Inside Panama City Life: An Expat's Real Experience Moving to Paradise

Panama isn't just a travel destination anymore. It's becoming a serious relocation hotspot, and for good reason. The country offers something that's incredibly rare to find all in one place: a modern, cosmopolitan city with tropical weather, a diverse international community, and a cost of living that won't drain your savings account. DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation has helped over 200 people successfully relocate and invest in Panama, giving them real insight into what works and what doesn't. Austin Hess, COO and Lead Relocation Specialist at DoPanama, explains that the magic of Panama City is found in its incredible cultural melting pot. You've got Italian expats running authentic trattorias, Australian entrepreneurs opening new businesses, German professionals, Canadians, Americans - all choosing Panama as their new home. It's not just about escaping somewhere; it's about choosing to build a new life in a place that genuinely welcomes you and celebrates your presence.

One of the first things expats notice when they arrive in Panama City is the sheer abundance of food options. We're talking about a country with more than 5,000 restaurants across the entire nation, with Panama City hosting the most diverse and innovative culinary scene. This isn't just international chain restaurants trying to replicate what exists elsewhere. You've got authentic Italian chefs who grew up in Italy and worked in their grandmother's kitchen as children, now running their own restaurants. You've got Colombian, French, Australian, and American chefs all bringing their heritage and expertise to the table. Matt Phoh, DoPanama's Office Manager who moved to Panama as a teenager from Italy, discovered what he believes is the best pizza in Panama at a place called Pizza Veracha. But here's what makes the dining experience in Panama City truly special: you could eat out every single day for a year and never have the same meal twice. The restaurant and travel community here is constantly evolving, with new establishments opening regularly. The combination of authentic international cuisine and affordable dining prices creates an experience that's hard to find in most major Western cities.

While the video focuses more on lifestyle than spreadsheets, the reality is that cost of living is one of the primary drivers pushing people toward Panama relocation. Compared to the United States and Europe, Panama offers significantly lower costs for housing, dining, healthcare, and daily expenses. Expats consistently report that their quality of life improves dramatically when they relocate - not because they're doing less, but because their money stretches further. Housing in desirable neighborhoods in Panama City ranges from modern apartments to luxury penthouses, with options available at nearly every price point. The key is working with experienced realtors who understand the market and can match you with properties that fit both your budget and lifestyle. This financial advantage isn't just about saving money - it's about rediscovering what it feels like to actually enjoy your life without the constant stress of overwhelming costs.

What often surprises people about Panama City is how easy it is to build genuine friendships and find your community. The expat population isn't insular or cliquish - instead, there's a real spirit of camaraderie among people who've all made similar life decisions. Austin Hess describes it beautifully when he mentions that many of his best friends in Panama come from Australia, Italy, Germany, the US, and Canada. They're all unique individuals with different backgrounds, but they share a common thread: they chose Panama for a reason, and they're building meaningful lives here. This community aspect extends beyond just socializing. People help each other navigate the bureaucratic processes, recommend trusted doctors and schools, share restaurant discoveries, and genuinely support one another's success. The fact that DoPanama has built such strong relationships in the community - knowing which realtors are trustworthy, which attorneys are reliable, which doctors provide excellent care, which schools offer quality education - reflects the tight-knit nature of the Panama expat scene.

Making the decision to relocate is one thing. Actually making it happen smoothly is another. This is where having expert guidance makes all the difference. DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation goes far beyond just finding you a property. Their team - including President and Legal Director Nalini Navarro Guardia, COO Austin Hess, and Content Director Adam Phillips - handles the full spectrum of relocation needs. They help with visa and residency applications, guide you through the real estate purchase process, connect you with trusted service providers, and provide honest advice about neighborhoods and lifestyle fit. The relocation survey on their website is a smart starting point. It's a 23-question assessment that takes about 3-5 minutes and helps identify which lifestyle and location in Panama aligns best with your goals. From there, they offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your specific situation and next steps. This personalized approach recognizes that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to relocation. Someone looking to retire is going to have different priorities than a remote worker or an entrepreneur looking to start a business.

Panama City itself is incredibly diverse, with different neighborhoods offering wildly different experiences. The Hilton area, where DoPanama maintains their main information desk, puts you in the heart of the action - close to business districts, restaurants, and shopping. But depending on your lifestyle preferences, you might find that other areas of Panama City or regions throughout the country are better fits. Some expats prefer the vibrant, walkable neighborhoods of Casco Viejo with its colonial architecture and thriving restaurant scene. Others choose modern apartment communities in Punta Pacifica or Costa del Este. Still others look toward emerging areas with younger energy or family-friendly neighborhoods. The beauty of working with relocation experts like the DoPanama team is that they understand these nuances. They know which neighborhoods have strong expat communities, which have the best schools if you have children, which offer the best value for your budget, and which have the lifestyle vibe you're seeking. The magazine they publish - the Restaurant, Travel & Lifestyle Magazine - is one way they stay plugged into what's actually happening in Panama right now, from new restaurant openings to cultural events to neighborhood developments.

There's something intangible about living in Panama that people struggle to capture in words until they experience it themselves. Yes, there's the obvious stuff - the tropical weather, the lower cost of living, the outdoor activities. But there's something deeper about the culture and the people. Panamanians are known for being warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy. There's a celebration of life here that you feel in the energy of the country. Combine that with the international community that's built up around Panama's economic centers, and you get a unique environment where you can maintain connections to your home culture while fully embracing a new lifestyle. For people coming from high-stress, expensive cities in North America or Europe, the shift is often profound. Life slows down in some ways - you're not grinding away on a corporate treadmill for the same limited rewards. But it accelerates in others - you have time and resources to pursue interests, travel within Central America, build businesses, or simply enjoy the present moment. Matt Phoh's story encapsulates this perfectly. He came to Panama as a teenager from Italy, settled in, built a family with someone from Nicaragua, and has created a life that honors his heritage while fully embracing his adopted home. He gets to speak Italian regularly with other Italians, access authentic Italian food, yet he's also building something new and unique in Panama.