not), unfamiliar streets, inconsistent signage, unbelievably large potholes, and motorists who generally consider road rules and signage to be mere suggestions.

And the honking! Which my neurospicy child interprets as aggression 1000% of the time - so now we have a lot of “talks” yelling inside the car about “nice honking in Panama” vs “road rage honking in Texas” and how the man driving the yellow taxicab is not trying to hurt us - he’s already moved on with his afternoon.

Suffice it to say, I spend a fair amount of time here figuring out how to avoid being on the road.

Building Your Support Network

Coming back to the support system: we have made many close friends in therapy waiting rooms over the years. You will see the need for this in the next year or two. Because as they outgrow babyhood, "the typical friends" often drift away. Their kids play baseball and go to ballet classes, when we are sitting outside the [insert therapist’s office] wondering if our kiddo will do [x, y, or z random goal that someone decided a child their age needed to do]. That support group is important. When our kid got too quirky for those in his age group, these were the friends that remained. We were quirky together.

My support system was a small group - 5 Moms with 10 kids between us, 9 boys and 8 of them with autism or another developmental need. "We brought the party" because a playdate with us was like no other. We were stimming, and eloping, and white rice only eating, please don't sing happy birthday or I will meltdown right-here-this-minuting. We knew who would not judge our child or us, and who would understand those deepest fears and seemingly nonsensical milestones most children pass through without a celebration. Those Moms are my circle, and though the kids have grown up, we soldier on meeting their new needs with hopefully bigger dreams and the occasional cute pic entry to that once epic group chat.

Find your circle.

Cultivate your support system.

Choose the home base that gives you a community for this.

The Gift of Early Diagnosis

In the years since, I've met and befriended dozens of parents and families facing similar developmental challenges for their young children. What I've observed is that it's better to go heavy on services early.

I once cried alongside a close friend whose child didn't get their autism diagnosis till age 8. That sweet family faced so many years struggling with their “quirky kid” dealing with unmet needs and behaviors, getting kicked out of preschools and camps, doubting their parenting methods, managing stress within the family.

I knew what my own experience was like, and having that diagnosis underscored that our child wasn't broken in any way.

He just needed more support and different expectations.

Maybe his leaps weren't from 1 to 2 to 3.

Maybe it was 1.25 to 1.5 to 1.75 and then 2.

And that had to be OKAY.

This early diagnosis was a gift in itself, we were given both TIME and GRACE.

And if you decide, that your child needs it or you want to take a more holistic or alternative approach - let’s say integrative medicine or equine therapy - you’ll still have the best selection of options being based in- and around- the biggest metropolitan areas. Go too far out, and you might limit what you can reasonably access and do.

Our Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy aka ABA provider encouraged home and community sessions - and accompanied us on household shopping trips and to cafes - and even to swim lessons when we were struggling with certain aspects of the class. We tried but eventually had to switch to a 1-on-1 lesson format before the pool officially opened for afternoon classes. The acoustics and activity of an indoor pool auditorium, filled with excited children, wasn’t working for our kiddo → This is a great example of when your support system collaborates AND you have options for services.

The little nugget who wouldn’t put his face in the water later became an excellent swimmer!

Practical Next Steps for Panama

For families moving to Panama with neurodivergent children, start with these resources:

• Join the International Families in Panama Facebook group - an excellent information source

• Utilize Instagram for research, where many providers maintain profiles rather than websites. Same for WhatsApp for appointments and communications. (It’s a thing in Panama but it seems to work - that I can chat with friends, send lab results to my doctor and make a bakery order on the same app is interesting)

Consider touring international schools - though be prepared - even if they are welcome, your child may need a dedicated aide, potentially doubling tuition costs. We've had positive experiences with summer camp programs, which provided a valuable test run as to whether a specific school environment could even begin to be a good fit for our learner. Great test run, but again, summer camp is NOT school.

There are also specialized learning centers in Panama City suburbs, led by experienced special education teachers with low student-to-teacher ratios and highly individualized approaches. These more closely resemble specialized autism schools in the US, with comparable tuition rates. Hence, you should research health insurance and budget for education and therapy expenses, accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The early intervention approach - pursuing comprehensive services right away - has proven most effective in my observation. This foundation gives your child the best chance to develop necessary skills during critical developmental windows.

Access is the first step.

Timely evaluations and therapeutic plans follow.

Establishing rapport and maintaining communication among all parties - including yourself - is essential for meaningful progress.

Wherever your journey takes you, remember that supporting your neurodivergent child is not about "fixing" them, but about helping them find their own path forward with a community around them and the right supports in place.

Do you have experience with autism support in Panama?

Please share your insights in the comments. Your firsthand knowledge could be invaluable to families considering this transition.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on personal experience and insights. Support services and legal protections for individuals with disabilities vary widely and change frequently. Please consult with medical professionals, legal advisors, and disability support organizations specific to Panama for the most current and appropriate guidance for your situation.

This post is free, but if you enjoyed it and would like to support our writing, please do:

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xo and Real Talk Panama | Expat Life

Related Essays:

Relocating to Panama City with an Adult Son with Autism: Seeking Advice

Considering moving abroad with your autistic child? Essential Questions Checklist

Why your child's smartphone might be the biggest travel risk you never considered

From jungle-fringed beaches to ancient ruins, your Panama home base unlocks a world of adventure just a flight away – discover how to maximize your travels from Latin America's most strategic hub.

Panama has quietly established itself as one of Latin America's most convenient international flight hubs. With Tocumen International Airport offering direct flights to over 80 destinations worldwide, Panama City serves as the perfect base for exploring not just the Americas but destinations further afield.

Here's where your Panamanian passport (or residency) can take you with ease.

Close-by Treasures in Colombia

Just an hour's flight from Panama City lies Colombia, a country of extraordinary diversity.

Cartagena: This walled colonial city on the Caribbean coast feels like stepping into a Gabriel García Márquez novel. The colorful streets of the old town are perfect for wandering, while nearby islands like Isla Barú offer pristine beaches. Best of all, Copa Airlines and other carriers offer multiple daily flights from Panama City, often for under $300 round-trip.

Medellín: Once notorious, now innovative. The City of Eternal Spring has transformed itself into a hub of art, technology, and urban planning. The metro system, including its cable cars that climb the valley sides, provides breathtaking views and connects formerly isolated neighborhoods. Visit during the August Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) for an explosion of color.

Bogotá: Colombia's high-altitude capital (8,660 feet) offers world-class museums like the Gold Museum, a historic La Candelaria district, and exceptional dining. The Sunday Ciclovía, when major roads close to vehicles, transforms the city into a gigantic recreational space.

Mystical Peru

Lima: A straightforward 3.5-hour flight from Panama City gets you to Peru's capital, a gastronomic powerhouse. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while coastal districts like Miraflores and Barranco offer clifftop parks, art galleries, and Pacific Ocean views.

