The first of 5 Independence-related holidays in November is on November 3. All 5 of those celebrations are collectively known as Fiestas Patrias. November 3rd is called Separation Day. It is the day, in 1903, that Panama gained independence from Columbia. Normally, there are parades. People tend to spend the day at the beach BBQing, … Read more
This post is for US Citizens who will be in Panama (or anywhere overseas) on an election day. Did you suddenly realize you didn’t ask for an absentee ballot? No worries. You can vote in US Elections from Panama, or from anywhere overseas. How To Request An Absentee Ballot Votefromabroad.org makes requesting absentee ballots for … Read more
People who live cross-culturally, for any significant portion of their lives, are often duped. When we first choose to live as foreigners we are prime for the suckering. We are wide-eyed and overflowing with enthusiasm. We soak up everything that Lonely Planet, Rosetta Stone and Wikipedia have to offer about our soon to be new home. … Read more
In my corner of Panama, the new ban on plastic bags appears to be a success. The ban’s 1st day was just 5 days ago, July 20th. On that morning, I purchased a few items at Supermercado Puerto Armuelles. Normally, my items would have been bagged in plastic in a blink of an eye. That … Read more
Did you know all these tidbits about Panama? I didn’t know them all. Maybe you don’t either. I hope you enjoy them. A pearl found in Panama was part of both the English & Spanish Royal jewels and later owned by Elizabeth Taylor. At the time of its discovery, it was the largest pearl ever … Read more
2013 Easter egg hunt crew – armed with plastic bags from Romeros. Celebrating Easter for Expat Kids It can be challenging to celebrate Easter the way you would in the US or Canada. It is hard to find Easter egg dye, plastic eggs, and, hardest of all, chocolate Easter bunnies in your local stores. Chocolate … Read more
Environmental awareness is slowly growing in Panama. Government action to counter litter, especially of plastic, is increasing. Clean up efforts by communities are happening much more frequently, Just a few days ago, there was another beach clean up in our town of Puerto Armuelles. How This Article Came To Be As I was writing about … Read more
In 2014, I posted about paying traffic tickets in Panama. Since then there have been some changes. I have updated that original post to include those changes, such as: More information is available online. For instance, locations of places to pay your ticket and the status of your past and current traffic tickets. Change of … Read more
The other day, I stumbled across an intriguing Foreign Service Journal article. The author expressed an aspect of expat life better than I ever could. Therefore, I present, The Spirituality of Living Abroad, by Douglas E. Morris Life overseas has a reputation for being libidinous, debauched and bacchanalian. Certainly, it can be all of those … Read more
Panamanians dress casually. How casual depends upon where you are in Panama. Bocas del Toro is very casual. Flip-flops, shorts, a t-shirt, or even a tank top is fine. In Panama City people tend to dress more stylishly than elsewhere in Panama. Business casual is more the norm. Suits and high heels are seen more often, but overall […]
WhatsApp. Everyone in Panama uses it. WhatsApp is essential for anyone living in Panama. It really is. And WhatsApp is one more reason to get a smartphone. That is if you are someone still stubbornly holding out on getting one. Find out about your cell phone options in Panama What is WhatsApp WhatsApp is a … Read more
Everyone in Panama is required to carry ID. At all times. And I mean everyone. Citizens Legal residents Tourists Type of ID Required You must carry 1 of these 2 types of identification: Your Panama Cedula Your Passport And only those documents are acceptable. Proof in Panama Legally The government wants to make sure you are … Read more
Free guide
How to buy Panama real estate with confidence and ease, written by the family that lives in Puerto Armuelles.
Living in Panama
Titled beachfront and ocean-view property in Puerto Armuelles, from a family that has lived here for over 13 years.
We are real estate advisors, not real estate agents.