Build Panama community: join Facebook groups, Thursday-Friday expat happy hours in Panama Viejo/Casco Viejo, coworking spaces, Spanish classes, InterNations events.
Panama diving and water activities: Bocas del Toro reefs, San Blas snorkeling, Pacific wreck diving. PADI certification $300-500 (3-4 days). Group dives $60-120. Year-round diving on both coasts.
US licenses valid in Panama for 180 days. Americans convert easily with cédula, medical exam ($20-40), and written test—no driving test needed. Keep both US and Panama licenses.
Grocery shopping in Panama: PriceSmart (bulk), El Rey (mid-range), DIA (budget), mercados (30-50% cheaper produce). $200-800/month typical.
Import cars to Panama for $3,000-$8,000+ (shipping + 10-20% tariffs + fees). Vehicles must be <5 years old with clear title. Process takes 4-8 weeks. Usually cheaper to buy locally.
Canadian licenses valid in Panama for 180 days. Canadians convert easily with cédula, medical exam ($20-40), and written test—no driving test needed. Keep both Canadian and Panama licenses.
Foreign license valid in Panama temporarily. Residents need Panamanian license: cedula, medical exam, written test (English available), $50-100 fees.
Document matching critical in Panama - name, birthdate must be identical across passport, cedula, bank accounts. Minor variations cause major problems.
The "Gringo Price" is real in Panama — foreigners pay 20-100% more in markets, taxis, and services. But it doesn't apply at supermarkets, chains, or regulated businesses. Learn Spanish, research fair prices, negotiate, and build vendor relationships to pay local rates.
Panama's digital driver's license is a smartphone-based ID with full legal validity, requiring a physical Panamanian license and working offline after setup through an official app.
Best Panama banks for expats: Banco Nacional (largest network), Banistmo (established), Multibank (expat-friendly). Morgan for high-net-worth.
US credit score does not transfer to Panama - you start fresh. Panama uses ACODEC, not FICO. Build credit with secured loans, bank accounts, on-time payments.
Shipping to Panama: use UPS or DHL ($50-200+, 3-7 days). Avoid postal for valuables. Import duties apply over $100 declared value.
Panama has cooperativas, not credit unions—no deposit insurance, no ATM access, occupation-specific membership. Use commercial banks for daily banking.
"Linea blanca" in Panama includes stove, refrigerator, and washing machine—the 3 essential appliances in most rentals. Know what to expect when apartment hunting.
