This Central American Gem Was Just Named The World’s Best Place to Live Abroad
Thinking of packing up your laptop, grabbing your passport, and starting a new life somewhere sunnier (and cheaper)? Well, according to expats around the globe, the best place to do just that isn’t Spain, Bali, or Thailand — it’s Panama!
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InterNations, the world’s largest expat community, has just released its annual Expat Insider survey — essentially the Oscars of living abroad — and Panama once again took the top spot. Over 10,000 expats from 172 nationalities voted, rating 46 countries on everything from ease of settling in and quality of life to working abroad, finances, housing, and those boring-but-important things like visas.
And Panama? Well, it crushed it.
Why expats love Panama
- 94% of expats say they’re happy living there (global average is miles lower).
- Affordable cost of living = more mojitos, less money stress.
- Panama City has sleek infrastructure and high-speed internet that actually works.
- They use the US dollar — no mental gymnastics when you’re buying ceviche.
- And for retirees? The pensionado visa is basically a golden ticket.
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It’s not just about practicality either. Expats rave about the country’s lush rainforests, turquoise coastlines, tropical climate, and vibrant culture. Add in great travel links and some of the best food in Central America, and it’s no wonder 35% of expats say they plan to stay forever (compared to just 24% globally).
Panama also ranked high for finances, housing, and overall life satisfaction, joining Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand in the top 5 best countries to live abroad.
So, if you’re daydreaming about escaping the 9-to-5 grind and swapping it for hammocks, fresh seafood, and year-round sunshine, maybe it’s time to say hola to Panama.
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