A seasoned expat shares insider tips for a smooth transition to life in Panama. Transportation tops the list, where owning a car gives freedom but can be pricey and tricky with parking. In Panama City, many lean on Uber, cheap and easy, though sometimes unpredictable. Taxis are abundant but known for chaotic driving. The Metro and Metrobus offer an affordable option, with rides under a dollar using a rechargeable card. For longer trips, comfy double-decker buses connect the country.
Banking comes next. Expats rely on Punto Pago kiosks to handle almost any bill, from utility to streaming subscriptions. Locals also use Yappy, a quick money-transfer app tied to phone numbers. Setting up a Panamanian bank account streamlines daily life fast.
For groceries, popular chains like Super 99 and Riba Smith stock almost everything. Apps like PedidosYa deliver food, meds, and groceries for a small monthly fee. Convenience stores, called “Chinitos”, are everywhere for last-minute runs, and fresh produce from local markets keeps costs low.
My Take…
I know plenty of people in Panama, it’s as popular as ever with retiree’s.
Remember…. Money-wise, retiree’s worship at the altar of the Punto Pago kiosk, like an ATM that also pays your Netflix.
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/countries/panama-countries/4-tips-for-panama-expats/
