lapapuja
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
65
About me
American
Registration: 22 December 2013
What can or can鈥檛 you bring into Panama by GinnyP
We are planning on moving down there. But where can I find a list (in English) that tells us what we can and can鈥檛 bring into the country from the USA? I鈥檝e checked the links from the expat pages, and when I click them, they are in ...
Also some things that were alive. Treated wood only, no animal skins, animal ivory, anything flammable, and items with the contents under pressure. Read More
Panamanian Citizenship by RAW2019#
To Whom ever will respond; Yes, I am a newbie of sorts, I have lived in Panama before back in 1950, my Father was responsible for the ammunitions dump deep in the jungle with the Navy. We lived on the Navel reservation, I was only three years old at ...
https://shelterbaymarina.com/ This is their website link. If you plan to apply for residency then this Marina puts you closer to services you will probably need. Read More
Panamanian Citizenship by RAW2019#
To Whom ever will respond; Yes, I am a newbie of sorts, I have lived in Panama before back in 1950, my Father was responsible for the ammunitions dump deep in the jungle with the Navy. We lived on the Navel reservation, I was only three years old at ...
Have you checked out Shelter Bay Marina in the old Ft. Sherman area? Read More
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 ...
I had an emergency visit to a clinic while there and everything was covered. Even the ambulance to get me to the hospital. So far everything has been covered but a small co pay on a few prescriptions and some lab tests and x-rays. I know every ... Read More
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 ...
My main reason for going back is for medical care. I rarely need it but when I did I was asked for a huge "deposit" before treatment recently. Read More
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 ...
Oddly enough I am leaving Panama after 22 years and heading back to Orlando. Read More
2 months in Panama - where to stay? by Ravenus
Hello We are looking to relocate from Melbourne, Australia for a few 1-2 month stints next year (3-6 different countries, 1-3 months in each). It's kind of a 'slow travel' project, while I am on maternity leave. One of the places we ...
Sounds like Las Tablas area to me. There are many smaller towns nearby. Pedasi, Pocri, Mariabe, Lajamina, La Laguna, and many more. Look on a map for all the small towns between Las Tablas and Pedasi. Read More
Would like to teach my art glass classes by GlassArtMan
I will be Roatan, Honduras July 16 to Aug 3rd and I'm thinking about flying down to Panama. I want to check out Boca Del Toro. What airport should I fly into and then how do I travel to Boca Del Toro. What days would be the best time to come ...
The Pacific beach areas include Coronado, Santa Clara, Rio Mar, Gorgona and others. I can't help with hotels because I never stayed in any there. Read More
How did you do it? ..moving to Panama by Alexandra310
My husband and I are thinking about moving to Panama. First question that comes to our mind : what will we do work wise.. he speaks Spanish better than I do, but I know I'll pick it up easy as my native language is latin based I would like to ...
What business you start would depend on what you are really good at doing and what is needed or wanted in the area you choose to live. The businesses that are most popular have flooded the country with immigrants from other latin countries plus ... Read More
Would like to teach my art glass classes by GlassArtMan
I will be Roatan, Honduras July 16 to Aug 3rd and I'm thinking about flying down to Panama. I want to check out Boca Del Toro. What airport should I fly into and then how do I travel to Boca Del Toro. What days would be the best time to come ...
A friend of mine is a glass artist in Chiriqu铆. It is a hobby for her because they also run a B and B. As the poster above mentioned, it is hard to get all needed supplies in Panama. I also agree that Bocas would not be a good choice for ... Read More
Best Community for Artists by GuestPoster3
My husband is an Artist. What are the best Cities and neighborhoods in Panama to visit with the intention of moving there? Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, Toim
Every artist has particular things they like. I would think that Casco Viejo would be definitely worth a visit for architecture, museums, and local crafts. Las Tablas is nice for local arts. A lot of traditional clothing, music, musical ... Read More
Boquete or Volcan, What's Your Preference? by apanamamama
[url=https://steemit.com/panama/@corazondelcielo/volcan-or-boquete-which-was-right-for-us]Volcan or Boquete, Which Was Right for Us?[/url] Some people don't even realize that there are other places to live in Panama other than Panama City and ...
