Where to Get Your Answers about Moving to Panama

Last Updated on August 16, 2025 by Retire in Panama

If you’re considering a move to Panama, you should know a few things. First, it’s essential to do your research and have a solid plan before moving. Second, several resources are available to help you with your move, including government agencies, social media, and relocation experts.

Government Websites

These sites can be helpful in many cases, like visa requirements, how long you can stay, COVID restrictions, and things to see or do in Panama, but that is about it. The problem with government websites is that they are not continuously updated in a timely manner, and the information can be confusing. Currently, on the US Embassy website, pages left up in the Google search index are a year old, and the information here is wrong.

Also, you will find government websites like CDC and State Department issuing excessive travel warnings. Like the US State Department, some sites list Panama as a Level 4. Do not travel because it is dangerous in some parts of Mosquito Gulf and Darién jungle, areas no tourist or expat would ever go to.

Then you have the CDC issuing level 3 and 4 warnings in most countries because of COVID transmission. Most of these counties, including Panama, have transmission rates much lower than the US itself. Remember, these are pencil pushers behind a desk that have never been to Panama, government officials trying to make you feel safe at home. From a COVID perspective, coming to Panama is safer than staying at home.

Social media: What could go wrong?

Getting relocation advice from social media is probably one of the worst things you could do. It is like stopping a stranger on the street, asking them specific advice about a topic, and following that advice blindly. If it worked out for you, then you were lucky.

But advice on immigration, health insurance, and real estate are significant decisions, and getting advice from a stranger who has done this thing once is just wrong. Social media groups, like Facebook groups, come in handy once you get here for things like: Does anyone know a plumber in the area? Where can I buy this spice?

Our email and phone are public on our website, and we get multiple calls every week from people in distress because they took advice from someone on social media. Recently a new fairly expat called to ask how long it takes for a land title transfer, as when they got their Visa, their “Facebook referred” lawyer told them they had to buy $40,000 in land to get their Visa, and it has been 3 years. $40,000 lost.

Then there was the family of 4, who an “expert” on Facebook told them that after their 180 days, they could just cross the border to Costa Rica to renew their tourist visa. Wrong!! They were denied entry back to Panama and had to fly home for 30 days, a very costly mistake.

Trolls are a significant problem on social media these days. Panama’s immigration department recently announced a scam with people posing as lawyers on social media, getting referrals, and taking retainers from foreigners and disappearing. 10’s of thousands of dollars have been scammed from foreigners.

Relocation Experts – The right way to move to Panama.

Using a relocation expert is sure the way to make your move to Panama a success. There are many ways that a move can go wrong, and unless you have experience with these types of things, it is best to listen to someone that does.

When looking for a relocation expert, make sure they are based in Panama full time and have been for at least 5 years. Also, ask if they have moved people from your country before, as the move to Panama process is very different for different countries.

Also, ask if they work with a team of people that can help you with other aspects of your move like shipping, pet transport, finding housing, getting a driver’s license, etc.

We have a combined 20 years of experience living in Panama and helping expats move here, and our team can help you with every aspect of your move. Give us a call or email us today to see how we can help you move to Panama stress-free.

How you can use Relocation Experts

Go on a Relocation Tour to Panama, either in a group or private.

This is full-service help, and you cannot go wrong. From seeing the entire country, every expat location you may consider moving to, to meeting all the experts in immigration, insurance, and banking, to meeting other expats that have already made a move.

On a Retire in Panama tour, you get the experience, but you also get the personal cell phone numbers and email of the owners of the companies, and included in the tour price, is assistance when you decide to move here.

At Retire in Panama, we do smaller tours than our competitors, only 8 – 15 people at a time, once a month. So after the tour is over, our job is still not done. For those who choose to move here, we will have the time to help you personally. Check our 2023 Tour Dates here. Get on our tour backup list here if you want to come sooner.

Attend Free Online Events hosted by these companies

Getting information directly from the experts is undoubtedly better than some unknown person on social media. We host monthly Q & A’s, where you can ask us anything, and we will tell you the correct answer. We will find out and get back to you if we don’t know. We will not send you to an online ebook to buy to get your answers; we will answer the question entirely on the Q & A. See our Q & A schedule HERE.

Call a Relocation Expert for a Free Consultation

We at Retire in Panama offer 30-minute free consultations to anyone interested in moving to Panama. When you talk to us, you will speak to someone who has lived in Panama for many years and has helped many people make a move. Schedule your 30-minute free call here.

If you’re thinking of moving to Panama, it’s essential to do your research first and find a reputable relocation expert who can help make the process smoother. You can attend free online events hosted by these experts or even call for a free consultation. Don’t get all of your information from social media- speak with an expert to get the correct answers.

 

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