Iris
@Toddlewis
English expat in Panama
Forum posts
31
Contacts
14
About me
English
Lives in Pedasi
Speaks English, French, some Spanish
Registration: 27 February 2011
Why do some expats leave Panama? by PacificaMaryAnn
As I reach the conclusion of my second exploratory trip to Panama, I felt compelled to discuss this new phase. I want to reaffirm how important it is to spend time in Panama before selling the house, the car, and all the belongings. One month in ...
Thank you for an honest appraisal. This is not really Paradise. In fact, after llving almost three years in Pedasi, and spending a whack of money to get here, we are plannning to return to the west coast of Canada. The exchange rate for Canadian ... Read More
Moving advice. What to bring and what not to bring by Bperazzoli
Im making the move from Atlanta,Georgia to Panama February 16th. I need some advice from expats who have already done so as to what to bring and not to bring as well as any advice on immigration laws, becoming employed....etc!
Welcome! many of your questions are answered in my books: "Panama? Why Panama?" and "Postcards from Panama". The only one I cannot relate to is your question about working here. I do know wages are low, hours are long! ... Read More
Las Tablas by Aldonova
My friend Kent and I are staying in the Las Tabals area the 2nd week of May and would really appreciate someone willing to sit down over a cup of coffee or a cocktail and give us some incite on the area and possibly moving to the region. Thank ...
Hi Kent and Bonnie, I will phone you next week, and hopefully we can get together! Have a good trip... Iris Read More
looking for somewhere to land by rifa01
Hi, I am in the process of looking for somewhere to land. Have a few more years in the states. Looking around Coronado or Boquette...I think...Wondering about activities, roads...safety. Any information is very welcome. Thanks! Faye
Hello Faye, welcome. I have two books published which may answer many of your questions. Panama? Why Panama? (2012) and Postcards from Panama (2014). Both are e-books or available in hard or soft cover, and not expensive. Talk with lots of folks ... Read More
Need some information please ! by S.M.Arif
Hi, Can someone describe how much anyone paid to Attorney Mayra Lamboglia for pensionado ? How long process would take, Is she reliable and honest,, appreciate it for any comments, Thank you, I am new on this blog.
I use a different lawyer and there is an immigration lawyer in that office who handled our pensionados. We paid about $2200 for two of us, and received our temporary card the same day, after a very long process at the migracion. It would have been a ... Read More
Las Tablas by Aldonova
My friend Kent and I are staying in the Las Tabals area the 2nd week of May and would really appreciate someone willing to sit down over a cup of coffee or a cocktail and give us some incite on the area and possibly moving to the region. Thank ...
We would be happy to speak with you. We live in Pedasi, just 40 minutes south and could meet you in Las Tablas for coffee...not much in the way of restaurants, but near where you are staying? We are expat Canadians, have lived here over year now, ... Read More
Pensionado Income by Fuerza_68
I cannot seem to find clear information on the income for a Pensionado Visa. The number I see is $1000. However, is this for one person or two? I am single and I am never clear when I am researching about retiring, whether they are referring to ...
If I am current on this, the 1000 is for one, and it is 1400 for two. Check the Panama Embassy site. You need to prove the income is FOR LIFE and supply evidence of this. Read More
I'm Looking At Panama As a Possibility by GetOutOfDodge
I'm Ed McDaniel, age 72, and plan on retiring to, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama or Ecuador. I came out of retirement to build and open a BBQ Restaurant in Harvest, AL, about 3 years ago, and hope to turn it over to our oldest son (age 50) about mid to ...
Welcome to the forum! I too was uncertain about the grandchildren and leaving them was the hardest part of our move to Panama. We are from Canada, and it is a long trip back twice a year to visit. So far, no family has come here yet...too expensive ... Read More
The other side of the Panamanian postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
The sunny paradise often depicted as Panama is true...there is beautiful weather nearly all the year; the local folk are friendly and tolerant of language mistakes; the fruits are plentiful; beer is cheap; the ocean is usually very close; beaches ... Read More
Does anyone ever get lonely living abroad? by ToddBlackburn
Just Curious because sometimes I do
HAH! We have met so many expats and Panamanians, we can hardly keep up! Iris Read More
What Cable Company has the most English Channels?
We had DirectTV for while, bu tno HD and very little at the basic price. We recently switched to SKY and added $30 t oour monthly cost.We receive hundreds of channels, many HD, lots of English speaking. Very pleased! Iris Read More
Panama Spanish
YOu need to learn Latin American Spanish. This varies throughout Central America a little, but you can be understood well in Panama. I am currently taking conversational Spanish classes in the town of Pedasi and this is a great way to practice and ... Read More
隆Hola Everyone by Hugo&Cyd
Well, guess since I signed in as a new member, I should be friendly and say HI! Cynthia & I are moving (Retiring) to Panama from Colorado in 2015, we will be making our 2nd fact finding trip this December. (First was in Feb 2011). I noticed by ...
If 'beach' is a possibility, be sure to visit Pedasi on the Azuero peninsula. We live in a development called Costa Pedasi Beach Community. There are still lots available, and you may like this spot. If you visit,let me know when, and we can help ... Read More
Recently returned from visiting Panama -- my thoughts & impressions by MizzouFan
I recently returned from my first visit to Panama and I thought I would post some thoughts and impressions from that visit. My intentions were to try and determine if Panama was a suitable country to live in with my 2 young children. Hopefully, some ...