I lived in Volcan for many years but I really like Boquete also. Read More
Safety around Area Bancaria by dcracken1
Hello, I was planning a trip to Panama City and was going to stay at the Marriot in the financial district. Is that area safe to explore on foot during the day? How about at night? I am a white male in my late 30s, never been mugged in my life, and ...
Just an after thought.... do not worry one bit about being noticed as a tourist. I can spot a tourist easily and usually not because how they are dressed. Read More
Safety around Area Bancaria by dcracken1
Hello, I was planning a trip to Panama City and was going to stay at the Marriot in the financial district. Is that area safe to explore on foot during the day? How about at night? I am a white male in my late 30s, never been mugged in my life, and ...
Panama City is accustomed to tourists so U.S. rules would apply for the most part. Fancier the restaurant... dressier the attire. I have seen a few tourists taken aside for fashion advice. One example was a woman in a bikini with a sheer beach ... Read More
Safety around Area Bancaria by dcracken1
Hello, I was planning a trip to Panama City and was going to stay at the Marriot in the financial district. Is that area safe to explore on foot during the day? How about at night? I am a white male in my late 30s, never been mugged in my life, and ...
I can't help too much with comparing U.S. to Panama. I have had 21 years here and it is something I just don't think about. Panamanians are mostly polite even when they may not like you. They will say the rude stuff after you are out of ... Read More
Safety around Area Bancaria by dcracken1
Hello, I was planning a trip to Panama City and was going to stay at the Marriot in the financial district. Is that area safe to explore on foot during the day? How about at night? I am a white male in my late 30s, never been mugged in my life, and ...
I gave some thought to the most common danger to tourists in the area.....and as silly as this may sound, it is when they are looking around and not paying attention to where they are walking. Do not wear flip flops. Watch for holes, twisted metal ... Read More
Safety around Area Bancaria by dcracken1
Hello, I was planning a trip to Panama City and was going to stay at the Marriot in the financial district. Is that area safe to explore on foot during the day? How about at night? I am a white male in my late 30s, never been mugged in my life, and ...
It is a safe area. If you are from Chicago then you know how busy cities are. The Marriott is in an area where you can walk to get almost anything you need. Including the Metro. I have lived in that area for about 10 years now in case you have ... Read More
Cooking like a local in Panama
Maybe a bit off topic but I would say that the most difficult thing I had to learn about local cooking is the cuts of beef. When I first came to Panama many years ago I live out in the interior so I had to cook with what was available. At times I ... Read More
Crossroads Christian Academy (Corozal) OR Oxford School (Transimica)
From those two schools I would go with Crossroads. If money and dealing with traffic was not an issue, I would go with KSIP (Knightsbridge Schools International Panama). Read More
Sending money from Canada to Panama by jdsilva
What is the fastest and least inexpensive means of transferring money from Canada to someone in Panama? I am looking for an alternative to Western Union, which is very expensive. I do not believe you can link a Panamanian bank account to Paypal, ...
I use a U.S. bank debit card here in Panama. I have a trusted relative also on the account that lives in the U.S. There are some costs. The ATM is about $5.00 to get cash but I have never used it. Almost everywhere I buy things, I can use the ... Read More
Can we receive SSA in Panama ? by Jiffen
Hello All, We are a retired couple in Portland, Oregon thinking of relocating to Panama. We will plan an extended vacation first to get acquainted with the locale and try to find a location to our liking. Any suggestions there would be most ...
You can get your SS in Panama but I find it easier to just have it direct deposited to my U.S. bank account. I spend more time in Panama than the U.S. so I had to go through the embassy to make the arrangements but my U.S. account works better than ... Read More
So...what's it like to live in Panama??? by margaretdemichelis
Hola! I am thinking about re-locating to Panama, and I鈥檇 really like to talk to some people who have had this experience. I am 60 and an almost-retiree. Would anyone be open to sharing their experiences, insights and perspectives, either ...
I rather like Boquete. There was no work for me there but it would be on my list of places to live. It gets a bit cold for me sometimes but I can always wear a jacket when it gets below 70. Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
My situation would be different than most but I will give it a go.... How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Panama? Currently rents in a 3/2 w/ 1/1 maid's quarters, 250m apartment in the city center from 1200. to 1600. How ... Read More
So...what's it like to live in Panama??? by margaretdemichelis
Hola! I am thinking about re-locating to Panama, and I鈥檇 really like to talk to some people who have had this experience. I am 60 and an almost-retiree. Would anyone be open to sharing their experiences, insights and perspectives, either ...