Cusco & Machu Picchu: The ancient Incan capital sits at 11,152 feet, making it a challenging but rewarding destination. Use Lima as your waypoint before continuing to Cusco, where you'll want to acclimate before taking the train to Machu Picchu. While permits for the Inca Trail require booking months in advance, the site itself can be visited year-round.

The Extraordinary Galápagos Islands

Though belonging to Ecuador, these islands are most easily reached via connecting flights through Guayaquil. From Panama, you can be in the Galápagos in about 5 hours of total flight time. The volcanic archipelago offers close encounters with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. While not a budget destination, the Galápagos offers unparalleled nature experiences through island cruises or land-based tours.

Cross-Continental Adventures: Turkey

This one requires a longer flight, but Panama's connectivity makes even transcontinental journeys manageable. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Panama City to Istanbul, creating a bridge between Latin America and Eurasia.

Istanbul: The only city spanning two continents offers extraordinary cultural richness – from the Byzantine splendor of Hagia Sophia to the Ottoman grandeur of Topkapi Palace. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market provide sensory overload in the best possible way. Using Istanbul as your base, domestic flights can quickly take you to:

Cappadocia: Famous for its "fairy chimney" rock formations and hot air balloon rides at dawn, this central Turkish region feels otherworldly.

Bodrum and the Turquoise Coast: Turkey's Mediterranean shores offer ancient ruins alongside stunning beaches.

Beach Paradise in Brazil

Brazil's vast territory holds countless treasures, but its beaches deserve special mention. Copa Airlines connects Panama directly to multiple Brazilian destinations.

Rio de Janeiro: Iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema lie in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. The city's energy is infectious, from samba clubs to street parties.

Northeast Brazil: Less visited by international tourists, cities like Salvador de Bahia offer Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and nearby beaches that stretch for miles with barely another soul in sight.

Caribbean Escapes

Panama's position makes hopping to Caribbean islands remarkably easy:

Cuba: Havana's vintage cars and colonial architecture are just a short flight away. The restored old city contrasts with crumbling grandeur elsewhere, while music seems to pour from every doorway.

Dominican Republic: Punta Cana's all-inclusive resorts provide the ultimate relaxation, while Santo Domingo offers the oldest European settlement in the Americas.

Jamaica: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios combine beach culture with distinctive music and cuisine.

Central American Neighbors

Don't overlook Panama's immediate neighbors, each offering unique experiences:

Costa Rica: Famed for its biodiversity, visitors can experience cloudforests, volcanoes, and both Caribbean and Pacific beaches – often in a single day's drive.

Guatemala: Antigua's colonial architecture and the Mayan ruins at Tikal represent just two highlights of this culturally rich nation.

Practical Tips for Panama-Based Travelers

1. Copa Airlines Hub: As Panama's flag carrier, Copa offers extensive connectivity throughout the Americas. Their "Panama Stopover" program even lets you break your journey with a free stay in Panama City.

2. Time Zones: Panama follows Eastern Standard Time year-round, making it ideal for maintaining business connections with the U.S. East Coast while living internationally. (Because of this, note that during U.S. daylight savings time, Panama is on U.S. Central time.)

3. Visa Advantages: Panamanian residents often enjoy easier visa access to certain countries.

4. Language: Spanish fluency will enhance your travels throughout Latin America, though tourist areas everywhere accommodate English speakers.

5. Currency: Panama uses the U.S. dollar (technically the Panamanian Balboa, but it's pegged 1:1), simplifying financial planning for many expats.

As an independent travel advisor who loves designing custom itineraries for friends and family, I've found that Panama's central location makes it perfect for crafting multi-destination adventures or quick weekend getaways. There's something deeply satisfying about helping others discover these places, drawing on personal experiences to suggest that hidden beach restaurant in Cartagena or the best time to visit Machu Picchu without the crowds.

Make the Most of Free Stopover Programs

Smart travelers should take advantage of two exceptional stopover programs that can effectively give you two destinations for the price of one:

Copa Airlines Panama Stopover: Copa allows travelers to take advantage of a stopover in Panama City for up to 7 days at no additional airfare cost when flying to and from any of their 80 destinations across 33 countries. This program must be requested when booking your ticket and includes applicable taxes for entering and exiting Panama. It's a perfect opportunity to experience Panama's vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty between connections. Many travelers use this to break up longer journeys to South America with a refreshing tropical pause.

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Stopover: For those seeking more exotic experiences, Turkish Airlines offers a generous stopover program in Istanbul. Economy class passengers receive one free night at a 4-star hotel, while business class passengers enjoy two nights at a 5-star hotel. For 2025, Turkish Airlines has extended its program, offering business class passengers three complimentary nights and economy passengers two nights. This program requires at least 20 hours between flights and must be booked at least 72 hours before departure.

Whether you're seeking a weekend beach escape or planning a month-long adventure on another continent, Panama's strategic location and excellent flight connections make it the perfect launchpad for global exploration. The only question remains: where to next?

This post is free, but if you enjoyed it and would like to support our writing, please do:

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xo Ven Sí Puedes | Come If You Can and

Today, I'm sharing a reader's question about relocating to Panama City with her adult son who has “high-functioning” autism, along with my insights and questions for our community. I offer this perspective not as a clinician, but rather as someone who walks in two worlds - a parent navigating neurodiversity within my own family, and a professional who has developed transition planning programs and secured grants for a school serving students with autism.

The Reader's Question

Our adult son has "high-functioning" Autism. We are discussing relocating to PTY but are unsure about how he/we will navigate in terms of work, transportation, or available resources. Does anyone have experience with this?

This question touches on something many families face when considering international moves: how will specialized support systems transfer to a new country? For those considering Panama as a destination, this deserves careful consideration.

What I'd Like to Know More About

Before offering suggestions, I'd need to understand more about this family's specific situation. “High-functioning” is a broad label and can mean many things to many people. So before providing advice, I’d like to ask a few more questions about him and your specific situation:

Current Support and Independence Levels

The resources needed in Panama will largely depend on your son's current level of independence and what supports he currently uses. Consider:

• What level of support does your son currently need in daily activities?

• Is he currently employed, volunteering, or in educational programs?

• What specific transition programs, employment training, or educational opportunities is he currently engaged with?

• Does he have established routines that help him thrive, and how might these be affected by relocation?

Language and Communication

Panama is primarily Spanish-speaking, though English is widely spoken in business settings and tourist areas.

• Does your son speak Spanish? If not, what is his aptitude for learning new languages?

• How comfortable is he with navigating communication challenges in unfamiliar settings?

• Are there communication tools or techniques that have helped him in new situations?

Legal and Visa Considerations

Work opportunities will be significantly affected by residency status.

• What type of residency visa are you planning to obtain?

• Will his visa status allow him to work legally in Panama?

• Are you familiar with Panama's legal protections (or lack thereof) for people with disabilities?

Transportation and Mobility

Panama City has various transportation options, but they differ significantly from those in North America or Europe.

• How does your son currently navigate transportation?

