Wander Open Roads

28/08/2026

🇵🇦 PANAMA UPDATE: DIGITAL DRIVER’S LICENSE COMING 📱🚗

Another part of life in Panama is going digital!

Panama is preparing to introduce its first official DIGITAL DRIVER’S LICENSE, allowing eligible drivers to access their license directly from their smartphone through the Panamá Conecta platform.

Here’s what we know:

📱 The digital license will have the same legal validity as the physical license.

🪪 It will COMPLEMENT the physical license — not replace it.

👮 Traffic authorities will be able to securely verify the digital credential and driving information during traffic stops and routine checks.

✅ To qualify, drivers are expected to need:
• A valid, non-suspended physical driver’s license
• No outstanding ATTT fines
• An active Panamá Conecta account

🔐 Officials say cybersecurity protocols have been validated, and inspectors have been trained to verify the digital credentials.

At the time of the announcement, authorities said they were completing the final legal and administrative steps before launch.

We love seeing Panama continue to modernize everyday services. 🇵🇦

For those of you already driving in Panama — would you use the digital version, or would you still prefer carrying your physical license?

Source: Panama Expat Times https://expat-times.com/panama/technology/panama-to-launch-digital-driver-license-in-coming-days/

27/08/2026

What would it be like to live just minutes from Panama City—but surrounded by tropical jungle, the Pacific Ocean and the beach?

Today we’re touring a 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment at PH Casa Bonita in Playa Bonita, Veracruz, Panama. Casa Bonita is part of Playa Bonita Residences, a beachside community near Panama City with resort-style amenities and access to the Pacific coastline.

In this tour, we’ll show you:
🏝️ The 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout
🛋️ Living and dining areas
🍳 The kitchen
🛏️ Primary bedroom
🚿 Both bathrooms
🌴 Views and outdoor space
🏊 Building amenities
📍 The location near Playa Bonita & Veracruz
🇵🇦 What it’s like living outside central Panama City

If you’re considering moving to Panama, retiring in Panama, investing in Panama real estate, or simply dreaming about tropical living, this apartment tour gives you a look at an area that’s very different from the high-rise neighborhoods in central Panama City.

Would you live in a place like this? Let us know in the comments!

Subscribe to Wander Open Roads for more Panama apartment tours, neighborhood tours, expat life, travel and our journey living in Panama.

What would it be like to live just minutes from Panama City—but sur...

26/08/2026

One of the biggest challenges after moving to Panama isn’t finding an apartment—it’s finding your people.
Whether you’re looking for men’s groups, women’s groups, veterans’ organizations, pickleball, golf, scuba diving, movie nights, hiking clubs, or other expat communities, Panama has countless ways to get connected.
The key? Get involved. Show up. Introduce yourself. Before long, Panama won’t just feel like where you live—it’ll feel like home.
Follow Wander Open Roads for honest advice about moving to Panama, expat life, and discovering the best places, communities, and experiences across the country.

25/08/2026

Friday mornings in Panama are for walking, wisdom, and community! 🇵🇦🚶🏾‍♀️🌴

We joined Marvina for her weekly Walk & Talk at Parque Omar in Panama City. Each week, she shares personal health tips before we walk the entire park loop together—about 45 minutes of movement, conversation, and connection.

Afterward, everyone gathers for a little more fellowship, and some continue the morning over coffee and breakfast. ☕️

It’s these simple community moments that have become such a special part of life in Panama.

23/08/2026

https://youtu.be/QAEkNnmd-2s?si=TxHF9HmS7GkTYlJd

Health insurance in Panama is one of the biggest questions Americans have before moving or retiring to Panama. We sit down with Panama City insurance broker Jan Michel to discuss health insurance costs, coverage, claims, pre-existing conditions, and what expats should know before choosing a policy.

Can you pay cash for healthcare in Panama? Should you choose local or international health insurance? What happens with Medicare or U.S. insurance after moving abroad? We cover these questions and more.

In this conversation, Jan helps us understand how insurance works in Panama and some of the questions you should be asking before choosing coverage.

