Retirement in Panama is big these days, and there are many communities that cater to expats of all ages and budgets. The western mountains of Panama have long been a top retirement destination for both expats and locals, especially Boquete. But recently, and under the radar of many, another local town in Chiriqui has been quietly becoming the ideal destination to settle down in Panama. That town is Volcan, and while it’s a bit smaller and quieter than it’s neighbor Boquete, it has lots to offer as a relocation destination, and it’s getting better every year.

Why Volcan?

Volcan is appealing to expats, especially retirees, for many of the same reasons Boquete is. It’s nestled in the heart of the western sierras of Panama, about 45 minutes from David, and a 7-hour ride from Panama City (40 min flight via David). It’s called “Volcan” (Volcano in Spanish) because it’s located right at the foot of Panama’s biggest volcano, Volcan Baru. The location is remote, and that seems to be the draw for a lot of people. Volcan truly has unique scenery for Panama. It’s cool and dry (68-75 F) with lush green fields, bright colored flowers, and plants covering nearly every open space in the area. It’s visually stunning, and temperate enough not to need A/C or heat. If you’re an outdoors person this truly is your place.

Another great draw to Volcan is its peace and serenity. The town is very small, and the surrounding area very quiet with little traffic, and lots of open air space to hike, drive, or hang out in. In the center of town there is a supermarket, a few banks, and a number of restaurants that cater to both local and expat tastes. Unlike Boquete, the town is fairly spread out, so having a car is crucial. Volcan isn’t the right place if you’re looking for nightlife or big city conveniences, however they have all the basics you need to get you by, and a well maintained road to take you into the city (David) should you need anything from there.

Cost of Living

Another great draw to Volcan for expats, especially retirees, is the cost of living. In general, the cost of living in Chiriqui is very cheap, however in some of the more popular retirement towns, you’ll see small amounts of price inflation geared towards foreigners and tourists. Not in Volcan, at least not at this point. Property is very affordable and land is abundant. Food at restaurants about half of what it costs in Panama City, and basic services and utilities are low. Due to the temperate climate, A/C’s are seldom used, making electricity very cheap.

Simple Country Living at its Finest

If it’s low-cost country living you’re looking for, Volcan truly is one of Panama’s best locations. It’s safe, clean, friendly, and affordable. There’s a great small-town feel to Volcan, and although new residents do not overrun it, the expat community is big enough to give you a support base if you feel a bit homesick, or are new to Panamanian culture. Volcan is right in the middle of the coffee farm region of Panama, and there are many tours, shops, and cafes that specialize in showcasing the riches of the coffee harvest. You can even smell the local produce as you drive through the winding hills and up through the town and its surrounding area.

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How to work remotely from Panama as explained here involves first understanding Panama’s laws, including immigration and taxes. We cover that all here for a complete guide to working remotely.

Definition of Remote Worker

People often ask, “What is a remote worker”? Business dictionaries define a “remote worker” as an employee working outside of a company’s workplace. Often from home or an outside office. Communications mainly occur by telephone, email, or text messaging.

Over the past 10 years, remote workers also include people working outside of their countries. Whether in a company’s satellite office in another country or as an independent contractor in a foreign land.

Types of Remote Workers

Three types of remote workers categories fit nearly every remote worker in Panama, including:

1. Working for a company as a remote employee – Your company transfers you to work in their branch office in Panama. As a foreigner working for a foreign-owned company in Panama requires an immigration residency visa and a work permit. Read the explanation of these requirements below.
2. Freelancer – You move to Panama in order to support yourself by being a freelancer. Depending upon the types of clients and customers you intend to have may require the proper immigration residency visa and a work permit as explained below.
3. Online entrepreneur – You come to Panama and become an online entrepreneur only servicing clients online. Again, depending upon the types of clients you service online determines whether or not you need a work permit or pay Panama income taxes.

Finding a Remote Job in Panama

As a foreigner, working in Panama as an employee, whether for a local company or a foreign multinational company’s office in Panama, will require the right immigration residency visa and a work permit.

