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planning 1st trip, looking for General Info

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twostrokes
  11/21/2014 23:22 EST

Will be visiting 01/05/15 until 01/19/15.
1. Arriving at 10pm. What is a reasonable (cheap) but decent hotel you would recommend in PC for a few days?
2. Can one drive on an American Drivers License?
3. Insurance requirements?
4. Is driving more like USA, Europe, or Mexico/Philippines? so I know what I am getting in to. I have done a fair amount of driving outside USA in Mexico and the Philippines.
5. Besides Boquete, what are other places you can visit on a low/medium budget.

This is also a scouting trip for possible move. Just Fed up with the USA right now. So, it is move back to the Philippines where my wife is from and I lived for a total of 15 years spread out over the mid 60's to the mid 90's. Loved 90% of the time I was living there, hated the other 10%. Don't care for big cities, so PC would be out of the question. Hopefully I will find something that will make me want to come back. We are heading to Santa Cruz, Bolivia when we depart Panama for another 3 weeks there.

Any help would be appreciated, or any questions I can answer to provide more info to help you will be provided upon request. Also FYI, we are both in our 60's and have slowed wayyyy down as far as lifestyle goes.

Thanks in advance.

sastrunk
  11/22/2014 09:16 EST

I'll try to help - not living in Panama yet, but we have made several exploratory trips. I'd strongly recommend taking a taxi into PC the first night - it will cost about $30 from Tocumen Airport but will save you a world of hassle! Driving is fairly difficult in PC and they don't believe in street signs, so you're much better off leasing a car once you have settled in to your hotel. There ae several renta companies that have offices in town. I can't really advise you about reasonably priced hotels.

You can drive on an American driver's license for the time you will be there. Your American car insurance will not cover you in Panama, and there are a lot of extra fees and costs tacked on to the rental price - so expect to pay up to 4 times more than the quoted rate. We were in Panama for a week in September ad the car cost about $500 for an economy car.

Driving in PC is a nightmare (no signs, people change lanes without warning, roads just end) but once you get outside the city driving is fairly easy. There is a lot of construction on the Pan American Highway right now, so most trips from PC to David/Boquete will take extra time.

You my also want to consider some of the towns along the east coast of the Azuero Peninsula - Chame, Las Tablas, Pedasi. These are smaller towns with smaller expat populations and fewer North American amenities, but all have expats and are probably less expensive than either El Valle or Boquete.

If you collect Social Security or another pension you might want to look into applying for a Pensionado visa - it provides discounts on many goods and services for people collecting at least $1000 per month (plus $200 per spouse or dependent).

Good luck!

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twostrokes
  11/22/2014 12:12 EST

Thanks much for the reply. Yes, was planning on staying first night at minimum in PC and will arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel. Will probably use one of the recommended ones on this forum. I can imagine the driving, sounds like driving in Manila. The more you learn the city, the less trouble you have, same thing very few street signs and the "me first" driving attitude, or the "I'm bigger than you so I go first" same thing. The cost of rental cars with insurance sounds really expensive. I wonder if it would be cheaper to get out of PC before renting the car, or is it pretty much all the same in the end?

Panama2017
  11/22/2014 12:46 EST

Yes, insurance is expensive. In October, we rented a compact car from Avis at the airport and the quoted price for 8 days was $105. I intended to use the insurance on my credit card to cover the insurance, and they were willing to let me take the car without purchasing their insurance but they "highly" recommended that I buy Avis insurance, which I did. The total cost of the rental was $350 plus we rented a GPS unit for $30.

When I talked to Avis customer service after the trip they said that my credit card would have covered the car. But I am just not sure if the person on the phone really understands Panamanian law. I was going to follow up further and do more research, but never got around to it. If I had to rent a car again I would again buy the rental car company insurance, just to be safe.

jonoyakker
  11/23/2014 02:21 EST

You need to decide on the climate that you want. If you like it HOT, the towns that sastrunk recommends that you visit are ok. If you like cooler temps, you will need higher elevations.

If you have a quad band smart phone and can get it unlocked, you can buy a chip for a couple bucks from any of the Panamanian providers and download WAZE for navigation. That's the best option.

Yes, for the city, hire taxis. There is also a hop on/hop off bus for the tourist attraction. Driving in the interior isn't too bad. Obey the speed limits.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by the number of people who don't speak English. Many service counter people at hotels, and car rental agencies do but not so at many other places. Be aware that good customer service is often the exception. Panamanians overall are respectful but customer service...often not very good. It is slowly improving though.