We discuss:

00:00 Intro
01:13 Expats biggest misconception
03:29 Do you actually need health insurance in Panama?
04:12 How affordable is healthcare?
06:05 Pre-existing conditions
07:14 Available insurance carrier options
08:54 Health insurance waiting periods
09:56 Local Panama insurance vs. international insurance
11:45 Where can health insurance be used?
12:58 Prescription coverage
13:16 What affects health insurance premiums?
14:42 Estimated monthly premium cost
15:46 Claims process
18:48 Renters insurance
20:03 Auto insurance
21:09 Travel insurance
22:05 Umbrella liability insurance
23:31 Life insurance
25:08 Rapid Fire Questions
26:06 Question to ask an insurance broker before buying a policy
26:33 Final words

If you're planning to move to Panama, retire in Panama, or live in Panama as an expat, understanding your healthcare and insurance options should be part of your relocation planning.

Get a free quote and more information here
👉 https://www.wanderopenroads.com/insur...

Insurance policies, premiums, eligibility requirements, age limits, hospital networks, pre-existing-condition rules, and regulations can change. Always verify current coverage and requirements directly with a qualified insurance professional before making a decision.

💬 What is your biggest question about health insurance in Panama? Leave it in the comments—we may use your question in a future expert interview.

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Subscribe to Wander Open Roads for practical information about relocating to and living in Panama.

Health insurance in Panama is one of the biggest questions American...

22/08/2026

🚌⚡ LOOK WHAT WE SPOTTED AT CINCO DE MAYO!

We were at the Cinco de Mayo bus terminal and got our first look at some of Panama City’s new 100% ELECTRIC MiBus buses! 🇵🇦

And these aren’t just test vehicles anymore.

On August 6, MiBus officially began operating its first fully electric public bus service — the Ruta Verde C982 connecting the Zona Paga 5 de Mayo with Casco Antiguo.

The first fleet includes 5 battery-electric buses that can carry up to 60 passengers each and travel more than 200 kilometers on a charge. They also feature low-floor entry, wheelchair ramps, designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers, and Braille stop-request buttons.

But this is just the beginning.

MiBus is also moving forward with a much larger electromobility project that calls for at least 53 additional electric buses, 17 chargers and the infrastructure needed to support them as Panama gradually transitions toward cleaner public transportation.

For Panama City, that could mean:

🌿 Fewer emissions from diesel buses
🔇 Quieter streets and rides
⚡ A more modern and energy-efficient bus fleet
♿ Better accessibility for passengers
🌎 A more sustainable public transportation system

For those of us who live here without a car — and for anyone considering moving to Panama City — improvements to public transportation are definitely something worth watching.

We love seeing Panama continue to invest in its transportation infrastructure! 🇵🇦💚

Have you seen or ridden one of the new electric buses yet? Tell us what you think in the comments! 👇

20/08/2026

How does mail work in Panama? In this video, we explain the Panama mail system, how to send and receive mail in Panama, and the best options for expats living in Panama City.

If you're moving to Panama, living in Panama as an expat, or wondering how to get your mail and packages delivered, we'll walk you through what you need to know about mailing letters, receiving mail, using a P.O. box, and other options for getting mail in Panama.

We share our experience navigating mail and package delivery in Panama and discuss some of the options available to expats and residents. Whether you're considering moving to Panama or you're already living here, this guide will help you understand how sending and receiving mail in Panama works.

📬 In this video:
• How to send mail in Panama
• How to receive mail in Panama
• The Panama postal system
• Mailing letters and packages
• P.O. boxes and mail services in Panama
• Options for expats living in Panama
• Receiving packages in Panama
• What to know about getting mail in Panama
• Mail and shipping options in Panama City

Thinking about moving to Panama? Be sure to check out more of our Panama expat and relocation videos as we explore everyday life, neighborhoods, travel, and what it's really like living in Panama.

🌴 Subscribe to Wander Open Roads for more Panama expat life, slow travel, relocation tips, and adventures from our home base in Panama City.

How does mail work in Panama? In this video, we explain the Panama ...

19/08/2026

Who says city living can't include green space? 🌿 During our apartment and building tour of PH Nuovo Armani in Bella Vista, we discovered this beautiful open garden—a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Panama City. Amenities like this are one reason so many expats are drawn to modern condo living in Panama.

Would having a space like this be important to you? Let us know in the comments!

18/08/2026

Join us as we explore Punta Culebra Nature Center on the Amador Causeway, one of the most underrated attractions in Panama City. Operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, this hidden gem offers sloths, monkeys, marine life, tropical nature trails, and incredible views of the Panama Canal and skyline.
If you’re planning a Panama vacation, considering moving to Panama, or already living here, Punta Culebra is a must-visit destination.
📍Location: Punta Culebra Nature Center, Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama
Subscribe to Wander Open Roads for more Panama travel tips, hidden gems, and expat life!