• Would he be comfortable learning to use Panama City's Metro system (which is quite modern and relatively easy to navigate)?

• Could he adapt to using buses, which can be more crowded and less predictable?

• Is using rideshare services like Uber an option for him?

• Would he need to navigate the city independently, or would family members typically accompany him?

Employment and Purpose

Having meaningful activities is crucial for everyone's well-being.

• Will your son be working primarily for income, or is the goal more focused on skill development and social engagement?

• Does he have specific employment skills that could transfer to Panama's job market?

• If he has specialized interests or hobbies, could these be monetized in Panama? For example, if he's skilled in technology, could he teach coding classes online?

• Would he benefit from volunteer opportunities as a way to integrate into the community?

It's important to note that the wage structure in Panama differs significantly from the United States, with substantially lower earnings for comparable positions. A part-time or even full-time job in Panama will typically generate much less income than in the US, which may affect your financial planning and expectations about potential employment outcomes.

Resources in Panama

From my research and conversations with expats in Panama, I can share some initial information, though I encourage community members with direct experience to elaborate:

1. Support Organizations: Panama has several organizations focused on autism and developmental disabilities, though services for adults may be more limited than those for children. Organizations like Fundación Soy Capaz and Fundación Valórate provide various services, though their focus tends to be on children.

2. Healthcare: Panama has quality healthcare in urban areas, but specialized mental health and developmental services may be more limited compared to what you might find in major U.S. or European cities. Consider exploring international health insurance options that might cover needed therapy services.

3. Community Support: The expat community in Panama is strong and can be an excellent resource. There are Facebook and WhatsApp groups specific to international / expat families in Panama that might provide more targeted information on resources for persons with special needs.

4. Employment Opportunities: Depending on skills and interests, opportunities might include:

   • Remote work for U.S. companies (if visa status allows)

   • Teaching English (if English is his first language)

   • Tourism-related activities

   • Tech or digital skills that could be offered as a freelancer on online platforms

5. Cultural Considerations: Panamanian culture generally emphasizes family support and can be warm and accommodating, but awareness and accommodation for autistic and neurodivergent individuals may differ from what you're accustomed to in your home country.

   Be prepared for different norms around personal space - public areas tend to be more crowded, and people walk and interact much closer to each other than one might expect. Often, Panamanians play music, conduct phone calls, and watch videos on speaker in public spaces, which could be challenging for those with sensory sensitivities. Helping your loved one prepare for and adapt to these differences is key to a successful transition.

Questions for Our Substack Community

If you have experience with neurodivergent family members in Panama, I'd love to hear from you:

• What resources have you found most helpful for adults with autism in Panama City?

• How did you handle the transition period?

• What unexpected challenges did you encounter?

• What has worked better than expected?

• Are there particular neighborhoods or communities that have been more accommodating?

• What employment or volunteer opportunities have been positive experiences?

Final Thoughts

Relocating internationally with a family member with autism requires thoughtful planning, but it can absolutely be done successfully. The key is gathering specific information, connecting with local resources before arrival, and creating a transition plan that includes contingencies.

For the family that asked this question, I recommend reaching out directly to organizations in Panama before making final decisions, and if possible, planning an extended visit (2-4 weeks) to test how your son responds to the environment before committing to a permanent move.

For a more comprehensive framework to guide your decision-making process, I've created a free downloadable resource: "Essential Questions for Moving Abroad with Autistic Kids." This PDF walks through crucial considerations from healthcare and education to social supports and legal protections. You can download it using the button below this article.

Download Essential Questions Checklist

Panama offers many wonderful opportunities and a generally relaxed lifestyle that many find beneficial, but like any international move, the transition requires research and preparation, especially when supporting neurodivergent family members.

Do you have experience with autism support in Panama? Please share your insights in the comments. Your firsthand knowledge could be invaluable to families considering this transition.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is based on personal research and community insights. Support services and legal protections for individuals with disabilities vary widely and change frequently. Please consult with medical professionals, legal advisors, and disability support organizations specific to Panama for the most current and appropriate guidance for your situation.

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Related Essays:

My Toddler was Diagnosed with Autism and We are Moving to Panama

Considering moving abroad with your autistic child? Essential Questions Checklist

Why your child's smartphone might be the biggest travel risk you never considered

Panama wasn't our first thought.

Like many, we considered Portugal with its cobblestone streets and terracotta rooftops, where history seeps from ancient walls and the Atlantic Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs. The allure of access to the rest of Europe, excellent healthcare, and those golden visas had strong appeal. Yet distance has its price – an ocean between us and everything familiar and costs that didn't align with our vision.

Brazil had particular resonance, its rhythm already familiar to my husband who had lived and worked there years before. His fluency in Brazilian Portuguese meant one less barrier for our family. We imagined ourselves exploring vibrant markets with relative ease, surrounded by extraordinary landscapes. The cost of living looked promising, but political uncertainties were concerning. And again, that vast distance from home remained a consideration - São Paulo looks close on the map, maybe because its in the western hemisphere, but it’s at least an 8-hour flight from Miami. We could literally get to Lisbon, Portugal in the same time.

Barbados offered crystalline waters, year-round sunshine, and English-speaking shores. This wasn't just a tropical island fantasy; it was a place where my roots run deep, a piece of my heritage calling me back. Their Welcome Stamp made entry straightforward for digital nomads like us. Yet islands have limitations – confined space, sometimes unreliable infrastructure, vulnerability to hurricanes, high costs for many goods, and an economy heavily dependent on tourism.

And then, there was Panama.

It didn't immediately stand out. Instead, it made its first case practically – a straightforward territorial tax system that made financial sense. Plentiful flights home measured in hours, not half-days. The familiar comfort of the US dollar. Modern hospitals alongside Panama City's impressive skyline.

What surprised me was the comfort I felt in Panama. Having grown up in Trinidad & Tobago, the strong Caribbean influence felt like finding an unexpected piece of home – the aromas from kitchens with that familiar blend of green seasonings; the tropical fruits in markets that mirrored those of my childhood; the beautiful diversity of features and complexions we encountered daily.

Just like Trinidad & Tobago, Panama displayed that beautiful tapestry of humanity – Black, White, Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, South Asian, Lebanese, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu – all coexisting in a cultural mosaic that felt deeply familiar to my own birthplace.

Our initial research happened through screens, not maps or brochures. Sunday mornings became dedicated to YouTube – coffee in hand, still in pajamas, watching expats guide us through their adopted cities and towns. We'd follow along as they navigated markets in Lisbon, pointed out hidden beaches in Panama, or detailed the process of opening a Brazilian bank account. Some videos showcased sweeping vistas; others delved into garbage collection woes or the comparative costs of laundry detergent. We absorbed it all, these digital insights from those who had made the leap before us.

Of course, we consulted with professionals at every stage – immigration attorneys, accountants, and real estate specialists – to ensure our decisions were based on solid information rather than just impressions or YouTube anecdotes. We also joined expat Facebook groups for all our potential destinations, quietly reading posts late into the night and discussing the insights over coffee in the mornings, building a mental database of real-life experiences.

