Choose Panama
Choose Panama
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Panama Bound in Your 40s? Here's What You NEED to Know!
Are you considering making the big move to Panama in your 40s? Then this episode is for you! In this candid interview, we sit down with John Jenks, an American who made the leap to Panama to start a new chapter. John shares his journey from corporate America to the laid-back lifestyle of Panama, diving into the unexpected challenges, rewarding surprises, and life-changing experiences he’s encountered along the way. We discuss everything from the cost of living and lifestyle adjustments to the close-knit expat community and endless outdoor adventures that make Panama such a unique place to call home.
If you’re dreaming of making a similar move, John’s insights will give you a real feel for what to expect-and what to plan for. Whether it’s adapting to a new pace of life, discovering new hobbies, or finding your tribe among the local community, this interview is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from someone who's taken the plunge and thrived.
@choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #johnjenks
#PanamaBound #MovingToPanama #ExpatLife #PanamaLifestyle #StartANewAdventure #LivingInPanama #PanamaExpats
Переглядів: 112

Відео

Get Your Drivers License in Panama FAST with These Insider Tips!
Переглядів 20921 годину тому
In this informative video, we’re breaking down the steps to get your driver’s license fast in Panama, without making rookie mistakes! Navigating the process might seem overwhelming, but with a few insider tips, you can streamline everything from paperwork to your driving test and get on the road in no time. We’ll walk you through each step, including the documents you’ll need, where to go, and ...
John Carney's INSANE Music Career Revealed!
Переглядів 25414 днів тому
John Carney's INSANE Music Career Revealed!
Panama City Like You've NEVER Seen Before!
Переглядів 94114 днів тому
Panama City Like You've NEVER Seen Before!
7 Things You Must Know About Panama's Tax System
Переглядів 42021 день тому
7 Things You Must Know About Panama's Tax System
Why Panama is the Hottest Real Estate Market for Expats!
Переглядів 43028 днів тому
Why Panama is the Hottest Real Estate Market for Expats!
Panama's SECRET to Avoiding Devastating Hurricanes
Переглядів 893Місяць тому
Panama's SECRET to Avoiding Devastating Hurricanes
Panama vs Costa Rica: Which Is Better for Retirement
Переглядів 833Місяць тому
Panama vs Costa Rica: Which Is Better for Retirement
Panama's BEST International Schools for Your Kids
Переглядів 142Місяць тому
Panama's BEST International Schools for Your Kids
7 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Panama
Переглядів 743Місяць тому
7 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Panama
10 Essential Things to Know About Panama's Healthcare Before You Move!
Переглядів 280Місяць тому
10 Essential Things to Know About Panama's Healthcare Before You Move!
Discover PANAMA'S Hidden Cultural Secrets
Переглядів 802Місяць тому
Discover PANAMA'S Hidden Cultural Secrets
Panama's TOP Expat Insurance Options EXPOSED!
Переглядів 245Місяць тому
Panama's TOP Expat Insurance Options EXPOSED!
Experience the HIDDEN GEM of Panama's Casa Bonita
Переглядів 284Місяць тому
Experience the HIDDEN GEM of Panama's Casa Bonita
Expert Foodie Shares Top Panama Cuisine Picks
Переглядів 473Місяць тому
Expert Foodie Shares Top Panama Cuisine Picks
3 Residency Options for Expats in Panama You Need to Know
Переглядів 1,5 тис.2 місяці тому
3 Residency Options for Expats in Panama You Need to Know
Panama Unveiled: The Real Cost of Living in 2024
Переглядів 5 тис.2 місяці тому
Panama Unveiled: The Real Cost of Living in 2024
How to Retire in Panama
Переглядів 4072 місяці тому
How to Retire in Panama
Is Panama a Good Place to Retire?
Переглядів 2552 місяці тому
Is Panama a Good Place to Retire?
Why Invest in Panama? Interview with Liz Larroquette
Переглядів 3222 місяці тому
Why Invest in Panama? Interview with Liz Larroquette
Top 10 Tips for Buying Property in Panama
Переглядів 1652 місяці тому
Top 10 Tips for Buying Property in Panama
Unusual Travel Experience: Learn to Salsa in Panama
Переглядів 1142 місяці тому
Unusual Travel Experience: Learn to Salsa in Panama
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Panama
Переглядів 3423 місяці тому
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Panama
Is Panama Really Safe for Expats in 2024? I Have the Answer?
Переглядів 7303 місяці тому
Is Panama Really Safe for Expats in 2024? I Have the Answer?
Discover Your Dream Home in Panama with VIP Service
Переглядів 1153 місяці тому
Discover Your Dream Home in Panama with VIP Service
Why FRANK'S PLACE is a Must-Visit Restaurant In Panama
Переглядів 3153 місяці тому
Why FRANK'S PLACE is a Must-Visit Restaurant In Panama
Dream Life: Living Half-time in Panama
Переглядів 2,1 тис.3 місяці тому
Dream Life: Living Half-time in Panama
He Moved to Panama and Aged Backwards
Переглядів 3163 місяці тому
He Moved to Panama and Aged Backwards
Teachers Buy Beachfront Dream Home - You Can Too!
Переглядів 7234 місяці тому
Teachers Buy Beachfront Dream Home - You Can Too!
Bringing Your Dog to Panama: What You Need to Know
Переглядів 2984 місяці тому
Bringing Your Dog to Panama: What You Need to Know

