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If you’re thinking about moving to Panama, this episode will prepare you in ways no checklist, relocation guide, or spreadsheet ever could. Get ready for culture shock in Panama, told by a Gringa in a tongue-in-cheek way.

In this special storytelling episode of The Panama Podcast, I’m sharing my origin story—all the way back to 2012, when Panama still felt a bit like the Wild West. Before the polished expat guides, before the infrastructure boom, and long before I became a trusted expert on Panama real estate and relocation… I was just a very Type-A American woman trying to figure out how to live in a country powered by mañana culture, sunshine, and vibes.

This episode is intentionally different from my usual interviews and deep-dive guides. It’s funny, unfiltered, and deeply real. From buying a GPS in Panama that didn’t include a map of Panama… to learning that “mañana” doesn’t actually mean tomorrow… to realizing that culture shock is often the thing that teaches you the most—this story captures the emotional side of moving abroad that people rarely talk about.

If you’re researching living in Panama, moving to Panama, or expat life in Panama, consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what the transition really feels like—especially in your early days.

Sometimes the best way to understand a country isn’t through advice… it’s through stories.

📩 Thinking about your own move to Panama? Schedule a free consultation with my team at 👉 ChoosePanama.com/contact

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #LivingInPanama #MovingToPanama #PanamaExpat #PanamaLife #ExpatStories #PanamaCulture #expatcultureshock

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!

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In 2026, wealthy individuals aren’t asking if they should diversify internationally — they’re asking where. In this episode, I break down the offshore move affluent North Americans are quietly making and why Panama has emerged as one of the most strategic destinations for relocation, real estate investment, and lifestyle diversification.

After living and working in Panama since 2012, advising high-net-worth clients through multiple global cycles, I can tell you this: offshore moves today are no longer about secrecy or tax gimmicks. They’re about optionality, stability, lifestyle quality, and intelligent asset placement — and Panama checks those boxes in ways few countries do.

Why Panama is attracting wealthy offshore movers in 2026

✅ Dollarized economy with long-term stability
✅ Strong property rights and full foreign ownership
✅ Strategic location with global air access
✅ A mature luxury real estate market — not speculative
✅ Residency options designed for investors and retirees
✅ A high quality of life without the friction found elsewhere

In this podcast, we discuss what’s actually driving the offshore movement — from global uncertainty and capital concentration risk to lifestyle arbitrage and geographic diversification. If you’re researching moving to Panama, buying property in Panama, or creating a smart offshore strategy in 2026, this episode offers clarity without hype.

At Choose Panama Real Estate, this is exactly the type of conversation we have with clients before they make a move — helping them understand not just where to go, but when and why. The goal isn’t escape. It’s positioning.

If Panama has been on your radar — or quietly recommended by friends who already made the move — this episode will help you understand why momentum is building and why early positioning matters.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact.

About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the Founder of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.

Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama

GUESTS:
- Francis Hunt: @TheMarketSniper1
- Mike Brown: Fort Kobbe Vault - www.fortkobbevaults.com

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #francishunt #themarketsniper #fortkobbevault #protectyourwealth #panama #panamaplanb

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!

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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

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!

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Panama’s Red Carpet Visa has changed—and if you’re considering moving to Panama or investing in Panama real estate, these updates could directly impact your residency strategy. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I sit down with Panamanian immigration attorney Ricardo Faraudo to break down the most recent changes to Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, commonly known as the Red Carpet Visa.

Over the past few months, Panama has updated the investment thresholds, expanded real estate eligibility, tightened documentation requirements, and introduced a brand-new benefit for investors. Whether you’re buying property in Panama, exploring residency through real estate investment, or looking for a faster path to permanent residency, this episode explains what’s changed—and what you need to know before you apply.

In this episode, we cover:

✔️ The new minimum investment requirements for the Red Carpet Visa
✔️ How pre-construction and promise-of-sale contracts now qualify
✔️ Changes to proof of funds and compliance requirements
✔️ Updated rules for bank deposits and securities investments
✔️ The new special investor passport and who qualifies
✔️ Common mistakes investors make when applying for Panama residency

As Panama continues to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations for international investors, understanding the legal details behind Panama residency visas, buying property in Panama, and moving to Panama has never been more important.

If Panama is part of your Plan B—or your next chapter—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👉 Thinking about relocating or investing in Panama?
Visit ChoosePanama.com/contact to schedule your free 30-minute consultation with my team and get expert guidance tailored to your goals.

🔍 Keywords & Topics:

Panama real estate
Buying property in Panama
Moving to Panama
Panama residency
Panama investor visa
Red Carpet Visa Panama
Qualified Investor Visa Panama
Panama immigration
Panama relocation
Expat life in Panama
Investing in Panama real estate

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #panamarealestate #movingtopanama #panamavisa #panamarelcoation #investinpanama #expatlifeinpanama

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!

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Panama property prices are at an inflection point — and buyers who understand what’s happening now are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. In this episode, I break down why Panama real estate prices are poised to rise, what’s driving demand, and what smart investors need to know before the next wave hits. If you’ve been watching Panama from the sidelines, this is the clarity moment.

As someone who has lived, invested, and worked in Panama real estate since 2012, I’ve seen these cycles before. When fundamentals quietly align — economic stability, global migration, limited inventory, and international buyer demand — prices don’t inch up… they move decisively. And Panama is checking every box.

What’s driving the next surge in Panama real estate prices?

