Pros and Cons of Living in Panama as a Black Person | The Truth Black Expats Don’t Tell YOU

Comments · 325

• VI

  @VirtualTravelBrian · 7 months ago · pinned

  Panama is being sold all over the internet as a paradise for Black Americans. Still, this video shows that paradise always comes with fine print, and sometimes that fine print hits you emotionally, financially, and culturally in ways nobody warns you about. Some people find freedom here, others feel something quietly “off,” and both experiences are real. So I want to hear from you: if you had the chance to leave the United States for Panama or anywhere else, what would matter more to YOU, lower costs and sunshine, or cultural comfort and belonging? Drop your honest thoughts below, because the real truth about living abroad only shows up when people stop sugarcoating it.

  63

• LO

  @lopsided518 · 6 months ago

  I'm an African American woman who lived in Panama for 3 years. I loved it and was treated well because I didn't act like I was better than the Panamanians. I shopped where they shopped, ate what they cooked and ALWAYS respected  them and their country.

  140

• AR

  @arimenabrown1823 · 7 months ago

  I’ve been living in Panama City for 1 yr. in March. High rise condo, 3bd, 4.5ba, gorgeous view ($1,500 mo). At age 70, I came here solo to escape the stress of the U.S. I found peace of mind. The Panamanians are very nice. I only felt once a cab driver tried to cheat me, but I stood firm. I have no complaints about Panama. It is everything I desired.

  226

• DA

  @dama_shares · 6 months ago

  First generation Panamanian-American. Born in California. Now, also a citizen of Panamá as of 2024. Grateful.

  54

• R.

  @r.xavier3598 · 7 months ago

  Remember you moved out of US for something different on all levels, adjustment is important

  142

• HI

  @hilariowilson5570 · 7 months ago

  If you come to our country, we are welcoming, but we are a Spanish speaking country, mostly Catholic, but respectful of all faiths. We are a mixture of people which includes Arabs, Jews, Chinese, those of Spanish and African heritage present since the 15th century, those of us of West Indian heritage and many others, of course the original inhabitants represented in several tribes who have retained their culture. Don’t bring your problems, prejudices or hatred, but do bring an open mind willing to accept Panamá for what she is, as she is. Saludos 🇵🇦

  179

• JE

  @jerseymama1978 · 7 months ago (edited)

  I just moved to Panama, Chiriqui province , to be exact. I am often mistaken for Panamanian, even though I am not fluent in Spanish. I feel comfortable everywhere I go. At times, I may be the only Black gringo, but I am never made to feel unwelcome. And the Panamanian people have been welcoming and kind. I am waiting for my permanent resident visa. I don't have to code switch. I am glad that I came to Panama to retire.

  108

• IR

  @IreneF-c5s · 6 months ago

  It is annoying to keep hearing “it’s not necessarily better or worse” when it clearly is better.  Nothing wrong with calling something better.  A good reason to come.

  53

• DI

  @DiscoverGlobePlacesTop10_NL158 · 7 months ago

  Being Black here isn't the issua. Being dark,foreign,and assumed wealthy is.

  48

• PI

  @pinzei · 7 months ago

  There are many Black American retirees living in Panama who are enjoying deeply satisfying and fulfilling lives. While some people do leave the U.S. to escape rising costs or social pressures, many retirees come here for reasons far more personal—peace, quality of life, community, and well-being.<br><br>It’s also important to acknowledge that anywhere you travel in the world, something will feel “different” or unfamiliar. That’s simply part of immersing yourself in another country and culture.<br><br>I do find it challenging, however, to take relocation advice from people who are young and far from retirement age. While their perspectives may be well-intentioned, they often lack the lived experience, perspective, and insight that come with aging, retiring, and navigating major life transitions.<br><br>It’s similar to someone who has never been married or raised a family trying to advise those who have. Experience matters, especially when offering guidance to others making serious, life-shaping decisions.

  66

• AL

  @alanoliver5762 · 6 months ago (edited)

  I came to Panama three years ago. I soon met a Panamanian woman and married her. I only have one gringo friend that I run into regularly. The rest of the gringos I have casually encountered seem to be churchy or you wonder if they have a red baseball cap stashed in their suitcases. I am living very happily in Panama with my Latina wife.

  9

• MO

  @monique.thenurse55 · 4 months ago

  I am BLKRN nurse I’m going to Panama for vacation. I’m definitely going to get the feel of this country. I heard good things about it. I want to see for myself.

  7