Ship, or start fresh?
One of the first decisions new residents face is whether to ship a container of belongings or buy locally. Both are valid; the maths depends on what you own and where you’re settling.
If you ship
- Use an experienced international mover familiar with Panamanian customs.
- Understand duties and exemptions — rules differ for residents and can change.
- Inventory everything in detail; customs paperwork must match.
If you buy locally
Furniture, appliances and homewares are widely available in Panama City and larger towns. For a modest home, buying locally can be simpler and cheaper than shipping bulky items across an ocean.
Tips
Ship what’s truly meaningful or hard to replace; buy the rest. Get quotes from at least two movers and a customs broker, and align delivery with your housing timeline. Pair this with our renting and residency guides.
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