How to Find a Community and Make New Friends in Panama
Moving to Panama offers many exciting opportunities, but finding a sense of community and making new friends can feel challenging at first. Fortunately, Panama has a welcoming culture, active expat communities, and a variety of social activities that make it easier to connect with others.
1. Connect with Expat Communities
Expat groups are an excellent starting point for newcomers looking to find friends and community in Panama. These groups regularly host events, share resources, and help expats settle in. Some popular expat communities include:
Panama & Costa Rica Expat-Tations 🏝️: Immigration, Travel & Real Estate: A growing community with over 1100 members, offering subgroups based on interests like social events, sports, charity, and more. It’s an excellent platform for building both friendships and professional networks. Become a member and ask away!
InterNations Panama: A global network for expats that organizes frequent meetups and social events. InterNations provides opportunities to exchange tips, share experiences, and build relationships with fellow expatriates.
Many expats also choose to settle in Panama City, Boquete, or Coronado, where the expat community is well-established, making it easier to find friends.
Joining expat communities and participating in social activities are excellent ways to make new friends in Panama. Expat groups like Panamigos and InterNations Panama host regular meetups and provide valuable resources for building connections. Social media platforms, especially Facebook, offer active groups where you can connect with both expats and locals. Popular groups like ExPats in Panama and Panama City Expats & Locals are great places to find events and make new friends.
In addition to online communities, joining clubs, sports teams, or taking Spanish classes can help you meet people with similar interests. Coworking spaces like Workings and My Office also provide opportunities for socializing, especially for digital nomads. Volunteering for charitable causes is another rewarding way to build connections while giving back to the community. By engaging in these activities, you’ll find it easier to integrate and create lasting friendships in Panama.