The best ways to find remote jobs in Panama include:

• Online jobs found through Craigslist, Encuentra24, expat (expatriate organizations) blogs, and forums, and local online newspaper classifications sections advertising available jobs.
• Newspaper classifieds found in every major national newspaper in Panama like the La Prensa newspaper (Panama’s largest).
• Employment agencies in Panama looking for workers like Manpower and Adecco.
• Tourist hotels and tour companies often look for English speaking workers (or other languages) to interact with foreign guests and advertise in their countries.
• Language schools are abundant in Panama where you can teach English (or any other language you are able to teach) to Spanish speaking children and adults. On the other hand, if you are proficient in Spanish, you can teach English speaking expats and others seeking to learn Spanish in Panama.

Panama Immigration Residency Visas for Remote Workers

In order to legally work in Panama, you need the right immigration residency visa. Instead of explaining all the requirements and details for applying and the costs involved for every visa option available, our website contains web pages explaining all of them.

Start with our Panama Visa introduction. You will learn that Panama provides 8 permanent residency visas. If you prefer, you can watch our Panama immigration video and get all the information you need. 

On the other hand, read the summary of the most relevant Panama immigration residency visa for remote workers:

Friendly Nations Visa

The most popular of all permanent residency visas leading to full Panama citizenship (if you desire) for citizens of 50 nations considered “friendly” with Panama. This is the fastest method to obtain permanent residency in Panama.

Read more about the Friendly Nations Visa, which highlights the list of the 50 friendly nations, visa requirements, and costs.

Several other options exist for a foreigner with sufficient funds to invest in Panama’s economy or marrying a Panama citizen. Read more about “How to Gain Permanent Residency in Panama”.

Panama Work Permits

Panama City of Knowledge Work Permit

The Panama City of Knowledge Work Permit specifically designed for the former U.S. military base (Fort Clayton) converted into foreign-owned companies and world organizations Business Park.

Foreigners coming to Panama to work as professors, researchers, technicians, businesspersons, or students for the companies and organizations located in the City of Knowledge can obtain work permits.

Learn more about the requirements, application process, and costs involved with obtaining a City of Knowledge Work Permit. Besides the City of Knowledge Work Permit, 10 other ways to obtain a work permit in Panama exist. Learn about all of them Here.

Panama Labor Laws

Working remotely in Panama explanations should include the Panama Labor Laws. We have an informative web page dedicated to explaining the complex Panama Labor Laws in an easy to understand Questions and Answer format. 

Working as a Remote Freelancer in Panama

Choosing to work remotely in Panama as an independent contractor (freelancer) requires knowing the correct immigration residency status. Some residency visas prevent foreigners from performing any type of work in Panama. Others allow you to work as a freelancer in Panama. For instance, entering Panama on a tourist visa prevents you from doing any type of income-producing work here.

Pay close attention to the permanent and temporary residency visas explained above to see if you can freelance in Panama using one of them.

Besides your immigration residency status in Panama, a work permit may not be required if your freelance business is totally dependent upon clients and customers residing outside of Panama. However, if your freelance work involves Panama residents you may be subject to Panama income taxes.

Depending upon the business relationship between yourself and your clients, a work permit may be required. Keep in mind the “independent contractor” relationship not allowing your clients to exert control over your hours, duties, functions, and other factors indicating more of an employee to employer relationship.

Panama Income Taxes

Earning money within Panama’s borders may require paying income taxes.

However, working remotely in Panama and only obtaining payment from foreigners residing outside of Panama may not be interpreted as “earning income within Panama”. That’s because Panama is a territorial taxation country. That means income taxes are levied only upon persons (and companies) earning money within Panama’s borders and not from outside of Panama.

Other countries (like the United States and some Asian & EU countries) impose income taxation on all “worldwide income”. That means their online freelancers are subject to taxation on all of their globally sourced income.

Take a look at our guide to Panama Income Taxes.

Panama Relocation Checklist

Before moving to Panama, take a look at our informative Panama Relocation Checklist to learn about required documentation to bring pets to Panama, vaccines, health insurance, documents required to open a Panama bank account, vehicle insurance, and other important information Here.

Contact Us regarding all of your Panama relocation, immigration, work permits, taxation, and employment law needs.

