El Cid
American looking for information about Panama
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About me
American
Lives in Los Angeles
Registration: 13 July 2010
Dealing with homesickness in Panama
It helps to have a spouse or partner especially if you have lived outside the states before. You can both cultivate social, leisure and domestic lifestyles in different ways. 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 ...
There are some attempts at customer service in Coronado but that because such establishments were owned by expats from North America or Europe. Agree with many about Panama City -its an art form mastering the charade of ignoring customers and ... Read More
Christmas Vacation in Panama / checking it out for retirement
If you are going to the canal-get there as soon as it opens by taking a cab- always cabs on site for the return trip. Site gets overrun with tour buses after the first hour. Make your way up to the 4th level and take a seat in the grandstands to ... Read More
Expats meetings in Panama City by Do65
Are there places in Panama City where expats meet ?
The Balboa Yacht Club and two American Chain Restaurants Bennigans and Friday's(I think) all three are on the causeway. Bennigans is run down but the other place is real nice near the end of the causeway with a outdoor seating area and US ... Read More
True cost of living (Panama City, Coronado, Padasi, etc) and lifestyle by kennonna
Hi Everyone: My wife and I are going to Panama this January to explore the possibility of moving there. Our goal is to find a place to stay in Coronado for a month (anyone know of a place to rent and/or a company to contact about it) and then move ...
Ken , My wife and I (early 50's) spent a couple of weeks in Coronado, Panama City, and a couple of places in between last year. Rent a place near Coronado from Home Away or one of those similar websites - not a hotel. You need to get a sense of ... Read More
What should I do as far as choosing a city or town... by 1991Recon!
Hello and thanks for getting back to me. Well, in a nutshell; I'm retired Army and live in Portland, Or. I have friends who have been there and tell me about how cool the military and civilian retired community was. So I want to move with my ...
What do you mean by "broke down" and living near a " base". Do you plan to live off what I assume is a modest Military Pension? 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 wife and I did the PC and Coronado stay for a few weeks in December 6 years in advance of an early retirement and came to many of the same conclusion on cost of living, property purchases and ex-pat communities. We will return to Panama as a ... Read More
looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama by knute
I am looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama...don't want to be in the city. Don't know Spanish but assume I should learn atleast some before hand. .Am hoping to travel down to explore it in person in the fall with my son. ...
True. Bars on the windows in El Paso were required in order to get home owners insurance by most carriers in the 90s Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
The advice to consider coastal Texas or Florida was for the New Yorker on a modest budget - not you! How did " Steve" become the bellicose center of this blog? Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
Steve, Steve, Steve..... Your the one who jumped in from the "Great White North" dissected my response to the New Yorker who requested individual opinions - I sure he was not seeking your critique of other responders! Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
No, just trying to rationalize your posts and determine why you would favor Panama over the rest of Central America. There are other locations for western world expat such as Granada- NIC, Antiqua and Lake Attilian -GUA, Jaco-CR Roatan-HON etc. Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
OK, so Canada has failed you and it's form of socialism apparently can't save its people from poverty. Don't wander to far off the 3rd world grid. Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
Agree with the 5k estimate for Panama City Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
Tracking expenditures statistics is no way to live a life especially in retirement. Referring to food as poison and democracies as enslavement places you in an off the grid fringe entity, If Canada & the U.S. has failed you in terms of career, ... Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
There is only one mandatory rental car coverage required in Panama and you can pay for it in advance in the U.S. I hAd good luck with Alamo. At the Airport counter they will insist you need more ignore them present your printout reservation with the ... Read More
Gatering info about retirement in Panama in practice. by atrokhan
Me and my wife decided to visit Panama and see if we can afford life here with a budget $1000-1500 a mo. We've got Hotel in Downtown of Panama City not inclusive (better to understand everything) and rent a Car in Tocumen's AVIS!!! It was ...
