Denise
@ddmcghee
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
1937
Contacts
9
About me
American, Married
Lives in Alto Boquete, Chiriqu脙颅, Panam
Speaks English
Registration: 15 May 2017
Activity
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
@NothingNew Not always true - I can send from my US bank for free based on my account type. You can also deposit a check from a US bank for as little as $10 depending on which bank you have in Panama. Read More
Federal Benefit Units FBU (for Americans) by NothingNew
Although this is being posted in the Panama Discussion Group it's actually applies to other countries. Again this only applies to Americans.If you are an American and receive Social Security, Civil Service, Veterans, Railroad and Department of Labor ...
For Panama, the FBU is in Costa Rica, but they visit Panama City and Boquete fairly frequently to provide citizen services. Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@bodyandsoulfitness I've only been here a short time, but I don't find that to be the case at all! There are tons of hiking groups, pickleball, volunteer opportunities, game nights, and more. Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@Morena39 After 5.5 years in the Dominican Republic, we moved to Panama in January. One of the primary reasons we moved is that where we were in DR, Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula, we were 2.5-4 hours away from anything other than very basic ... Read More
Buying stuff online from abroad by expatslu
What is the deal in Panama with buying online? eg Amazon, Etsy type things. Do you need ID and pay taxes like in other Latam countries?
I've ordered from Amazon with delivery to Panama. When you add a Panamanian address, you are required to provide your passport number for customs payments. I keep my shipments under $100 to avoid import duty. One thing I've noticed - some items show ... Read More
Computer store in Las Terrenas or Nagua? by wondering9
Hello, can anyone recommend a store selling computer accessories in either Las Terrenas or Nagua? My laptop is on strike and I need to buy a wired external keyboard. Unfortunately I need it quickly (馃ぃ馃槳). Thanks for any tips!
@wondering9 Sorry - just seeing this! If you still need one, you can check with Compulandia, Figitec, Deposito (consignment) or what they call the "USA" store - it's a thrift store with all kinds of stuff! Read More
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
Look at Charles Schwab International checking accounts. They work well for US citizens who no longer have U.S. residency. They will reimburse you for ATM fees, so you can withdraw cash from that account and either use the cash or deposit it into a ... Read More
ATM question by expatslu
Hi, I'm due to visit Panama soon, and will be opening a bank account. I'm told I need $5k in cash to do this. Where is there an ATM that allows larger amounts to be withdrawn, or what other suggestions would you have? Is the lawyer winding me up ...
$250 per withdrawal is the limit for any non-Panamanian ATM card. And you will be charged $7.20 per withdrawal. Most ATMs only allow two consecutive withdrawals, then you have to find another ATM, preferably with another bank.I do not have a bank ... Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama.聽 Any information is greatly appreciated.
Yes, the use of the dollar makes it more convenient! We purchased a relocation guide through Panama Relocation Tours. They have a lot of resources available on their YouTube channel and website without buying the guide. Through that network, I've ... Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
We used Mail Boxes, Etc., CPS, and Domex. Domex was by far the fastest and most reliable in our experience! Also a lot cheaper than MBE. Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
Check into Charles Schwab's International accounts. A lot of expats use Schwab for both investments and checking accounts. The checking accounts reimburse you for foreign ATM fees, which can be a big benefit when you live outside the country. Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama.聽 Any information is greatly appreciated.
@chouetteray Hi, what kind of information are you looking for? My husband and I just moved here last month, after living in the Dominican Republic for over 5 years.Pensionado residency is straightforward and easier than a lot of countries. You need ... Read More
How to apostille a document in the Bahamas
Hello! I'm trying to help someone find an answer to how to get a marriage certificate from the Bahamas apostilled. She's a US citizen, but was married in the Bahamas and now needs that marriage certificate apostilled to apply for residency in ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@Panama_expat_DRH When you purchase the online guide, you'll gain access to the community through the members-only Facebook group (which got my husband back on Facebook) and through the monthly meetups. I haven't seen reports from the meet and greet ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@saratogaenergy I would suggest opening a new thread to ask your questions about establishing a business. This is an introduction thread, for new members to introduce themselves. Having a dedicated thread for your question is much more likely to get ... Read More