The Panama Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Why are the world’s millionaires moving to Panama in 2025? From tax-free foreign income and legacy protection to breathtaking oceanfront living, Panama has become one of the top global destinations for high-net-worth individuals seeking financial freedom, safety, and luxury. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, host Melissa Darnay, CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate, breaks down t...

Send us Fan Mail Affordable Tropical Design Tips from a Busy Turnkey Decorator in Panama Transform your Panama home or rental into a tropical paradise—without spending a fortune! In this episode of The Real Expats, host Melissa Darnay and co-host Stacey Jenks sit down with Amanda Gleeson, Panama’s go-to turnkey decorator, to uncover her Affordable Tropical Design Formula. Amanda shares how she dec...

Send us Fan Mail Panama vs old world Europe — which country is better for expats, retirees, and investors? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay compares living in Panama vs living in Hungary, revealing the truth about cost of living, residency programs, real estate fees, property taxes, weather, and lifestyle in both countries. If you’ve ever thought about movin...

Send us Fan Mail Affordable healthcare in Panama for expats? Yes, it’s real. In this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, Melissa Darnay and her co-hosts sit down with Carolina Tristán of MiniMed to uncover Panama’s newest and most talked-about innovation — the Affordable Health Membership for Expats. 👉 Imagine unlimited doctor visits, lab work, and imaging — with no age limits and no pre-existi...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving to Panama and wondering if the cost of living in Panama is really cheaper than in the U.S.? In this video, I break down real numbers—side by side—comparing Panama vs. USA prices for housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, dining out, and groceries. You’ll see exactly how much you can save by living, retiring, or investing in Panama. From $300-a-year h...

Send us Fan Mail Looking for the best real estate investment in Panama City?  Meet Generation Tower, the newest development in Costa del Este, Panama’s business hub with over 120 multinational companies and nonstop rental demand. Designed for investors and renters alike, this project is a triple-threat investment — offering short-term rentals, long-term corporate rentals, and dedicated independent...

Send us Fan Mail How to invest wisely overseas is one of the most important decisions you can make for your financial future. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I’ll share insider tips on international real estate investing, global diversification, and how to avoid costly mistakes when buying property abroad. Whether you’re looking for a Plan B, retirement haven, or an international lifestyle...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving to Panama in 2026? In this special 100th episode of The Panama Podcast, I share my predictions for Panama in 2026—covering real estate, expat lifestyle, cost of living, healthcare, and the hottest areas to watch. If you want to know what’s heating up, what’s cooling down, and the surprises coming next year, this countdown is your insider guide. From pre-const...

Send us Fan Mail Considering a move? Experience the dream! This video covers why moving to Panama could be the perfect choice. We explore the amazing Panama lifestyle and how you can retire in panama on a budget, plus tips for expat life in panama.  #ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay #ThePanamaPodcast Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please...

Send us Fan Mail What makes Playa Bonita Panama so special? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay sits down with both full-time and part-time expats who call Playa Bonita home. From the luxury condos at Casa Bonita to the private Pearl Club Beach Club, you’ll hear first-hand what life is really like in one of Panama’s most exclusive beachfront communities. Whethe...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving abroad to Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, or beyond? Before you pack your bags, watch this video on the biggest mistakes expats make when relocating overseas. From budgeting mishaps to healthcare surprises, I’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes to avoid when moving abroad—so you can save money, stress, and time. With over a decade of experience living in Pa...

Send us Fan Mail Considering a move? Get the inside scoop on purchasing property with advice from a seasoned expert. Learn essential tips about the Panama real estate market and discover Panama homes for sale. Avoid common pitfalls and confidently begin investing in panama and living in panama. Buying real estate in Panama can be the opportunity of a lifetime—but it’s also full of pitfalls. In thi...

