Buying computers, printer, phone in Panama?

IMHO - Buy them in the USA, especially if you want to be sure to get the English keyboard. You can buy an iPhone at Apple that is unlocked and has no contract, then buy a SIM card when you get to Panama. The best phone service in Panama is the best service for the area that you will be living. It varies greatly and so get a company that is the best for the regional where you are living. The warrenties will be good, but only if you send them back to the U.S. So, it is a good idea to buy the Laptop and Printer 3 or 4 months before you move, use them. Most electronics nowadays, will fail in the first couple of months, if they are going to fail, that way you can get them exchanged or refurbished if they do fail and not have to send them back for repair.

Agreed on the laptop - while I have been able to get a replacement English keyboard here for my iMac for about the same price, I wouldn't expect tto walk into any store and get one. I used a Spanish keyboard for a bit and actually kind of liked it but..I will use it as a backup.

As far as the iPhone - I am in need ( want due to battery issues) it is time and I would have agreed 100% with buying an unlocked phone in the US - until today.

First, I am in Chiriqui - largest city being David and they now have an authorized Apple Store! That is progress. I was pricing the iPhone 6 in the US unlocked of course vs. the prices in the local authorized store. Yep it was a lot more ( $200 more or less?) BUT if you plan to live here, try getting your new bought phone in the US covered under warranty. Nope - it won't happen or let's say you will be without your phone for a long time.

Plus just like the US ( OK kid in a candy store ) today since this is a huge change- part of the price you pay includes training - in Spanish but wow - let's kill 2 birds with one stone. My Spanish is Ok but a class on a phone I kind of know and warranty here?

I am sold. we are an AAPL house and really just need a new  phone. I currently have a 4S purchased new in the US and shipped here about 1 1/2 yrs. ago (good price) but the darn thing has always had minimal battery life - weird- sometimes full. take a photo.  and dead.

Hope this helps and I guess more than my 2 cents!

Many, many Thanks for everyone's response to my Laptop, Printer and Cell Phone query.  Jeez!  I never even thought of a Spanish keyboard!  I'd be even more frustrated than I already get sometimes on my PC, etc!

Just wait until I reach out about health care!  Cigna wants over $400US per month!  Have I been fooled about the inexpensive health insurance in Panama?

International Health care coverage that will cover you anywhere in the world is available.
We use VUMI with $5000 deductible for each of us, which also covers us for up to 30 days in the US.   http://www.vumigroup.com/
We also have MS Panama Ins. ( more like a discount plan for Hospital Chiriqui)
http://www.ms-panama.com/index.php?lang=en

You can check our blog about oue experience here in Panama getting insurance.
http://latitudeadjustmentblog.com/2015/06/

Good luck!

John & Susan

Be sure to PM me so I can help you get a cheaper health plan.

I am currently looking for a health plan for myself (however only local coverage), ranging from $30 a month to about $100 a month.

If you are looking for intl coverage insurance, then you could still get cheaper insurance buying through a Panamanian broker. (I am not interested in anything above $100 a month though).

Do let me know if I can be of help to you!