After a cruise stop at the port of Colón in Panamá in 2013, we took an excursion through the Panama Canal. Our tour guide on this excursion told us about all the benefits available to expats. The people were friendly, the country is stable, there is so much beauty. Something about that trip stayed with us…there was always something pulling us back…
So why Panamá anyway? Initially we were going back and forth between Portugal, Costa Rica and Panamá. I think logistically, Portugal being on another continent was too daunting as it was too far away from family. Costa Rica was a good possibility. After comparing the two countries carefully, there are many similarities geographically. We found Panamá to be less expensive and have less crime. They also offered friendly Visa options, and the Panama Balboa is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar.
Fast forward 5 years…the opportunity arose to go back again when we took a Panama Relocation Tour in 2018. We found it really beneficial in helping our dream come to fruition. We met with other expats, talked to an attorney, visited areas between Panamá City and Boquete in the mountains, beaches and cities. We learned a ton of information, pros and cons, and how to get “boots on the ground” in Panamá.
We made the move in May of 2019 and loving our time here. Every day is a new adventure!