I just remembered a hotel that I have heard all good things about. Hotel DeVille in the center of Panama City. Comfy, clean, restaurant downstairs, and close to everything. Read More
So...what's it like to live in Panama??? by margaretdemichelis
Hola! I am thinking about re-locating to Panama, and I鈥檇 really like to talk to some people who have had this experience. I am 60 and an almost-retiree. Would anyone be open to sharing their experiences, insights and perspectives, either ...
I would have to do the same thing as you would do, which is go hunting hotel info on the internet. If you find a good price somewhere I could tell you about the location/area only. Read More
So...what's it like to live in Panama??? by margaretdemichelis
Hola! I am thinking about re-locating to Panama, and I鈥檇 really like to talk to some people who have had this experience. I am 60 and an almost-retiree. Would anyone be open to sharing their experiences, insights and perspectives, either ...
I have lived in 5 different areas in my 20 years in Panama. Too many experiences to share here but if you plan to be in Panama City I could meet with you. Read More
Exercise equipment store
Just check Craigslist Panama or Barter Panama on FaceBook. Many come up for sale or trade. I just saw one on Yahoo's Panama Forum for sale. Read More
I'm currently looking at the more mountainous areas of Panama by FlaGirl
Hi: My name is Suzan and I am single, semi-retired, and looking to relocate to Panama in the next year. I'm currently looking at the more mountainous areas of Panama and would appreciate ANY helpful information you would care to pass on ...
I lived in the mountains of Chiriqu铆 for some years and I am also from Florida. Being a single, older female I thought you might have some questions for me. I have been living in Panama for almost 20 years now. I live in Panama city now. Read More
Your best business development ideas in Panama by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Panama is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
Vacation (short term) rentals are allowed if you have legal permits to do this and will charge the tourist tax for the government. What is not allowed is short term rentals where you rent on your own with no permits. There are some apartment ... Read More
Customer care in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Panama and ...
You cannot compare Panama to the U.S...... maybe to a state but not the country. Even a small country like Panama has differences in customer service practices in different areas. In the area of real estate there are some very bad deals out ... Read More
Customer care in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Panama and ...
The last two comments are good examples of experiences in Panama. I have had both good and bad ones in my near 20 years here. Tough1sweet1, hang in there but one day you may have to accept the fact that you will have to take a loss. (Mine was ... Read More
looking for a call center company by Annj Herrera
Hi guys.. I am looking for a call center company. I speak english and I have good communication skills. can someone help me find company there in panama? gracias..
First you need to get residency and a work permit. It is possible to do contract work here and there if you have a particular needed skill or experience. I have done that for two or three months at a time. Read More
Can you work under the friendly nations visa? by Leapoffaith2016
If you start a business and apply for the friendly nations visa does that allow you to work?
Yes you are entitled to a work permit with the Friendly Nations visa. Your attorney can prepare the paperwork so you can go to get your work permit once your residency is approved. If you are working for your own business you will count as a ... Read More
Avoiding penalty when cancelling US health insurance
You can check the website for exemptions to the health care laws. There are several but it depends on your particular situation Read More
Trash in Panama by brownsand
Hello, My name is Sandra. I am thinking about retiring to Panama but, I keep reading about garbage in Panama. It seems to be a problem. I would like to know the truth about this---is there any place in the country where garbage is not a problem? Are ...
Just chatted with friends in Boquete. One just adopted another stray cat. So it is possible they are no strays because she would adopt every one she finds. SunsetSteve, I am guessing you do not live in Panama or have not been here long. In ... Read More
Trash in Panama by brownsand
Hello, My name is Sandra. I am thinking about retiring to Panama but, I keep reading about garbage in Panama. It seems to be a problem. I would like to know the truth about this---is there any place in the country where garbage is not a problem? Are ...
