DAILY POSTCARD | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 |
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Dear International Living reader,
After years of searching, Colin Collibris finally found home in Boquete, Panama.
What began as a leap into the unknown became a 17-year love affair with mountain views, cooler weather, lower costs, and a welcoming expat community.
Today, Colin says the secret is simple: follow Panama’s rhythm—and paradise can be yours.
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He Packed His Bags—And Finally Got It Right |
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Like many couples searching for the right place, Colin Collibris and his then-wife spent years looking—before landing in Boquete, Chiriquí Province, Panama.
Colin grew up in Charleston, West Virginia and attended West Virginia University for a year prior to deciding that it was not for him. As an alternative he opened the Natural Foods Store, this being the very first whole foods store in the state.
Still yearning for a life he could not yet define, he traveled the world for a year from Beirut to Katmandu, then lived in Scotland for a year.
“Being exposed to other cultures would prove valuable for later in my life,” said Colin.
The next stop was Bainbridge Island, Washington where he started his first electrical contracting business and honed his skills. By the early 2000s Colin and his wife were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their life in the US and began making preparations to leave for a more exciting and rewarding life overseas.
Visiting Costa Rica, they made the decision to purchase property and relocate to this stunning country. However, Colin cautions, “nothing can compare to actually living somewhere. Visits are not enough to understand a new country and new culture.”
Three weeks into their new life they unanimously agreed that this was not where they wanted to be. They decided to move on.
While researching alternative countries online, Colin’s wife discovered Panama, in particular a small mountain town called Boquete. Having a sizable expat community, good reviews, and being close to the Costa Rican border it seemed to be what they were searching for. This time they were determined to immerse themselves before making a permanent decision. They once again packed their bags and headed out.
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The small town of Boquete, Panama is home of coffee plantations and the Barú Volcano National Park.
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They rented a house in Los Molinos which is a gated community a few miles out of Boquete and decided to buy a car. They then met a Canadian expat. When they explained their plan to make Boquete their temporary home base while exploring other areas of Panama, their new friend answered with a smile, “I’ve lived all over Central America and if there was a place better than Boquete I would be living there. You are done, you have arrived, unpack your bags.”
Touring the town and the mountain areas it was unanimous—love at first sight. “We were awestruck by the natural beauty, the mountains and tropical foliage, the quaint town, and the general vibe.”
Colin did not work for the first three years, then proceeded to put on his toolbelt and resume his career as an electrician, which has earned him the tongue-in-cheek nickname Sparky. Utilizing social media, the online community newsletter News Boquete, and word of mouth, he has become well established in his business operating under the name Boquete Electrical Solutions.
In Panama some trades and professions are protected. This means that a foreigner can own a business but must employ locals to do the actual work. Permits are necessary for new construction and when there is a major upgrade to the electrical system.
“My rates are a fraction of what they were in the US but it is all relative as expenses are also considerably less.
“I live in a nice rental house with three bedrooms and two baths, located approximately five minutes from the center of town. It is a mixed neighorhood of expats and locals.”
His basic expenses include:
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- Rent - $750 per month.
- Mobile data - $11.21 per month for 2 GB of data.
- Home internet - $56.67 for 600 MB download and 15 MB upload.
- Water and trash - $120 per year (yes, you read that correctly).
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Colin adds: “I have great internet. It is faster and cheaper than what my brother has in the US.”
Early on Colin was involved with the community theater, running the light board and acting in plays. He also volunteered for several community outreach programs.
Regarding entertainment choices, they are many and varied, including different music venues and an excellent array of restaurants.
It has now been 17 years since that fateful arrival and Colin emphatically states: “I can’t imagine living anywhere else. This is my home. Are there problems here? Of course, as there are everywhere, but I focus on what works for me. The beauty, the friends I have made, and the cooler climate allow me to live in gratitude for the blessing of living in one of the most magical places on the planet.
“The key is to realize that Panama has its own rhythm. Harmonize with it and it can be paradise. Those who don’t do this… do not last long."
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Editor’s Note: We can help you find the best bang for your buck overseas. In a sunny, welcoming part of the world that ticks all your boxes. All thanks to a special resource we've created with exactly this in mind. It's called Blueprint for Your Escape, and it's yours—FREE—with a special offer we have on the table.
Get your copy of this powerful resource here.
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This Special Offer Ends Saturday!
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