Expat Community

Expat and Immigrant Communities in Panama

Panama has one of Latin America's largest and most established expat communities, making integration and finding your people remarkably easy.

Expat Population

Estimated numbers:

• 30,000-50,000+ foreign residents
• Large American and Canadian presence
• Growing European community
• Significant Colombian and Venezuelan populations

Main nationalities:

• United States (largest group)
• Canada
• Colombia
• Venezuela
• Europe (Spain, Germany, UK, France)
• Israel

Where Expats Concentrate

Boquete:

• Largest concentration relative to population
• Estimated 3,000-5,000 expats in town of 25,000
• Mostly North American retirees
• Extremely active community
• Everyone knows everyone
• Easy to plug into established groups

Panama City:

• Most total expats
• Spread across neighborhoods
• Diverse: retirees, digital nomads, professionals
• Can be more anonymous (if you prefer)
• Various communities by neighborhood

Coronado Beach Area:

• Large beach community
• Mix of full-time and part-time residents
• Family-friendly
• Active social scene
• Golf, beach clubs

Bocas del Toro:

• Younger expat crowd
• Digital nomads, entrepreneurs
• Island lifestyle
• More transient population
• Active social scene

Expat Organizations & Clubs

Boquete:

• International Women's Club - Very active, open to men too
• Rotary Club of Boquete
• Tuesday Market - Weekly gathering and vendor market
• Boquete Community Players - Theater group
• Boquete Jazz & Blues Society
• Boquete Outdoor Adventures - Hiking, activities
• Numerous hobby groups: photography, art, crafts

Panama City:

• InterNations - Large group, regular events
• American Society of Panama
• Canadian Society
• Alliance Française - French community
• Hash House Harriers - Running/social club
• Professional associations

Coronado:

• Coronado Golf & Beach Resort - Social hub
• Various beach clubs
• Active Facebook groups
• Informal social networks

Online Communities

Facebook Groups (Very Active):

• "Expats of Panama" - 15K+ members, Q&A
• "Boquete Expats" - Very helpful community
• "Panama Expats Network"
• "Digital Nomads Panama"
• "Panama City Expats"
• Buy/sell groups for each area

Other Platforms:

• InterNations Panama
• Meetup.com (Panama City)
• WhatsApp groups (organized by area/interest)

Meeting People & Making Friends

Easiest ways:

• Join expat Facebook groups and attend meetups
• Show up to Tuesday Market in Boquete
• Take Spanish classes (meet other expats)
• Join interest-based clubs
• Volunteer at animal shelters, community projects
• Coworking spaces (for remote workers)
• Church/religious communities (if applicable)

Timeline:

• First friends: Usually within 1-2 weeks
• Solid friend group: 2-3 months
• Deep friendships: 6-12 months

Expats universally report making friends easily in Panama.

Cultural Integration

Panamanian friends:

• More effort required than expat friends
• Spanish language very helpful
• Warm, welcoming culture once you connect
• Join local sports leagues, activities
• Dating scenes blend expat and local

Balance:

• Many expats primarily socialize with other expats
• Some deeply integrate with Panamanian culture
• Most find middle ground
• Learning Spanish opens doors

Volunteer Opportunities

Great for meeting people:

• Spay Panama - Animal welfare
• Valle Escondido Foundation - Boquete community projects
• Adopt A Grandparent - Elder care
• School volunteering - English teaching
• Environmental organizations

Expat Services & Support

Relocation services:

• Many companies help newcomers
• Tours specifically for prospective expats
• "Living in Panama" tours (week-long)

Attorneys & facilitators:

• Large English-speaking professional community
• Specialize in expat needs
• Help with residency, business formation

Healthcare navigators:

• Some services help coordinate care
• Medical tourism facilitators

Cultural Events

Regular gatherings:

• Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival (Feb) - Huge expat turnout
• Boquete Flower & Coffee Festival (Jan)
• Panama City restaurant weeks
• El Valle art fairs
• Numerous local festivals

Age Demographics

Retirees (55+):

• Largest expat demographic
• Especially concentrated in Boquete, Coronado
• Very active social calendars
• Many organizations cater to this group

Working age (30-55):

• Growing in Panama City
• Digital nomads, entrepreneurs
• Professional expats
• Younger vibe in Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo

Families:

• Growing demographic
• Coronado popular for families
• International schools in Panama City
• Family-oriented communities

Challenges & Complaints

Common expat complaints:

• "Everyone knows your business" (especially Boquete)
• Gossip in tight-knit communities
• Sometimes insular (expat bubble)
• Can be cliquey initially
• Political discussions can be divisive

Solutions:

• Choose your involvement level
• Bigger cities offer more anonymity
• Join multiple groups to find your people
• Be open and friendly - community is welcoming

Panamanian Perspective on Expats

Generally positive:

• Expats bring economic benefit
• Long history of international presence (Canal)
• Welcoming culture
• Some resentment about housing prices in popular areas
• Most Panamanians appreciate respectful expats who make effort

Tips for Integration

1. Learn Spanish - Even basic Spanish earns huge respect
2. Be active in community - Join organizations early
3. Don't complain about Panama - Appreciate what drew you here
4. Respect local culture - You're a guest
5. Support local businesses - Not just expat-owned
6. Be patient - Friendships develop naturally
7. Stay positive - Negative expats are avoided

Unique to Panama

Pensionado benefits culture:

• Retirees compare discount strategies
• Group outings to use benefits
• Shared knowledge about best deals

Medical tourism coordination:

• Expats help each other navigate healthcare
• Doctor recommendations widely shared
• Hospital accompaniment for procedures

Real estate investment focus:

• Many expats invest in property
• Share tips and opportunities
• Some become part-time realtors