The post Working remotely? Become a Digital Nomad in Panama! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

If you’re planning on relocating to or retiring in Panama, chances are you’ll need to do some adjusting. This isn’t to say that it’ll be a bad experience; simply that moving to another country, and another culture, involves a lot of changes in a very short time. Getting personally adjusted to a new life, and new lifestyle, can be extremely rewarding, and actually a lot of fun. Here are some simple tips to help you adjust to Panama, and make your stay, or new life here, much easier:

Shipping/Logistics

It goes without saying that shipping and logistics are the safest bet for investing in Panama, in 2019 or otherwise. However, 2019 looks like it will be a banner year with the Panama Canal Expansion continuing to increase a ton of new Post Panamax traffic through, which means big business for shipping and logistics companies. It also means big investment opportunities with fuel companies, land freight, and ancillary Canal business all throughout the service sector. This is not just a great 2019 investment, but one of the best sectors for sustained future growth as well.

Start learning Spanish before you arrive.

It’s safe to say that most people who move to Panama, even for short periods of time, actively try to learn Spanish. We think this is very important, and recommend you actually start early, so you can hit the ground running when you get here. Learning a basic foundation before you arrive will make getting by much easier from day one. Plus, your Spanish lessons in Panama will become that much easier.

Leave most of your stuff at home.

So many people that relocate to Panama make the mistake of overpacking, and stressing out over bringing all of their things on the long move. The simple solution: leave as much as you can at home. Panama has lots of shopping available in practically every part of the country, at pretty low prices. So, if it’s not an heirloom, or something that’s vital, we say save the stress and just leave without it. You can always replace simple things here, and in the end, it will actually save you money (not to mention time and stress).

Get used to a slower pace of life.

Many people who come to Panama complain that things go a bit slower down here. This is true, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. One of the best aspects of living in Panama is the slow, relaxed pace of life, and low stress culture. We recommend that you accept this, and go with the flow. This will make life much easier, and (even if you don’t realize it now) make you much happier!

Buy local products.

Panama has a ton of imports when it comes to all types of retail and food products. And while this is a fantastic luxury to have, it can also get expensive. We recommend shopping for mostly local products whenever possible. As far as clothes, groceries, and hardware, this can save you thousands each year. Plus, it helps stimulate the smaller businesses and local domestic economy. That’s a win/win.

Don’t underestimate the heat.

Panama is hot, really hot. And while pretty much everyone is aware of this before coming, you still need to prepare for how to handle it in your day-to-day life. Wear loose, summer clothes when you can. Drink water constantly throughout the day. Also, try to avoid direct contact with the sun during the hottest hours of the day (11am-3pm).

Open a local bank account immediately.

Even though there are many international banks and ATMs to get cash from if you’re a foreigner, getting a local bank account as soon as you arrive is critical. Nearly all of your transactions can be more financially beneficial through a local bank, and you can build local credit here from the first day you open one. This also saves you on ATM fees, and any local hiring you wish to do. Don’t let this slip through the cracks!

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For most people who move to Panama, the cost of living, and being able to enjoy more on a limited budget is a big part of the draw. Living on a fixed income in Panama is not only possible, it’s a reality for many expats, and one that still allows them to enjoy life to the fullest. In Panama, living on a budget is all about choices, and knowing how to navigate the lifestyle you want, in the setting provided for you here. Whether you choose to live in the city, on the beach, or up in the mountains, you will find what you need, and at the budget you choose. Here are some tips how.

Find affordable housing.

Many people who come to Panama without doing much research first will find that their first impression of the real estate market is that it’s expensive. That’s because in Panama, much like anywhere else, there is an enormous variety when it comes to housing type, prices, and whom places are marketed to. If you shop around, and do some thorough due diligence with trusted realtors, you will find some great deals for both rentals and purchases. Remember, the center of Panama City is largely more expensive than other, less central areas, so looking at places a few miles out of downtown will save you thousands over time.

Try to limit buying imported products.

