Send us a text

Thinking about moving to Panama in 2026? In this special 100th episode of The Panama Podcast, I share my predictions for Panama in 2026—covering real estate, expat lifestyle, cost of living, healthcare, and the hottest areas to watch. If you want to know what’s heating up, what’s cooling down, and the surprises coming next year, this countdown is your insider guide.

From pre-construction opportunities in Panama City, Playa Bonita, and Boquete, to rental demand, healthcare memberships, and the lifestyle perks expats love, you’ll discover exactly why Panama continues to be one of the best places to live, retire, and invest.

📖 Get my FREE tell-all book Panama Uncorked:
👉 https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

💎 Join my VIP Program and get insider access:
👉 https://www.choosepanama.com/vip

If you’ve been dreaming of a Plan B or a forever home in the tropics, now is the time to see why Panama should be at the top of your list for 2026.

Hashtags
#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #panamarealestate #expatsinpanama #retireinpanama #planbpanama #panamalifestyle #panama2026

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Considering a move? Experience the dream! This video covers why moving to Panama could be the perfect choice. We explore the amazing Panama lifestyle and how you can retire in panama on a budget, plus tips for expat life in panama.

 #ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay #ThePanamaPodcast

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

What makes Playa Bonita Panama so special? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay sits down with both full-time and part-time expats who call Playa Bonita home. From the luxury condos at Casa Bonita to the private Pearl Club Beach Club, you’ll hear first-hand what life is really like in one of Panama’s most exclusive beachfront communities.

Whether you’re thinking about retiring in Panama, buying a vacation home, or simply curious about expat life in Playa Bonita, this interview reveals the lifestyle, amenities, and insider secrets you won’t find anywhere else.

✅ Why expats choose Playa Bonita over other Panama beach towns
✅ What daily life looks like in this gated beachfront community
✅ The perks of living near Panama City while enjoying oceanfront tranquility

If you’re exploring the idea of moving to Panama, investing in real estate, or finding your own slice of tropical paradise, Playa Bonita might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.

👉 Learn more about Playa Bonita and The Westin Residences: https://www.choosepanama.com/westinresidences

Hashtags
#PlayaBonitaPanama #ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay #ThePanamaPodcast #PanamaRealEstate #ExpatLifePanama #RetireInPanama

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Thinking about moving abroad to Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, or beyond? Before you pack your bags, watch this video on the biggest mistakes expats make when relocating overseas. From budgeting mishaps to healthcare surprises, I’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes to avoid when moving abroad—so you can save money, stress, and time.

With over a decade of experience living in Panama and helping hundreds of North Americans relocate, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “what were they thinking?” If you want to make your international move smooth, safe, and successful, this countdown is for you.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The #1 mistake expats make when moving abroad
✅ Why visiting first is non-negotiable
✅ How to budget realistically for life overseas
✅ The truth about healthcare abroad (and what to research)
✅ Why waiting too long could be the biggest regret of your life

Don’t let simple mistakes derail your dream of living abroad. Watch now and start planning your international move with confidence.

👉 Get my FREE tell-all book Panama Uncorked here: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #movingabroad #expatliving #panama

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Considering a move? Get the inside scoop on purchasing property with advice from a seasoned expert. Learn essential tips about the Panama real estate market and discover Panama homes for sale. Avoid common pitfalls and confidently begin investing in panama and living in panama.

Buying real estate in Panama can be the opportunity of a lifetime—but it’s also full of pitfalls. In this episode, Panama Real Estate Mistakes Everyone Makes, you can  Learn from My 13 Years of Real Estate Experience in 8 Minutes. Join me as I share insider tips about buying property in Panama so you can avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.

As a licensed real estate broker in Panama who has been in this industry for 13 years, I’ve seen everything—from delayed closings to nightmare contracts. This countdown reveals the biggest mistakes expats and investors make when buying real estate in Panama, and how you can protect yourself.

