nfoote
American looking for information about Panama
Forum posts
41
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Beaumont
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 09 December 2011
Keeping up with the news in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Panama provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
You have to make your own judgement. Read More
Keeping up with the news in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Panama provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
It is very easy to keep oneself informed in Panama. I have a paper subscription to Panama America which arrives at my door at about 6:00 am every day. This and Channels 2 and 13 (CableOnda) are good for covering the local stuff, in Spanish. For ... Read More
pensionado visa by lrobinson
Hello all....don't know where to start...my fiancee (Lamont) and I (Lori) want to retire to Boquete Panama and plan to visit in May 2016. I am retired from the Army and he is a truck driver, retiring early. We are both in our 50s so we are a ...
A few weeks to get the temporary card and less than a year for the permanent card. It is best to dispose of most of your stuff in the states and buy used or new in Panama. Shipping costs are expensive and unpredictable, even after ... Read More
Pensionado Visa - worth it? by bwadetx
My husband and I will be moving to Panama this fall. Is spending the $3200 for our Pensionado Visas worth it? Do you really save that much money with discounts offered? I'd love to hear from those who have the visa and from those who chose not ...
Vanessa Arispe Abogada (lawyer) vanje_07@hotmail.com 6848-6450 Read More
Essentials to live in Panama by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Panama, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Panama? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Cost of living has increased in the past year. It is not a good reason to move to Panama because you think it is a cheap place. You can live cheaply but then your customary lifesyle may be diminished. Take a vacation first and see if you like it. ... Read More
Essentials to live in Panama by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Panama, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Panama? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
The less you bring is the better. I shipped 19 U-Haul boxes and in retrospect it was a waste of money since I ended up spending a lot more than the value of my stuff. I bought an apt. here and had lots of choices of furniture, buying most of it at ... Read More
Getting started on Visa by oldfart
Do I have to go to Panama city to get my visa or can it be done from David, Boquete? What would I need to start the process? Besides proof of income. Is it really that hard to do with a good lawyer? We have been on a visit to the area and plan ...
You have to ask an attorney. FYI - you don麓t have to be collecting SS to qualify. An SS document that says ........at age 62 you will collect x, at age 64 you will collect y and at age 66 you will collect z is good enough. You can get it off ... Read More
Getting started on Visa by oldfart
Do I have to go to Panama city to get my visa or can it be done from David, Boquete? What would I need to start the process? Besides proof of income. Is it really that hard to do with a good lawyer? We have been on a visit to the area and plan ...
La Migraci贸n is on Tumba Muerto road (Calle Ricardo Alfaro) in Panama city, so the answer is yes. You do need a lawyer so the main hassle is getting the documents. You need an FBI report and proof of income of at least $1000 per month for the ... Read More
Making phone calls in Panama by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in Panama, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in Panama? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank you in advance for ...
Landlines are relatively cheap if coupled with you Cable TV. Check the websites of Cableonda or Cable and Wireless. Get MagicJack plus if you plan to make a lot of calls to the U.S. or Canada, You can get a triple package with CableOnda: cable, ... Read More
Buying a car in Panama by Kenjee
Hi, To be able to move in Panama, a lot of expatriates think of buying a car, whether new or second-hand. What are the formalities to buy a vehicle in Panama: car registration, insurance, etc.? What are the relevant authorities or ...
It is easy to buy a car in Panama. 7.5% is the tax (I.T.B.M.S.). The Japanese and Korean brands are the most popular, so if you want to avoid problems with obtaining parts stick with these brands. Prices are equal or slightly less than in the U.S. ... Read More
Nicaragua Canal effect on Panama by purplebox
[b]what do you think will happen to property prices and everything else in panama once the Nicaragua Canal is open I would like your opinions on this subject[/b]
Nothing is going to happen. Panam谩 is more than a Canal, even though the Canal gave it a huge jump start and still pumps in 3 or 4 billion a year into the governmet coffers. Read More
English teaching? by piglet44
Hi all have just left China after teaching there for 3 years and I am looking at destinations in Central America. My husband and I are retired but we would like to do some teaching to be involved in the local community.We speak a little Spanish. ...
You can find that type of job here or you can do it privately. You are not going to make much money by European or American standards. Great place to retire if you are a bit adventurous. You Google Visa Pensionado or 'friendly country visa' ... Read More
as a bristish would I need a visa to in migrating to panama?
Yes. You would be included in the 'friendly nations visa'. If you are serious you need to contact a Panamanian lawyer who does immigration. Read More
Coming for a visit - any recommendations on hotels? by bwadetx
I'm putting together our September trip to Panama in order for my husband and I to visit several towns. We need to pinpoint where we want to live next year. We thought about renting a car once we get off the plane but I'm afraid it might get ...
Recommend Casa de Campo hotel in Pedasi. It is a converted old Spanish colonial house and run by one of the original families of yesteryear. It is a bed and breakfast type, with very large rooms and is adjacent to a very good restaurant ... Read More
Coming for a visit - any recommendations on hotels? by bwadetx
I'm putting together our September trip to Panama in order for my husband and I to visit several towns. We need to pinpoint where we want to live next year. We thought about renting a car once we get off the plane but I'm afraid it might get ...
Having visited Pedasi I am not surprised that there is only one trip per day. It is a tiny town with about 500 people (my estimate). On the other hand, there would be multiple daily trips to David, Chitre, Las Tablas etc. Why not catch a bus to Las ... Read More
Questions for the Ladies
Panamanian women dress well and have well done nails. Salon de Belleza (beauty shop) signs are all over the place. You will not have a problem. Read More
is there fast and reliable high speed internet in panama city
There is high speed internet. I am with CableOnda and their service is pretty good. There are occasional interuptions but not more than I experienced in the U.S. Read More
Coming for a visit - any recommendations on hotels? by bwadetx
I'm putting together our September trip to Panama in order for my husband and I to visit several towns. We need to pinpoint where we want to live next year. We thought about renting a car once we get off the plane but I'm afraid it might get ...
