Thread: Looking to Relocate to Panama-Need some advice

HI. My husband and our 3 dogs are looking to retire to Panama. We have been doing a lot of reading and talking to people about Panama. As expected we are getting a lot of information and a lot of mixed opinions about life in Panama. We are planning a trip to Panama but have not yet selected a date. We have a lot of logistical things to work out first. I guess the biggest thing is trying to figure out what part of Panama would suit us best. I do not want to live in an area that has a lot of bugs, snakes and spiders. Not sure if there is any place in Panama like that. I am hoping you all can advise us. I thought the city would probably be the best place to avoid big hairy spiders...I am deathly afraid of them. I am not a whimp but have a fear that goes back as far as I can remember. So thought maybe the city would be best. I love hot weather and like to be close to civilization....restaurants, theater, shopping, medical care etc. So any advice you could give me would be most appreciated. I look forward to making new friends from this site. Thanks.

Hello wabby99, welcome aboard. Enjoy your participation.

Originally Posted by wabby99

I do not want to live in an area that has a lot of bugs, snakes and spiders. Not sure if there is any place in Panama like that. I am hoping you all can advise us. I thought the city would probably be the best place to avoid big hairy spiders...I am deathly afraid of them.

Wrong country

But seriously, you need to come down, look, meet new people, and hangout. The city is a good place to start with this country. It is probably the easiest transition point to get used to the way things work in Panama. In regards to phobia's don't feel bad. My girlfriend is a Panamanian, has been stung by a scorpion twice, and her big fear is toads.

Originally Posted by wabby99

...I love hot weather and like to be close to civilization....restaurants, theater, shopping, medical care etc...

Welcome to Panama City... Wishing you all the best.

Originally Posted by wabby99

HI. My husband and our 3 dogs are looking to retire to Panama. We have been doing a lot of reading and talking to people about Panama. As expected we are getting a lot of information and a lot of mixed opinions about life in Panama. We are planning a trip to Panama but have not yet selected a date. We have a lot of logistical things to work out first. I guess the biggest thing is trying to figure out what part of Panama would suit us best. I do not want to live in an area that has a lot of bugs, snakes and spiders. Not sure if there is any place in Panama like that. I am hoping you all can advise us. I thought the city would probably be the best place to avoid big hairy spiders...I am deathly afraid of them. I am not a whimp but have a fear that goes back as far as I can remember. So thought maybe the city would be best. I love hot weather and like to be close to civilization....restaurants, theater, shopping, medical care etc. So any advice you could give me would be most appreciated. I look forward to making new friends from this site. Thanks.

Don't sell Panama short . You will find bugs, snakes and spiders anywhere . A lot depends on your house keeping methods . Keep it clean and you will have less bugs .
Our place is in Bocas Del Toro and we have bugs ,spiders and snakes . I hate snakes . But I have only seen about 6-8 snakes the whole time in 9 years we have had it . Only one was poisonous .
You might want to look at the Boquete Area or stay close to Panama City . I don't like city life so that is out for me .
Good luck in your search . Panama is a great place to retire to.

Hi
It all depends on how you keep the yard if you have alot of plants right against the house you'll have more bugs and probably a snake or 2. The best thing is to have you entrances clear of bushy plants. By the way I have property for sale just 45 mins from Panama City , nice little town of Capira close the the Panamerican Hwy. over a 1/4 acre for $11,000 titled with a stream. let me know