Thread: moving to panama

Hi,
I am new to this forum and I am interested to move to Panama with my husband and a three-year-old son. I currently live in Canada.
I am planning to go on vacation to Panama in about a month, just to see how I would like it there and what the people are like.
I am mainly concerned about having a normal life there. What are the difficulties of getting a job there? What are the costs of living? If I am able to invest my money in some kind of business, what could be profitable?

Any Canadians in Panama that could compare their life there to the life they had in Canada...

Thank you all for your information.

Hello mira_serge, I think you will find there are allot of Canadians in Panama. In regards to working in Panama, look to create a business and incorporate. My suggestions would be:
1. Contact the Canadian Embassy in Panama(there must be one online somewhere), get a list of attorneys that they can suggest.
2. Setup appointments and meet with several, first consultation is always free. Also make sure to create a list of questions you have and have pen and paper handy.
3. Spend time in Panama city, but do not rent a car while in Panama city. Driving in Panama city for the first time is not for the faint of heart.
4. Make sure you arrange for somebody to pick you up from the airport before you get there.
5. I would suggest not taking your son the first time if you are here to gather facts and get used to the place.
6. Plan out your trip and what you want to see, think about what kind of climate you would like, mountains or beaches?
7. Last but not least do not be in a rush to make this move. If you are seriously thinking about doing this take your time and get your facts. This is a change of lifestyle.

Have a Molson EH?

Thank you for your reply.

I would like to know how much money is enough monthly for some basic expenses such as groceries, phone and cable bills, apartment rent, car and car insurance? Which suburban areas are good to live in because I would prefer to live somewhere outside of the city? I suspect apartment rents outside of the city are less expensive.... But of course, I would like to live in a safe area.

Thanks

My advice I give to you is rent a good 4x4 (Prado, Fortuner, 4Runner, something Toyota and diesel), buy a map from a grocery store or book store, pack a cooler with ice, beer, food, and start driving. Make arrangements to meet real estate agents, look at property, experience the country. Any person that moves to Panama and does not bother experiencing it is missing out. I did not know what I wanted until I saw it and that wasn't until my third trip. You should be able to get a hotel room anywhere in the interior during the middle of the week so dont worry about sleeping arrangements outside of Panama City unless you are coming during carnival. Whereabouts from Canada are you from? I have spent time there, just curious.

Cheers

If you drive around Panama make sure that you are very considerate and cautious. You will run into situations with cattle or horses that are free roaming. Locals walk the roads so make sure not to splash them (potholes) or run them over.

Speaking of driving around there, how's the traffic and people driving there? Are there many rude drivers and such?

Panama City driving is not for wimps, outside the city is no problem. Just keep your eyes open.

hehe I guess it's better to take public transport to those busy cities, avoid the headache and hassle.