You hear it all the time from vacationers in Costa Rica: “God, this is the best.” And from vacationers who just got home from Costa Rica and can’t stop telling everyone who didn’t get to go to Costa Rica: “Costa Rica was the best.” But of course anyone who’s just spent a week on a stunning
Did you miss our country comparo last year? We’ve revived it, reviewed it, and refreshed it for Costa Rica/Panama Country of the Month 2026. Enjoy! Expats relocating from the U.S. to warmer climates often put Costa Rica and Panama at the top of their list. And for good reason — both offer warm climates, stunning
Are you an American looking for a new place to call home? Look no further than Panama! Panama is a small country in Central America with a lot to offer expats from the United States. It has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, a low cost of living, and a friendly population. Panama is also a
For those looking to make Panama their new permanent home, the government offers a huge variety of Panama residency visas. I would venture to say it’s almost TOO many, but I guess it’s always good to have options. Applying for residency in Panama isn’t a DIY process — you must use Panamanian immigration attorneys to
Panama is a popular destination for expats, and there are several cities that stand out for their unique appeal. Here’s a look at some of the best cities in Panama for expats: 1. Panama City This capital city of Panama offers everything from modern skyscrapers to colonial architecture and bustling nightlife. The city is home
Why do Americans think Mexico is so dangerous? Despite the fact that 126 million people live there mostly without incident, Americans seem to picture a violent landscape where no one is safe. Media coverage tends to focus heavily on cartel activity, even though most cartel violence affects only members. For example, a recent study pointed
More Americans are looking to retire abroad in this decade than any one before it. Their reasons for leaving America vary widely: adventure, less political division, better healthcare, lower cost of living, sunny beaches, slower pace, etc. Best of all, they’re finding all of these features and more on their expat journeys. From south of
by Jen Barnett Panama, located in Central America, is blessed with beautiful beaches. Its unusual isthmus shape mean that you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Caribbean! Panama City is located on the Pacific coast, so those beaches tend to be more populated, while the sandy white Caribbean beaches
Panama has long been popular with Americans seeking to retire somewhere warm on the water. Because the U.S. owned and operated the Panama Canal for decades, many Americans have ties to the region. High-quality schools, healthcare, and infrastructures, especially in Panama City, are big draws, as well as the peaceful life you can find in
by Jen Barnett Healthcare in Panama is considered to be some of the best in Latin America, which is especially impressive given its small population of 4.5 million. Johns Hopkins Medicine, which is considered the gold standard of care in the U.S, even operates in Panama City. Many providers speak English, which can offer comfort
Panama City, Panama is an incredibly diverse and vibrant destination for expats, with a number of great neighborhoods to choose from. It’s not the biggest bargain in Central America, but for what it offers, it might be one of the best values. Here are some of the most popular Panama City neighborhoods for expats: 1.