Yes, there are some clean beaches in Panama. The well known, touristy beaches are kept clean. Small town beaches usually have a big clean up day at the end of their summer before school starts again. Read More
Trash in Panama by brownsand
Hello, My name is Sandra. I am thinking about retiring to Panama but, I keep reading about garbage in Panama. It seems to be a problem. I would like to know the truth about this---is there any place in the country where garbage is not a problem? Are ...
I lived in Chiriqu铆 for many years. In all, I have lived in 5 different areas of Panama and been to many others in my 19 years here. It is true that Boquete is cleaner than most. I haven't been to visit for almost a year but I assume ... Read More
Cost of living in Panama 聳 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in Panama in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of Panama you are living in. How much does it cost to live in Panama? > accommodation ...
Most costs I have don't relate to others. I rent a room with utilities included. I also work 2 jobs. one away from home and one at home. Food cost vary a lot depending on if I am at work, eating out, or at home, cooking myself. Nevertheless, ... Read More
Trash in Panama by brownsand
Hello, My name is Sandra. I am thinking about retiring to Panama but, I keep reading about garbage in Panama. It seems to be a problem. I would like to know the truth about this---is there any place in the country where garbage is not a problem? Are ...
Panama is much dirtier than the city I came from. The focus has been on trash but there are other problems that I deal with daily because I walk most of the time. On my route to the grocery store in a "nice" area of Panama City I have to ... Read More
November Visit
The rain in most places in Panama do not last long and are a relief from the heat. In November I would be more concerned with traveling the country during a month so full of holiday traffic. There are days where many people head out of the city ... Read More
Cost of living in Panama 聳 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in Panama in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of Panama you are living in. How much does it cost to live in Panama? > accommodation ...
There are lots of negatives about Panama. Yes, I complain sometimes. Usually in discussions with Panamanians who have the same complaints. :) The bottom line is that I have been here for 16 years this time, so I must like it. I am also sure I ... Read More
Watching US tv and movies in Panama by kprobo
I'm tech challenged and want to keep it simple.. We're moving to Panama and wonder what prep I need to do?
I have been hearing of VPNs no longer working lately. I don't have a TV since I rarely watch it but I do wish I could get Pandora (for music) here. Spotify just isn't as friendly. Read More
Watching US tv and movies in Panama by kprobo
I'm tech challenged and want to keep it simple.. We're moving to Panama and wonder what prep I need to do?
To watch U.S. TV shows and movies in Panama, you will get them via your internet. Some are shown on the cable TV service but it is limited. Live streaming of many TV shows is possible in the U.S. but it isn't always possible in Panama. When ... Read More
Money
I keep one in the US. It is for online shopping and for direct deposits. 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 ...
How long it takes to get a Pensionado Visa depends on many things. Sunset Steve mentioned his attorney. She has been highly recommended among expats for many years. I first heard of her in 2000 so at least 16 years of recommendations. Moving ... Read More
Watching US tv and movies in Panama by kprobo
I'm tech challenged and want to keep it simple.. We're moving to Panama and wonder what prep I need to do?
The advice that was given is expat advice. I don't watch TV but I have the Magic Jack phone plan. I also use Skype and Skype Out. Read More
Motorcycle regulations and insurance
I do know they have to be plated and insured. I don't know what the costs are, Read More
Water Quality by dbrund
In many countries in Latin America, the water quality is poor and people need to carry around bottled water to drink. However, I've heard that it is safe to drink tap water in Panama. Is that really so or is it only in the major cities, like ...
All the supply pipes in Panama are not PVC. I know this because 3 main water supply pipes, large ones, have burst near my apartment in Panama City. One of these bursts took out a business parking lot and a very large tree. These lines were all ... Read More
cell phone service
No. The easiest thing to do is buy a cheap cell phone to use while here. There are many shops that will sell you one and set it up for you for about $25. You buy prepaid phone cards for use in Panama. For calls to the U.S. while here you can get ... Read More
Water Quality by dbrund
In many countries in Latin America, the water quality is poor and people need to carry around bottled water to drink. However, I've heard that it is safe to drink tap water in Panama. Is that really so or is it only in the major cities, like ...
