Tough1sweet1
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
58
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in San Carlos
Speaks English, Hebrew, gringa Spanish (it worked in the U.S.)
Registration: 21 November 2015
Dentistry and costs by GinnyP
Can y’all tell me about the costs and about the dentist down in Panama? I need a few inplants and was wondering about the doctors and the costs per implant I’ve heard about the costs from Mexico and Costa Rica, But I’d like to ...
I wouldn't go to Panama. One dentist told me I had a tooth that was loose and I should have it pulled. (Her husband was in the implant business by the way). Draw your own conclusions. Everyone I knew who went to that office wound up needing ... Read More
Dentistry and costs by GinnyP
Can y’all tell me about the costs and about the dentist down in Panama? I need a few inplants and was wondering about the doctors and the costs per implant I’ve heard about the costs from Mexico and Costa Rica, But I’d like to ...
Take a look at oralaser.com.co. Click on the flag and the whole thing is in clear English. Read More
Work permit or not?
Here's my advice. Don't consult a lawyer, complete waste of money. All are thieves and 98% are incompetent. A work permit is a thrown out $500. Go ahead and do what you are planning to do. Everyone cheats in Panama. Only the poorest ... Read More
Dentistry and costs by GinnyP
Can y’all tell me about the costs and about the dentist down in Panama? I need a few inplants and was wondering about the doctors and the costs per implant I’ve heard about the costs from Mexico and Costa Rica, But I’d like to ...
Forget about all those other countries! Instead plan a trip to Medellin, Colombia, and go straight to the Las Vegas clinic in Sector 6. My fiancee' and I had dental work done there (two full mouth sets of x-rays, 7 fillings between us and he ... Read More
Buy a retirement property in Panama or Brazil? by brazeagle
I am still on planning phase, but been Brazilian and living in NYC for the past 26 yrs! I wonder, should I go to Panama or Brazil for retirement? I will live my son in USA as he is an american born, he will b out of college and working when I move. ...
No use buying in Panama: 1. Thirty percent you will get ripped off big-time and 2. rents are low and there is a huge inventory of rental properties. You have a huge amount of negotiating power. Brazil's beaches are so much nicer anyway, no ... Read More
Legal services in Panama by Priscilla
Hello, Legal services can be a headache when you don't have the relevant and necessary information, especially upon moving to a new country. Please share some tips regarding legal services in Panama. What types of legal services might an expat ...
Legal services in Panama -- AAUUURRRGGHHHHH. ***, said she would handle the sale of my apartment for $1,000, then raised that to $1,700 because it was in a "corporation" -- something everyone would save me on taxes but IT DID NOT. She ... Read More
Warning-real estate in Panama is not what it seems by WarningToAll
We purchased a condo, pre construction, from what we were told to be a reputable and a premium developer [Moderated] of Panama City, Republic of Panama in October of 2006. The project was named Oceanaire, and was supposedly the best amongst the ...
Thank you for sharing your story -- mine is similar but worse. I'll post as soon as I can find the time as I am now wrapped up in cross-border litigation concerning my apartment. Same sort of things -- delivered late, cheapest quality, ... Read More
Warning-real estate in Panama is not what it seems by WarningToAll
We purchased a condo, pre construction, from what we were told to be a reputable and a premium developer [Moderated] of Panama City, Republic of Panama in October of 2006. The project was named Oceanaire, and was supposedly the best amongst the ...
Best rules of thumb for judging a project:. How much of developer's own money is put into the initial investment? Look for close to 20/25 percent How many projects have they completed in Panama? How many complaints have been filed with ... 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 ...
Good job of breaking it down, Jim. My fiancee and I brought a used car in and the taxes they charged were 250 percent of the car's actual value. The used car dealers have their own Mafia here to keep out decent used cars that would compete ... Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
Let me keep this as short as possible: Medellin, Colombia, Florida, or Southern U.S. Panama is not cheap. You will always be charged more as a foreigner, even if your wife speaks perfect Spanish. Panama is in the jungle, it is not the Caribbean. ... Read More
Italian considering moving to Panama - help :) by northblue
Hi, I'm an Italian considering moving to Panama. I'm a little confused there is a friendly nations visa (which doesn't apply for Italy from my understanding but applies for my other country of citizenship) or there appears to be a ...
Feel free to private message me. I will give you what help I can. Read More
Warning-real estate in Panama is not what it seems by WarningToAll
We purchased a condo, pre construction, from what we were told to be a reputable and a premium developer [Moderated] of Panama City, Republic of Panama in October of 2006. The project was named Oceanaire, and was supposedly the best amongst the ...
Tecnorado is absolutely right. Do Not. Do Not Ever buy anything in Panama. Fully 30 percent of foreigners get ripped off. Either nothing gets built, or it's built and you don't get the title. I know many people who got ripped off ... Read More
Younger retiree questions by Jsherm007
Hello - I'm currently 37, live in FL. I am down to Panama, Belize or Costa Rica as my choices to retire to in 2018. I am trying to find the best place that would be good for a mellinial retirement. It seems most programs for expat retirees ...
