Language
The official language is Spanish. In Panama City and tourist regions, English goes a long way. In rural areas, Spanish is essential. Anyone moving to Panama should learn Spanish — even if you can get by without it at first.
Daily life & infrastructure
Panama City offers excellent infrastructure: supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, international cuisine, reliable internet, and a well-developed road network. In smaller towns like Boquete or El Valle, the offering is more limited but sufficient for everyday needs.
Expat community
Panama has an active international expat community, particularly in Panama City and Boquete. There are clubs, regular meetups, and organised groups for English speakers. The community is smaller than in Spain or Costa Rica, but warm and helpful.
Food & enjoyment
Panamanian food is hearty and affordable. Panama City offers a wide selection of international restaurants. Fresh fruit and local produce are cheap; European imported goods are expensive.
What surprises many people
- Bureaucracy can be slow — patience is required
- Traffic in Panama City is dense, but manageable via Uber and buses
- Panamanians are warm and helpful, but "right away" often means "later"
- Social inequality is visible — it requires a fresh perspective
- The pace of life is slower than in the US or Canada — for many, a welcome change