If you are living and working in Panama, you may be wondering what kind of healthcare you can expect to receive. This will depend to some extent on whether you choose to use the public or the private healthcare sector. We will look at all aspects of the Panamanian healthcare system below and consider some … Read more

Healthcare in Panama is of a good standard, and there are numerous pharmacies across the country. You should therefore have little difficulty in accessing your prescription medication. There are restrictions on some drugs, however, as mentioned below.  What is available? Panamanian drug laws are strict. If you have any queries about your prescription, contact immigration … Read more

If you are intending to give birth in Panama, you will need to make a decision early on regarding whether to use the public or the private sector. In general, the public system is of a good standard in the cities, but it may be less so in more rural areas. The private sector is … Read more

Panama has a two-tier health system, divided between the state sector, with a form of national insurance, and the private healthcare market. The public sector is funded by the Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) and the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social or CSS), using contributions from employers and employees. These operate separate facilities, and … Read more

Panama has a two-tier health insurance system, divided between national insurance and the private sector. The public sector is funded by the Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) and the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social/CSS), using contributions from employers and employees. These operate separate facilities, and the Caja de Seguro Social also runs a pension … Read more

If you are intending to live and work in Panama, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of opportunities to keep fit and healthy there. Sports are popular. The country’s national sport is baseball, and the national team is highly ranked globally.Football is also popular, and the Panamanian national team, the “Marea … Read more

How much you will have to pay for health procedures in Panama will depend on whether you access the public or the private sector. If you are registered with the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social or CSS), your costs will be very low, but since the country is a growing market for medical … Read more

Public healthcare provision in Panama is generally of a good standard in urban areas, but less so in rural and remote parts of the country. You will find good provision for both dental and eye care in Panama, particularly in Panama City, and especially in the private sector.Treatment is significantly cheaper in Panama than in … Read more

If you are looking to relocate to Panama, then you will need to consider your options with regard to banking. You may want to maintain your current account in your home country, as this can be helpful for paying any future bills. You may also want to consider opening a new account, such as an … Read more

Panama (officially the Republic of Panama) is a Central American country that faces the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia. It is known for its remarkable biodiversity, which is said to be three times higher than in the United States, Canada, … Read more

Panama is an attractive country for expats. It is currently Central America’s biggest economy and is continuing to grow after new presidential elections and a boost to the country’s infrastructure. It is appealing to both employees and retirees, particularly from the USA. If you are intending to spend time there, it is important to understand … Read more

Panama is already a popular destination for American retirees but increasingly expats have been looking at the country for employment choices, too. Salaries tend to be comparatively low, particularly in relation to the USA, but the cost of living is also low, which balances out the lower wages. Panama is currently Central America’s biggest economy … Read more

The beautiful country of Panama is one of the most popular destinations for British expat retirees, offering great beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and proximity to the United States.What do you need to know if you’re thinking of retiring there? And are there any drawbacks? Why Should I Move To Panama? There are a number of … Read more

House hunting can be time-consuming at the best of times, but house hunting as an expat is even more so. Especially as there may be legalities or cultural nuances of which you aren’t aware. This is as true in Panama City as anywhere else in the world.Where to Rent Panama City is the largest city … Read more

The Republic of Panama is a country in South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the North Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Costa Rica. The main airport is Tocumen International, and there are plenty of planes arriving daily from all over the world. From there, you can either get domestic flights or continue by bus or … Read more

Panama is located in the Central American region of North America. It is a long, thin stretch of terrain meeting Costa Rica to the west and Columbia to the east. Along the South of the country sits the Pacific Ocean coastline, while the north is met by the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the … Read more

A crucial meeting point between two oceans and two continents, Panama is located in Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia. This small nation has a population of about 3.6 million inhabitants, and has recently seen a considerable influx of foreign nationals. Riding a wave of economic development, the country has become a magnet for … Read more

An increasing number of people are choosing to spend their retirement years abroad. However, there’s lots to think about before making the decision to move overseas. It is important to determine the kind of security and healthcare available in your chosen destination. Taxes are also an essential consideration, since there could be penalties for unreported … Read more

Panama has been rapidly emerging as one of the top destinations for expats. Whether it’s retirees looking for a peaceful place to spend their golden years or those simply looking for a beach lifestyle, Panama has been welcoming expats from around the world for a long time.One of the reasons Panama is so popular with … Read more

As an expat in a new country, you may have very specific ideas about your ideal home and you may find it hard to find a home that lives up to them. You may come across a home that has a lovely kitchen, only to look further and discover that the bedroom is too small. … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Panama and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.ExPats In PanamaFacebook Group With over 6500 … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Panama and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Panama For Beginnershttp://panamaforbeginners.com/ Panama For Beginners is a brilliantly written resource for … Read more

Retirement is one of the main reasons why people choose to move abroad. Often, expats opt for a country with a warmer climate and a slower pace of life, hoping that these will make their retirement years peaceful and enjoyable. With thousands of expats from America, Europe and around the world choosing Panama as a … Read more

For more than a decade Panama has been regarded as a “retirement haven” for seniors from around the globe because of its beaches, weather and lifestyle. Its close proximity to the US makes this country all the more attractive, especially to Americans. While the reported benefits do hold true to a great extent, even paradise … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Panama and some of the bloggers who write about living there. Chiriqui Chatterhttp://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/ Chiriqui Chatter is a fun blog written by Don Ray Williams, … Read more

One of the most common questions when moving to a new country is how safe it is – especially for women. Panama is well known as a great expat location – the tropical climate without the extreme heat; the mix of Central American jungles and beaches with urban, modern cities; the low cost of living … Read more

Panamanians take great pride in their culture and customs and have high expectations in matters of etiquette and manners. Visitors and overseas residents are also expected to respect and adhere to these courtesies. DressingIt is not only a faux pas to go shirtless in any city and town in Panama, but it is also illegal. … Read more

Panama is gaining recognition and popularity as an expat destination since it has something for everyone – from students and globetrotters to drifters and retirees. Panama is developed and modern, and expats have described their stay here as a “first-world lifestyle at third-world prices”! The country does indeed offer a rather luxurious lifestyle with the … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to Panama, your reasons had better be more than the Van Halen song by the same name, which incidentally has nothing to do with the country, but in the vein of many metal acts of the 80s, had more to do with a stripper and a fast car! The … Read more

Panama is often described as a place where tropical beauty meets consumer paradise! The landscapes of this country are as diverse as its traditions and cuisines but the people are very tolerant and accepting. However, when moving to a new country, culture shock is inevitable so it is important that you prepare for some of … Read more

Panama’s healthcare system can vary greatly depending on which part of the country you live in. The system is not perfect, but most expats have had positive experiences. The better quality facilities and medical staff are mainly located in the capital of Panama City. However other areas are also seeing improvements. Private healthcare Expats will … Read more

Food is a very important aspect of the culture in Panama. This country’s cuisine is a melting pot of Spanish, Native American, African and Caribbean food, and North Americans and Europeans tend to enjoy the mild flavor of many typical Panamanian delicacies. Some of the most common ingredients used for cooking in Panama include corn, … Read more

Panama offers healthcare facilities of good quality, with modern hospitals in all metropolitan areas. Some of the medicals centers are the most advanced in Latin America. Moreover, the Panamanian health authorities often take immediate steps to control any health problems that seem to be on the rise. However, healthcare in Panama is quite different as … Read more

by Ric Falgout I wake up to the songs of the small area of rain forest adjacent to my back yard. The tropical song birds are my 6:00 a.m. wake up call. No more do I hear the sounds of the city that I left behind in the U.S.A. Here life dances to the beat … Read more