But YouTube videos and Facebook groups could only tell us so much. We needed to feel the place ourselves. Our first scouting trip to Panama was a reconnaissance mission – my husband and a well-traveled friend with time on their hands exploring neighborhoods, testing the waters. They returned with promising reports.

For our second visit, we brought the whole family for a Spring Break exploration – splitting our time between the urban energy of Panama City and two nights at the beach. To be honest, I came looking for all the negatives. I found none past the usual stuff any big city has to offer. We felt safe. We felt welcome. And at the very least, Panama would offer the soft landing of a first destination for this nomad family.

Panama had earned itself a longer visit and a deeper look.

Our final validation came during a three-week extended stay in the summer. We visited grocery stores and pharmacies, spent time at play spaces - chatting with parents while our child played with their children, toured neighborhoods and vacant units with our real estate agents, and spoke with immigration attorneys and school admissions counselors. Our just-retired Canadian family members, whose opinions we deeply trust, joined us for part of the journey. Walking the streets together, sharing meals, and discussing the pros and cons and practicalities with people who know us so well provided the external perspective we needed.

Our decision formed not around what we were leaving, but what we were moving toward. Panama offered more than favorable visa terms or tax advantages – it offered familiarity within novelty. A place where we could build something new while still finding comfort in the familiar.

So we chose Panama. Or perhaps Panama chose us. Either way, the decision was never a compromise, but a clear realization that sometimes the place that feels both fresh and familiar is the place that becomes home.

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When you move to a country where English isn't the primary language, maintaining your child's reading development in their native tongue requires some planning. Based on our experience relocating to a Spanish-speaking country, here are some practical tips for keeping your young readers connected to English literature.

Bring Physical Books!

Digital resources are helpful, but nothing replaces the tactile experience of paper books for young and emerging readers. Before you move:

• Pack a selection of age-appropriate favorites

• Include books slightly above their current reading level for growth

• Consider books that connect to your destination's culture

• When family and friends come for a visit, ask them to bring books for your child’s emerging interests and next reading levels

Essential Home Library Resources for the Expatriate Home

Beyond children's literature, building a comprehensive learning environment requires strategic planning for reference materials and accessibility tools. Whether for homework sent home from school, or as a core homeschool resource, students benefit from having core English-language reference works readily available:

• A robust children's dictionary such as Merriam-Webster's Elementary

Read more

"We need to see an authorization letter from the other parent," the immigration officer said firmly.

Like many expat parents in Panama, I had made a critical assumption: that a valid passport would be sufficient documentation for my child to exit the country with only one parent. I was wrong, and that mistake nearly derailed our entire trip.

The Wake-Up Call

Three previous trips out of Panama in 2024 with one parent had gone smoothly, with no questions asked. But on our fourth trip, which happened to fall right after completing our Panamanian residency process, everything changed. Immigration officials at Tocumen stopped us, requesting documentation I didn't have on hand.

It happened to be a Saturday, and the Panamanian consulate in Florida - near my waiting spouse and father of said child - was closed until Monday. COPA Airlines graciously rebooked us for Wednesday at no extra charge, but we still had to wait for our luggage to be removed from the plane and scanned at Customs.

Meanwhile, I had already shut down our apartment, cleared the fridge, and locked everything up in anticipation of being gone for a while. Thankfully, we didn't have any pressing commitments waiting for us at our destination, but the experience was still deeply unsettling – being told I couldn't leave the country with my own child despite having legal custody. It was a harsh lesson in paying attention to regulations that we won't soon forget.

The Legal Requirements

What I've since learned, and what I wish local attorneys emphasized more with families seeking permanent residence, is that Panama has specific legal requirements for minors exiting the country. These requirements are based on Panama's family law regulations designed to prevent child trafficking and international abduction.

Here's what parents of minor Panama residents need to know:

1. Both Parents Traveling Together: Even when both parents are traveling with the minor, you may need to carry the child's original birth certificate to verify parentage - some reports say the birth certificate needs to be an apostilled original.

2. One Parent Traveling with the Minor: You need an apostilled authorization letter in Spanish from the absent parent permitting you to travel with the child.

3. Child Traveling Alone or with a Non-Parent: You need notarized apostilled permission letters from both parents.

4. Deceased Parent: If a parent listed on the birth certificate is deceased, you must carry a copy of the death certificate.

The requirements seem to vary in their application:

• Sometimes officials want copies to keep; other times they just review originals

• Sometimes they request translated documents; other times the originals suffice

• Occasionally they request apostilled documents; most times originals are acceptable

The "Blanket Authorization" Solution

After our ordeal, we discovered a practical solution: a general permission letter that remains in effect until the child turns 18. This document can authorize:

1. Either parent to travel with the children without the other parent

2. The children to travel alone without either parent

While these letters cost a few hundred dollars each, they're invaluable for frequent travelers. It's a one-time investment that prevents future travel disruptions - especially for families that are quick to hop on planes separately and together.

Recommendations for Expat Families

Based on my experience, I recommend:

• Keep a folder with original birth certificates and photocopies whenever traveling

• Consider getting a general travel authorization letter valid until your child turns 18

• Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage as a backup

• Arrive at the airport extra early when traveling with minors

• If you have different last names from your child, be especially vigilant about carrying proper documentation

Lesson Learned

I share this experience not to alarm fellow expat parents but to prepare you. The feeling of being unable to leave with your own child is not one I'd wish on anyone. Immigration requirements might seem burdensome, but they exist to protect children from trafficking and abduction.

Local lawyers helping families obtain residency should emphasize these requirements more clearly. Many of us come from countries where crossing borders with your own children requires minimal documentation beyond passports, making this Panamanian requirement easy to overlook.

Have you had similar experiences traveling with minor residents in Panama? I'd love to hear your stories and solutions in the comments below.

This article is based on personal experience and community information. While I've referenced relevant laws, I am not a legal professional. For specific situations, particularly those involving sole custody arrangements, please consult with an immigration attorney knowledgeable in Panamanian Law.

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Originally posted on my travel advisor site Travel with Makini

Expected and Unexpected Discoveries

When our family decided to relocate to Panama, we did our research (hey, I'm also a grant writer! And a travel advisor! Doing research is my jam). We knew about the stable economy, the use of the US dollar, and the quality healthcare system. But living somewhere is different from reading about it, and Panama has served up plenty of surprises - both expected and unexpected - that have shaped our expat experience here.

What We Expected

The US Dollar: No Currency Conversion Headaches

One of the most convenient aspects of living in Panama is using the US dollar as the official currency. This unique attribute eliminates the need for currency conversion and the associated headaches. Our American bank accounts and credit cards work seamlessly (80% of the time we use contactless payments!) making financial transactions straightforward and significantly easing the financial management of the transition for our family.

A Positive Relationship with Americans

Despite Panama's complex history with the United States, the resulting positive relationship has created an environment where Americans are generally welcomed by the Panamanian people. This has made our integration into Panamanian society smoother than we might have experienced elsewhere.

