Here are 4 insider tips, learned from expat experience, for a smooth transition to your new life in Panama…
1. Getting Around Panama: Private And Public Transportation
When you own a car, the best perk is that you have complete independence. There’s not that many towns where you could live in Panama that you could go carless.
Even though parking can be a hassle sometimes (there’s a lack of these throughout the city especially) and expensive, a license can be a pain to get, and there’s risk of getting tickets, this might still be the best option for many.
If you do decide to live in the city, it’s possible to get by without owning a car. Uber is still affordable, convenient, and many drivers speak English. But there’s specific times or areas where getting an Uber might get difficult or just not possible. Surge pricing also happens, which can double or triple your ride fare.
Taxis are usually around, but they are some of the most reckless drivers this country has, and sometimes they can be driven by sketchy people.
The Metrobus and Metro (Subway) are two other modes of transportation that can work well in Panama and are much cheaper than Uber. Most rides will be between 25 and 75 cents. But of course, it does mean that you have to walk, wait for the bus (which doesn’t have exact schedules), risk that it’s full to the brim… but if you are not in a hurry and don’t mind crowds, it’s a good available option. You buy one rechargeable card and can use it for both the bus and the subway.
You can also travel to the interior of the country by bus, and those have a reliable schedule, and the big, two-story buses are comfortable.
2. Banking And Paying Bills
The Punto Pago machines are common around the country, mostly in malls or supermarkets, where you can pay everything from your electric bill to your Netflix subscription, recharge your Metro card, or add money to your Uber account. If you’re uncomfortable using your own credit or debit card to pay for things in these kiosks, the machine also prints out a prepaid MasterCard that you could deposit cash into and use instead.
Once you have a Panamanian bank account, you will be able to pay for everything through its banking app in your phone. You can transfer money immediately from one account to another using, for example, the Yappy app. This is similar to Zelle but uses your cellphone number instead of an email address.
3. Shopping
The number of supermarkets or small grocery stores available in Panama is big. Some of the most popular are Riba Smith, El Rey, Super 99, and PriceSmart. You might not be able to find every American or Canadian brand of every item, but 95% of the time you’ll probably find an alternative from another country that’s essentially the same.
You will be able to find most things locally and not have to ship them here, which will end up being much more affordable for you.
If you’re not in the mood to get out of the house and you’re missing eggs, for example, you can just order from the app PedidosYa. Through this app you’ll be able to order from countless restaurants, but also groceries and pharmacies.
If you get a monthly subscription for $8.99, your delivery is free.
Convenience stores are in every neighborhood and are usually run by Chinese Panamanians. In Panama, locals call them “Chinos” or “Chinitos.” As it’s typical for a convenience store, prices here are usually elevated from what you’ll find in a normal grocery store, but if there’s one across the street from your home and saves you a 20-minute trip to El Rey, it’s worth it.
You can also get produce in local markets, which will be cheaper than in grocery stores.
If you’re a mall person, Panama has plenty. Malls here are modern and have stores that start all the way from a dollar store to luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
If you like online shopping, Panama has a lot of mail forwarding services where you can get all your Amazon and U.S. store buys delivered to a Miami P.O. Box and then sent to Panama. Amazon now offers the option of delivering packages straight to your door without the need of an intermediary.
4. Making Friends
There are a few ways to connect with locals and fellow expats. Joining a group or class is a great staring point. There are Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs, plus loads of sports clubs including golf, boxing, baseball, padel, tennis, and pickleball. There’s also soccer matches and an international raceway for Formula 4 races. Plus, all manner of entertainment options, including theater, festivals, art shows, movie theaters, parks, boardwalks, bowling alleys, and bars and lounges with live music.
Panama is a melting pot of cultures and religions. You will be able to find temples, churches, and places of worship for many different religions, many of which also have groups expats could join.
Sincerely,
The Editors Of Live And Invest Overseas