Send us Fan Mail Boquete Panama restaurateur Chris Young shares how he went from broke expat with $400 in his pocket to building some of the top restaurants in Panama, including Christopher’s Steakhouse, ranked #1 in Boquete. In this Real Expats interview, hosts Melissa Darnay and Stacey Jenks explore Chris’s inspiring journey of grit, reinvention, and culinary success in Panama’s mountain town of...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving abroad? Discover the 5 things nobody tells you about living in Panama—from daily lifestyle quirks to expat secrets that can save you time, money, and stress. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to retire, invest, or start fresh in Panama, this episode of The Panama Podcast pulls back the curtain with insider tips you won’t find in a guidebook. You’l...

Send us Fan Mail Moving to Panama at 80 may sound impossible, but for American expat Benny Rains, it’s the best decision he’s ever made. In this inspiring episode of The Real Expats segment of the Panama Podcast, Benny shares his story of retiring in Boquete, Panama, building his own slice of paradise, and proving that you are never too old to start over. Boquete is one of the most sought-after de...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving overseas but not sure where to go—Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, or Cyprus? This 15-question quiz will help you cut through the confusion and find out which country is truly the best fit for your lifestyle, investment goals, and future. We’ll walk you through the top 15 factors that matter most to expats and retirees—like taxes on fo...

Send us Fan Mail Buying a car in Panama is very different from buying one in the U.S. or Canada, and in this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, we sit down with Fernando Tristán, Vice President of Sales at Grupo Sílaba and President of ADAP (Association of Car Dealers of Panama), to uncover everything you need to know. 🚗🇵🇦 Whether you’re an expat considering your first car purchase in Panama,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Panama Podcast, Melissa Darnay counts down the Top 10 Health Benefits of Living in Panama—and some of them just might surprise you. If you're looking for Healthy Living, stay tuned for how life in Panama can tick all the boxes.  From year-round sunshine that boosts your mood and vitamin D levels, to clean, non-GMO food, free-range eggs and meat, ocean a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an unforgettable evening at Efímero Nikkei Cuisine, one of Panama City’s most unique and upscale dining experiences. In this episode, we explore the vibrant expat lifestyle in Panama—and what better way to do that than over an elegant meal blending Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine? 🎤 We sit down with restaurant owner Fady El Deek, who shares the inspiration behind...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how the ultra-wealthy legally keep more of their money? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, Melissa Darnay reveals the smart, fully legal offshore strategies that billionaires—and savvy expats—use to protect their wealth in Panama. From Panama foundations and territorial taxation to anonymous property ownership and offshore banking, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes l...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve been searching for the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and modern design in Panama City real estate, look no further than The Ivy. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay dives deep into one of Panama’s most talked-about new developments—The Ivy, a 46-story luxury condo tower in the heart of Santa María Golf & Country Club. From arc...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about moving to Panama? In this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, meet Brittani Panezo, a dynamic expat who turned a simple vacation into a brand-new life. She opens up about embracing the Panama lifestyle, finding love, launching her own business, and navigating the real-life expat challenges that come with relocating to a new country. Whether you’re craving a slower...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the Secret to Luxury Living in Panama City—Without Breaking the Bank! Thinking about moving abroad? Wondering where you can enjoy an upscale lifestyle without paying New York or Los Angeles prices? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay breaks down 7 powerful reasons why luxury living in Panama City, Panama, is more accessible than ever....

Send us Fan Mail You Asked, We Answered! | Panama Q&A with Melissa Darnay, Stacey Jenks and Amanda Gleeson... the Real Expats of Panama. Have questions about moving to Panama, buying real estate, expat life, or starting a new adventure abroad? In this special Q&A episode of The Panama Podcast, I’m answering the questions YOU sent in! From the cost of living and healthcare to residency visa...

Send us Fan Mail Looking for luxury property for sale under $250K in Panama City? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, host Melissa Darnay, founder of Choose Panama, unveils the insider details about Seaside House Panama—a stylish, pre-construction condo project just steps from the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant Calle Uruguay district in downtown Panama City. With delivery scheduled for 2028, thi...