Panama has tons of imports, for lots of industries and markets, and that’s a great thing for variety. However, many of the imports come at a steeper price, which (for some) can drive up the cost of living, especially when you’re on a budget. There’s a way around this, though: buy local goods. Buying local Panamanian foods, clothing, hardware, and services will save you lots of money, without too much difference in quality. Of course, buying imported products can still be a part of your lifestyle. However, if you create a balance, you’ll find that your fixed income will go much further with more local goods than not

Cut down on your electric use.

Panama is a hot country, and because of this, many people love their A/C. But did you know that without heavy daily A/C use, and lots of lights going, you can reduce your total electric bill to under $40 a month in Panama? Most of Panama has a breeze strong enough to cool down your house significantly if you keep the windows and sliding doors open (with screens, of course). Plus, with such warm, tropical surroundings, you will need very little electric use during daylight hours, as you’ll be out enjoying all that great weather. You can easily lower your bill by $100 by simply limiting you’re A/C usage to 6-8 hours at night, while you sleep.

Take public transportation.

Public transportation is dirt cheap in Panama, and is the primary way most Panamanians get around. In the city, you’ve got clean air conditioned buses, as well as a subway to get you anywhere you need to go. In the countryside, you have smaller air-conditioned buses, with comfortable seats, and flexible routes, depending on how rural you are. The standard fare for public transportation is around 30-40 cents, and goes up by pennies the further away from your destination you are. If you opt out of taxis, and take public transportation 5 days a week, your total monthly transport bill will be around (or under) $15. Now, that’s a steal!

Do as the locals do.

One of the best ways to live on a limited budget in Panama is to live in the carefree, low cost style that many locals do. Panamanians typically make $800 or less per month, and live relatively comfortable for it. Panamanians are also some of the happiest, least stressed out people in the world. If you plan on living in Panama, use the Panamanians as a model for how to be happy without blowing the budget, and how to live life moment to moment for what it’s worth. Trust us, you’ll be better off for it, budget and all.

The post How to Manage Retirement or Relocation in Panama on a Fixed Income appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

Moving to Panama can be a big step in life, and an even bigger one when it comes to making new friendships. Let’s be honest, changing countries, cities, towns, and cultures can seem a bit overwhelming for many of us, no matter where we’re from. For many expats, finding friendship can seem like a daunting task. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there in a new place, but with a bit of guts, some open-mindedness, and good communication skills, it’s a lot more pleasant than it seems.

If you truly want to adjust to your new life in Panama, familiarize yourself with the country and culture, and get the most out of your social life here, there’s one way you can fast-track it more efficiently than anything else: make friends with locals!

Last Tablas:

In the town of Las Tablas, they prepare for Carnaval all year long, and it’s by far Panama’s biggest Carnaval celebration. Las Tablas is famous for parades that split the town into two sides – Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo – who then compete for the attention of the crowd. This creates for an electric atmosphere of parade floats, outdoor dancing, food, music, and the famous “culecos.” Culecos are essentially giant water trucks that spray the crowd throughout the day to keep them cool, and spice up the party a bit.

You can reach Las Tablas by car or bus, but know that it’s about a 5-hour drive from Panama City. You can also fly to nearby Pedasi (45 min flight), and take a short drive to Las Tablas, but make sure to book ahead as flights are small and sell out fast.

How to endear yourself with locals in your new hometown, and new country

For starters, let’s be clear on what a “local” is, in terms of this discussion. A local in this case is someone, whether Panamanian or foreign-born, who has lived in Panama for a large portion of their life, and has “roots” there, so to speak. As an expat, you’ll often run into people who, like you, haven’t set their roots down yet and are unfamiliar with both the Panamanian lifestyle and local culture. That’s OK, but remember that these friends will also be looking to familiarize themselves with Panama, which means they will be in the same boat as you.
For these reasons, it’s good to go out of your way to find social events, groups, and communities that cater to locals, and participate in them. Of course, you should socialize and make friends with fellow newcomers too, but you’ll find that if you lead the charge to become more locally familiar, you’ll have a much easier time getting by, and you’ll be happier.

