Denise
@ddmcghee
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
1932
Contacts
9
About me
American, Married
Lives in Alto Boquete, ChiriquÃ, Panam
Speaks English
Registration: 15 May 2017
Activity
Computer store in Las Terrenas or Nagua? by wondering9
Hello, can anyone recommend a store selling computer accessories in either Las Terrenas or Nagua? My laptop is on strike and I need to buy a wired external keyboard. Unfortunately I need it quickly (🤣😪). Thanks for any tips!
@wondering9 Sorry - just seeing this! If you still need one, you can check with Compulandia, Figitec, Deposito (consignment) or what they call the "USA" store - it's a thrift store with all kinds of stuff! Read More
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
Look at Charles Schwab International checking accounts. They work well for US citizens who no longer have U.S. residency. They will reimburse you for ATM fees, so you can withdraw cash from that account and either use the cash or deposit it into a ... Read More
ATM question by expatslu
Hi, I'm due to visit Panama soon, and will be opening a bank account. I'm told I need $5k in cash to do this. Where is there an ATM that allows larger amounts to be withdrawn, or what other suggestions would you have? Is the lawyer winding me up ...
$250 per withdrawal is the limit for any non-Panamanian ATM card. And you will be charged $7.20 per withdrawal. Most ATMs only allow two consecutive withdrawals, then you have to find another ATM, preferably with another bank.I do not have a bank ... Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Yes, the use of the dollar makes it more convenient! We purchased a relocation guide through Panama Relocation Tours. They have a lot of resources available on their YouTube channel and website without buying the guide. Through that network, I've ... Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
We used Mail Boxes, Etc., CPS, and Domex. Domex was by far the fastest and most reliable in our experience! Also a lot cheaper than MBE. Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
Check into Charles Schwab's International accounts. A lot of expats use Schwab for both investments and checking accounts. The checking accounts reimburse you for foreign ATM fees, which can be a big benefit when you live outside the country. Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama. Any information is greatly appreciated.
@chouetteray Hi, what kind of information are you looking for? My husband and I just moved here last month, after living in the Dominican Republic for over 5 years.Pensionado residency is straightforward and easier than a lot of countries. You need ... Read More
How to apostille a document in the Bahamas
Hello! I'm trying to help someone find an answer to how to get a marriage certificate from the Bahamas apostilled. She's a US citizen, but was married in the Bahamas and now needs that marriage certificate apostilled to apply for residency in ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@Panama_expat_DRH When you purchase the online guide, you'll gain access to the community through the members-only Facebook group (which got my husband back on Facebook) and through the monthly meetups. I haven't seen reports from the meet and greet ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't 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 ...
@saratogaenergy I would suggest opening a new thread to ask your questions about establishing a business. This is an introduction thread, for new members to introduce themselves. Having a dedicated thread for your question is much more likely to get ... Read More
Surprisingly efficient Dominican process! by ddmcghee
I've finally become sufficiently jaded so that nothing here in DR really surprises me! I have to admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised on Friday with the speed and efficiency of getting an International Health certificate to take our dogs ...
Our vet came to our house. He already had the vaccine records for all three of our dogs, so he had completed the International Health certificate online and submitted it to DIGEGA for their endorsement before coming to the house. Once we had those, ... Read More
Retirement residency renewal -- proof of bank deposits by wondering9
One of the requirements to renew a residency permit is to prove that you have been depositing the minimum amount ($1500/month) into a Dominican bank. Can anyone who's done this recently say how many months of bank statements are being required? Or ...
When we renewed in August, all we had to provide was proof that we had 6 months worth of pension in our bank account (with a bank letter) since we had not anticipated renewing and had not been transferring our full pension amount each month. Nothing ... Read More
Import tax exemption for houshold goods? by simonr69
We move in April from Switzerland to the DR. and we can pick up our Cedula for temporary residency which was been approved.Therefore we send a 20ft container with our household goods to the DR. I have the knowledge that we could get a import tax ...
We came in with a Pensioner visa and received a full exoneration on our household goods. Read More
Looking for a reliable real estate lawyer in Sosua/Cabarete area by sheinleo
Can someone recommend a reliable real estate lawyer in the Sosua/Cabarete area? Preferably one that you have used yourself.
@UncleBuckI've heard good things about the Perdomos, but I had a really bad experience with another attorney in their firm. The buyer of our home chose her as his attorney. If it hadn't been for Lishali on my side, then we probably wouldn't have ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
We only know a few people in Bouquete. One couple we met through the PRT community. I had asked a question in the group, and he reached out with an offer to help. Nine months and lots of information exchanges later on our second visit to Boquete, we ... Read More