Culture Shock: Privacy

Close up of a white chicken with head cocked

There is no privacy in Panama. The idea that a private matter should not be widely discussed is almost alien to Panamanians. Everyone discusses everything here. Perhaps you are trying to sort out a dispute with your neighbor.  When an official calls you in to explain your side of the story, you will be explaining it … Read more

You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide

Big Statue of Albert Einstein's head with two young girls posing - in Panama City

The Tax Man is everywhere. This is not a problem, unless you are trying to hide from him. Reyn and I are not trying to hide. In fact the thought of being targeted by the IRS puts my guts into knots. I really want to play by the rules, but of course, I don’t want … Read more

The Fair In David Happens Every March

Cow lying down and man in hammock

March 23, 2013 The fair ends this Sunday night.   You should check it out if you are in the area. The David Fair is a celebration of agriculture. There are many many cows on display. Awards are given for the largest cows and bulls. Cattle is a symbol of wealth here in Panama. With … Read more

Are You Looking For Panama Beachfront Property?

Youtube video screenshot of fishing boats on ocean, hills and "Thanks For Watching" text

80 Feet Of Beautiful Beachfront The video below has a brief tour of the property. But you really need to see this piece of beautiful Panama real estate in person. It is located in Panama’s only true beach town of Puerto Armuelles. Click the link below the video to see the listing details. Click for the … Read more

Panama Pensionado Visa. Is It All Hype?

older man looking toward camera. He is sitting bare-chested, smoking a cigar, and wearing glasses

What Is The Deal WIth Panama’s Pensionado Visa? If you are considering a Panama retirement, you most likely have heard about the perks offered to retirees here. In particular, there is a lot of glowing prose written about Panama’s Pensionado Visa or Retirement program. Is this program all it is cracked up to be? Do … Read more

Your Routine In Panama Might Never Get Boring

close up, partial view, of young girl, green grass with horses grazing in background

Mine doesn’t. Living in Panama, in our small town of Puerto Armuelles, we are only a short drive to Costa Rica.  We are also only a few degrees removed from the equator, so the days are roughly the same length as the nights  (12 hours light- 12 hours dark,plus or minus). There is no Winter, … Read more

Our Visit From Live And Invest Overseas

2 men in front of blue pick up with surfboard on top

I never yet mentioned our visit from Live and Invest Overseas (LIO). For those who don’t know who LIO is, their website says:  Live and Invest Overseas showcases the best opportunities for international living, investing, and retiring overseas. Basically, Live and Invest Overseas (LIO) is similar to International Living. I am assuming, if you are here, you’ve most likely run across … Read more

A Bird’s Eye View Of Puerto Armuelles From A Trike!

Screenshot of YouTube Video with ariel view of ocean and town

Norm & Paul Went Flying In A Trike Over Puerto Armuelles, Panama. Click play to see the aerial photos they took.  I supply the commentary. To find out more about Puerto Armuelles, click here. Video Transcription – For those who like to see it written down. Hi, this is Betsy at LivingInPanama.org. I was on the Puerto Armuelles … Read more

Come Visit Our New FaceBook Page!

March 7, 2013 Hello All, I am very excited to announce we have a Facebook Page! www.Facebook.com/LivingInPanama Well, technically we have had one for awhile.  But I never posted to it or referred to it. I originally created the page in order to have Facebook comments on this site, LivingInPanama.org. However, recently I have immersed myself in … Read more

Property In Panama On A River With Huge Ocean Views

Screenshot of YouTube Video with Text "View From Street"

Do You Want To Live In Panama? This Affordable Lot May Be What You Are Looking For. Watch This Video For A Brief Tour Of The Property Click Here For More About This Property. We are happy to answer your questions about this and other real estate in Panama. You can also find out about … Read more

4 Options For Your Panama Residence Visa

blue square with 4 beer glasses and text about Panama Residency visas

Which one will you choose? Updated July 22, 2017 Panama has 4 Popular Residence Visa Options 2 created to attract workers & entrepreneurs 2 tried-and-true residency visas for expat retirees or investors I give information about those 4 visas below.  1) Pensionado Visa This is Panama’s best-known residence program. Requirements Lifetime pension of at least $1,000 a … Read more

Kayaking On Palo Blanco River in Puerto Armuelles, Panama

River, bow of kayak, a white kayak, blue sky

February 16, 2013 There were so many pelicans! The mass of pelicans on the water made it look like they were sitting on an  island, not on the water. I was so happy Robin invited me to go kayaking on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. Cucuy Put In We started at Robin and Diana’s house […]

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