1500 won't cut it unless you are prepared to live like a pauper in a rural area. Housing, transportation, utilities and an eventual desire for US type food and products will squeeze you. I would think Social Security for two working adults ... Read More
Driving in Panama by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Panama? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excessÂ… what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
Driving in Panama is as challenging as any Central American country. In Panama City Yield and Stop signs are simply a suggestion. The elevated roadways have short curving entry and exit ramps making it hard to accelerate or slow down. In the more ... Read More
Retired Living in Coronado by spingal55
Well this is our third and final trip to Panama as we are now living here permanently, and about to start the visa application next week. We are renting a lovely home, have a golf membership enoying playing golf 3 times a week. It takes a while to ...
Agree with everything written in the previous post Coronado is a hodge podge collection of people properties and North American inclined merchants Read More
Retired Living in Coronado by spingal55
Well this is our third and final trip to Panama as we are now living here permanently, and about to start the visa application next week. We are renting a lovely home, have a golf membership enoying playing golf 3 times a week. It takes a while to ...
I liked Panama City but it's comparable to major U.S. City price wise and not near the beach Cotonado beach is not easy to access Read More
Retired Living in Coronado by spingal55
Well this is our third and final trip to Panama as we are now living here permanently, and about to start the visa application next week. We are renting a lovely home, have a golf membership enoying playing golf 3 times a week. It takes a while to ...
Take an advance trip first! See my previous posts on Coronado. I have a similar budget as you and decided against it. Why are you opposed to Flagstaff, Prescott or Sedona? If you need the beach what about Rocky Pointt, MX? Read More
Retired military in Panama by krashcra
So happy to have found this forum! I was wondering if there are many retired US military living in Panama. My husband just retired after 22 years (Army) and draws a pension of around $4000/mo that would allow us to qualify for the pensionado ...
I am only familiar with Coronado and Panama City both of which are the most expensive locations in Panama. Coronado has a sizable ex-pat community but does not offer easy access to the beach. Things are spread out and a good and durable vehicle is ... Read More
Retired Living in Coronado by spingal55
Well this is our third and final trip to Panama as we are now living here permanently, and about to start the visa application next week. We are renting a lovely home, have a golf membership enoying playing golf 3 times a week. It takes a while to ...
The Happy Hour move every night to a new location about 3-4 nights a week. Don't try and make the snacks offered your dinner because some of those American/Canadians retirees are half starved when they show up and will run you over! Read More
looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama by knute
I am looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama...don't want to be in the city. Don't know Spanish but assume I should learn atleast some before hand. .Am hoping to travel down to explore it in person in the fall with my son. ...
Pass on Coronado- not particularly cheap, spread out and the beach is not easy to access. You can live in coastal FL or any state on the gulf coast for around the same cost. Visited there and Panama City which I liked - but we are talking ... Read More
Looking for a 1 year rental by Spinal
We need a rental for 1 year starting mid May need two bedrooms close to Coronado area
Twenty minutes outside Coronado in any direction will likely require a car. A house sitting gig would be a good solution for your pension level if one exists Read More
Searching for an beach Community. by Vincep34
Hello, my name is Vince and my interest is to one day move to a South or Central America country. For my goal in the next few years is to to move to a country for 3 months from January through end of March seeing if I like what I see there. I ...
Not Coronado, you would need at least another 1k a month. Places are not walkable nearby and the beach is not easily accessible. I went there in December 2014 with the same intention as you. Coronado simply did not make the cut and I was willing to ... 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!
Unless sponsored by a US or Foreign Company viable employment is a pipe dream - set enough money aside for a return ticket 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]
The recent announcement concerning a new NIC canal by a Chinese backed firm is a unrealistic dream. First the expansion of the Panama Canal is well underway I viewed it in early December and was surprised to see the new lock system is separated from ... Read More
Arriving in Coronado area Jan 5 to Jan /0 by Spinal
Would like to get together with some expats. Have been in Panama since Dec 16 our second trip On an exploratory vacation checking out the best place to live. Have just left Boquete , very pretty met some nice people just not the climate for us
One of the best ways to meet expats is at happy hours hosted by restaurants and bars that cater to them in the Coronado area fromTues-Friday it moves from place to place. I went for a week in early December and didn't particularly like it in ... Read More
Best driving route Tocumen to Coronado
Well , we're far from meek or diminutive having lived and driven in Seoul, Bangkok, Cairo and the more refined city of LA. We having parking available at Coronado and the next leg of our trip in Panama City. But thanks for the tip regardless Read More
New Seafood Market & Resturant Opened in Coronada
Is it any good - I'll be in Coronado next week? Read More
Best driving route Tocumen to Coronado
Thanks for the driving directions I'll be arriving in the morning next week. Read More
Best driving route Tocumen to Coronado
I understand there is construction going on in and around Panama City all the time- are there any detours or rerouting I should do driving a car from the airport to Coronado? Read More
first visit by robertakim
Hello My name is Kim and my partner's name is Ken.We are from Ottawa Canada. We would like to come there for a visit in November or December of this year. What immunization shots do we need? For accommodations if we book a hotel for just two ...
