My husband and I will be moving down to Panama soon. However, we still are pondering some issues. Hopefully, someone out there can help us. Here goes: 1) We are looking for +/- 100 acres of titled property in the vicinity of the Chiriqui highlands (anywhere between Rio Sereno and Reserva Forestal Fortuna). Is this realisitic? How much can we expect to pay?
2) We are still unsure of what to do with our vehicle - ship it or get one when we arrive. We will eventually get a four wheel drive vehicle. However, right now we have a 1997 Infiniti, with the realization of course that we'll only be able to travel on paved roads. We understand that under the pensioner's program we can buy a new car and have it shipped duty free every 2 years. Is this the thing to do, or is it better to buy something locally? Pros and cons? Also, what about insurance, registration, driver's license, etc., etc.?
3) We have enough furniture to fill a one-bedroom apartment, recently purchased, which we'd like to keep. As far as shipping household goods, any recommendations on carriers/services? Would it be better to part with it and start over?
4)We are currently working with the Panamanian Consulate in Houston to get our pensioners visa. We are still compiling the paperwork to send for authentication. The Vice Consul, Mario Vilar, also runs a small business named "Move to Panama", web site of the same name, and will set us up with his attorneys in Panama City to complete the medical requirements and submit the package to the government for approval. Does anybody know of any pitfalls or snags that we should be aware of? Any recommendations for helping us to prepare ahead of time?

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