Moving to Panama Tips from Expats

It is a joy seeing our community moving into Santa Familia. In this edition, we thought of asking our new neighbors for their best tips for those of you thinking on starting the process.

Make a List

Making a checklist is always a good way to start! it organizes your mind about what are your priorities and what is needed. List the items, the providers, who does what, where with contact info. Take the time to plan, and contact those who can help you out on each point. Map out as much as you can. From shipping to setting up internet.

Understand Timing... and add on top

With exception of perhaps the shipping company, most things will be an art and not a science. Try to understand timing from providers and people who can help you estimate. And yes, add a bit to that. Flexibility will be key! “Slow down! You are in Panama” X.L. Neighbor

Build Relationships

“Build relationships in your new local community ahead of the move. You will find many people who navigated the translation ahead of you and many are glad to be a helpful resource when you have questions. Expat groups on Facebook make another great resource” 

“You will probably find things to add as you learn more about the process” F.H. neighbor

Moving with Pets

This one might be a biggie. If anything needs planning, this one deserves its own chapter! From our neighbors we learned that the most important thing is to get the zoo sanitary certificate ready. This certificate is issued by a certified veterinary, and it has to be apostilled at a Panamanian consulate.

We found a really good website with the steps and forms you must fill out. But also make sure to ask airlines about their policies, as it may vary and each one will have its own form to fill out. 

We learned, just as an example, that COPA might not fly pets from every airport.

For steps on how to bring your pets click HERE

Which North and South American airlines allow dogs in the cabin in 2024 Click HERE