Immunizations is not necessary but if you can get your hands on the antibiotic Cipro and the anti- diarrhea med Lomotil you can recover or overcome just about an illness /infection real quick. As a long time work and leisure traveler in the tropics ... Read More
What insurance I must have? by landerfish
My wife and I are planning are first trip to Panama in March of 2015. I am looking at renting a car, I have read many posts on insurance and I am still confused? Can someone tell me what insurance I must have, what is optional and break it down ...
I just reserved a SUV for 4 days with Alamo when I arrive at Tocumen Airport in December. The rate was cheap (US comparison) so I took the mandatory $12 a day insurance because I am also driving up to Coronado and will use it to check out the ... Read More
Rental Car in Playa Coronado by El Cid
Hello, Where can I rent a car for a couple of day (Coronado) when I arrive in December?
I will try Gold Coast-thanks! Read More
Panama City expert
My wife and I are staying in a private residence across from the Cinto Costera for a few days in mid December. Intend to do a lot of exploring ourselves but would.t mind a knowledgeable guide to escort us around for a half or full day. Do you know ... Read More
Room w/ private bathroom to rent in a share flat on top of Cerro Ancon
Can you post some pictures? My wife and I are looking for a place in the city for a few days in the middle of December. El Cid Read More
Rental Car in Playa Coronado
Hello, Where can I rent a car for a couple of day (Coronado) when I arrive in December? Read More
Roatan by hualapaitiger
Does anyone have any experiences in Roatan?
Just returned from 7 days in West End, Roatan Island, Wife and I in early 50's looking for overseas retirement in 7-8 years. Would not recommend for that purpose. Made up of diving obsessed expats are from mid 20-40s. There are older ones but they ... Read More
retiring by braydenmim
Hi well it's getting closer to our dream retirement in Roatan, but I've been reading blogs on here were people are talking about other places in Honduras is Roatan not recommened for retirement we have visited there on vacations several times and ...
Talk about a "private little argument"? No need to rage against the Gigante de Norte! Read More
Living on Social Security on Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras by sandylyle
Hello, I am a 62 year old North American currently living on Roatan,
What are your sources of income? Read More
Why we really left Boquete... by AuntieFlo
It's my turn to write about what happened. It is helping me to deal with the anger and the loss. We had such high hopes when we came to Panama. We wanted to live simpler, lower-cost lives. We also hoped to build something here, something that would ...
At least in the US/Canada and some nations in Europe your small business dream in not threatened by corruption and prejudice Read More
Why we really left Boquete... by AuntieFlo
It's my turn to write about what happened. It is helping me to deal with the anger and the loss. We had such high hopes when we came to Panama. We wanted to live simpler, lower-cost lives. We also hoped to build something here, something that would ...
Flo, Now that a few months have passed, what is your current opinion on Scotland? Read More
Retired military in Panama by krashcra
So happy to have found this forum! I was wondering if there are many retired US military living in Panama. My husband just retired after 22 years (Army) and draws a pension of around $4000/mo that would allow us to qualify for the pensionado ...
Ken, You must be on the tail end of the Baby Boomers gen like me. I have been collecting my Military pension for about 12 years. My Civil Service pension will be at 59, wife will have SS at 62 with access to her 401K at 59 You have to pay ... Read More
Why we really left Boquete... by AuntieFlo
It's my turn to write about what happened. It is helping me to deal with the anger and the loss. We had such high hopes when we came to Panama. We wanted to live simpler, lower-cost lives. We also hoped to build something here, something that would ...