Rich Cultural Diversity

Panama's position as a crossroads of the world has created a rich tapestry of cultures. This multicultural environment is evident in Panama's food, music, and festivals, providing our child with exposure to various cultural traditions and exciting experiences.

Families can savor authentic Afro-Panamanian cuisine with its unique blend of African, Caribbean, and indigenous influences, featuring dishes like saus, platanos en tentación, and ron ponche. On Sundays, many families enjoy dim sum brunches in Panama City's vibrant Chinese neighborhoods, where steamed dumplings, buns, and other delicacies offer a taste of Asian heritage that has become an integral part of Panama's cultural landscape.

World-Class Healthcare at Affordable Prices

The affordability of world-class healthcare in Panama was a significant factor in our decision to move. Many doctors are US-trained, hospitals are modern and well-equipped, and most importantly, medical care costs a fraction of what it does in the United States. This has allowed us to maintain excellent family healthcare while significantly reducing our annual medical expenses, a major advantage for families considering a move.

What Surprised Us

Family-Centered Celebrations

While we knew about major holidays like Carnival, we didn't expect the sheer number of family-oriented festivals and celebrations throughout the year. It seems there's always a parade, a street fair, or a community gathering happening somewhere. These events aren't just tourist attractions - they're genuine community celebrations where families come together, and we've been warmly welcomed into these traditions.

Sunday Bicycle Culture

One of our favorite discoveries has been the regular Sunday closures of major roads for cyclists. The government closes lanes on some main thoroughfares to create safe cycling spaces, and low-cost or free bicycle rentals are available. Our Sunday family bike rides have become a cherished weekly tradition that keeps us active and connected to the community.

Ice Cream Obsession

Who knew Panama was so serious about ice cream? From traditional heladerías to innovative artisanal shops, Panamanians love their frozen treats. On hot days (which is most days), ice cream shops are social hubs where families gather. Our child quickly adapted to this custom, and finding the best ice cream spots has become a family adventure.

Infrastructure Boom

We were aware of Panama's growing economy, but the scale of infrastructure development has been impressive. New subway lines, train systems, highway expansions, and bridge projects are transforming the country. While construction sometimes creates temporary inconveniences, witnessing a nation actively building for its future is exciting.

The Truly Unexpected

No Regular Postal Service

Perhaps the biggest practical shock was discovering that Panama doesn't have a conventional postal mail service like we were accustomed to in the US. There's no regular mail delivery to homes or businesses. Instead, people use private courier services or maintain post office boxes. This required a significant adjustment to how we receive important documents and packages from abroad.

Sunday Dim Sum Tradition

We never expected to find excellent dim sum in Panama, let alone discover that it's a Sunday tradition for many families. The Chinese community in Panama has established some outstanding restaurants, and joining the Sunday dim sum crowds has become one of our unexpected family traditions.

Real Estate Market Peculiarities

Until the recent launch of the Panacomps (thanks to the technical ingenuity of ) property tracking service, buying property in Panama involved navigating a system without a centralized property sales database or comparable prices. This made researching fair market values challenging and increased the importance of working with reputable real estate professionals who know the market well.

Unlike some markets with exclusive agency agreements, buyers in Panama can work simultaneously with multiple real estate agents to expand their search options. Additionally, property viewings often feature a unique dynamic where owners themselves may be present during showings, offering potential buyers direct insights about the property and neighborhood and answering questions that agents might not be able to address. Opinions on whether this creates a more personalized property touring experience or an extremely awkward tour can vary widely.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Panama has been an adventure of confirmations and surprises. The aspects we researched and expected have largely held true, providing stability in our transition. But the unexpected elements - the Sunday bike rides, the community celebrations, even the lack of mail service—have truly shaped our experience and given us stories to tell.

For families considering a similar move, I'd encourage thorough research and an openness to embrace the unexpected. It's in these surprises that you often find the most authentic experiences and memories that will define your time in a new country.

The Panama we've discovered goes far beyond the Panama we researched, and that's what makes this journey so rewarding.

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Finding Balance in a Digital World

While it's easy to say "just wait" before giving children digital devices, the reality of international travel and relocations is more complex. Phones, tablets, and laptops provide crucial emotional anchors, allowing kids to maintain connections with friends and familiar faces back home during potentially unsettling transitions. FaceTime and Zoom calls with best friends or grandparents can provide much-needed stability when everything else feels foreign.

The post-pandemic era has pushed digital devices into classrooms for younger and younger children, with even kindergarteners now regularly using tablets for daily learning. At home, academic expectations increasingly involve online assignments and digital literacy skills, making some level of device use practically unavoidable for most families.

Digital access permeates today's world. Even preschoolers encounter devices with YouTube in waiting rooms, planes, and homes you visit. Without proper guardrails, this casual exposure can quickly go awry - a seemingly innocent cartoon search can lead to disturbing content in just a few algorithmic jumps. Rather than unrealistic digital abstinence, implementing thoughtful monitoring provides the necessary balance between connection and protection.

Different Countries, Different Digital Landscapes

When your family travels or moves internationally, you're not just crossing geographical borders - you're entering different digital territories with unique rules, restrictions, and potential risks. Here's why maintaining digital supervision of your children, tweens, and teenagers while traveling makes practical sense.

International travel introduces your family to varying:

• Legal frameworks governing online content and behavior

• Content availability (streaming services, websites, apps, games)

• Cultural norms around appropriate content

• Internet safety protocols

A monitoring solution like Qustodio provides consistency in what your child can access regardless of location, eliminating the need to research each country's digital ecosystem before traveling.

Practical Benefits of Digital Monitoring While Traveling

Consistent Boundaries

• Apply the same content restrictions automatically across countries

• Maintain your family's values regardless of location

• Bridge language barriers in content filtering

Safety Enhancements

• Track location through dedicated apps like Find My

• Monitor communication and chat patterns with unfamiliar contacts

• Receive alerts about potentially concerning searches or content

• Ensure children aren't accessing inappropriate local content they couldn't at home

Technical Advantages

• Block VPN services that could bypass geographical restrictions

• Prevent unauthorized app installations that might circumvent protections

• Receive daily activity reports to review while you're busy with travel and moving logistics

• Manage screen time to encourage exploration of the real world around them

Real Experience with Qustodio

We use and are very happy with Qustodio. It's easy to use for parents - one click and the settings apply across all of their devices, including screen time limits, blocked/allowed sites and apps, and customized routines. It also sends notifications when apps are downloaded or used for the first time. It's an excellent "guardrail" system in this crazy online world because even when you trust your child, the internet is not designed to protect them. The internet is not their friend.

As with all these services, you get more features and flexibility with the paid versions, including the ability to set up profiles for different age kids - but it's been worth the cost and effort to set up.