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @grcerosa
    @grcerosa 11 годин тому

    Yes, Melissa very informative information😊

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 години тому

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

  • @timsanders4621
    @timsanders4621 20 годин тому

    Very informative. Thank you.

  • @JulieAndMike
    @JulieAndMike 2 дні тому

    Miss you guys!!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama День тому

      We were talking about you last night to some new friends. See you soon!

  • @hilariowilson5570
    @hilariowilson5570 6 днів тому

    What they are doing is to keep all, Panamanian and foreign residents equally safe.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 дні тому

      Yes, you're absolutely right!

    • @me2752
      @me2752 3 дні тому

      Didn't you watch the news?, few days ago a couple from Montreal (Canada) was assaulted and almost killed by a 4 or 5 armed men near Panama City

  • @angelstar7656
    @angelstar7656 6 днів тому

    How are Mulino's proposed changes to the CSS affecting the economy and people's perception of their lives in Panama, as well as their perception of expats?

  • @Dianawales
    @Dianawales 8 днів тому

    Faaaaaabulous skin!!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 дні тому

      Ahhh thank you! And thanks for watching!

  • @kenfoster1508
    @kenfoster1508 11 днів тому

    Just booked my tickets for the first of next month and renting a car ! Will i have trouble driving without knowing spanish ?

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 дні тому

      No, you'll be fine. My suggestion is to make sure you have roaming Internet so you can use Google maps or Waze while you're driving, as street signs aren't always visible.

  • @junebarens8709
    @junebarens8709 13 днів тому

    Awesome ... Thank you John & Melissa .

  • @gkitz89
    @gkitz89 13 днів тому

    Love, Love, Love, John Carney. Thanks, Melissa, for sharing.

  • @gregoriousgotti5115
    @gregoriousgotti5115 14 днів тому

    DIGITAL HI FIVE 🖐️💯🇵🇦🌎

  • @kleristonmuricy9253
    @kleristonmuricy9253 16 днів тому

    ❤ Panama For those expats who require a high level of health, security, education, peace, health water, good people and a high standard of selection of fresh goods at great prices. Panama is a better fit over all others in Latin America. Welcome to Panama! ;))❤

  • @MarcioSilva-qd1zs
    @MarcioSilva-qd1zs 16 днів тому

    Panamá

  • @RobertLoyed
    @RobertLoyed 18 днів тому

    Yet another boring selfie of someone wanting free money. Where is the airport info, the money exchange, map of where everything is, public transportation. You see, there so much more to visiting a city then sitting in your room and talking to your phone 😂

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 6 днів тому

      @RobertLoyed... Thanks for giving us information that you would like to see. We try to keep everything in easily-consumable chunks, so I'll be sure to add information about airport, maps, and public transportation in future episodes.... although that may be 3-4 episodes and not one. We have an actual studio with lighting, microphones and professional cameras (no phones!), so it's hard to move the studio to the street and get the same quality. But we do spend a lot of money on B-roll to help tell the story. Thanks for watching.

  • @etorawa9367
    @etorawa9367 18 днів тому

    Yo, this showed up on my timeline and I didn't know what to expect. It's really good! I want to visit Panama City now.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 6 днів тому

      Glad you liked it. Let us know if you need any help planning your trip.

  • @ultimatedsoup5965
    @ultimatedsoup5965 18 днів тому

    Why is Europe treated as one country…

  • @Revirex
    @Revirex 18 днів тому

    Not in warsaw :)

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 дні тому

      Thanks for stopping by! Whether you're in Warsaw or not, I appreciate your support and engagement with the video!

  • @zombiehoof9486
    @zombiehoof9486 19 днів тому

    What a load of bollocks!

  • @truthseeker9454
    @truthseeker9454 19 днів тому

    Subscriber here. I knew of some of these but was not aware of others. Thank you for expanding my awareness of these other contributing factors!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 4 дні тому

      I'm glad you're finding the information useful. Thanks for subscribing!