Flo, You answered everything. Always on the look-out for a good place to settle down and of course avoid the pitfalls. I am convinced where ever we go it will be lease situation until we are positive about staying. Good luck with your future ... Read More
Why we really left Boquete... by AuntieFlo
It's my turn to write about what happened. It is helping me to deal with the anger and the loss. We had such high hopes when we came to Panama. We wanted to live simpler, lower-cost lives. We also hoped to build something here, something that would ...
Flo, Just curious, why did you choose Cuernavaca to relocate? Where ever my wife and I decide to live- additional income or minor/grown children will not be an issue. Social interaction with locals and expats from around the world would be the ... Read More
Retired military in Panama by krashcra
So happy to have found this forum! I was wondering if there are many retired US military living in Panama. My husband just retired after 22 years (Army) and draws a pension of around $4000/mo that would allow us to qualify for the pensionado ...
My wife and I are also considering retirement in Panama in about 5 years. According to other ex-pats your pension is reasonable. Just make sure you pay the appropriate amount of FED taxes on the pension if you ever intend to return and live in the ... Read More
wanting to explore Cartegena, for possible relocation by peggyjune
Peggy here in Denver, Colorado, planning my first exploratory trip to Cartegena, at some point this year. I spent time and lived in Negril, Jamaica for some years; but relocated back to Denver, Colorado. After 7 years, I am looking for another ...
I was in Cartegena for a week last April, same time as Obama- saw him give a speech and drive by an outdoor cafe. I'm from Los Angeles and that city was just as expensive ( food, wine transportation, even groceries). Enjoyed the people, the old ... Read More
Military space A by varmint
Is there a USA military airport located in Panama - I was wondering if I could use my Space A bennie to get there?
Why so little in social security? If you contributed during your time in service and worked for any period following your retirement it should be considerable more. Read More
Living in Panama on a decent pension by El Cid
All Contributors Enjoy the way many local and expats help new arrivals with advice and assistance. My wife and I currently live in Los Angeles, CA (no kids) and expect to retire in a few years with a couple of pensions allowing for 5k (maybe more) ...
CMichael, We will definately have a car and it's a coincidence you mentioned Coronado as that is one of the areas we will check out on an upcoming trip. Wife is alway socially active and would prefer to be close to an expat community of North ... Read More
Living in Panama on a decent pension by El Cid
All Contributors Enjoy the way many local and expats help new arrivals with advice and assistance. My wife and I currently live in Los Angeles, CA (no kids) and expect to retire in a few years with a couple of pensions allowing for 5k (maybe more) ...
AuntiFlo, Definately a car, will be in our late 50's and have lived and driven in places like Seoul, Bangkok, San Jose,CR. Besides no import tax on vehicle. Your also 100% right- no need to spend every dime available to us! Currently looking at ... Read More
Single Woman looking to "retire" by carolinesqueaky
I am a single woman (not yet 40) looking to check out South and Central America, with the possibility of staying long-term. I'm currently researching Panama, Ecuador and Nicaragua... but am having a difficult time in trying to determine which! I'm ...
Not an expert on Panama but I recommend Granada, Nicaragua a Colonial city on a lake with a diverse expat community. If you are looking for younger, cultured and more vibriant try Antiqua, Guatemala, also a colonial town 90 minutes from Guatemala ... Read More
Living in Panama on a decent pension
All Contributors Enjoy the way many local and expats help new arrivals with advice and assistance. My wife and I currently live in Los Angeles, CA (no kids) and expect to retire in a few years with a couple of pensions allowing for 5k (maybe more) ... Read More
90 day visa change ? by flip
Am hearing some posters on other forums saying the 90 day tourist visa for Panama is now 180 days.Has anyone else heard this or gotten one ?
What is the $1000 Scam? I agree with you JIMFORRESTER. Be aware of the $1000 scam in David and the $500 scam at the Paso Canoas scam. MultiBank, HSBC, CreditCorp, Banco Aliado, Banco General, Universal Bank are all own by wealthy Panamanian ... Read More