What really surprises people about living in Panama isn’t the visas, the paperwork, or the cost of living—it’s the emotional reality once the honeymoon phase wears off. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I share the four things that genuinely shocked me after moving to Panama, based on my first months of real life here—not vacation Panama.
If you’re considering moving to Panama, buying Panama real estate, or exploring a Panama relocation as a serious life decision, this conversation will give you something most videos don’t: context. Not advice. Not hype. Just honest insight into what it actually feels like to build a life here.
In this episode, I talk candidly about:
✅ What surprised me most about expat life in Panama
✅ Why making friends is easier than expected—but not always permanent
✅ How renting vs. owning impacts how quickly you feel settled
✅ What changes emotionally when Panama stops being a destination and starts being home
This episode is especially helpful if you’re in the "thinking about it" phase—curious, cautious, excited, but wanting clarity before making a major move or buying property in Panama.
At Choose Panama Real Estate, my team and I help clients move beyond the fantasy phase and into smart, well-planned decisions—whether that’s Panama investment property, a primary residence, or a long-term relocation strategy.
If this episode resonates and you want to talk through what your own transition could look like, you can schedule a conversation with my team at ChoosePanama.com.
Subscribe for honest conversations about:
✅ Panama real estate
✅ Moving to Panama
✅ Panama relocation & investing
✅ Expat life in Panama
✅ What it really feels like to build a life abroad
#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #PanamaRealEstate #MovingToPanama #PanamaRelocation #ExpatLifePanama #LivingInPanama #BuyingPropertyInPanama
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!
