Panamainfo.com

One of the great advantages for foreigners living in Panama is the high quality of medical care and large number of US-trained physicians and specialists.

Foreign residents in Panama:

Americans living in Panama will readily tell you what a pleasure it is to be treated by one of Panama’s numerous American-trained, English speaking doctors. They are warm, knowledgeable and unhurried.

In Panama City, in regards to recreation, the first thing you have to deal with is the heat and humidity during the day. This means that water and indoor sports make a lot of sense. Other sports like tennis and golf are only comfortable in the early morning, late afternoon or evenings.

For water sports, the fishing, surfing, kayaking, diving, rafting and snorkeling are excellent and always close by.

• Fishing
• Golf
• Diving & Snorkeling

What kind of car is best? Should I import my car?

The best cars for Panama’s roads are Asian. We don’t know why but Asian cars just take the heat, wet climate and potholes of Panama City far better. It’s also easier to get car parts and servicing for major Asian car brands.

For safety, the best kind of everyday car is an SUV. Due to the chaos of the city there are many fender benders and an SUV also gives versatility on rougher roads outside Panama City.

Tourist Visas

US citizens, Canadians and members of the European Union do not need a visa. They only need to buy a $5 tourist card from their airline when they fly to Panama. The tourist card gives you a 90 days renewable for another 60 days. ( This is the latest info. For a few months in 2007, it only gave you 30 days, bu that has been changed back to the usual 90 days)

Renewing your tourist card

You can find just about anything you need in Panama. This is true for Panama more than any other country in Latin America (even Mexico). Not only that, the stores are pleasant and well organized. There are shops for just about every need from furniture to electronics to furniture to clothes. And the prices are right- the same or less than the United States and Europe.

Most stores will deliver anywhere in Panama. In Panama City, delivery is often free.

Furniture

Upscale Furniture

Panama City

Panama City has three international schools that are fully accredited by an American School Association: The International School of Panama, Balboa Academy and the Oxford International School (not to be confused with the Oxford School).

The International School of Panama (ISP)

This is Panama’s most expensive international school. The high school has the best academic level of the American accredited schools mostly because it is the only school that offers the International Baccalaureate. The location is far away from everything.

Panama has the best rating for tourism safety, but "living in a home safely" is another matter altogether. Yes, Panama is one of the safest countries in the Americas, but living here safely requires taking special measures different from the States or Europe.

Fact of Life: Home Robberies are More Common in Latin America including Panama

The First Rule: You are a Guest and so Behave Like a Guest.

This is not your country. Many, many things will be different and some of those things will delight you and other things will really frustrate you. But like any good guest, don’t criticize your host, at least not to his face. And realize that just because things are done differently here, there are reasons-historical, socio-cultural reasons. Patience is important but so also is the sophistication to accept and moreover enjoy that countries just really are different.

Getting Along With Panamanians

You get some of your best info, insider tips and general orientation from others who have come before you.

Expats in Panama

Expats in Panama hosts a monthly dinner meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at a Panama City restaurant. Network, ask for advice from others who have made the move to Panama and enjoy the company.

Website: www.expatsinpanama.com

Who's New

An international women’s club welcoming new women to Panama.
Phone: (507) 264-0567.

Website: www.wnpan.org

The American Society of Panama

From the American viewpoint, Panama has the best food shopping in Latin America. Its American-style supermarkets are stocked with all the most popular American products atinexpensive prices. If you haven’t lived in other countries in Latin America, you won’t appreciate just how good Panama’s the food shopping is.

Supermarkets