✅ Why the attorney you hire matters (and how to pick the right one)
✅ The truth about Panama real estate brokers—and how to know who’s licensed
✅ What happens with the 10% deposit (and how to safeguard your money)
✅ Hidden pitfalls of tax exonerations you need to check before signing
✅ The difference between titled property and Rights of Possession (ROP)
✅ Why due diligence in Panama is your best friend
✅ The mindset that will keep you sane during the buying process

If you’re serious about buying real estate in Panama, don’t go in blind. Learn from my experience and save yourself months of stress and thousands of dollars.

Get your FREE copy of my tell-all book, Panama Uncorked, here:
👉 https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss more Panama real estate tips.

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #panamarealestate #livinginpanama #expatlife

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Boquete Panama restaurateur Chris Young shares how he went from broke expat with $400 in his pocket to building some of the top restaurants in Panama, including Christopher’s Steakhouse, ranked #1 in Boquete. In this Real Expats interview, hosts Melissa Darnay and Stacey Jenks explore Chris’s inspiring journey of grit, reinvention, and culinary success in Panama’s mountain town of Boquete.

Chris Young arrived in Panama in 2010 with no visa, no safety net, and plenty of challenges. Instead of leaving, he doubled down on determination and built a culinary footprint across Chiriquí. From Big Daddy’s Grill to Boulder 54, Tapout Sports Zone, Big Daddy’s Beach Club, and his newest ventures—Christopher’s Steakhouse and Pollo Loco—Chris has shaped the dining scene in Boquete and beyond.

In this special Real Expats episode filmed in Boquete, you’ll learn:

✅ How Chris turned $400 into a thriving life in Panama
✅ The hardest challenges he faced starting over as an expat
✅ What makes Boquete’s food and community so unique
✅ Why Christopher’s Steakhouse is Boquete’s #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor
✅ How he and his fiancée are building Boquete’s dental tourism industry
✅ Advice for expats who want to launch a business in Panama

If you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad, starting fresh, or building a business in Panama, Chris’s story will inspire you. His journey proves that grit, determination, and having a dream can change everything.

************************************************************************

Watch the VIDEO version of this episode: 

📌 Don’t miss this chance to see how life in Boquete, Panama offers opportunity, community, and the possibility of reinvention.

#boquete #panama #choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #expatlife #expatstories #panamarestaurants #panamaexpats #livinginpanama

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Thinking about moving abroad? Discover the 5 things nobody tells you about living in Panama—from daily lifestyle quirks to expat secrets that can save you time, money, and stress. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to retire, invest, or start fresh in Panama, this episode of The Panama Podcast pulls back the curtain with insider tips you won’t find in a guidebook.

You’ll learn:
✅ Surprising cultural differences that can catch new expats off guard
✅ The real cost of living in Panama (and how it compares to the U.S. and Costa Rica)
✅ Everyday conveniences and frustrations no one talks about
✅ Tips to avoid costly mistakes when moving overseas
✅ How to make Panama feel like home faster

Whether you’re considering Panama for retirement, a “Plan B” lifestyle, or real estate investment, this episode will give you the inside scoop to make your transition smoother.

*********************************************************************

👉 Download your FREE guide Panama Uncorked here: www.ChoosePanama.com/free-book

✅ Watch the VIDEO version of this podcast: https://www.choosepanama.com/blog/5-things-nobody-tells-you-about-living-in-panama

*********************************************************************

Hashtags:
#thepanamapodcast #choosepanama #melissadarnay #panamarealestate #livinginpanama #expatlife #retireinpanama #moveabroad #panamavlog

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Moving to Panama at 80 may sound impossible, but for American expat Benny Rains, it’s the best decision he’s ever made. In this inspiring episode of The Real Expats segment of the Panama Podcast, Benny shares his story of retiring in Boquete, Panama, building his own slice of paradise, and proving that you are never too old to start over.