Learn how to speak Spanish

This may seem self-explanatory, but learning how to speak the local language (Spanish in this case) is the quickest and easiest way to ingratiate yourself with local culture in Panama. It opens many doors, both socially and civically, and is a sign of respect that locals appreciate and are endeared to. Learning Spanish will help with local social gatherings such as community meetings, birthday parties, networking events, and holiday celebrations. It will also help with day-to-day tasks, which will come in handy throughout your time in Panama.

Don’t rush yourself or criticize yourself if you don’t pick up on a new language in the first few months. Learning a language takes time. It’s a process, it has its own growing pains, but in the end it’s always worth it. Plus, think of learning Spanish as the FUN part of making new friends! Locals are mostly more than happy to help you learn through conversation, and will help you with your mistakes when you make them.

No matter how you choose to acclimate yourself, make new friends, and adjust to a new culture when moving to Panama, remember: there’s no “one size fits all” way to do it. Go at your own pace, be mindful of how things are done, be kind, and remember that this is a journey. Make it a great one!

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Moving to Panama and relocating your life can be a challenge, and a big leap for many people. There’s so much to consider, and it may seem like an enormous amount of effort to make it work. Luckily, if you feel this way you’re not alone. But you don’t have to be. Moving to Panama can be not only a great experience, but both a personally and financially viable choice. And if you take the right steps, and know what you’re getting into, it could be one of the best decisions you make in your life. We’re here to tell you why, and how you can make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Panama Has Lots of Opportunities for Expats

Whether you move to Panama to work temporarily, invest, open your own business, or pursue a full-time career, Panama is brimming with opportunity. Unemployment is in the low single digits, and many companies have an increasing demand for skilled labor, both foreign and domestic. It’s largely a service economy with growth in tourism, logistics, finance, transportation, and Real Estate. Panama is home to roughly 100 different banks, and has a massive multinational presence that is growing at a rapid pace. There is also a high consumer demand in Panama, meaning that starting a business to meet the market is great option for short or long-term investment.

Panama is One of The Best Places in The World to Retire

If you’re looking to settle down for a relaxing, affordable, and fun retirement, Panama is 2nd to none. Moving to Panama may have been unheard of as a retirement destination 15 years ago, but these days, it’s one of the world’s hottest locations. When you retire in Panama, you can apply for a pensioner’s visa, which grants you lifetime residency and a whole slew of other federally, mandated benefits. Get big discounts on food, hotels, airfare, and medicine, just for being a registered retiree! Panama also has a very warm, favorable climate, and low cost of living which make living off your pension or savings is much easier.

Panama’s Low Cost of Living

One of the prime reasons why people decide to live, work, or retire in Panama is its low cost of living. Panama uses the US dollar, but the cost of living in many cases is much lower than in the US. This makes Panama ideal for new businesses looking for low overhead, and makes day-to-day life on a budget much easier. Food costs are low, public transportation and taxis have a much lower cost, and utilities tend to be much lower than similar costs in the US and Canada. Panama has some of the lowest inflation in Latin America, and the dollarized currency helps keep a stable banking system and trade market.

Panama Has a Logistically Ideal Location

When moving to Panama, it’s important to examine Panama’s location and how it will relate to your business or personal life. It may seem far away but Panama is actually a world-class multinational transportation hub, and relatively close to most key countries and cities in the America’s. Panama City is a 2-hour flight from Miami, a 5-hour flight to New York, a 7-hour flight to Los Angeles, and a mere 1-2 hours from Colombia, Mexico, and key Caribbean commercial hubs. Panama splits the year between Eastern and Central US time, making business in these time zones much easier for international clients.

Whatever your reasons are, moving to Panama can be a great decision, and one that is very viable and right within your reach. Contact us today to find out how to help you take the leap.

The post Time to Take the Leap: Why you should move to Panama in 2020 appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

If you’re planning on relocating or retiring in Panama, chances are, you’ve considered whether or not to drive a car there. Driving in Panama, like anywhere, has its ups and downs, and buying or using a car in Panama depends on many factors. Before you make the decision to drive in Panama, we highly recommend you do some due diligence first. Panama has one of the largest amounts of cars on the road, per population, of any country in the hemisphere. There are also numerous laws, licenses, and regulations involved in driving in Panama, so weighing out whether is worth it is critical to your plan to relocate here. In order to keep you informed, here are the basics on what you should know.