XSMEMORIES
  11/23/2014 18:22 EST

Hi, being you are getting into Pc, that late, it is also a holiday in Pna. At that hour not sure is the bus from Tocumen is running. And seriously why not travel by bus, clean, and safe. The most important is how hot can you take it. I have a small quiet hotel but I only have rooms available on the 17th--19th. 993-3096

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XSMEMORIES
  11/23/2014 18:23 EST

Hi, being you are getting into Pc, that late, it is also a holiday in Pna. At that hour not sure is the bus from Tocumen is running. And seriously why not travel by bus, clean, and safe. The most important is how hot can you take it. I have a small quiet hotel but I only have rooms available on the 17th--19th. 993-3096

XSMEMORIES
  11/23/2014 18:23 EST

Hi, being you are getting into Pc, that late, it is also a holiday in Pna. At that hour not sure is the bus from Tocumen is running. And seriously why not travel by bus, clean, and safe. The most important is how hot can you take it. I have a small quiet hotel but I only have rooms available on the 17th--19th. 993-3096

XSMEMORIES
  11/23/2014 18:23 EST

Hi, being you are getting into Pc, that late, it is also a holiday in Pna. At that hour not sure is the bus from Tocumen is running. And seriously why not travel by bus, clean, and safe. The most important is how hot can you take it. I have a small quiet hotel but I only have rooms available on the 17th--19th. 993-3096

GlamBabe
  11/23/2014 21:45 EST

It won't be. The buses stop running regularly at the airport around 8-9 pm, I know when I was there picking someone up their flight came in at 9 and the bus stop was deserted without a soul in sight. Perhaps that was just that particular day, but I wouldn't want to risk it. You are much better off setting up your transportation before you arrive.

twostrokes
  11/23/2014 23:11 EST

Yea,
I'm not big on buses from airports with baggage. Too much of a hassle. That's the reason I PM'd you about your recommendation for a driver. Will set something up with him. Next task, find lodging. Then, decide what I want to do/see around PC before heading out into the countryside and up to Boquete. Anyway, hope people keep ideas coming to help me put this together by the end of the year.

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jonoyakker
  11/24/2014 02:51 EST

I haven't used him for awhile, but email Fernando at [email protected]. Good English, great guy. I recommend a hotel downtown near the car rental places. Try Tripadvisor. I had good luck with Thrifty until I bought a vehicle.

stgibson
  11/24/2014 07:53 EST

Driving in Panama is like Mexico and the Philippines. The Hotel Milan is a great place to stay and is smack in the middle of the rental car offices. All of them within a block.also plenty of good restaurants. If you don't like the city then by all means check out Chiriqui. We live in La Acequia which is about half way between Boquete and David. Temperate climate, not too hot and not too cold. We are 15 min. to Boquete a town with international flare and 15 min. to David for shopping and health care. If you decide to visit you can take the bus for $30 or fly for $125 and rent a car from Cowboy Dave for $30/day all inclusive. [email protected]

stgibson
  11/24/2014 08:00 EST

Sorry, you can drive for 90 days on your US license and the "car" is insured here and any licensed driver is covered while driving.if you rent from Cowboy Dave. If you go to one of the rental agencies you will pay $20 -30 /day for insurance and will have to pay more if you add a driver.

stgibson
  11/24/2014 08:02 EST

Sorry, you can drive for 90 days on your US license and the "car" is insured here and any licensed driver is covered while driving.if you rent from Cowboy Dave. If you go to one of the rental agencies you will pay $20 -30 /day for insurance and will have to pay more if you add a driver.

llseldon
  11/24/2014 08:40 EST

Hotels in the P.C. area, ones with the ** are my favorites (too bad La Estencia is gone):
Albrook Inn: Old U.S. Air Force base in the Visiting Offices' Quarters http://albrookinn.com (should have a car to stay here & be familiar with the area)
Balboa Inn B&B: Balboa [email protected] 314-1520
http://www.thebalboainn.com/index.php
Inn on the Canal B&B: La Boca/Balboa, [email protected] 314-0112
www.InnOnTheCanal.com
Esplenador Hotel, Banking District, http://www.esplendorpanama.com/site/home/en/the_hotel
Av. Samuel Lewis y Calle Gerardo Ortega ( NULL)
RESERVATION +507 209-9696
Front Desk 507 209-9600 [email protected]
**Hotel Las Vegas: El Cangrejo
[email protected] 507-300-2020
www.lasvegaspanama.com
**Hotel Marbella: El Cangrejo, see http://www.hmarbella.com/welcome.php 263-2220
**Hotel Milan: El Cangrejo, see http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panamacity/H56896.html [email protected] 263-6130 Fax 263-7723
Panama Vacation Quarters, Ancon Hill aka Quarry Heights site of the old U.S. military Southern Command. See: http://www.panamavacationquarters.com/rates.html
**Torres de Alba Apartment Hotel, El Cangrejo see: http://www.torresdealba.com.pa/english.htm email: [email protected]
Veneto Wyndham Grand Hotel & Casino, El Cangrejo Tel # 340-8888, reservation 340-8686 website: www.vwgrand.com
**My favorites in Panama City, El Cangrego area, convenient to good shopping, casino,

twostrokes
  11/24/2014 13:11 EST

That's some good info,
Thank you,
Jim

twostrokes
  11/24/2014 13:24 EST

OK, Thanks for the list of hotels. Out of that I should be able to find something suitable in my price range.