✅ A growing influx of North American buyers seeking a Plan B
✅ Limited oceanfront and prime-city inventory
✅ Infrastructure and development already in place — not speculative
✅ A strong, dollarized economy attracting global capital
✅ Buyers shifting away from overheated markets like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Portugal

In this video, I explain why now is different — and why waiting for prices to “cool” in Panama may be a costly assumption. Whether you’re considering buying property in Panama as a second home, an investment property, or part of a relocation plan, understanding timing is everything.

At Choose Panama Real Estate, this is exactly the moment when we help clients move from interest to intelligent action — identifying value pockets, securing properties before competition increases, and avoiding the mistakes I see buyers make when markets accelerate.

If you’re researching Panama real estate, moving to Panama, or evaluating international property investments, this episode will give you the context most buyers never get.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact
.

About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.

Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama

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!

Send us a text

If you’re researching Panama real estate, moving to Panama, or long-term Panama relocation strategies, this episode tackles one of the most emotional—and expensive—questions families face: assisted living. In this video, I break down the real numbers behind assisted living in Panama vs the United States, what services are included, and how lifestyle, healthcare, and cost intersect for affluent North Americans considering a smarter global plan.

As someone who has lived in Panama since 2012 and advised hundreds of clients on buying property in Panama, retirement planning, and aging abroad, I see firsthand how dramatically different the options can be—financially and culturally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ A clear cost comparison between assisted living in Panama and the US
✅ What “assisted living” actually includes in Panama (and what it doesn’t)
✅ How private caregivers, boutique residences, and in-home support work
✅ Why healthcare access plays a major role in long-term planning
✅ How Panama’s lifestyle and affordability reshape retirement decisions
✅ Where Panama investment property fits into multigenerational planning

For many families exploring expat life in Panama, the conversation isn’t just about saving money—it’s about dignity, quality of care, independence, and proximity to world-class private healthcare. Panama offers a unique blend of affordability, personalized care, and lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist in most US markets.

A Smarter Way to Plan Ahead

When I advise clients through Choose Panama Real Estate, assisted living is often part of a much larger conversation—one that includes downsizing, buying property in Panama, creating a Plan B, or positioning assets so families have flexibility as needs change. Understanding the numbers early allows you to make proactive, empowered decisions instead of reactive ones.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact

About Melissa Darnay
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.

Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama

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

Discover what expats really think about living in Coronado, Panama — one of the most talked-about coastal communities in the entire country. Whether you're exploring Panama real estate, considering buying property in Panama, or planning your Panama relocation, this episode gives you an insider’s look at daily life along Panama’s famous Coronado Beaches region. If you’ve been researching moving to Panama or evaluating your next Panama investment property, this conversation delivers honest, experience-based insights straight from people who live here full-time.

Coronado is known for its vibrant expat community, modern amenities, and beachfront living — but it’s also a region filled with nuance.

✔ You’ll learn what expats love,
✔ what challenges they face, and
✔ how Coronado compares to other popular destinations in Panama.

Alongside my expert guests, we break down the real pros and cons of expat life in Panama, from weather and infrastructure to cost of living, community dynamics, and long-term lifestyle fit.

If you’re exploring neighborhoods or refining your relocation plan, Coronado often becomes a top contender. As I guide clients through the process of choosing the right community, Coronado frequently stands out for its convenience, its social scene, and its strong long-term demand among North Americans looking for beachfront luxury with easy access to Panama City. This episode will help you decide whether this area aligns with your vision — whether you're moving, investing, or simply researching your options.

If you're curious about Coronado, considering a scouting trip, or looking for a trusted advisor as you navigate Panama’s real estate landscape, you’ll get tremendous clarity from today’s discussion.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact

About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.

Contact:
- Amanda Gleeson: www.amandagleeson.com
- David Bayliss: https://www.panamapacificacarrentals.com/

Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast
#coronadopanama #expatsinpanama #panamarealestate #movingtopanama #panamarelocation #panamabeaches #expatlifeinpanama

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!

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Launching your first Airbnb in Panama can be a powerful way to build passive income — if you know how to navigate Panama real estate, local rental laws, and the unique expectations of expat life in Panama. In this episode, Melissa Darnay shares the must-know setup strategies every investor should follow before buying property in Panama, especially those planning to operate a high-performing short-term rental. Whether you're moving to Panama, exploring Panama relocation options, or buying Panama investment property for Airbnb, this guide will save you time, money, and stress. ✔️

From choosing the right neighborhood to understanding Panama City’s 45-day rental rules, to furnishing your unit like a five-star getaway, Melissa breaks down the essentials that turn a simple condo into a profitable listing. These strategies are the same ones she teaches affluent North Americans who rely on her expertise to build real estate portfolios and elevate their expat lifestyle in Panama.

You’ll learn how to design for the camera, what amenities drive bookings, how to select the right property manager, and why professional photography and scroll-stopping visuals matter more than ever. ✔️ If you want your Airbnb to stand out in a competitive market, this episode gives you the blueprint.

At Choose Panama Real Estate, Melissa and her team help future hosts identify the best buildings, understand which zones legally allow short-term rentals, and evaluate whether a property is better suited for vacation stays, corporate tenants, or long-term income. Their goal is simple: guide you toward smart, profitable decisions so your Panama real estate investment performs from day one.

Whether you're dreaming of oceanfront living, a walkable city vibe, or a turnkey investment property that earns while you’re away, Melissa’s insider knowledge will show you what actually works in the Panama rental market.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact

About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.

Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #panamarealestate #panamarelocation #buyingpropertyinpanama #expatlifeinpanama #panamainvestmentproperty #airbninpanama #panamatravel #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!