Boquete is one of the most sought-after destinations for retirement in Panama, thanks to its year-round spring-like weather, breathtaking mountain views, and welcoming expat community. Benny didn’t just dream about moving abroad—he did it. His story is living proof that adventure has no age limit.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to create a new life in Panama as an expat, this conversation will inspire you to take action. Whether you’re 40, 60, or even 80, Benny’s journey shows that expat life in Panama is about living with vitality, purpose, and joy.

***********************************************

Get a FREE Copy of Panama Uncorked: 

https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Watch the VIDEO version of this episode: https://www.choosepanama.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-move-abroad-at-80

***********************************************

📌 Related Resources
Download your FREE guide to Panama, "Panama Uncorked." Go to ChoosePanama.com/free-book

📢 Hashtags
#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #realexpats #movingtoPanama #retireinPanama #BoquetePanama #expatlifePanama #PanamaRetirement #livinginPanama

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Thinking about moving overseas but not sure where to go—Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, or Cyprus?

This 15-question quiz will help you cut through the confusion and find out which country is truly the best fit for your lifestyle, investment goals, and future.

We’ll walk you through the top 15 factors that matter most to expats and retirees—like taxes on foreign income, property ownership laws, residency options, clean drinking water, modern infrastructure, healthcare, and more.

This isn’t a generic travel quiz. It’s a powerful tool to help you decide where you should move, retire, or invest abroad.

📝 Take the quiz online: https://ChoosePanama.com/Test
📥 Download the Country Comparison Chart after the quiz!

Whether you’re considering moving to Panama, retiring in Portugal, or investing in Costa Rica, this quiz will help you make a smart, informed decision.

****************************************************************

LINKS:

✔️ Get a Free e-book: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

✔️ Watch the VIDEO version of this episode: https://www.choosepanama.com/blog/which-country-is-best-for-you-take-this-quiz

****************************************************************

#choosepanama #expatquiz #panamapodcast #retireabroad #movingoverseas #panamavsportugal #costaricavspanama #bestplacestoretire2025 #expatlifestyle #where2move #panamaexpats

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!

Send us a text

Buying a car in Panama is very different from buying one in the U.S. or Canada, and in this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, we sit down with Fernando Tristán, Vice President of Sales at Grupo Sílaba and President of ADAP (Association of Car Dealers of Panama), to uncover everything you need to know. 🚗🇵🇦

Whether you’re an expat considering your first car purchase in Panama, curious about car dealerships in Panama, or want insider advice on navigating financing, insurance, registration, and gray-market imports, this episode has the answers.

Fernando also shares why Grupo Sílaba is one of the leading dealership groups in Panama, with the second-highest sales volume in the country, and explains the important role ADAP plays in protecting both dealers and consumers.

👉 Learn about:
✔️ How the car buying process in Panama differs from the U.S.
✔️ What documents expats need to buy a car in Panama
✔️ Whether foreigners can finance a vehicle or need to pay cash
✔️ Insurance, warranties, and registration tips
✔️ The rise of electric & hybrid cars in Panama
✔️ The truth about gray-market vehicle imports

If you’re planning to live, invest, or retire in Panama, knowing how to buy a car the smart way is essential.

****************************************************

LINKS:

- Free e-Book: choosepanama.com/free-book.html
- Buy Real Estate: ChoosePanama.com
- Rent in Playa Bonita, Panama: ChoosePanamaRentals.com
- Amanda Gleeson: https://agleesonconsultingservices.com
- Grupo Silaba: https://silaba.com/

- Watch the VIDEO version of this episode: https://www.choosepanama.com/blog/what-you-must-know-before-getting-a-car-in-panama

********************************************************************

#ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay #ThePanamaPodcast #LivingInPanama #MovingToPanama #ExpatLifePanama #GrupoSilaba #CarDealershipsPanama #BuyingACarInPanama #ADAPPanama

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!