Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Panama Expat Forum

Change of topic

New Topic Newest First
OldPro
  12/4/2016 13:38 EST

Time for a change of topic.

Since the Panama sub-forum seems to be pretty busy currently, I'd like to take a little poll.

1. How many countries have you lived in and for how long in each?

You can name then or not, where doesn't really matter. And for the purpose of defining 'lived', I would use the arbitrary time of 6 months as a minimum. So your 2 weeks living in X doesn't count.

2. As a member of this forum, are you currently living in a country other than your home country or are you here as someone looking to move to another country for the first time?

I"d like to see how many people here are experienced at living in other countries and to what degree vs. how many are 'first timers'.

I"d like to compare my personal beliefs regarding how many people have never left home vs. how many have recently moved to another country vs. how many have lived in their new country for a significant (more than 5) number of years, vs. how many have lived in several countries.

I'm thinking we will see maybe 85% 'first timers' who are either planning to move country for the first time or have recently moved for the first time. Maybe 10% who have moved just the once but have been there for 5 years plus and maybe 5% who have moved more than once for significant periods of time.

If I am right, then what it tells us is that most questions and answers are from novices (which would make sense since they need to find answers obviously) but are being answered most often by 'near' novices in return, with few answers being provided by those with significant experience.

That being the case, if I were a novice, I would be wondering .how much value the answers I was getting, have.

Panama2017
  12/4/2016 17:36 EST

Oldpro, I disagree with the premise that novices are ill prepared to provide answers to questions.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

tharin4prez
  12/4/2016 18:25 EST

6 months or more?
Using that as a base line, I can then say not only have I lived in the U.S., Alaska & Panama ... I can also claim:
Japan = 3+ yrs
Korea
Germany
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Kuwait x2
Oman x3
Iraq x3
A-Stan
K-Stan
A few of those place weren't much fun.

panamaexpat
  12/4/2016 19:36 EST

You go tharin! My kind of guy!

SunsetSteve
  12/4/2016 20:04 EST

Recent expats are more likely to notice and remark on the things that will be more relevant to soon-to-bes.

ranadelnorte
  12/4/2016 20:36 EST

I've been an immigrant to Panama for close to 3 years. Over my lifetime I've lived/worked in 9 countries.on 4 continents. I speak 3 languages well enough to work..
I agree with others that what you call "novices" can be better placed to answer questions from would-be or soon-to-be immigrants than those who have been in Panama for longer.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

OldPro
  12/5/2016 14:31 EST

Ahh, I wasn't trying to start a debate about novices.

Novices can indeed provide some info on things like how to get a visa etc. Things that pertain to their recent experiences. What I was suggesting is that they can't tell you what it's like to live in a country in the sense of that only coming over a period of time.

I know from my own experiences that I have thought I understood some things, learned some things, in my first month or first year, only to find out in my third year that I was wrong in some way.

So, let's not change the subject to a debate on what a novice can and cannot provide experienced opinions on.

The questions were how many places for how long. It's a simple poll.

Panama2017
  12/5/2016 17:23 EST

OldPro, I lived in India for two years, South Korea for 2 years and Belgium for 1 year. However, these living situations were all through my employer, and they were a long time ago. Relocating to a new country on my own, and also as a retiree is completely different and I have different concerns now than I did when the employer was basically doing all the coordination on my behalf. Not sure how this info will help you.

stgibson
  12/5/2016 18:26 EST

Oldpro,
I have lived in:
Germany 1 yr.
Iceland 1 yr.
Spain 8 mos.
Antigua 1 yr.
Costa Rica 5 yrs.
Brazil 2 yrs. ( married a Brazilian)
Panama 5 yrs.
Mostly while being a resident of Edislow Island, SC which unofficially succeeded from the USA in 1987. So I'm not sure if that counts. I also speak Gullah and Geechee.

SAY
  12/5/2016 20:14 EST

I totally agree that OldPro is way off base. People who moved here 5 - 10+ years ago are basing their reality of what happened then. And they carry that into every transaction they do - it's called self-fulfilling prophecy.

But government and times have changed. Rules have changed. Every advice about moving that I had read given by an old-timer isn't true anymore.

If a person is planning to move to Panama now, he or she needs to seek the experiences of someone who has don it in the last 6 months, especially FOR HOW THE LOGISTICS IS DONE.

When I learned the realities from my customs broker, I said I would not listen to anymore old expat stories. I felt that I had been betrayed by you all. Your advice and stories put me through agony and worry that was totally unnecessary.

stgibson
  12/5/2016 21:36 EST

@SAY
That can be true to an extent however if you think you can come down here and run the gauntlet of government and Adunea in six months you are sadly wrong. This is my business and I have been operating in Central and South America for 25 years so the reality of what your customs broker is telling you at the moment may or may not be true. I keep up on a day to day basis with changes in laws, policy and logistics changes, as this is what keeps my business viable. Basically it like trying to removing the cherry from the center of a Jello salad without ruining it. This takes time and experience and knowing who to trust and who not to. Basically everyone is trying to pick your pocket and being uninformed is the best way to get it picked, not only in Panama but everywhere.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

oscar76
  12/6/2016 00:28 EST

@stgibson
how would you compare costa rica with panama?
i was thinking about moving to costa rica before checking out panama, but it looked like the people there where not really happy, at least many of them.