  • @vanessacommini631
    @vanessacommini631 22 дні тому

    Nice view in the background, where is the part of Panama, inf. About your lawyer

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 21 день тому

      This is Playa Bonita... where there are amazing views of jungle, ocean, the ships as they enter the mouth of the Panama Canal, and Amador Islands. Let us know when you come to Panama and we'll give you a tour. :)

  • @JamesVarnas
    @JamesVarnas 23 дні тому

    Great information-any good info on getting dogs into the country, long trip from Florida, but I am seeing some nice oceanfront homes, around David, it would be a tough drive, I looked at Manta but can't cross and Andie's MTNS, and don't want to fly them, Great Danes too big of babies-I enjoy your videos Thanks

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 23 дні тому

      @jamesvarnas... the drive could be very complicated, as you would probably need to have import and export documents for each of your dogs for every country you passed through. I don't know anyone who has done this, but as a fervent dog owner, I wouldn't chance it. (This doesn't take into account that some of the countries might actually be dangerous to drive through. I know someone who drove down with his son as was held at gun point in Nicaragua.) I realize it's heart-breaking to put your babies in a crate and put them in the belly of a plane. However, I did this myself out of necessity, and with planning, it can be fine. Especially since the flight from Miami is short and direct. Here is a link to a blog I did (quite a long time ago) www.choosepanama.com/bringing-pets-to-panama.html. Also, here is a link to a video we did: ua-cam.com/video/nUGpL1oMIhE/v-deo.html Good luck!

  • @timpeters3039
    @timpeters3039 29 днів тому

    You did fail to mention that flights out of Panama are somewhere between 70-120% more expensive than flights out of Costa Rica. Minus 1 from Panama and plus 1 to Costa Rica.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama 26 днів тому

      Thank you for your comment. I just did a random price search of different destinations, making sure I was comparing the same dates from PTY (Panama City) and SJO (San Jose). I put in destinations such as US, Europe, and South America. Sometimes PTY was cheaper and sometimes San Jose... but for the most part, the prices were within 10% of one another. I couldn't find even one instance where the prices were anywhere in the range of 70-120% difference, for either country.

  • @formerlyknownashammerofthegods
    @formerlyknownashammerofthegods Місяць тому

    Drivers have the right of way in Panama not pedestrians.

  • @sandrabedard7848
    @sandrabedard7848 Місяць тому

    We chose Costa Rica over Panama for retirement almost 4 years ago and never regretted it.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching.

    • @justinewhittaker4097
      @justinewhittaker4097 14 днів тому

      We Panamanians love our tico neighbors 🥰 their wins are ours and we work together for a better world

  • @goki77yourse7f
    @goki77yourse7f Місяць тому

    Your lies will get people killed.. wtg

  • @j.caravaca9436
    @j.caravaca9436 Місяць тому

    7:34 it's mentioned that the population of San José, Costa Rica, is 340,000, but it's actually 1.482 million. Also, Costa Rica's weather is better as it's not as humid as Panama. This video seems a bit biased and somewhat misinforming. However, she does make good points. In the end, Panama is a better choice if cost is a concern, but if you're financially comfortable, Costa Rica is the better option. That said, if you prefer big city life, Panama wins. For country life Costa Rica wins.

    • @sandrabedard7848
      @sandrabedard7848 Місяць тому

      Agreed. We retired in CR almost 4 years ago and never regretted it!! We chose CR over Panama.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thank you for your comments. We always try to be as factual as possible. We just double checked, and according to Wikipedia, at the last Census there was a population of 350,535 in San Jose CITY. However, in San Jose PROVINCE there was a population of 1.34 million. Since Costa Rica has grown since the last census, I'm sure your number is accurate for San Jose province as of 2024. Here is our source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Costa_Rica If you have a different source, please share, as again, we try to be as factual as possible.

  • @ernestoroldan8786
    @ernestoroldan8786 Місяць тому

    hi, excelent video, I am a retired military from USA, pensioner from USA, born in Costa Rica, living in Costa Rica now. Defenitly, Panama has the upper hand against Costa Rica, the only drew back for me is the hot weather in Panama. Here in Costa Rica, I do not have any issues with most of legal tgings, becouse I am costarican citizen, however, This is a very expesnive country in general...I am thinking to move to Panama or Medellin, Colombia. Can you make a video that shows wich country is better, Panama o Medellin,Colombia Thanks

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching. Yes, we'll put this topic on our list!

  • @Random-ed2xf
    @Random-ed2xf Місяць тому

    So unless the rent is dirt cheap, not any less.

  • @merchellecham5658
    @merchellecham5658 Місяць тому

    Im a coming!!

  • @guillermogouldburn763
    @guillermogouldburn763 Місяць тому

    2 of Latin America's 50 best restaurants are in Panama, and are the only Central American restaurants on the list. One of them is at #25 position, and the other is at an impressive #6 position.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Great comment, thank you. I've looked this up and will incorporate into another upcoming video.