In our experience, Apple Screentime and Google Family Link worked only so well. We also tried Bark and it was fine - Qustodio won us over with its features and ease of use. Surely, some layers of protection are better than nothing at all - and finding out the hard way that your young person was exposed to or involved in non-age appropriate online activities.

Implementation Recommendations

Core Tools:

• Qustodio (or alternative digital monitoring tool): Cross-platform monitoring with multilingual support

• Find My (iOS and the Android equivalent): Location tracking for both device and child

• AirTags: Physical tracking for luggage, backpacks, and other essentials

Technical Setup:

• Enable daily backups to protect against loss/theft

• Consider a second monitoring device mirroring the same cloud profile

• Adjust notification settings to balance awareness with privacy

• Test all monitoring tools before departure

• Verify functionality in your destination country

While You’re On The Device Consider Installing (as appropriate):

• Google Translate for language barriers

• Navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze)

• Communication tools (WhatsApp)

• Travel-specific apps (airline, public transit, rideshare, accommodations)

• Emergency payment methods (digital wallets, Apple Pay, Greenlight)

• Offline entertainment for flights and downtime

Digital supervision while moving around isn't about distrust - it's about providing consistent boundaries in unfamiliar environments and keeping your child safe as they explore new cultures and places.

Disclosure Note: I would always disclose if this article contained affiliate links. There are no affiliate links in this article, and all recommendations are based solely on personal experience and intended to provide helpful information for parents and caregivers traveling with children and adolescents.

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Related Essays:

Don’t Forget the Books!

Relocating to Panama City with an Adult Son with Autism: Seeking Advice

Considering moving abroad with your autistic child? Essential Questions Checklist

Whether you're searching for quality children's clothing, affordable school supplies, or specialty items that remind you of home, understanding the unique strengths of each store will save you countless hours of frustration.

Stevens

Stevens is an excellent mid-to-high-end department store with quality children's clothing, toys, and home goods. Their children's section typically features both local and international brands. Remember when Macy’s was, like, well-stocked and a really nice shopping experience? That’s Stevens - it should be your first stop.

Best for: Quality clothing for everyone in your family - babies, children, teenagers, men and women - with an excellent selection of size-inclusive and special occasion clothing

• Price range: Mid to high

• Locations: Multiple locations, including Multiplaza and Albrook Mall

• Family perks: Seasonal sales, especially during back-to-school season; their amazing Multiplaza location has an in-store cafe Cooking Mamma Bakery for your well-deserved coffee break.

Conway

Conway offers more affordable options for families shopping on a budget. Recognize that bullseye logo?

• Best for: Everyday children's clothing, basic household items

Read more

1. The Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle Factor

For frequent travelers, this consideration alone can make or break your experience.

High-Rise Advantages:

• Building staff present when you're away

• Less maintenance to worry about

• Better security with digital access points and front desk monitoring

• Simplified utility management

House Considerations:

• Requires comprehensive caretaking plans for absences

• Panama's tropical climate demands regular maintenance (power washing roofs, patios and driveways, pest control)

• Technology helps (Ring cameras, smart locks, water sensors) but doesn't replace human oversight

As one resident shared: "If you consider a home or townhouse, you absolutely have to consider how much you travel and have a plan for caretaking. The tropical elements can be tough on structures."

2. Location & Community Integration

Each area offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities, with numerous neighborhoods throughout the city featuring a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise buildings alongside the more prominent high-rises.

Popular Areas We Explored:

• Clayton & Albrook

• Panama Pacífico & Tucán

• Avenida Balboa & Bella Vista

• San Francisco

• Costa Sur

• Costa del Este

Each area offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities. We chose a gated community in Costa del Este (a development called Santa Maria with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, low-rise buildings, and high-rise towers around a golf course) that balanced our family's varied needs. Our building choice and apartment layout selection were a matter of preference based on my family’s size, budget, lifestyle, daily routines, sensory needs, and desired amenities.

3. Personalized Priorities Checklist

Our family's non-negotiables included:

• Ocean views (my husband wanted a water view, but with the trash littering Panama City coastlines, it was better to be a little further away versus directly above it)

• Airport proximity (a biggie after years of living in the suburbs, almost an hour from the closest airport)

• Green spaces, jogging paths, and wide, unbroken sidewalks for biking and scootering (husband and son)

• Golf options nearby (husband)

• Kitchen behind closed doors (myself - post-pandemic with everyone living, working, and schooling at home, we needed more defined spaces)

• International schools within a reasonable distance (future planning as we are homeschooling for these elementary years)

Your list will differ - for example, proximity to major hospitals may be an issue on the outskirts of the cities and in more rural areas. Methodically identifying these requirements helps narrow your search dramatically, whether buying or renting long-term.

4. The Noise Reality Check

City living in Panama is guaranteed to come with its soundtrack – from impromptu fireworks displays that seem to celebrate nothing in particular to the rhythmic beat of late-night drumming practice echoing between buildings. The weekends bring parades that transform main thoroughfares into vibrant, music-filled processions, while the occasional protest adds street closures, honking and chanting to the urban symphony. For adrenaline seekers, the unofficial midnight street racing scene provides unexpected engine revving and tire screeching that no noise ordinance can contain – all part of Panama City's energetic, unapologetically loud urban experience.

High-rise living comes with even more acoustic challenges:

• You can hear the neighbors above (and below! Y’all, tile floors are unforgiving with the noise transfer) your condo dragging furniture and dropping items across the floors at all hours of the day and night.

• Pet-friendly culture - seeing dogs of all sizes is common, even in high-rise buildings. Many buildings have service elevators and rules about how leashed pets should be transported in and out of the building. Whether the rules are enforced or not is another matter entirely.

• Construction, renovation, or move-in noise from neighboring units (even on non-adjacent floors)

• Sound traveling through elevator shafts and stairwells

However, external noise is typically minimized with good insulation. As one resident noted: "We have full construction happening for a new high-rise just next door, and while I cannot hear a thing inside my unit, I do hear it in the lobby and garage."

5. Cultural & Social Dynamics

Panama City's high-rises often feature diverse resident profiles:

• Local Panamanians (some who've lived and studied abroad)

• International expatriates (particularly from North America, Europe, Brazil, and other Latin American countries)

• Everyone at different stages of their lives: multigenerational families, working professionals, business owners, retirees, expatriates

Most interactions are pleasant but not overly social - people generally mind their own business while remaining cordial.

6. The Earthquake Consideration

Panama sits in a seismically active region, though major earthquakes are relatively rare. When considering high-rise living, this merits attention:

• Modern high-rises in Panama City are built to international seismic codes

• Buildings have flexible structural designs that can absorb seismic waves

• Emergency protocols typically include evacuation plans and regular drills

• Higher floors may experience more motion during seismic events

• Power outages following earthquakes can affect elevator functionality

While houses might seem intuitively safer, properly constructed high-rises have sophisticated engineering specifically designed to withstand seismic activity. The best approach is to ask about the building's specific earthquake safety features and emergency protocols.

