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

Cafe del Mar – New Waterfront Restaurant in Puerto Armuelles

outdoor cafe table and chairs at waterfront park

Bernard and Ricardo run this pleasant waterfront cafe UPDATE – Cafe del Mar is closed.  A new expat run eating establishment is expected to open in the Summer of 2018.   Stay Tuned! Puerto has a new waterfront restaurant, Cafe del Mar. As the photo shows, it serves Italian, Thai, Indian and Mexican food, as well … Read more

Del Monte – 1 Step Closer To Banana Savior of Puerto Armuelles

bikes parked and gym since through chainlink fence

July 16, 2016 Just before noon yesterday, the very loud sound of a helicopter overhead reminded me that today was the day for the big banana meeting.   Government officials had arrived in Puerto Armuelles to tell Portenos the status of Del Monte taking over banana production on Chiquita’s old banana plantations.   UPDATE: Del Monte […]

An Expat On Why She Loves Puerto Armuelles, Panama

video screenshot with 2 video of woman, one talking and one with a Toucan

My neighbor, Veronica, graciously agreed to share why she chose Puerto Armuelles, Panama to retire.    — As well as why she likes living here.   Transcription of the Video  Betsy of Living In Panama (off camera) asked: Veronica, why did you decide to move to Panama and why Puerto Armuelles? Veronica Answers Below Costa Rica Well, I … 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

A Beach Walk in Panama – A 2+ Mile Walk In 2+ Minutes

photo of beach and young woman with text inviting you for beach walk

Curious about what Puerto Armuelles looks like from the beach? Check out this video.   In mid-January 2016, my daughter Skylar and I walked on the beach from the Corazon de Jesus neighborhood to the town center of Puerto Armuelles. I had been thinking of doing it for awhile, but I finally shook off my … Read more

How To Eat Well & Save Money In Panama

Man standing at his produce stand in Puerto armuelles panama

It is a bit hypocritical of me to be writing this article right now, since I am not always “practicing” what I am going to “preach” here. I am writing this in late March, the peak of the dry season, and the temperature can get pretty hot in these months (today there is a wonderful … Read more

It’s Rodeo Season In Panama (Pista de Lasso )

group of men on horseback at sunset

March 26, 2016 by Skylar Vayda and Betsy Czark The rodeo here is different from the ones you might have attended elsewhere. Unlike the rodeos in the Untied States, which include lasso tricks and events designed to test a cowboy’s riding skills,  the Panamanian rodeo involves just one activity – Roping a calf from horseback. The … Read more

Victor On Why He Likes Puerto Armuelles & Some Advice

March 26, 2016 In this post, Victor explains why he likes living in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. He also gives advice to people thinking of living in Panama. Originally, Victor said all of this in a video. However, Victor does not like the fame the video has given him, especially people recognizing him.  He asked me … Read more

Hardware Stores & Shopping Locally In Puerto Armuelles

Woman serving customer at hardware store

Puerto's hardware stores have everything for both homeowners and builders Puerto Armuelles boasts about a dozen hardware stores. This abundance of hardware stores is one of the things that makes life in Puerto Armuelles feel like taking a step back in time, to a quieter, simpler life. It is also good news for would-be homeowners, as well … Read more

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