The Panama Podcast
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The Panama Podcast episodes

  • Finally, a Simple Way to Get Amazon in Panama!

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    Learn how to get Amazon in Panama efficiently. This guide explains the exact steps for using mail forwarding services or direct shipping.

    Moving to Panama involves navigating logistics, especially when it comes to online shopping. Many expats struggle with delivery options, but understanding how to use a Miami box makes the process straightforward. This video covers the reliable methods to ensure your packages arrive safely, whether you are ordering electronics, household goods, or essentials you cannot find locally.

    Beyond shipping to Panama, we also touch upon essential pillars of expat life, including healthcare access and setting up local banking. By the end of this walkthrough, you will know exactly how to manage Amazon in Panama without the confusion typically associated with international logistics.

    Support the show

    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! 

    9 min
  • The 30 Day Reality Check: Is Moving to Panama Worth It?

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    Moving to Panama for the first time? Here is the honest reality of the first month and how to navigate the overwhelming transition.

    Relocating to a new country brings a mix of excitement and confusion that most guides ignore. This video breaks down the emotional and practical realities of living in Panama, focusing on the specific challenges you will face during those initial thirty days. If you are planning a move or just getting settled, this overview helps you prepare for the adjustment period ahead.

    We look closely at the distinction between maintaining a rigid routine and finding a natural rhythm in your new environment. Understanding this difference is key to long-term success when moving to Panama. By sharing these personal insights, the goal is to help you manage expectations and find your footing faster than I did.

    Whether you are currently looking into Panama expat life or have already signed a lease, these lessons provide a realistic look at the relocation process. We cover the highs and lows to ensure you feel more prepared for your own Panama first month.

    Subscribe for weekly expat relocation tips and comment below: what has been the most confusing part of your move so far?

    Support the show

    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! 

    9 min
  • Retiring in Panama: Why Everyone Is Talking About the Pensionado Visa

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    With retirement costs rising globally, many are considering alternatives. This video looks at why Panama is a top choice for "retirement abroad", especially for those seeking to "retire in Panama". We discuss how the "pensionado visa panama" program offers significant benefits, helping address concerns about the "cost of living in panama" and "healthcare in panama".

    Support the show

    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! 

    9 min
  • Retire in Panama or Stay Home? The Surprising Facts

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    Are you asking, "Where can I live well without feeling like I'm just surviving?" This video explores why Panama consistently ranks high for those seeking a fulfilling retirement. We discuss how Panama quietly addresses common concerns, including panama healthcare and the overall cost of living in Panama, offering a better quality of life for expats. Discover why so many are choosing to retire in Panama, enjoying an exceptional living experience.

    Support the show

    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! 

    13 min
  • Why You Can't Find Panama's Best Deals Online

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    If you're considering buying real estate in Panama, it's essential to understand its unique dynamics. The panama real estate market operates without a centralized system, making local knowledge and connections key to success. This video highlights the advantages of acquiring an investment property here, including favorable property taxes and HOA fees, while also emphasizing the importance of expert guidance for a smooth relocation.

    #melissadarnay  #realestate  #choosepanama #panamarealestate #realestateinvesting #thepanamapodcast

    Support the show

    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! 

    8 min
  • Is Florida Overrated? 7 Reasons to Retire in Panama

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    From lower property taxes and affordable healthcare to the famous Panama Pensionado Visa and a territorial tax system, Panama continues to attract retirees, expats, investors, and remote workers looking for a better lifestyle at a lower cost. Melissa shares personal experiences living in Panama full-time and explains why so many North Americans are choosing Panama over Florida, Costa Rica, Mexico, and even parts of Europe.

    In this episode:
     • Panama vs. Florida cost of living
     • Why retirees are leaving Florida
     • Housing costs in Panama vs. Florida
     • Healthcare in Panama for expats
     • Panama Pensionado Visa benefits
     • Taxes in Panama for retirees
     • Affordable luxury living in Panama
     • Retirement in Panama pros and cons
     • Panama City expat life
     • How far retirement income goes in Panama
     • Ocean view condos and luxury real estate in Panama
     • Why Panama is one of the best places to retire in 2026

    If you are researching:
     Panama retirement
     moving to Panama
     retiring overseas
     expat life in Panama
     living in Panama
     Panama real estate
     Panama healthcare
     best countries for retirement
     cost of living in Panama
     Panama expat guide

    …then this episode is for you.

    Melissa Darnay is the founder of Choose Panama, a licensed real estate brokerage specializing in helping English-speaking clients relocate, invest, retire, and purchase luxury real estate in Panama.

