What Is The Cost Of Living In Panama – According To An Expert

July 2013 Reyn and I talked with Lief Simon of Live and Invest Overseas to get his perspective on how much it costs to live in Panama. Listen in below. Video Transcript Us: Hello, this is Betsy and Reyn, with Living in Panama, and today we are talking with Leif Simon about the cost of living … Read more

How Bananas Grow

man in banana grove explaining about bananas

Last year, I tagged along on a tour of a banana plantation in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. In this video, a gentleman who used to be in charge of growing bananas for Chiquita explains how a banana grows. Basically, it takes 5 and half months before the banana plant “gives birth” to the banana fruit. Then … Read more

Visit The San Antonio de Padua Fair In Puerto Armuelles, Panama

man and girl leaving a fun ride at the fair

“The biggest party in Chiriqui!” promised the blaring voice from the megaphone atop a car. “Fun until 3 am at the Feria de San Antonio de Padua” in Puerto Armuelles, Chiriqui, Panama. The fair has come to town! Depending upon who you are, this is either a wonderful event or something to avoid. The Fair […]

Are You Alive? US Citizens In Panama Must Prove It To Get Social Security

Man, eyes closed, lying back on mental dentist sculpture, with text

Updated: Nov. 14, 2017 “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated“, Mark Twain is quoted as saying. To continue to get his royalty checks, Mark Twain had to prove to his publishers that he was still very much alive. Similarly, to continue to get your SSA checks, you have to prove to Social Security that you are still alive. … Read more

Recommended Telephone Technology For Panama

Various telephone in front of computer screen with Skype showing

June 1, 2013 I love technology.  You may not. But if you move to Panama, you will learn to appreciate it. Today’s technology lets you keep in contact with your friends internationally as much – or as little – as you like. My Recommended Telephone Technology In Panama A Smartphone  (For a regular (non-smartphone) cell … Read more

Our Experience With School In Panama – Initially

Smiling young girl in plaid 7th Day Adventist school uniform

Every parent moving abroad is worried about how the move will affect their children. School looms large in the list of things you are anxious about. It was one of our biggest concerns when we decided to live in Panama. Your questions and concerns are likely the same as ours: What are the schools like … Read more

Panama May Keep Its Secret Tax Haven Status

Bearer Share Certificate with Text about Panama and Possibly still being a tax haven on top.

April 13, 2013 Hold The Presses! Last week I said that Panama was off the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) grey list and was now on its white list. This was because Panama had promised to reveal the real owners of Panama corporation bearer shares. Proposed Bill 568 did just that. Then, 3 days ago, … Read more

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

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