So, now I have most likely got the transport from airport to hotel located, the hotel located and ready to look around in PC before heading out to the country.

Anyone willing to make suggestions for in and around PC for things to do/see?

jonoyakker
  11/24/2014 19:31 EST

1. Embera village tour with Anne Gordon-unforgetable 2. Casco Viejo-cool restored old town 3. Panama viejo-500 yr old Architectural ruins 4. Bahia Temple-cool getaway retreat 5. Amador Causeway-nice walk at night. 6. Canal and Museum. Also a nice canal museum in CV. All are free/cheap except #1 & 6

twostrokes
  11/24/2014 21:01 EST

Jonoyakker
Thanks for the input....sounds like I need to go ahead and plan on a few days in PC before moving on. Hopefully a little more input, then I will know how many days to book the hotel for. I think it is all slowly coming together. I sure do thank all who have given me input.

llseldon
  11/25/2014 02:54 EST

If you go to Boquete consider the Ladera Hotel, it's across the river from the town square but a first class hotel & reasonable rates.

twostrokes
  11/25/2014 08:29 EST

llseldon
Date Posted: 11/25/2014 2:54 AM

If you go to Boquete consider the Ladera Hotel, it's across the river from the town square but a first class hotel & reasonable rates.


I checked the price...may be reasonable for the hotel, but out of my desired budget range. Hopefully I can find something in the $60.00 or less range.
Thanks for the input though.

panamajames
  11/25/2014 10:11 EST

I know of a great little hotel in Boquete with all the amenities you need, fridge, stove, internet, Satellite TV, for $40 a night, and as nice or better than the Ladera. A friend booked it for the month of January and has to leave early. It is available January 20th to the 31st if those dates work for you, about 12 days. You can e-mail me for details. [email protected] I had another friend with a house for the entire month of December to give away to a house sitter, but it has been taken...........

Raven0013
  11/25/2014 11:54 EST

On your trip it is a lot cheaper to use buses around panama. I was there in 2010 for 22 days , rented a car and was charges $300.00 a week for car insurance with Avis. A bus from PC to Boquete will cost you round $6.00 per person and the buses are like Grayhound buses here in the States. You can't use your IS Insurance
inPanama.

panamajames
  11/25/2014 12:14 EST

Bus rides have gone up since 2010. A bus from Panama City to David in their brand new double deckers will cost about $18 for express and $15 for regular, and if you are a senior or Jubilado, the discount makes it a cost of $15 or $12.

Car insurance here in Panama is a huge ripoff for rental cars, but most car companies won't allow a car out without insurance.

twostrokes
  11/25/2014 17:54 EST

Panamajames,
Thanks for the info. I saw the post somewhere about the days in Jan available. Unfortunately I will be in Panama from the 5th to the 19th. So it won't work for me.

I have already decided to take the bus to David, Spend some time around there)and then go on to Boquete. I would rather be looking around at the view while riding instead of driving there, even if it is an easy drive.

This is all slowly coming together, I just need to figure how much time to stay in PC before heading out into the countryside. Then, I can start booking things up. After that, just relax and wait for January 5th.

Appreciate all the help I have received. I know the first trip is always the most difficult anywhere. Next time I will already have some idea of where I'm going and why.

twostrokes
  11/25/2014 18:13 EST

That's ok on the prices for the bus....I can deal with that.

I have a rental company just out of David will give me a car for $30.00 per day all inclusive, including insurance. which I can deal with.

Thanks for the info though, it all helps

panamajames
  11/25/2014 19:34 EST

I am also planning a trip to South America, and it's a second trip, but these are all new places I haven't been before, so it is difficult to figure out where to go and for how long, and what to see.

I do Boquete tours for tourists and I can fill about 7 hours of things to see and do, no worries. I will be gone by the time you get here, so I can't help you out.

Everyone is different in what they want to see. My wife likes shopping malls and stores, while I enjoy banks, credit unions, financial institutions, and real estate. We both like the waterfalls, the volcano, hiking and the scenery of Boquete. In Boquete there are many coffee tours, hikes, and flower tour adventures.

There are so many activities that you could spend many days doing them all.

