The Panama Podcast: Introducing American Expat Melissa Darnay

In Episode 1, you will meet Melissa Darnay, the host of The Panama Podcast.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move lock, stock, and wine barrel to a Latin American country? Melissa Darnay did more than wonder about it… she did it. She has been living her "someday" in a luxurious beachfront resort in Panama, everyday since 2012.
Why Panama? That’s the question she gets asked almost daily. Everyone has a story. This introductory episode gives you a taste of Melissa Darnay's story. You will hear about her reasons for moving, what attracted her to Panama, the hardships she encountered, and why she has come to call Panama her forever home.
This episode is the first of a weekly series featuring guests who call Panama home, either full or part time.

[@user-xe8vv6qj1b]

A lovely American Lady

[@johnrencher442]

What wonderful content about your own experience and how it was worth the struggle to become acclamated to your new home… we are planning on taking a tour this coming April and I am so excited, hoping to possibly make Panama our retirement home… The cost of everything here in the USA is staggering… and the political climate is awful and crime… thanks for sharing.. I will be watching…

[@choosepanama]

@johnrencher442... thanks for watching! Let us know when you come to Panama. We can help you with a short-term or long-term rental... or we can help you buy your dream home.

[@trdriver430]

Hi enjoyed your story. We said and elaborated. Will be following and checking out your content. Thanks !

[@choosepanama]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@user-xe8vv6qj1b]

Panama’s beach sun is healthier for the health and skin because being a rainforest, Panama has more sunlight protection than up north or even far south.

[@TheMaryDoll]

How do you keep your skin so young and fresh looking when you are exposed to the sun all day? I love going to the beach in Florida, but unlike most Floridians who don’t protect their skin, I always wear a big hat and wear sunscreen like the ladies do in LA. Thanks for this presentation.

[@choosepanama]

Thanks for the comment! Like you, I always wear a hat and sunscreen. However in all honesty, my skin looks better now than it did a decade ago in Dallas. I chalk it up to the humidity (which is so good for the skin), fresh air, and cleaner/fresher foods.

[@user-xe8vv6qj1b]

PRICE SMART is COSTCO

[@FredQuinn]

Hi,
I enjoyed your video. Panama Pacifico, and Clayton are the areas of Panama that seem to be most suitable to me. Of course I would need to live there for at least a year before I would consider purchasing property in either of those places. I am still in the US and have a question for you. I am wondering how US expats in Panama overcome the 2-Step authentication process required by US banks and government agencies in which it is necessary to have a US phone number? Do they need both a US phone plan and a Panamanian phone plan?

[@choosepanama]

@FredQuinn... yes, you typically need some sort of US phone. The great news is that: 1) Skype works as well for authentication, and 2) Most smart phones allow multiple SIM cards. It's a lot easier now than it used to be to have a US phone number when you don't live in the US. Thanks for watching!