Melissa Darnay

The Panama Podcast

Society EN ↓ 157 episodes

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 host, Melissa Darnay, has been doing since 2012. And now, she’s here to show you how you can do the same! Get ready for your weekly escape filled with sunny Panama inspiration, laugh-out-loud expat adventures, and insider secrets that’ll make your move to Panama smoother and more exciting. Melissa is not just an expat—she’s the CEO of Choose Panama , a luxury real estate company, and she’s passionate about help...

Author

Melissa Darnay

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.ChoosePanama.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

We Asked Better Questions and Hit 1 Million Views 08.07.2026

Send us Fan Mail We reached 1 million views on the Panama Podcast. Learn why asking better questions is the strategy behind this channel growth. Reaching 1 million views on the Panama Podcast has been an incredible journey. Instead of trying to have all the answers, I focused on asking better questions to source real insights from the community. This approach helped us build a reliable resource fo...

Your Panama Investment Failed? Here's Why 07.07.2026

Send us Fan Mail Panama real estate offers significant potential for 2026. Learn how new infrastructure and neighborhood growth impact your property investment strategy. This guide outlines why Panama property investment remains a top choice for North Americans establishing a plan B. Whether you are looking at coastal properties or urban apartments, understanding the local landscape is essential f...

Why This Panama Megaproject Has Everyone Watching 29.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail See how Panama infrastructure projects are reshaping the nation's economy. Get an inside look at the massive construction plans currently underway. This overview breaks down the major engineering efforts defining the current landscape of the country. We examine the scale of the 2.5 billion dollar Metro Line 3 and the long-term potential of the Panama-David-Paso Canoas train....

Health Insurance in Panama: What You NEED to Know! 27.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail Healthcare in Panama is often faster and more affordable than in the US or Europe. Learn why expats find the system efficient and personal. Moving abroad involves many logistics, but medical care is often a top priority. This video breaks down how the healthcare in Panama works for those living outside their home countries. We examine the practical differences in accessing special...

Finally, a Simple Way to Get Amazon in Panama! 25.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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 m...

The 30 Day Reality Check: Is Moving to Panama Worth It? 15.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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 thir...

Retiring in Panama: Why Everyone Is Talking About the Pensionado Visa 13.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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" an...

Retire in Panama or Stay Home? The Surprising Facts 11.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Why You Can't Find Panama's Best Deals Online 01.06.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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 emphasiz...

Is Florida Overrated? 7 Reasons to Retire in Panama 28.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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, Co...

Stuck on the Market: Panama's Unsellable Properties 26.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Why Expats Are Flocking to Pinoalto in Boquete Right Now 22.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Your Plan B Just Became Useless | Here's What Works 11.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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 suppli...

Here's What Happens Between Signing and Closing in Panama 08.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Panama Real Estate: The TRUTH Nobody Tells You! 06.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail What happens after you sign a real estate contract in Panama? This is the part of the process most buyers never fully understand—and it’s where having the right guidance makes all the difference. In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, Melissa Darnay walks you step-by-step through what happens after the Promesa de Compraventa is signed, including how deposit...

Your Assets Are Worthless If No One Will Buy Them 27.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Your assets are worthless if no one will buy them. That may sound extreme—but for high-net-worth investors with properties across multiple countries, it’s a reality most people don’t talk about. In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, we break down a critical shift in thinking: why liquidity matters more than appreciation when you’re building a global real e...

Living in Panama: What Expats Only Discover After They Arrive 25.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail What are the things no one tells you about moving to Panama? Everyone talks about the beaches, the weather, and the cost of living. But after living in Panama for over a decade, I can tell you—the real upgrades are the hidden ones. The everyday conveniences, the unexpected luxuries, and the small details that quietly make your life easier. In this video, I’m sharing 10 hidden secr...

We Finally Moved to Panama with Our Dogs | Don't Skip this Video 23.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving to Panama but not sure how to bring your dog? In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, real expats share exactly what it takes to move to Panama with pets—based on their firsthand experiences. You’ll hear from expats who have successfully navigated the process in very different ways: bringing multiple small dogs one at a time, using a pr...

The REAL Cost of Living in Panama | $6000 Gets You This 10.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Discover how the panama cost of living allows for a truly luxurious lifestyle, far more affordable than back home. It's not just about living in panama; it's about upgrading your entire experience with ocean views and household help, embracing a new standard of luxury living. This insight into expat life in panama shows you what's possible when you decide to move to...

$2,000/Month in Panama Gets You THIS Much 08.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Can you really live in Panama on $2,000 a month? In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, I break down the real cost of living in Panama for a retired American couple living on Social Security. If you’ve been wondering whether you can afford to retire abroad—or if your retirement income will go further outside the U.S.—this video gives you a clear, honest loo...

This Couple Retired to Panama—Here's How It Actually Happened 06.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Most people don't just wake up and decide to start moving abroad. It begins with quiet conversations and late-night research, a desire for a freer life. This video explores the transition from dreaming about retirement planning in another country to taking concrete action, highlighting when retire abroad stops being theoretical and becomes a real address. It's about turn...

Most Expats Get This Wrong About Building Wealth Abroad 03.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail We are discussing how buying property in Panama, while a transaction, isn't always a long-term wealth building strategy without proper infrastructure. For those seeking generational wealth, optionality, resilience, and global mobility, focusing on more than just a simple real estate transaction is crucial. This emphasizes the importance of asset protection and comprehensive f...

Condos Don't Build Wealth | Here's Why 01.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Buying a condo in Panama is often seen as a transaction, not a true real estate investing strategy, especially with rapidly changing global economies and tax rules. This video explains how a condo can become smart assets when it effectively reduces volatility and operating costs, contributing to your financial freedom. It emphasizes the importance of risk management by diversifyin...

Asset Protection Strategy Everyone Gets Wrong About Panama 30.03.2026

Send us Fan Mail Beyond the typical lifestyle advantages, this video explores the deeper motivations for moving to Panama, focusing on crucial aspects like legacy building and robust asset protection. We discuss how owning a producing farm can serve as both an appreciating hard asset and a yield-generating property, aligning perfectly with strategic estate planning. Panama presents itself as an id...

Between Offer and Move | The Reality of Your Dream Home 27.03.2026

Send us Fan Mail Imagine the exact moment your dream life in Panama becomes real. Discover the emotional journey of making a long-held aspiration to embrace coastal life a reality. This video highlights the joy and fulfillment of living in Panama, especially when your dream of a beach home is finally within reach, with valuable insights for those considering moving to Panama and exploring real est...

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