Public transport is pretty good and cheap. There is a national transport center next door to the Albrook Mall in Panama City. From there you can catch comfortable air-conditioned buses to most Panamanian cities. You could fly into Panama city and ... Read More
Moving From Canada to Panama? by reza_kr
Hello dear readers, I have stumbled upon expat-blog.com and thought it would be a good idea to connect and gain further knowledge from people who have been expats for a while. I am currently in my mid-20's and have come to a point in my life where ...
Take a vacation first and spend a few days in the area in which you plan to live. Start learning Spanish because you will definitely need it in the interior of the country. Your parents can get a Pensionado visa and you can attach yourself to it. ... 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 ...
$1000 plus $250 for each dependent. This is per month and must be for life. Read More
Health Insurance for over 65
- ms-panama.com/index.php?lang=en Visit the above web-site. Read More
Vehicle transport by CaptainSteve
Does anyone know a good carrier to send my Jeep down and possible cost's? I know that if it looks too expensive, that I could pay a high import tax. It is 6 years old now and has many miles on it. I understand that I really only have 2 choices, ...
Not worth the trouble and expense, especially since it is old and has a lot of miles. This issue comes up frequently and the consensus is: sell the vehicle in the U.S. and buy one here. Panama is chock-full with cars of all types. Prices are ... Read More
Looking to Move to Panama by CaliDevil71
Hi my name is Joey and after much research I am looking at Panama as my top destination to move permanently in the next 8-10 years. The reason that I am waiting this long is so that I may be able to save some cash and become debt free by the time I ...
A couple can live decently in Panama city on $500 per month, plus rent or mortgage. Housing costs vary considerably and really depends on your taste and location. My figure includes, basic groceries, utilities, gasoline, insurance (auto, health) ... Read More
Looking to Move to Panama by CaliDevil71
Hi my name is Joey and after much research I am looking at Panama as my top destination to move permanently in the next 8-10 years. The reason that I am waiting this long is so that I may be able to save some cash and become debt free by the time I ...
Yes. You can get your PENSIONADO VISA and return when you like. No restrictions and you have the option of living here indefinitely. So, it makes sense to get it now and use it later. While you are at it your lawyer can also do the paperwork for a ... Read More
Looking to Move to Panama by CaliDevil71
Hi my name is Joey and after much research I am looking at Panama as my top destination to move permanently in the next 8-10 years. The reason that I am waiting this long is so that I may be able to save some cash and become debt free by the time I ...
Things change fast here, so it is impossible to plan 10 years down the road, if P is in your sights. Laws change.... culture modification, new roads, subway, canal enlargement, cleansing of the harbour, visa rule changes, construction ... Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
Panamanians of modest means do dress very well (fashionably actually) and are well nourished. The point is really that you would have to change your NY lifestyle a bit to live on $800 per month. One thing to know is that public transportation is ... Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
My numbers are for Panama City where I live. Rent is a lot cheaper in the interior of the country (Pedasi,Las Tablas etc). In some parts you could rent a house for $500 or less. These are small communities and away from beaches, of course. ... Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
Narcotics and antibiotics require a prescription, so find a local general physician. Cost $25 per visit. Most drugs are available here, even though the name may be different from that which you are accustomed to. Wages are low in P but you may be ... Read More
Caribbean Coast by Mimcdc
Hello, This is my first post to EXpat-Panama. I have researching Ecuador for over a year as a potential semi-retirement destination. One aspect of my research that I can't get comfortable with is that I can't find any beautiful beaches there that ...
Yes, there are good Caribbean beaches (Red Frog and Bastimiento)in Bocas del Toro which is about 8 hours drive from Panama City. Alternatively, you can fly by Air Panama - 45minutes on a twin-engine turboprop. Suggestion - fly up and take the bus ... Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
I traveled back and forth, each time I was needed in Panama. No problem. Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
It took 8-10 months from start to receipt of permanent card. On first visit to Migracion they stamp your passport indicating that the process has started. About 2 months later I got the temporary card followed by the permanent card a couple months ... Read More
Oh No Another Person Wanting to Move to Panama by Crynwolf
Hello everyone 聳 I am new to this forum, however, I have spent the last couple of days reading posts and threads. Currently I am living in Colorado with my Panamanian fianc茅e and her daughter. This summer we are coming to Panama to be married. Our ...
Many of the professions requiring a license are closed to foreigners but spouses of Panamanians are usually exempt. This is a big advantage if you are a doctor, dentist, teacher, accountant even a cometologist,hair stylist etc. Definitely get a ... Read More
Day traders in Panama
The internet service is pretty good here and, in six months here, power outages have been rare and short. I am in PC. 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 ...
The consensus here is that you should sell the car in the U.S. and buy one here. I followed that advice a few weeks ago and bought a 2011 Hyundai Tucson from Automarket/Dollar Rent-a-car. I am glad I sold my cars in the U.S. It is easy to buy cars ... Read More
help..renting in panama???
Visit encuentra24.com or compreoalquile.com You can stay at a reasonably priced hotel for a week or two while you look around. Check casacangrejo.com or hotelmilan.com Don't know if they allow dogs. Read More
ATM s in Panama by David1946
Hi my name is David and i live in East texas USA and i would like to know if my ATM cards will work in Panama because i am thinking of visiting there in the future. Thanks: ...
I have used my Wells Fargo card in Panama. They do charge the $3.00 fee, as they do, if I use the card at another bank in the US. I have also used USAA and CharlesSchwab cards in Panama. They refund the fee on your next statement. Read More