I would suggest you consider Medellin in Colombia, or Santa Marta or Cartagena. The cost of living is much lower, you can live "like a millionaire" without worries. Colombia is FAR more advanced, organized, cleaner and more pleasant than ... Read More
Wanting to move to Panama - teach english
You will not get hired in Panama. Not even to teach English. My fiance' is completely bi-lingual, he had teaching experience. He could not get a job teaching English that paid even $500 cash. He would also be required to pay $500 for a one year ... Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
Sorry to hear that you are out of dinero. When I returned to the U.S., I immediately started my search for investment properties. My realtor, whom I had known from more than a decade ago, had been paying a mortgage of $12,000 a month, for a dozen ... Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
The country would have no economy if it wasn't for the canal which the U.S. and France built, they would be nowhere without foreigners. Ingrates. They make almost nothing, maybe grow a little coffee. Now I know why everyone was mad at ... Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
International Living should be called International Lying. Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
Here's my advice: Colombia, Colombia, Colombia. Panama cost for visa -- about $3,000. Colombia cost for visa -- about $100. I would not recommend Bogota, but Medellin, St. Marta, Cali, many, many choices, several big cities. Better, much ... Read More
How to save money in Panama
Save money by not living there; not getting ripped off as most gringos do, big time. About a third of the people that buy real estate in Panama get screwed out of their investment: both the property and the money. I just met an experienced real ... Read More
Retiring and moving to Panama by spiritofdc
Hello everyone. My name is Don and my wife is Elsy. 8 to 10 years ago I was on this site and others. I eventually retired, moved to Cali Colombia, and married. My wife was a nurse for 23 years in Cali and when learned she was eligible for pension, ...
Dear DC: I don't care what you went through with U.S. immigration, it will be nothing compared to what you go through in Panama. Most likely, your troubles in the U.S. were caused by a poor attorney. Medellin, Colombia would be a MUCH better ... Read More
Jobs for expats in Panama by massimo70
Hi there, I'm interested in relocating in Panama, currently living in Europe. I'm not retired, therefore need to support myself. I'm wondering what jobs are available for an expat with work permit. Thx
Absolutely correct. I do not consider Panama a "developing nation". It is a third world country, foreigners are NOT welcome, and if you come with any money, you have a big "V" on your back for victim. Lawyers, real estate ... Read More
Jobs for expats in Panama by massimo70
Hi there, I'm interested in relocating in Panama, currently living in Europe. I'm not retired, therefore need to support myself. I'm wondering what jobs are available for an expat with work permit. Thx
The work permit costs $500, once you have FOUND a job you can get one. You do not have to pay that monthly, but be advised that almost any transaction with the government will cost you big bucks. And the things that the government does not ... Read More
Successful job interview in Panama by Julie
Hi, passing a job interview in Panama can be a stressful moment, especially you are not familiar with the cultural and professional codes of the country. How to successfully pass a job interview in Panama ? What happens during the interview ...
Nothing to worry about. You simply are not going to get hired in Panama. There is a law that states as a foreigner, you cannot work as a doctor, nurse, lawyer, physical therapist, to name a few. Also, the law requires that if you want to hire a ... Read More
Jobs for expats in Panama by massimo70
Hi there, I'm interested in relocating in Panama, currently living in Europe. I'm not retired, therefore need to support myself. I'm wondering what jobs are available for an expat with work permit. Thx
You can forget about working in Panama. It is nearly impossible for a foreigner to get hired. Its mostly older retirees who come down here. And new rules about visas for how long you can stay in the country are getting much stricter, now you ... Read More
Cost of living in Panama - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Panama, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
Yes, there are many places to live more than 50% cheaper but you don't have to go halfway around the world for them -- Colombia, for example. Much, much cheaper, more organized, cleaner, better weather, nicer beaches. I spent some time there ... Read More
Cost of living in Panama - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Panama, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
Living in Panama turned out to be way more expensive than I thought. If you want to live in an expat area, not the jungle, count on paying for it. I owned two apartments, the less expensive was $132,000, and although it was gringo-style, it was ... 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'm going. In a few days. I leave behind the following, these are some of the MANY reasons: 1. images and smells of dead dogs left rotting along the highway, being eaten by vultures; other animals abused to within an inch of their lives 2. ... Read More
Jobs for expats in Panama by massimo70
Hi there, I'm interested in relocating in Panama, currently living in Europe. I'm not retired, therefore need to support myself. I'm wondering what jobs are available for an expat with work permit. Thx
Forget about coming to Panama if you do not have an independent income. Laws here require companies to hire 10 Panamanians for everyone foreigner (and that is what you will be, it is also probably getting the same bang for your buck). YOU WILL ... Read More
Where should we buy real estate in Panama? by kcredneck
Wanting to look at real estate in Panama. We built a house in Caye Caulker Belize. Its a nice island, but we are thinking about retiring in about 4 years. We are thinking we should be closer to hospitals etc. We think we would like to be on the ...
And Panama is not hot and humid? 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 ...