Glad to know you enjoyed your visit. However, others need to realize that there are really TWO Panamas: one is the world class city with its highs and lows and the second is the interior - everything outside Panama City. The interior IS third world ... Read More
Recently returned from visiting Panama -- my thoughts & impressions by MizzouFan
I recently returned from my first visit to Panama and I thought I would post some thoughts and impressions from that visit. My intentions were to try and determine if Panama was a suitable country to live in with my 2 young children. Hopefully, some ...
A great story - full of information for another tourist, and your observations were pretty much what to expect when you live here. Hope you decide to visit again! Iris Read More
Recently returned from visiting Panama -- my thoughts & impressions by MizzouFan
I recently returned from my first visit to Panama and I thought I would post some thoughts and impressions from that visit. My intentions were to try and determine if Panama was a suitable country to live in with my 2 young children. Hopefully, some ...
Interesting observations! As I now live in Pedasi, on the Pacific, I am truly eager to know where you went and your thoughts overall. I blog weekly abut my life here, and have published a book about moving here, called "Panama? Why Panama?" If you ... Read More
Visiting the Fall of 2013 by Kurt01
I have many questions about Panama, but as a first time visitor, I would like to know the best places to see while there, and of course, the places to stay away from. Are the roads decent? I know that's probably a strange question, but I ride ...
Kurt, I suggest you contact internationalliving.com as they have world-wide contacts who know the specifics of US tax ramifications! Good luck as you seek those answers! Iris Read More
Possibly moving to Panama, many questions??? by pennymc
Hello everyone. I am seriously considering moving to Panama by the end of this year and have a few questions. I am in my late 40's retired early and divorced, are their many American's there my age? I have a 16 year old son that would need to be ...
Thanks CMichael...I appreciate the update! Iris Read More
Possibly moving to Panama, many questions??? by pennymc
Hello everyone. I am seriously considering moving to Panama by the end of this year and have a few questions. I am in my late 40's retired early and divorced, are their many American's there my age? I have a 16 year old son that would need to be ...
I'm glad to hear from someone who has made a success of a move to Panama. We arrive on November 12th, and our house in Pedasi will soon be ready for occupancy. It is correct that this little "village" of about 2500 folks is growing...there will also ... Read More
Possibly moving to Panama, many questions??? by pennymc
Hello everyone. I am seriously considering moving to Panama by the end of this year and have a few questions. I am in my late 40's retired early and divorced, are their many American's there my age? I have a 16 year old son that would need to be ...
Once I am living in Panama, my blog will continue with descriptions of the experience of living there. Read More
Visiting the Fall of 2013 by Kurt01
I have many questions about Panama, but as a first time visitor, I would like to know the best places to see while there, and of course, the places to stay away from. Are the roads decent? I know that's probably a strange question, but I ride ...
Hi Kurt, great idea - retire to Panama! Have a look at my blog postcardsfrompanama.net for our experience, and also International Living which has a boatload of information!. Iris Read More
Possibly moving to Panama, many questions??? by pennymc
Hello everyone. I am seriously considering moving to Panama by the end of this year and have a few questions. I am in my late 40's retired early and divorced, are their many American's there my age? I have a 16 year old son that would need to be ...
Hi Penny, congratulations on a great decision! My spouse and I are moving to Pedasi in early November, and think the David area would be lovely. Your son could attend school wherever you go, or there may be a private school nearby. Costs are much ... Read More
Driving license in Panama by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Panama? What are the formalities to get a driver聮s licence in Panama? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for participating ...
Your current driver license is good for 90 days. There is a test to write, plus blood tests, and vision tests, then you receive a Panama license. I do not know the fee. You can get an international license at home also, but I think you will still ... Read More
Immigration lawyer by k1313
Looking for a reputable, honest & reasonable immigration lawyer in Boquete or David to help with all the legalities of becoming a Pensionado. Unfortunately needs to be English speaking since we do not yet have any proficiency in Spanish.
We are using lawyer, Berta Sanchez who is based in Panama City and in Pedasi. She is fully bilingual, and if too far for your needs, may have a referral for you. Reach her at balic259@gmail.com Good luck! Iris Read More
Canadian Families who moved to Panama :) by ohenry
HI, My family and I are moving to Panama from Canada in 2012. We are very anxious to meet other Canadian family's who have already made the move. We live in Okotoks, just outside of Calgary. We have five children, age 6,10, 12, 16, 18. We would ...
So many questions - a good sign if you intend to move. I suggest you subscribe to International Living Magazine and also ask for their online newsletters. Lots of relevant information at that source! You cannot transfer your pension as there is no ... Read More
Canadian Families who moved to Panama :) by ohenry
HI, My family and I are moving to Panama from Canada in 2012. We are very anxious to meet other Canadian family's who have already made the move. We live in Okotoks, just outside of Calgary. We have five children, age 6,10, 12, 16, 18. We would ...
Do you know where you will be living yet? We are a retired couple who will be living in Pedasi, on the Pacific. Iris and Chris Lewis Read More
Relocating to panama by Toddlewis
We will be moving to Panama (pedasi) this year and will be taking our two cats with us,flying from vancouver BC via Houston.We plan to break our journey in Houston for one night.Does anyone have advice e.g.will US allow us to bring our pets in for ...
With the length of time involved, and the myriads of documents required for our move, I started a blog last year. Feel free to follow if this interests you: postcardsfrompanama.net At this point we should start building a home in Pedasi within the ... Read More
Relocating to panama
We will be moving to Panama (pedasi) this year and will be taking our two cats with us,flying from vancouver BC via Houston.We plan to break our journey in Houston for one night.Does anyone have advice e.g.will US allow us to bring our pets in for ... Read More