7. Utility Reliability: Power and Water Outages

A crucial factor that affects daily living in Panama City is the frequency of power and water outages. This consideration varies significantly by neighborhood and even by individual building:

High-Rise Advantages:

• Many modern buildings have backup generators for common areas, and sometimes individual units

• Some high-rises maintain water reserves in rooftop tanks with gravity-fed systems

• Building management often handles outage issues, reducing your personal inconvenience and stress

House Considerations:

• You'll need to invest in your own backup systems

• Water tanks with electric pumps are essential for maintaining water pressure during outages

• Generators become a necessity rather than a luxury for those working remotely or with medical needs requiring 24-7 power

When viewing properties to rent or buy, always ask:

• How frequent are outages in this specific area?

• What backup systems are in place?

• Who covers the maintenance costs of these systems?

• How quickly are outages typically resolved?

This factor alone can significantly impact your quality of life and may justify paying higher rent or purchase prices for properties with reliable backup systems.

8. Traffic & Transportation Realities

Your transportation plans will significantly impact your housing decision, as Panama's public transit infrastructure varies dramatically by location. While the Metro serves certain corridors efficiently and economically, many neighborhoods remain accessible only by car or the somewhat unpredictable bus system.

If purchasing a vehicle, you'll need to factor in dedicated parking (a premium in older buildings), the realities of Panama's congested streets, and potentially higher insurance costs in certain areas. Alternatively, those planning to rely on public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services should prioritize properties within walking distance of Metro stations or major transit hubs – a choice that can dramatically simplify daily life while reducing costs and stress.

No matter where you choose in Panama City, traffic will be part of your reality. Peak hours create gridlock throughout the city, with commuters, motorists, taxis, public buses, school buses, motorcyclists, and pedestrians all crisscrossing the city. Retirees, homeschoolers, and remote workers have the advantage of flexibility, but school and commuting schedules require careful consideration of location relative to daily activities.

Making Your Final Decision

If you're on the fence about a specific property, whether to rent or buy, consider these practical next steps:

1. Extended Stay Test: Rent in your target building or neighborhood before committing to a purchase

2. Transportation Trial: Simulate your daily commutes during peak hours.

The elevator wait time in my building shifted dramatically during the prime school bus pickup window - something we didn’t realize till our homeschooled son attended summer camp and had to be downstairs at a prescribed window.1 We quickly learned to pad the time needed to get downstairs to avoid making the bus wait. Wait times are not an issue at any other time of the day.

3. Seasonal Assessment: Experience both rainy and dry seasons if possible.

And, please don’t schedule your one-and-only scouting visit during November when the city gets extraordinarily quiet because of the Fiestas Patrias or national holidays - many city dwellers take advantage of the numerous official holidays to go to the beach or the interior of the country to spend time with family and friends. You will have a rude awakening during the first week of December when it’s all over!

4. Neighbor Chat: Connect with current residents for unfiltered perspectives

5. Building Management Meeting: Discuss policies, construction plans, and how complaints are handled

6. Utility Test: Ask about the frequency of power and water outages, and observe the backup systems in action if possible

Remember that housing choices involve tradeoffs. What works for one family won't necessarily work for another. Choosing our neighborhood on the city's outskirts has been the right fit for us, but your priorities may lead you in a different direction.

What questions do you still have about housing in Panama City? Drop them in the comments below, and we will help provide insights!

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I don't know your motivation for considering leaving your native country, albeit the US, Canada, Australia, or wherever it may be. However, like me, you are probably looking for a place that "checks the boxes" or at least most of your boxes. I moved my family to the country of Panama from the United States 2 years ago because it checks the boxes, the important ones.

No matter your age or situation, if you are looking to leap, then you are most likely seeking some combination of fun, security, cost-effectiveness, and ease of living. I mean, there is no point in selling everything, telling your family and friends, "See you later, maybe?" only to arrive and be miserable, unsafe, bored, and broke. Whether you are a corporate shill ready to escape the cubicle like myself, a self-starter multi-millionaire with a penchant for golf, an excited and ready-for-what’s next retiree, a gap-year student, or a hopeful poor artist, you want to migrate somewhere where living is sustainable cost-wise. By sustainable, I mean costs for daily living are within your realm of reason and should not fluctuate wildly. That realm of reason may be $1,500 or $15,000 a month, but you expect value for your dollar no matter your budget or where you are migrating from. Regarding security, anything can happen anywhere, and you risk being shanked by a stranger on your way to a coffee shop no matter where you live, but you hope to live somewhere where that risk is… kinda low. Right?

Well, Panama checked those boxes for us; however, as we live here, a few others remain unchecked, and that is OK.

Fun: Beyond the Tourist Highlights

First Impressions vs. Daily Reality

The first time you visit Panama City, you are amazed by the skyline, the weather, the ease of escaping customs with all your luggage, how quickly your Uber arrives, and that expansive view of the water as you saunter into downtown. You settle into your hotel and eventually hit the hot spots, namely Cinta Costera, Panama Canal, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and maybe a long day trip to the San Blas Islands. It becomes clear there is tons of stuff to do, and Panama is like any other large metropolitan city.

Casco Viejo - Photographer

Finding Your Own Spots

You only saw a pinch of what Panama has to offer on your first trip, and you imagine all the great things there are to do. After settling in for a year as an expat, you enjoy these fun spots and become the defacto tour guide for visitors when they finally visit you, but you see less of them as daily life settles in. My wife and I found ourselves gravitating to places like our coffee shop, Cafe Unido (aside from coffee, their double cheeseburger slaps), Town Center Mall for some air-conditioned laps, followed by dinner and connecting with other parents running out their kid's energy before bedtime.

Everyday Entertainment

As I get older (in my late 40s), Panama offers my type of fun, which is essentially spaces to walk, explore, converse, eat, and repeat. I don't need rocket ships, bars open until 4 am, and loud concerts every week. I find Panama relatively conservative in its nature, including its fun and I am good with that. Now, can you "get into trouble" and find late-night spots, cigar bars, casinos, or perhaps, a zip line on a skyscraper? Of course, you can, do you boo.

However the point is that Panama offers a variety of things to do of which you can take advantage at your pace but it is not built around nor does it survive solely on these amusement areas nor the tourists and visitors who frequent them. Panama is the central banking hub of Central America, which is its core business and not tourism, yet I have and continue to find plenty of built spaces, natural beauty, rich culture, and food experiences to discover. That was an important checkmark for me.

Security: Peace of Mind Matters

My Safety Barometer

No matter your situation, you are seeking a location as safe if not safer, than where you are emigrating from. People have different motivations, and without delving into political diatribes, my interest was to live somewhere in which I felt comfortable as a male, a person of color, and where I felt my family could navigate safely. Let's first admit there is no perfect place for this. Violence can occur at any time, to anybody, for any reason, and the only thing you can do is live somewhere and behave accordingly to mitigate that risk.