Your foreign driver’s license is only valid for 3 months at a time

If you are in Panama on a tourist visa, or even one of the many residents’ visas available to you, your home country’s license is only valid for the first three months you’re in the country. If you leave the country, this resets itself upon your return to Panama. Also, remember that if you’re using a foreign driver’s license, you will still need to show either your cedula (Panama ID), or passport if stopped by the police. Without these documents, you are not driving legally, and may risk losing your vehicle, and paying a steep fine.

You can get a Panamanian driver’s license if you are a legal resident

As soon as you receive your Panamanian legal residency, you can apply for a Panamanian driver’s license. This requires a short driving course from local authorities, as well as a paper test, and time to process. While this process is underway, you may drive with your foreign license, but you will be held to international license regulations until your Panamanian license is fully processed and approved. Have patience, as often this process can take longer than expected, and requires a number of trips to get approved.

Do you really need to drive?

This is a question every expat who is relocating or retiring to Panama should ask themselves. Panama is a diverse country as far as rural to urban development goes, and this affects access to efficient transportation. While many people who live in the interior, or smaller towns around the capital, choose to have a car, many in the city don’t. A car isn’t necessary in the center of the city for many people, and you may want to live without one for a few months to see if that applies to you. Panama City has clean, modern buses, a new subway, and cheap taxis, as well as ride share services like Uber readily available. It may be more cost effective (and less stressful) to live without a car. But in the end, that’s up to the individual, and their needs.

Buying a car in Panama

If you decide you’re going to be driving in Panama, you’ll need to start looking for a car. Buying a car in Panama is similar to buying one in North America, however prices will be about 15-20% higher on average. There are a number of dealerships in each city, as well as ones in populated suburbs throughout the interior. You can finance both used and new cars through a local bank, or pay cash if you’re banking internationally. If buying from an individual, make sure to have your car inspected by a 3rd party first. Also, many people will offer to sell used cars that include the legal paperwork for licenses, insurance, registry, etc. If this is offered, make sure to check these documents with your lawyer first, to make sure they are legitimate and up to date.

Have fun driving, and see you on the road soon!

The post Driving in Panama: The basics! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

Panama is rich with natural beauty and modern conveniences, and when it comes to both in one place, Coronado has it. This is one of many reasons why Coronado is one of the best places to retire in Panama. Coronado is a beach town with so much to offer for retirees; you’ll feel right at home. At the same time, you’ll also enjoy the tropical paradise that is the Panamanian Pacific coast. There’s world-class shopping, golf, great restaurants and bars, and of course, a booming real estate market. Coronado is also just an hour’s drive from Panama City, making it an easy trip to Tocumen International Airport, and all of the amenities the capital has to offer.

Why Retire in Panama?

You may be thinking, “is retiring in a foreign country a good idea?” and that’s a very valid and normal concern for many who are looking to make the big move. In Panama, you’ll find that foreign retirees enjoy some of the best quality of life in the world, with government-sponsored incentives like nationwide discounts (25-50% off almost everything), tax breaks, and healthcare. As a retiree, you will also enjoy a favorable climate, and find a number of communities that cater to your needs, along with plenty of fellow retirees to help make the transition smoother.

Why Coronado is One of the Best Places to Retire in Panama

Coronado has long been a favorite beach escape for many Panamanians who want a taste of the good life, while still being close to the city. Now, after years of development and great press, Coronado has also become one of the best places to retire in Panama. While there is plenty to love about Coronado, retirees seem to love it for a few key reasons. It has a gorgeous white sand coastline, beautiful (and often very affordable) properties, great food and shopping, and easy access to the national highways, Panama City, and international airports. Many compare it to Boca Raton or Sarasota, Florida, but at a fraction of the price. You can live very well on a modest retirement savings or social security payments, and still get world-class healthcare and services.

