Moving to Panama is a choice that many people make for many reasons, however there’s one that connects them all: change. Whether it’s retiring in Panama, working in Panama, becoming a digital nomad in Panama, or just taking time to live in a different culture, your life will change in Panama (mostly for the better). It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring the wonders of Panama, and improving your life in a truly unique way. Here are our 5 ways we think your life will change in Panama.
1. Less Stress:
Panama is famous for its low-key lifestyle, and this will immediately result in less day-to-day stress. Sure, there are stressful moments here, but the general idea of being high strung is really uncommon in Panamanian culture or the lifestyle here. You’ll find that life moves at a slower pace, people are friendly and understanding, and no one lets the little things get to them. It’s all about letting life take its course and enjoying the moment in Panama, and it won’t take long for you to feel this in yourself too.
2. More Appreciation for Nature:
Living in Panama will immerse you into nature, no matter how you slice it. The country is literally covered in biodiverse forests that blend in with many local communities as part of their lifestyle. Walking out your door and seeing monkeys? Possible in Panama’s rural interior. Swimming with dolphins? Possible in Panama’s Pearl Islands. Walking out on the porch and hearing tropical birds, caipibaras, and insects? A daily occurrence in most of the country. There’s even a rainforest in Panama City, which is the only one on earth. This builds a ton of empathy for the natural world, and something you’ll keep with you forever, even if you don’t settle in Panama forever.
3. Healthier Life Choices:
While Panama definitely has a lot of potential for living unhealthily, you’ll find that this isn’t the norm for expats. Fresh fruits and veggies are very affordable, and plentiful, and despite the heat, you’ll find yourself walking much more than ever before. Also, due to the weather, you can swim all year long, and will never get tired of the thousands of jungle treks and hikes available to you within a few hours drive. Healthcare is free for some, and cheap for others, and this will help keep you healthy for years to come.
4. Lower Expenses:
The cost of living in Panama has been on the rise in recent years, however compared to North America, it’s still a great deal for most. If you buy local food products, and rent outside of popular tourist and expat areas, your cost of living will drop significantly. Imported goods can be pricey, but again, buying local is much better and cheaper, and will help you save. Medicine is also much cheaper, as is healthcare. Public transportation is just pennies on the dollar compared to major cities elsewhere, and taxis and Ubers are also a great deal as well!
5. Learning from Experience:
Nothing in this life will teach you more about the world, and yourself, than personal experience. Moving to Panama will give you the experience of a lifetime on so many levels. Being around a new way of life, new culture, and new language will open your eyes in a way you’ve never experienced alone. And that, friends, is invaluable on any level, and will most certainly change your life forever, for the better.