  • @paulbrungardt9823
    @paulbrungardt9823 Місяць тому

    Note to New Yorkers -- Panama is now closed. We don't need anymore loud mouthed Know it Alls.

    • @kingferg7582
      @kingferg7582 Місяць тому

      So can we say to all Panamanians to stop comin to America?.. it’s every single day😩

    • @janick01ify
      @janick01ify 11 днів тому

      ​@@kingferg7582how do you feel about people from minnesota?Personally, i'm with you on the new yorker problem

  • @juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379
    @juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379 Місяць тому

    Melissa don’t forget a big one. Is Costa Rica your day ends at 5:30pm, totally night time by then. And the sun comes up before 6am. It does at the same time but they’re an hour behind so it’s nuts having your days ending so quickly. I didn’t like it. It has its charm Costa Rica with its people but it is a more socialized country than Cuba. It’s not communist, don’t get me wrong. But for example, their local products, like our estrella Azul or whatever, its more expensive over there 🇨🇷 than over here 🇵🇦. That is nuts. In regards to the health care system, Panama has the best ranked hospital all the way fro. Central America to the Caribbean and Mexico. The Pacifica Salud Johns Hopkins hospital ranked top #1 in the region. Top 7 in Latin America. 👌

  • @gkitz89
    @gkitz89 Місяць тому

    Thank you, Julio, for your great information. I have been a client for six years, and he has earned my utmost trust.

  • @robertochu5337
    @robertochu5337 Місяць тому

    the top schools are, balboa academy, ISP, brader, panamerican school and you forgot to mention academia which is in costa del este , then its javier, oxford, san agustin which you forgot to mention as well, but great video

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thanks for your input. I'll mention these other ones next time!

  • @Satory-wt9dg
    @Satory-wt9dg Місяць тому

    You are destroying Panama's economy

  • @kleristonmuricy9253
    @kleristonmuricy9253 Місяць тому

    ❤ I love Panama Love the people

  • @bigpapi72
    @bigpapi72 Місяць тому

    Hello, nice channel so far. I will need insurance soon for a home. Do you have Julio's contact?

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      yes of course! Insurance@j2lSeguros.com

  • @TwisstedHippy
    @TwisstedHippy Місяць тому

    Oh my God, I don’t know what’s going on in Texas, it’s normal to bring your own bag and I don’t know why you’re texting while you’re driving that’s insane and I don’t know. I’m thinking that all your comments are more like you haven’t been out of your house for a long time. Sorry to say.😂

  • @michael0719
    @michael0719 Місяць тому

    Wow, very informative!

  • @nolanwalley3979
    @nolanwalley3979 Місяць тому

    Hope I can visit soon and use these tips

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Looking forward to seeing you in Panama!

  • @cydneyjenks4287
    @cydneyjenks4287 Місяць тому

    So excited to visit Panama again soon!!!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Panama is looking forward to seeing you back as well!

  • @JulieAndMike
    @JulieAndMike Місяць тому

    Great tips ladies! I love your hat!👒

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thanks!! And thanks for watching.

  • @amandagleeson2625
    @amandagleeson2625 Місяць тому

    I call driving in Panama ‘assertive driving’ 😂

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Assertive Driving. Yep, that's it!

  • @peytonlehmann3029
    @peytonlehmann3029 Місяць тому

    So pretty!

  • @StaceyJenks
    @StaceyJenks Місяць тому

    ❤ I love living here!

  • @robertochu5337
    @robertochu5337 Місяць тому

    Austin Mamas have the best american bbq and roadster dinner is american food as well, apart from all american chain food restaruants lol

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Great tip. We'll have to try it.

  • @truthseeker9454
    @truthseeker9454 Місяць тому

    Very useful information, thank you! $40 / month on average for car insurance?! I hadn't seen that stat before. Even more reason to like Panama. I also checked our your link to property rentals and saw a beautiful condo I've bookmarked for future reference. I liked and subbed, and will watch for more videos from you. Grace and peace!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching and subscribing. :)

  • @LauraVictoria-x5x
    @LauraVictoria-x5x Місяць тому

    Very entertaining video thank you. I also loved the tips ❤

  • @Mialovesphoto
    @Mialovesphoto Місяць тому

    You're fun!!

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Thank you! And thanks for watching. :)

  • @Unknown2743
    @Unknown2743 Місяць тому

    The Panama Canal is drying up actually, and as someone who currently lives in Panama I can confirm that a lot of the information provided in the video is objectively false.

    • @choosepanama
      @choosepanama Місяць тому

      Actually this month we've increased the traffic in the Panama Canal again. We were in the worst drought in 70 years (since they started measuring) but the drought is lifting.

  • @Chillnote
    @Chillnote Місяць тому

    👏🏻