I can only speak of where I have been and lived in Panama for 19 years. I do not drink the tap water. I have always had to filter the drinking water. All the homes I have had relied on tanks to store water for times there was none. The water was ... Read More
Considering moving to Panama please advise by KarienG
I am considering moving to Panama either opening a tattoo studio or perhaps Mexican Restaurant. Would prefer not to live in Panama City. Would really appreciate any advise from others on this forum. Thanks!
All you have heard in these answers is true according to each person's experiences in Panama. I have lived in 4 different places in Panama in my 19 years in Panama. All have their pros and cons. Besides tattoos and a Mexican restaurant you ... Read More
homeschool teacher needed for grade 9 - Boquete
Homeschooling is not illegal in Panama. All children must attend an approved school to age.... I think it is 12, so a child not attending school is not legal. At age 14 there should be no problem. Read More
Christmas Vacation in Panama / checking it out for retirement
I would suggest spending a day on the Hop On Hop Off bus. It will take you to many different areas of Panama City to give you a good look around. It is a double decker bus open on the top and closed in (A/C) in the bottom. I think it is about ... Read More
Expats meetings in Panama City by Do65
Are there places in Panama City where expats meet ?
The American Society has once a month get togethers. Other than that it is mostly groups of friends meeting up. I see things announced on FaceBook groups, Yahoo Groups and other expat forums. Most of the expats I meet, I meet out and about. The ... Read More
Bus from Allbrook to Miraflores -- any idea about its schedule?
Good to hear you found one. The Miraflores bus leaves from the same area as the C.de Saber and UDELAS busses at the very front of the line of buses nearest the terminal. There are no schedules. They just do the routes so it can take as long as 30 ... Read More
Big Ticket items???? by Almostthere
Can anyone give me a price or prices on Furniture, Appliances, TV's Mattresses and etc. Trying to compare purchases to shipping. Just the basics! Thanks Almostthere
There are lots of stores with varying quality and prices but this site will give you fair idea. (similar to Costco) https://shop.pricesmart.com/pa/sp/ I did not see a button to change it to English but there may be one somewhere. But one thing ... Read More
Cell phones - buy in Panama or bring one from US? by bwadetx
Hola! My husband and I will be relocating to Panama this September and I have a quick question regarding smart phones: -we are up for an upgrade with AT&T and could get a reasonably priced smart phone ( before we drop them! I realize this ...
I would just tell them that you are going to Panama and ask them to unlock your new phone so you will be able to use it while you are away. Someone mentioned Magic Jack which is very useful in Panama. It gives you a U.S. number so friends and ... Read More
Import duty on 20 ft container of household goods and tools? by terriegym
hi could anyone give me a rough idea of how much import duty they have paid on containers. i would have a 20ft container holding household goods and tools, nothing that is new. thanks in advance
Bringing things in your luggage is another matter. I brought in a large amount of used jewelry my mother had given me. No real problem. They asked me why so much jewelry, I told them it was from my mother and they just said OK. The $2000. ... Read More
Import duty on 20 ft container of household goods and tools? by terriegym
hi could anyone give me a rough idea of how much import duty they have paid on containers. i would have a 20ft container holding household goods and tools, nothing that is new. thanks in advance
Household goods is anything used you have in your home. Includes jewelry and musical instruments. Key word is used. If you have things packed in original boxes, multiple, same items, that one would not normally have in their home, they may want ... Read More
buying real estate in panama by jessie gilbert
Hi every one I am looking for people who bought real estate in panama i order to share there good or bad experiences Best regards jessie
Very long and complicated stories for the most part. I will say that if I bought again I would first get a good real estate lawyer that was very familiar with the area I was buying in. I would also spend a lot of time researching the history of ... Read More
buying real estate in panama by jessie gilbert
Hi every one I am looking for people who bought real estate in panama i order to share there good or bad experiences Best regards jessie
I have bought 11 properties total in Panama. I would have to agree with all the warnings given previously. Right now it is almost always better to rent than buy. Read More
Big Ticket items???? by Almostthere
Can anyone give me a price or prices on Furniture, Appliances, TV's Mattresses and etc. Trying to compare purchases to shipping. Just the basics! Thanks Almostthere
As long as you are just looking for the basics, buy in Panama. I have had good luck buying furniture, etc. from those leaving Panama. Many of those people were here just a year or two. Groups, forums, and Craigslist Panama have ads regularly. Read More