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Just moved to Panama City coming from Florida

ssmith338

Hey everyone, I just moved to Panama City coming from Florida. I am working at an international school in Brisas del Golf and enjoy all but the way people drive here! My goal is to work a few more years and travel around Panama for a possible retirement home. I cane here with three pets including a 92 pound German Shepherd. If you have questions, I am happy to share.

Star

See also

Living in Panama: the expat guideComing to Panama for the first time to check out the areas to moveManaging retirement savings in PanamaReady to move onNew members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025
patrice999

@ssmith338 Hi Star,

Did you have to quarantine your pets? If so how long? Are you enjoying Panama?

Patrice

ssmith338

@patrice999


I did not have to quarantine my pets.  Just as a suggestion if you are bringing pets in, be very diligent with which airline or company you use.  I used Petsgoglobal even though my Schnauzer is only 22 pounds.  Some airlines have become very strict so I used Marla Paul's company and she made sure everything was in place and my furbabies were delivered happy and healthy.  I was told that you are supposed to quarantine your pets at home but that is where they were going anyway.  Panama is nice but I do not drive in Panama City, the traffic is totally unbelievable.  Uber is an easy way to get around because of their app.  There is lots of great shopping - I did not ship anything but just purchased what I needed when I arrived.  My plan is to continue to work here in Brisas Del Golf for at least three years and start looking around at the different towns to see if I would be happy retiring here.  The people here are very accommodating even though I do not speak Spanish.  I also like that most services are provided at your home.  I have had the mechanic, vet and groomer all come and provide needed services here at my home.  Groceries are about the same except cheese, and sodas I have noticed to be a little higher especially if you buy American made products.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Star

Bhavna

Hello everyone,


Great news, Star !


Thanks for offering to help, it is very much appreciated.


I have created this new thread on the Panama forum from these few posts for better interaction. The other thread was a topic about cost of living.


@ Patrice feel free to start your own thread should you need specific infos about quarantine  : Panama forum


all the best,

Bhavna

Guest6744

@ssmith338


I am kind of curious how you survive socially since you state that you do not speak Spanish. :)


I just moved to Panama City and rent a house in San Antonio. I do speak Spanish, but I am still trying to sort out how to structure my life in these new surroundings. Yes, Panamanians are friendly, but they also have a life (job, spouse, children, grandchildren...), and as a recently retired person from Europe I find that some of my days may be long and boring.


Geir Lie

ssmith338

I can understand the days being boring, especially in Panama City.   I work at an international school and I also have a position as an online adjunct instructor for a college and tutor so I am generally very busy.  My problem is that I want to go places but I am scared to death of driving because people here drive so aggressively.  I have a car and I get around my area but would love to see more of Panama.  I am planning a few beach trips once the rainy season ends and would like to visit some of the popular retirement towns.  I live outside of Panama City and am only a few miles from my school but I always leave my house 30 minutes early just because I want to not be rushed and stressed!  I also have pets so we walk a lot.  I am also by myself so there are lonely times.

Star

Guest6744

@ssmith338


If you live close to Brisas, we are practically neighbors since I live in San Antonio. If you should happen to have long and boring days, do not hesitate to contact me. :)

Cheryl

Hello Geir Lie,


That's nice! 1f60a.svg


Feel free to send a message to ssmith338 by using the private messaging system if needed.


Since you are new here, I invite you to introduce yourself on the following thread >  New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022


As you can see, this thread is dedicated to new members, let's tell us more about yourself. 1f609.svg


Cheers,


Cheryl

º£½ÇÂÒÂ× team

ssmith338

@Geir Lie


I have found some great excursions and want to go but did not want to go alone.  Maybe we can team up?  I am not sure how to private message and am very busy this week but if you can send one, I will get back.  I have to work long hours Thursday and Friday and finally found a pet sitter to take my dogs out so I meet her tonight.  If she works out, I can go on day trips and just have her take them out while we are gone.  I am off the first week in November and really want to get out and get to know more about Panama.  Just let me know!

Star

Guest6744

@ssmith338


Perfect. I did not know either how to send direct messages, but I found out and just sent you one. :)

Yes, I am also interested in getting to know Panama.