In Panama City, I enjoyed the Canal Tour at Miraflores Locks, my wife enjoyed the Albrook Mall and we stayed at the Tryp Hotel there at the Mall. I liked the El Cangrejo area and the Veneto hotel and Casino. That entire area is great for restaurants and accommodation like the Las Vegas with the Pomadoro below, and across from the Veneto is a great little restaurant, Manolos. You can hop on the Metro or Subway in El Cangrejo and take a ride down to the Albrook Mall............It's a big city so there is lots to do..........Depends what you like...........In Boquete, it is mostly nature and culture.

twostrokes
  11/25/2014 21:47 EST

Well PJ, sorry we will miss you. I am also hoping to be able to meet some of the folks on here for maybe coffee and some conversation. Would have enjoyed your tour I am sure.

My wife also likes to do some window shopping, but it is not a major priority when on trips. Here in Texas when we pass through small towns, she can spot an antique store or a thrift store 6 blocks away at 40mph on the back of a motorcycle. Thank goodness she just likes to look 90% of the time.

I like historical things, so old town areas, old missions, historical places, museums are my usual interest.

A lot of nature things such as waterfalls, jungle, coconut farms, or plantations are things that were everywhere in the Philippines. Since my wife is Filipina and I lived over there for 15 years, so those things are like "been there, done that " stuff.

We both do like beaches, so I'm sure we will find a few of those to visit.

Tours or hiking which require a lot of walking, I cannot do anymore due to medical issues. It's hell to get old, but it beats the alternative.
Thanks again for the information.

panamajames
  11/25/2014 23:48 EST

We do love antique shops as well. Some of our favorite furniture goes back a century or more, from England. Some really nice Oak pieces that we couldn't part with when leaving North America. Boquete just celebrated 103 years old this year, so plenty of history here, as the early diggers of the Panama Canal came to Boquete to relax and take time off in the cool climate of the mountains. Many stayed and mined for gold, or started coffee and dairy farms. I love history and this place is crammed full, and I have had the opportunity to meet many of the pioneers who are third generation or more. We have some very old churches dating back to the 14th and 15th century in nearby towns. The more you dig, the more you find, and the long time locals love to talk about the history here.

twostrokes
  11/26/2014 13:50 EST

Looks like we will have plenty to look at while we are there and the surrounding areas.

panamajames
  11/27/2014 09:45 EST

If you are in Boquete, make sure to stop in the brand new, first of it's kind in Panama, lending book library. Lending out books to locals, is a foreign concept. They have to be reminded to, please bring the books back.

The Peterson family, Price and Susan, were mainly responsible for the library and 15 or more computers there. Many others were involved of course.

The Peterson's are Americans who came more than 30 years ago and have a huge dairy farm and lots of land for their cattle, buying it very cheaply many years ago.

Price's father was chairman of the board or owner of the Bank of America at one time, sold it, so they were some of the first expats and pioneers here. They are great sources of historical information as they were here throughout the Noriega years. You will see Price Peterson's sisters' picture in the library. She was a librarian and has passed away, and the picture is in her honor. We have some great history here in Boquete.

Palo Alto coffee was started by some Canadians who lived in Boquete in the late 1800's early 1900's and intermarried with another Canadian family. Families worked in the building of the canal and would come to Boquete to rest and relax, and some stayed and made a life here. They were all part of Panama's wild wild West.

The McIntyre family has roots in Canada and is one of the founding families of Boquete. They are in the coffee business. You can buy Palo Alto coffee on line, anywhere in the world.

jaakko
  11/27/2014 10:22 EST

During our first trip to Panama (9 days in February 2013), we drove from Panama City to

1. Cerro Azul –in the middle of nowhere and chicken farms in the clouds – a lot of abandoned houses – younger generation prefers hotels and condos on the beach,
2. via Las Cumbres to El Valle – well-maintained private Zoo
3. Boquete – by far our favorite
4. Santiago - half-way stopping point between Panama City and David – Vista Lago, a nice hotel two miles West of Santiago
5. Altos del Maria – easy to miss entrance from the Panamerican Highway – nicely ‘landscaped drive up and sales office - very steep streets and driveways inside the development and back to Panama City.

http://coffeeadventures.net/aboutus.html
Hans & Terry van der Vooren, originally from Holland and longtime Boquete residents. Real Estate Orientation Tour – no selling – well worth it - an excellent way to get inside information about Boquete, the real estate and multiple micro-climate zones.

Tuesday morning market at BCP Theatre & Event Center – meet the Expats

Look for posting by panamajames – a longtime Boquete resident – very knowledgeable and helpful – he assisted us for accommodations with a friend, since his B&B was full. Unfortunately did not have an opportunity to meet in person, he had a flu.

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