My barometer for safety is to ask myself two questions:

1. Do I feel comfortable leaving my spouse and young child in the country as I fly out for business?

2. Do I feel an engagement with law enforcement has a high probability to escalate unduly?

I am not naive to think I will never be approached by law enforcement, but do I feel comfortable they would engage me only when necessary and in a relatively respectful manner without undue escalation? After spending considerable time here, I do feel comfortable in contrast to the United States.

Police Presence: Protection, Not Engagement

You will see the Policía Nacional de Panamá (PNP), aka the National Police, typically in densely populated areas such as Cinta Costera, Amador Causeway, and key landmarks such as Casco Viejo. However, you will not see or feel a strong, effervescent police presence in most neighborhoods (there are exceptions for high-crime locations, of course).

It can be jarring to be walking along Cinta Costera and seeing an ATV with two very heavily armed National Police officers riding by, their faces obscured by masks and protection gear. However, they are there for your protection, not your engagement, which I think is a critical distinction from many other countries. Most often, I see officers scrolling on their phones, as even petty crime in most tourist areas is not common.

The Private Security Culture

However, Central America does have a penchant for private security. Working in private security is like working at the US post office; it is a job, and there are plenty of opportunities. You will see unarmed, plain-marked security in and outside malls, commercial stores, and banks, and they will look at you; as a person of color, they may look at you hard. But generally, their role is to deter and report and less to follow and investigate unless they have reason to.

Panama is in the top 5 safest countries within Latin America so rest assured that living and navigating in Panama can be regarded as safe. Navigate it like you would any other country in Latin America, stay alert, take caution after dark, travel with others where possible, and walk with confidence.

Cinta Costera - Photographer

Cost Effectiveness: Sustainable Living

The Real Meaning of "Affordable"

When people ask me if living in Panama is cheap, I respond "it is sustainable". To me, that is more important than anything. Budgets vary, and there are generally options for all budgets, but what is important to me is not if the food at the grocery store is cheap but how much is my annual home insurance? Car insurance? Health insurance? Property taxes? Is Permanent Residency plausible? How about real estate prices? Are cars much more than in the United States?

Real Numbers That Matter

I found that pricing for the above was more reasonable than other countries, such as the United States and Canada. For example, we purchased a vehicle and I reached out to a company for a car insurance quote on what we can safely regard as a luxury vehicle. I was bracing for the worst. I knew I was going to get gauged being the gringo. Sure enough, I received a response via WhatsApp with a quote of $1200. I nearly flipped my lid. $1200 a month? Are you crazy?

I composed myself and kindly but firmly responded that although I requested full coverage with nearly every offering on a heavily optioned vehicle this amount was respectfully unacceptable. As the chat icon tapped away, I breathed hard and waited for his response. "Sir, please note this is your annual premium however we have discounts if you pay upfront...". I instantly stopped. Wait, $1200 for the full year of coverage on a luxury vehicle, and there are discounts? I thought about our car insurance in other states in the US, and this would be a near quarterly premium. The point being, this is sustainable.

Housing and Healthcare Costs

Home insurance and property taxes can also be quite sustainable relative to the value of your property. In Panama, property tax rates are progressive: 0% for properties valued up to $120,000, 0.5% for the portion between $120,001 and $700,000, and 0.7% for amounts exceeding $700,000. Plus, I have less fear of a 20% price hike in home insurance the next year because half the country caught fire or flooded the previous year. Health insurance varies on your particular needs, and several plans can supplement your needs. For example, we contracted a private ambulance and doctor service for less than $400 for the year for the entire family. They provide video-call triage services (and sent a doctor to our home for one non-urgent issue at no additional cost), provide prescriptions (sent via WhatsApp!), and offer a private ambulance we can call in the event of a true emergency. Now, this is not comprehensive care and coverage we know; however, the stance on healthcare is just different. In short, they are not out to bankrupt you.

Daily Expenses

Will you have cheaper groceries? If you buy mostly local and not imported goods, most likely yes. If you must have the Bob's Red Mill imported flour and not the local flour, you will pay more than you do at home, period. So, research the day-to-day items, but don't forget to investigate the big-ticket items as I described. If you decide to rent, even better, as you will find rentals at all price points, sizes, and locations that meet your needs.

Ease of Living: Comfort Without Compromise

Defining What Matters

Lastly, you have your definition of ease of living, but mine was relatively simple. Can I live a lifestyle relatively similar to what I am accustomed to, can I come and go as I please (residency wise) and do I have easy access to an international airport? For Panama, the answer was indeed yes.

The Cultural Balance

Now, many will say, "Don't try to replicate your home country" and "Don't bring your privileged way of life" to Panama. There is stock in this response however, you can have the majority of the comforts you are accustomed to, minus the freezing cold. You can have access to amenities, proximity to shopping and gyms, etc., just like any city without a high level of compromise. Embrace the local culture, food, and ways of living, and strengthen your patience muscle. But rest assured, you will find everything you need.

Climate Considerations

Panama is hot and humid year-round, which works for me; however, make sure it works for you. Multiple sources state the lowest recorded temperature in Panama City was 68°F (20°C), which should tell you everything you need to know. Some expats I know struggled with the humidity initially, but be patient and allow your body time to adjust. Wear light fabrics, and that does not mean shorts. Panama is not a “shorts” country unless you are at the beach. Panamanians tend to dress more formally than in many tropical countries. In urban areas like Panama City, wearing shorts outside of beaches or casual settings can make you stand out as a tourist. In fact, some places (like banks and upscale restaurants) may turn you away for wearing shorts.

Cinta Costera - Photographer

Residency and Mobility

Residency-wise, there are several options not just based on your age but rather if you invest in the country, have a verifiable pension, and many other scenarios. Obtaining Permanent Residency after making a real estate investment (the minimum is $300,000) gave us skin in the game and the ability to come and go as we please; staying as long as we desire. The process was not as straightforward as we had hoped - it took about 4 months longer than planned and required multiple visits to government offices - but we accomplished our goal and checked that box.

International Accessibility

For me personally, being able to leave my home and go through security at an international airport within an hour was essential for both work and personal needs. Tocumen International Airport (Code PTY) is very accessible and recently expanded and has renovated its international Terminal 2 wing with a near European airport feel. With a number of lounge options, you can arrive early and comfortably await your flight. From my door in Costa del Este, I can be at my gate within 50 minutes during off-peak hours (or in the lounge within 30).

Consider what your "ease of living" requirements are, and which are most important to you. Keep them few in number and consider them in a quantitative manner vs. "I want easy, less stress, cheap living".

Your Turn: The Panama Checklist

Are you considering moving to Panama? Here's my approach: Write down your top 10 boxes, sort them by importance and scratch off bottom 7. Focus on what truly matters to you.

For me, the top three were:

1. Safety for my family

2. Long-term financial sustainability

3. International accessibility

What are yours? Drop them in the comments, and I'd be happy to share specific insights about how Panama might (or might not) check those boxes for you.

¡Ven si puedes! (Come if you can!)

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Read Part 1 of Brave New World

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