Finding a New Life in the Panama Expat Community with Charlotte Van Horn

In this episode of Life Abroad Panama, we introduce Charlotte Van Horn, founder of Black Expats in Panama. Her journey, marked by cultural discoveries and personal growth, provides invaluable insight into the Panama expat community.

Charlotte’s story begins with an unexpected reason for relocating—love. She followed her husband, a native Panamanian, and discovered an entirely new life.

Charlotte reflects on her early days in Panama, filled with property searches and navigating the country’s unique real estate market. Her experience in Panama’s expat community wasn’t always smooth, as she faced cultural differences like the slower pace of service and bureaucratic hurdles. However, her persistence led her to find her place in the community, even amid initial challenges.

One of the most interesting parts of Charlotte’s story is how she turned her passion into a business. Seeing a gap in services for black expats, Charlotte started Black Expats in Panama, a group that grew into a strong community. With cultural relocation tours and meetups, she helps others integrate into the Panama expat community, ensuring they find support and connection.

Charlotte’s journey also includes navigating Panama’s legal system as the spouse of a Panamanian. While her residency process was quicker due to her marriage, she emphasizes the importance of understanding legal requirements for expats and the nuances involved, particularly for those not married to Panamanians.

Today, Charlotte offers cultural and relocation tours that show off the best of Panama, from its urban areas to its culturally rich regions like Colón. These tours not only showcase potential places to live but also highlight the contributions of black Panamanians to the country’s culture.

If you’re thinking about joining the Panama expat community, Charlotte’s advice is simple: come with an open mind. She encourages future expats to embrace the differences in pace, culture, and customs. Her experience shows that while moving abroad can be daunting, it also offers opportunities for growth and reinvention.

For anyone considering a move to Panama or those already here but feeling a bit lost, Charlotte’s story is a testament to the resilience required for making Panama home. Through her tours and community-building efforts, she’s making it easier for others to navigate their own expat journey in Panama.

If you want to learn more about Charlotte and the Panama expat community, check out Black Expats in Panama. You can also follow her on social media or join one of her events to connect with other expats.

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