    Schedule your free consultation: www.ChoosePanama.com/contact

    Watch more episodes of The Panama Podcast

    #choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #panama #retireinpanama #expatlife #panamarealestate #panamacity #costofliving #retirementplanning #livinginpanama #panamapodcast #retirementabroad #moveabroad #panamaretirement

    Support the show

    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! 

    15 min
  • Stuck on the Market: Panama's Unsellable Properties

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    Understanding the nuances of the Panama real estate market is key, especially when identifying properties that may be difficult to resell. Even with attractive pricing and views, some properties have underlying issues that make them less desirable for real estate in Panama. This video helps you navigate the complexities of property selection, ensuring your investing decisions are sound and well-informed, whether you're looking for a personal home or an investment opportunity. 🇵🇦

    TIMELINE:
    0:00 - Introduction
    1:26 - Pricing
    2:04 - It looks better online than it does in real life
    2:35 - The HOA has a problem
    3:11 - It's functionally obsolete
    3:53 - The wrong miro-location
    4:21 - Legal or title issues
    4:49 - There's no real exit strategy

    #melissadarnay #choosepanama #thepanamapodcast #panamaliving #panamarealestate #panama #panamaproperties #exitstrategies

    Support the show

    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! 

    8 min
  • Why Expats Are Flocking to Pinoalto in Boquete Right Now

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    Thinking about moving to Boquete, Panama? In this episode of The Panama Podcast: Real Expats, we sat down for an honest conversation about why so many expats and investors are suddenly paying attention to Pinoalto in Boquete. From mountain living and spring-like weather to real estate trends, lifestyle upgrades, and investment potential, we discussed what’s really happening on the ground in one of Panama’s most talked-about expat destinations.

    If you’ve been researching Boquete Panama real estate, retiring in Panama, moving to Panama, or creating a Plan B outside the United States or Canada, this episode gives you real-world insight from expats who have explored the area, toured the project, and understand the lifestyle firsthand.
    In this episode, we discussed:

    • Why Boquete continues attracting North American expats
    • What makes Pinoalto different from other Boquete developments
    • Cost of living and quality of life in Boquete Panama
    • Boquete weather and mountain lifestyle
    • Panama real estate investment opportunities
    • Rental income potential in Boquete
    • Healthcare, community, and daily life in Panama
    • The realities of relocating to Panama full-time

    Whether you’re looking for a retirement destination, a second home, a climate-efficient lifestyle, or an international real estate investment, Boquete has become one of the most desirable areas in Panama—and Pinoalto is quickly becoming part of that conversation.

    To learn more about moving, investing, or buying property in Panama with Choose Panama Real Estate:

    Schedule a free consultation:
    www.ChoosePanama.com/contact

    Meet Stacey Jenks:
    Choose Panama Rentals – Stacey Jenks

    Amanda Gleeson is part of the Real Expats panel and specializes in turnkey furnishing and design solutions for expats moving to Panama. www.AmandaGleeson.com.

    Keywords:
    Boquete Panama, Pinoalto Boquete, Boquete real estate, Panama real estate, moving to Panama, retire in Panama, expat life Panama, Boquete expats, investing in Panama, Panama Podcast, Panama mountain living, Boquete weather, Panama investment property, relocation to Panama, real estate in Panama, Plan B country, offshore lifestyle, Panama retirement

    #BoquetePanama #Pinoalto #PanamaRealEstate #MovingToPanama #RetireInPanama #ExpatLife #BoqueteRealEstate #ThePanamaPodcast #ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay

    Support the show

    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! 

    32 min
  • Your Plan B Just Became Useless | Here's What Works

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    Everyone talks about having a Plan B, but few actually have a practical one. This video clearly explains what a real "back up plan" entails, focusing on essential elements like "emergency preparedness" and "disaster preparedness". It highlights how a true Plan B is something you can immediately use, emphasizing the importance of "emergency supplies" and effective "crisis management" to ensure you're ready when it matters most.

    Support the show

    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! 

    8 min
  • Here's What Happens Between Signing and Closing in Panama

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    After signing a real estate contract in Panama, many buyers experience a "quiet phase" which can be unfamiliar compared to North American practices. During this time, an attorney actively verifies the title, checks for liens, confirms taxes, and ensures all documentation is legally sound, protecting your property rights. This process is crucial for real estate investors navigating real estate transactions in Panama. 🇵🇦

    #choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast

    Support the show

    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! 

    7 min

About The Panama Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing! Imagine trading your “someday” for today—living the life you've always dreamed of in a tropical paradise. That’s exactly what your…

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