What We Wish We Knew Before Moving to Panama

Thinking about moving to Panama? Before you make the leap, hear directly from a Panamanian who lived in the United States and then returned home. In this driving tour through Panama City, we have an honest conversation about the misconceptions many Americans have about Panama, what surprises foreigners after they move here, and what life is really like from a local’s perspective. We discuss whether you really need to speak Spanish, if it’s better to live around other expats or locals, the reality behind “gringo pricing,” Panama time, gentrification, real estate, cultural differences, and the biggest adjustments Americans should expect before relocating. Whether you’re planning to retire in Panama, become an expat, invest in Panamanian real estate, or you’re simply curious about life in Panama beyond the tourist attractions, this conversation offers insights you won’t often hear. If you’re considering moving to Panama or want an honest local perspective on expat life, subscribe for more videos covering Panama real estate, residency, citizenship, cost of living, accessibility, and what life abroad is really like. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:25 Need Spanish? 04:14 Live w/ Locals 08:10 Perceptions 10:23 Gringo Prices 11:57 Live Like a Local 16:49 Moving Back 20:34 Speaking Spanish 26:35 TIP 33:50 Panama Time 44:18 Brisas del Golf 51:26 Changes 54:26 Real Estate 56:58 Gentrifying 01:03:39 Sightseeing Panama SIGHTSEEING PANAMA INFO General inquiries: [email protected] Phone / WhatsApp: +507 6041-9579 Instagram: @SightseeingPanama Facebook: @AVsightseeing WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: WEBSITE: https://theabroadability.com/ Channel Membership: click here to join and gain exclusive content showing the behind the scenes of my life as an expat.    / @abroadability   Merchandise: https://abroad-ability.myspreadshop.com/ Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/abroadab... PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/abroadability Cashapp: https://cash.app/$AGNGlobal YouTube: like, comment, share, and subscribe Instagram: https://instagram.com/abroadability?i... Amazon Links Favorite Travel Items and Must Haves Neck fans: https://amzn.to/3ZAn5g4 Neck Fans: https://amzn.to/3LKXA69 Universal Power Adapter: https://amzn.to/3LDxYbl Luggage Tags: https://amzn.to/46rxNYA Purse Hooks for Tables: https://amzn.to/3EWm60b Travel Blanket and Pillow: https://amzn.to/48Ccju6 MACs Ear Plugs: https://amzn.to/45dvXcD Bose Noise Canceling Ear Buds: https://amzn.to/3to2rne Passport Holders: https://amzn.to/47i1Sub Travel Safety Door stop: https://amzn.to/40n1U1l Carbon Monoxide Monitor: https://amzn.to/3Qp20kH Camera and Gear Drone: https://amzn.to/46OBU1l Camera bag: https://amzn.to/3FybDII Samsung Microphone Adapter: https://amzn.to/3rBxwDK Disclaimer: Abroad Ability will earn a small commission if you make a purchase from the links above at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting this channel!