I am not saying everything is great or perfect in the U.S. but there really is no comparison. First world vs. third world. I have also lived in Italy, Germany, Colombia and the U.K. All were wonderful. IMHO Panama is a total misery. Okay, I ... Read More
Where should we buy real estate in Panama? by kcredneck
Wanting to look at real estate in Panama. We built a house in Caye Caulker Belize. Its a nice island, but we are thinking about retiring in about 4 years. We are thinking we should be closer to hospitals etc. We think we would like to be on the ...
If you buy anywhere outside of Panama City, beware, the land is mostly untitled and there is right of possession. If you buy pre-construction, beware, 30% of projects never finish and the developers disappear with your money. WHY are you even ... 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 ...
Steve, please stay on your island and away from the rest of us. If by privileged, you mean that when I pay for something, like a beachfront apartment, I actually expect to receive it. And once I receive it, I do not expect the kitchen roof to fall ... 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 ...
I speak Spanish. I come from a community in USA which is 95% Spanish-speaking, friendly and responsive with respect to customer care . My apellido is Padron-Martinez. Its not a matter of language but of attitude here. 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 ...
Dying to go back. Try selling a property in Panama? No one is buying! How about waiting 7 months to get your deed? How about not getting a deed at all and waiting 5 years to try to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars? Take off your ... 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 ...
I look back on days like that with fond nostalgia. At least no dead and starving dogs all over. Trash does not line the roads, and no water/power outages. 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 ...
I take offense to your insult to cows. 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..
Glad to help someone to not make a big mistake. You would make much better money teaching English in Japan and it would be much closer to home! There used to be a lot of demand for that in Japan. 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..
If you are both young join a cruise ship and see the world together. Try and get some experience in selling jewelry. Its one of the easiest jobs on the shops. Read More
Looking for Housesitting/Caretaker Couple in Paradise by JFM1
Hello All! I'm looking for a year-round house-sitting/caretaker couple for Finca Bambu on Boca Brava Island by Boca Chica, Chiriqui. He: handy all-rounder - house and garden; She: All-rounder - cooking and cleaning; For You: Monthly income ...
How much is the salary? Read More
Opening a company by Castanheira
Hi everyone, I am about to open an E-commerce company in Panama. However, it is being difficult to find a trustable legal adviser. Anyone has contacts of companies that can help me out with paperwork and give me some advises? Thanks, Luis
I only know of one honest lawyer here, Celma Moncada. She ought to get a Nobel Prize in Justice. Its so corrupt here that she has filed a denunciation against a Supreme Court justice. If you are opening a business here budget in extra 25% or more ... 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..
I came here because of my fiance John and it was by far the biggest mistake of my life and one from which I will never recover. Just don't do it. I lost over $175,000 anda lot of people have lost more. It is a third world country with first ... 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..
They do not hire Americans here. My husband is completely bilingual and has teaching experience. He could not get hired even as an English teacher. The law requires they hire 10 Panamanians for every foreigner (work product output is the same.). ... 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 ...
Customer service? What are you talking about? After spent 1.5 years here, from a multitude of transactions, I can count the number of competent polite people on one hand. An entire year and a half of dumb blank faces staring back at me, not ... Read More
Panama or Puerto Rico?
Go to P.R. Once you buy real estate in Panama you will be stuck there it is almost impossible to sell. P.R. does not have dead dogs and trash lining the streets. Panama is very expensive now, food prices are 30% to 50% more than U.S. though ... Read More
Immigration attorney in Coronado by ryanbliss16
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest immigration (residency visa, naturalization) attorney that they've worked with in Coronado, Panama?
No, definitely have to go into the city for this. Email me at ** and I will recommend some. You have to be really careful with attorneys here. Read More
Lets Learn Conversational Spanish Together!!!
Yes I would be interested in taking a Spanish class there. I live quite nearby. My level is probably advanced beginner to intetmediate. 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!
Thanks for the warning about Ontario. Seriously. 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!
I don't know about "describing" it but those facts are indisputable. And I did not mention the power outages when the electric goes out and the water does at the same time unless its well water because otherwise the electric pump ... 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!
Things I wish people had told me: there is no official mail service (therefore no eBay), you need a truck or SUV due to condition of the roads, there is no municipal trash pick up and there is a 5% real estate transfer tax. Do your own research ... 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 ...
Hi, I know of a condo which is right on the beach and next to a surfing school. You can call *** for more information, that is the phone number of a neighbor who lives in the building, a very lovely woman who speaks English, French and Spanish. Read More
New members of Panama forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Panama forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat projects ...
You might also seriously consider Medellin, Colombia. Much more of an organized country, higher level of education, roads are paved, mail delivery service exists, the dollar goes much further there, currently 3080 pesos to the dollar, used to be ... Read More
Pool service company in Coronado?
Has anyone used a company called "Pool Special Service of Coronado"? Or used a Coronado property management company owned by Olga Uliantzeff? She is possibility a realtor with United Country Real Estate. If you want to keep some of ... Read More