Finding the Right Fit for You in Coronado

Like any good retirement community, there are plenty of options for a variety of tastes and budgets. Because the real estate market is so diverse, we recommend you visit Coronado before deciding to take the plunge and commit to retiring there. It’s also good to plan your budget ahead of time, and search for areas to live based on what you’re looking for, and what you can afford. Purchasing a house on the beach can run you anywhere between $200,000-$1,000,000 so there really are a lot of choices. If you choose to rent, you can get a modest house or apartment for under $1,000 per month, with nicer properties ranging from $1,500-$2,500.

Live a Tropical Beach Life, at a Fraction of the US Cost

One big reason that makes Coronado one of the best places to retire in Panama is its proximity to the beach. Coronado has a few miles of some of Panama’s best white sand beaches, and runs adjacent to similar towns, which make up a seemingly endless stretch of Pacific coastline. The waves are relatively calm, and there’s a steady breeze that washes ashore all year round, making Coronado a great place for people who love tropical, breezy weather. The center of town is mid-sized, and has dozens of restaurants that serve exquisite seafood, land fare, and international cuisine.

There is a small international supermarket where you can find all of your favorite products from back home, and you’re a quick drive from bigger chain stores, and other services. In the town of Coronado, you’ll find lots of boutique shopping, especially for beach gear, clothing, and home décor. Coronado is also extremely safe, and has a very tight-knit community of both expats and locals who look out for each other, and share in their experience, whether retiring or there to work.

The post Live and Retire in Coronado, Panama! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

No matter what the reason you’re living in Panama for (or even visiting), you’re going to want to know, and learn as much Spanish as possible while you’re here. This is not only a great way to get by, but will endear you to the locals in a way that you can’t do without speaking their native language. Panama is a country of contrasts, cultures, and yes, languages. And that means that lots of languages are spoken, and respected amongst Panama’s inhabitants. Spanish, however, is the country’s official language, as well as its most widely spoken. We recommend you start learning a bit before you arrive, and hitting the ground running once you get here. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of 5 great ways to practice, and master your Spanish while in Panama!

1. Watch TV/Movies in Spanish.

This is an easy, and fun way to pick up on nuances that you may not get in class, or from a book or app. If you’re a beginner, try watching kids shows, or simple, non-dialogue heavy movies (action, teen movies). When you start getting better, try watching local newscasts. You will learn a ton of vocabulary, as well as (often) proper pronunciation. Even better, you’ll stay up to date with what other Panamanians are watching/paying attention to, and this will give you lots to talk about (and practice Spanish) with locals.

2. Take group classes.

It’s a no-brainer that one of the fastest ways to learn Spanish would be to take Spanish classes, but you’ll find you’ll learn much faster in a group setting. Why? It’s simple. Although you get less attention from the teacher, you’ll have a pier group that’s more or less at the same level as you. This way you can comfortably bounce questions off them, learn from their mistakes (as well as yours), and their successes. Plus, it’s a great way to make friends, and will help boost your confidence when talking in public.

3. Hang out in social settings where Spanish is the only language spoken.

While the mere sound of this may seem scary, especially if you’re not confident with your Spanish, this is the most effective way to practice and learn any language. Yes, it’s tough, and frustrating, but it will also jump start your brain into making you communicate. Most Panamanians will be patient with you as you practice, and the mere fact that you’re trying your hardest will make people want to hang out with you even more. It’s a win/win in our books, even if it takes some getting used to.

4. Talk to your taxi/Uber driver.

Drivers love to talk to their customers. It’s a worldwide fact, and Panama is no different. Being in the car all day can get lonely, and drivers are often curious to talk to foreigners, to find out more about them, and why they chose Panama to work, live, or retire. This is like a free (well, you still need to pay the fare) one-on-one Spanish class, and you can get a lot of practice with simple small talk as well. Taxi and Uber drivers are very local, so it’s also a great way to learn about local politics, social trends, music, and pick up on the local accent.

5. Download a companion app.

There are so many great language apps out there, that not having one would be silly if you’re actively trying to learn Spanish. Apps will give you on-the-fly tips and vocab as you go through your day-to-day life in Panama, and will add huge value to your classes, as you will be continuing your language education long after you leave the classroom. We’re all on our phones all the time anyways, so you might as well take advantage, and sharpen your Spanish skills while you’re at it.

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