Expat Advice: Moving to Boquete, Panama
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Boquete
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
I shipped via UPS all "necessary" items to decorate as well as daily living items...towels...sheets and all kitchen cooking supplies including china and silverware from Virginia to Panama City. Additional charge from Panama City to Boquete. No furniture or appliances as they were included in the contract. This was a 3500 K expense but we wanted to move right into the house to start enjoying life and not have to shop when there. This did not happen . "OUR" house was illegally occupied and we were unable to have him evicted and after several months returned to the US. Let me make it clear that it was not a Panamanian but a "Gringo" that we bought from. We remain in litigation...one year.
Bottom line..After renting there for months and having time to "find" ourselves I WOULD NOT SHIP ANYTHING. IN PANAMA THERE ARE SO MANY LOCAL AND INTERESTING THINGS FOR A HOUSE and fun to look. Not too far from Boquete near the border of Costa Rica is a great place to start! I gave all away to needy Panamanians and a local church.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
HIRE a local attorney before getting or signing anything. We did so and VERY happy that we did . Do not believe or trust anyone. There are many "reject" Gringos there trying to make a buck and Panamanian law works SLOWLY.
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
We had hoped to live in a house in the mountains outside of Boquete.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
We knew it was cool in Boquete and we contacted a realtor.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
We are certain it is less to live there than in the US although....prices are creeping up at least in the grocery stores.
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Comments about this Report
guestONLY PART OF THIS REPORT IS FACTUAL. I LIVED FOR TWO YEARS IN DAVID, DOWN THE VALLEY FROM BOQUETE. I WAS ROBED BY TWO "BLACK" AMERICANS JUST BEFORE I LEFT PANAMA TO RETURN TO THE STATES FOR A HEART BYPASS. THE LOCALS THERE VERY MUCH LIKE AMERICANS AND ARE VERY NICE PEOPLE. I HAD MANY LOCALS FOR FRIENDS. I RAN AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL IN DAVID. HOWEVER, THERE ARE ALSO MANY NICE AMERICANS LIVING THERE ALSO.
guestCan you describe these 2 " black Americans ( age group, height, body shape, etc) so Gringos in Boquete or David can avoid them ?
guestso WHAT happened with the house you 'bought'? you mentioned you contracted a lawyer at the start, was this no help? there are questionable people everywhere, in every country, in every walk of life. but buying a home and intending to move into it, should NOT be an issue. would love to hear the resolution.
jco1283stay in touch...also want to move to Boquete area
guestthanks for your post. we too live in virginia and have visited panama many times; one more shot on making a move this winter. was interested that you had a lawyer AND a realtor and still NOT a positive experience. was there anything that could have been done to avoid your situation? we've heard of similar circumstances, but almost always with ROP purchases w/out the above mentioned professionals and not a place like boquete. we were going to seriously consider this area because we thought it had been "cleaned up". looking forward to your imput.
jco1283see you there
