Volunteer English Program – 1st Month Report & Requests

young Panamanian man

As you may remember, last month we asked if you were interested in volunteering to teach English here in Puerto Armuelles. Happily, we received several responses. Our First Student In fact, soon after our announcement our very first student began receiving one-on-one English conversation practice. He appears to be advancing in his English speaking and listening proficiency at a very … Read more

Build a $5,000 House Using Old Chiquita Buildings

30 years ago, when I was in college, one of my best friends, Paul, had a unique solution to the problem of high housing costs. “When I grow up,” Paul proclaimed,  “I  am going to build myself a house out of trash”. Of course, none of us took a Paul seriously at the time.  (FYI – He … Read more

Should You Take On A Remodel In Panama?

2 men installing m2 panel walls and roof

This is the first installment of a series of articles on remodeling an existing house in Puerto Armuelles.  In a recent article that I wrote on building materials in Panama, I briefly describe the challenges posed by building with wood.    Now I will explore the pros and cons of remodeling a wood house in more … Read more

Utilities in Panama – Cost Comparison & Info

Glass and can of 3 beers: Atlas, Panama, Balboa

I was recently asked about utility bills in Panama. In this article, I share what we pay in utility costs.  I also compare our utility bills here to our bills in the US.   First of all, bill paying in Puerto Armuelles has not been a big preoccupation for us. Bills here are so much lower … Read more

Loren on Living In Puerto Armuelles, Panama

2 photos of a expats at a beach house party

Loren rented a house in the Corazon de Jesus neighborhood of Puerto Armuelles for a few months.   She visited Puerto after spending over a year in Quito, Ecuador.  On her way out of town, Loren kindly wrote me about her experience and thoughts on living in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. Loren’s View on Living In Puerto Armuelles, Panama … Read more

Expat Businessman – Why He Likes Puerto Armuelles & Panama

screenshot of video of middle aged man and text

Milton Hutto has lived in Puerto Armuelles as a resident and businessman for many years. In this video, he explains why he likes living in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. Video transcription below. Betsy: Hey, Milton. Milton: Good morning. Betsy: I was wondering if you could tell me why you decided to move and live in Puerto … Read more

2 Puerto Armuelles Expats Start A Radio Show

photo of front of Radio Mi Preferida in Puerto Armuelles Panama

UPDATE – The radio show is currently paused (June 2016) We have good news for all of you radio listeners in Puerto Armuelles and environs. If you have been waiting for an expat radio show by expats, and in English, it has arrived. Recent transplants to Puerto Armuelles, Michael Butler and Beverley McAleese, have undertaken a … Read more

Living A Spiritual Life In Paradise

beach photo with text about living a spiritual life

Are you looking for something in Panama that you don’t have in your life already? Many websites, including our own, sometimes give an impression that there is something down here in Panama that is not available up north, or wherever it is that our readers happen to be. I hope that we have been clear, and honest … Read more

You Can Vote In US Elections While In Panama

Updated 3/3/20 (Need to get a US election absentee ballot fast? Check out this October 28, 2020 post) If most US expats voted, it could turn an election. Many US elections are close. They are decided by a margin smaller than the number of absentee voters. Your vote could be the difference. How To Vote … Read more

Know Thy Self – Deciding to Retire in Panama

2 beach chairs on beach with text about deciding to move to Panama

The other day, Betsy and I gave a driving tour of Puerto Armuelles to a couple of ex-pat Americans who have been renting in Boquete for the past year and a half. They said that the house that they have been renting in Boquete is being sold. They are now looking around & weighing their options, … Read more

5 Types Of Overseas Property Investors – Which Are You?

Maroon colored square with pie chart of 5 types of overseas property investors

It is important to know your goals when you invest in property overseas.   As Yogi Berra said,   “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Once you are clear about your investment goals, not only does the whole process get easier, but you are much more likely to achieve … Read more

Musings On Being A Part-Time Expat

square with 2 images, one of girl in front of palm trees, same girl in the snow. Text , The Part-time Expat

Moving to Panama does not have to be a permanent decision. You also don’t need to live in Panama full-time. There is no one-size-fits-all life in Panama. Prior Life In The States Back when our family lived full-time in Seattle, I found that my days, weeks, and months were consumed with work, errands, and the basic maintenance of … Read more

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