Want To Be Happy in Paradise?

blue square with palm tree and beach images and text about happiness

The title of this article contains a huge irony.   It points directly at a glaring paradox. The reason many of us move to our Panama tropical paradise is because:  We knew, in our hearts, that if only we lived in Paradise, we would automatically be happy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even our … Read more

Frustration in Panama: Employees, Appointments, Electricity & Internet

In last month’s newsletter, I said I would write about the frustrations of living in Panama. Specifically, how life in Panama was a factor in delaying July’s newsletter. Life in Panama is not all roses. Like Playing Out In Right Field  It can seem that things take forever to happen here. But once something does happen, you are often … Read more

A Visit to the Circus – David, Panama

blue rectangle, red border, and circus tent and text

We enjoyed going to the circus. As a bonus we ran into a few other people from Puerto who were at the Circus.  This was the first time we have seen Circus Portugal. Circus Animals in Panama This circus has no live animals. I know there are many reason people object to animals in the … Read more

Affordable Alternative To Owning A Car in Panama – Taxis

The majority of expats who live full-time or part-time in Panama drive their own, personal car. And why not. The highway system is being improved every year. There are thousands of miles of brand new, smooth asphalt to drive, and often there are few cars to share the road with. Cars in Panama are relatively … Read more

Don’t Miss A El Tamborito Performance

Woman wearing la pollera with jewerly and text on photo

El Tamborito is a lively dance accompanied by folkloric music. It is one of many Panamanian folk dances, but this dance is unique to the country. Which is one reason it is Panama's national dance.   [leadplayer_vid id="58FF854299CB2"] The video above was done by elsalvador.com About the Dance Tamborito evolved starting in the 17thcentury after the Spanish conquistadors brought … Read more

Easy Path To Panama Work Permit, Just Got Harder

Until recently, if you obtained a Friendly Nations visa, you could then easily get a work permit. It is still easy to get a Friendly Nations visa.   But it is no longer easy to subsequently apply for a work permit.   New Rules On February 15, 2017, the Ministry of Labor issued a new work permit requirement for foreigners … Read more

The End of Permanent Tourist in Panama

Graphic with text of male tourist with forbidden symbol

Updated: March 24, 2017 Panama is saying enough is enough! Too many people are living in Panama, but not bothering to obtain legal residency. Panama has made some quick changes to stop that. As of March 6th, you cannot renew your Panama Tourist Visa, unless you leave Panama for at least 30 days. That’s right you must … Read more

Enjoy the Fair in David – March 16 -26th

2 girls in traditional Panama dress in audience while others dance

If you are in Chiriqui, you should check out the David International Fair 2017!  It runs from March 16th through 26th this year. You can get a preview of the Fair by clicking on any of images below to start a slideshow. Then scroll down to read about the fair. The weekends will be especially … Read more

Why Stay In David Panama

photo of street in David with text

David is both centrally located and the the largest town in the Chiriqui province of Panama. David isn’t a tourist destination, but it works well as a good stop-over point. David is also conveniently located for day trips to visit Puerto Armuelles, Boquete, Volcan or Boca Chica, etc. Sometimes even if you live in Chiriqui, … Read more

Why & Hows of Tree Removal Permits in Panama

2 kids standing on just cut down mango tree branches

In Panama, you need a permit to cut a tree down. Even if the tree is in your own yard. You may be tempted to chop a tree down in “secret”. And maybe you will get away with it. If you are Panamanian, you are much more likely to get away with it. Well, unless you have a neighbor … Read more

Recognition as Panama experts

Live and Invest Overseas is having a conference in Panama, Feb 15 – 17th, 2017  They invited us to speak. We accepted. So, on Feb. 15, Reyn and I will share why and how we decided to live in Panama. And, most importantly, what it is really like to live here in Panama. Hype? The … Read more

Did You Remember To Prove You’re Alive?

Over 200 Americans in Panama will not get their US Social Security checks next month (Feb. 2017). This is because those folks didn’t file the required “proof of life” form. So if you didn’t turn in your form, your February 3rd, 2017 check will be suspended. Don’t worry, you can get your benefits reinstated.  Start with an … Read more

WhatsApp