stgibson
  12/6/2016 10:58 EST

Costa Rica is a beautiful country which for the most part has some of the nicest people I have ever known. Since the mid 90's when the dot commers started cashing out and flocking there much has changed. With a rapid escalation in property values and money flooding into the country the government took more of a socialist approach which has backfired on them. With escalation of inflation every day things have become very expensive while property values have been falling since 2009. The people are frustrated because it is difficult for them to make ends meet. I still have 2 properties there and had planned for years to retire there. We came down to western Panama on a 3 week trip in 2011 from CR. I had never been to this part of Panama but had spent much time in Panama City. We found that the cost of living here was about half that of CR and much less than PC. The roads and infrastructure are better and the highlands are beautiful, temperate and not far from the beaches. Property values here have begun to increase again and David is the fastest growing city in Central America. We still have many friends in CR, both expats and Ticos who come here to visit us to do car repairs and shop. There are Ticos moving here and taking a cut in pay because their money still goes further here. There is inflation in Panama also but the rate remains low and we have had to do without things we were accustomed to in the US and even in CR but to tell you the truth the only thing I can think of is grits. All in all, we are happy here but that does not mean that everyone will be. Best come, spend some time, and see for yourself

OldPro
  12/6/2016 13:58 EST

Thanks to those who have answered the questions.

oscar76
  12/6/2016 14:06 EST

thanks a lot!

wjc08
  12/7/2016 07:54 EST

Well I haven't been around the block as much as "tharin4prez" but here is my list. U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Germany, Bosnia, Kuwait, now Panama

khoward
  12/7/2016 08:24 EST

Lived in Chile for 2 years, in Costa Rica for 3 months, and although I came and went, I spent about 6 months total in one are of Italy. Currently living in Panama (not the city). Anytime one goes to a new country you need to ask questions because each country is different.

chudson13
  12/7/2016 14:10 EST

I have never lived outside the US, but my wife has lived in 2 countries for one year each. We are just beginning to look into a "retirement" move within the next 10 years (I like to plan ahead), but neither of us would be 60 by that time. I agree that it would be best to get forum answers from those with experience, but I also think that for some answers, a recent experience can be beneficial. Thanks!

Panama2017
  12/7/2016 15:14 EST

Not sure if this is unique to Panama but laws change quite frequently. So I got my permanent residency 2 years ago and some of the information I would share regarding my experience has been obsolete for awhile. Same with my bank account, etc. The only way to know legal requirements for visas, etc. is to work with a Panamanian attorney. But of course, we can all offer opinions about where to go, how to get there, where to stay, how we like it there. We can't predict what you will like, you must come for a visit and see for yourself. I'm not sure how the fact that I lived in India, S Korea and Belgium helps me in Panama. But hopefully OldPro will connect the dots ;-)

Dilly1844
  12/7/2016 16:16 EST

I have been in Boquete Panama since September to see if I want to say here permanently. So far things are not what I expected. More difficulties finding rentals and cost of living much higher than previously told/read. My age (77) makes a big difference as to how I adjust to the physical demands, such as walking up hills, etc. over my previous adjustments to living in foreign countries, which included living in villages without running water/electricity, etc.. In order of where I have lived: born in England where I lived until I left to work in France (5 yrs); Congo Brazzaville (2yrs); South Africa (2.5 yrs); Botswana (5+ yrs); USA (1 yr); Nigeria (2 yrs); Hawaii/Pacific Islands (20 yrs); USA (3 yrs); Canada (1 yr); USA (20 yrs); Panama (4 months). Hope this is helpful to your goals.

stgibson
  12/7/2016 19:09 EST

@Dilly 1844 I can relate to what you are saying about Boquete. Boquete is a tourist town and prices are closer to Panama City. We live 15-20 minutes from Boquete and 15 minutes to David and things are much different Much more peaceful and costs are lower. You would either need to rely on public transportation or own a car. If you want to live in a tourist town then you will have to pay the price. The choice is yours.

FredfromArkansas
  12/7/2016 19:58 EST

My wife and I are currently in Boquete checking it out for retirement. Boquete does not seem that inexpensive, and a little too busy. We did drive to Alto Jamil and it seemed nice, but I wasn't able to really check prices, and we would probably have to go to Boquete for a lot of shopping. We like the weather, and really think we may be retiring here. We are planning to go to Volcán for a few days this week or next to check it out.

FredfromArkansas
  12/7/2016 20:00 EST

Stinking auto coorect. We went to Alto Jamillo.

SunsetSteve
  12/8/2016 08:06 EST

Jaramillo :)

BigJack2016
  12/8/2016 08:32 EST

Happy to reply to your pollong questions.

Wife and I have lived abroad since 1979. We plan to move to Panama in the next two weeks.I am 63 and she is 49. USA and Swiss/Serbian origins.

In 1979 moved to London but spent the first 6 weeks in Oslo and Gothenburg. After returning to England moved back to Gothenburg for 12 months. Then returned to London in Jan 1982. Jan 1983 moved to Douala in the Cameroon for 2.5 years. Then back to London until 1989 after which I moved to Singapore for a year and then Vietnam for 2 years and Singapore until 1995. during the next 4 years spent most of my time in London. From 1998-2000 lived in Holland. 2001 took me to N China where I lived until 2011 when I moved to S Korea, Then in Dec 2011 I retired to Cambodia and stayed there until mid 2015. I spent the next year in Switzerland, Serbia and Montenegro where I currently am preparing to move to Panama for a Pensionado.

It has been a roller coaster ride and up and down in life. We are prepared for anywhere. Looking forward to learning Spanish, my wife already speaks Spanish well.

I too am looking forward to the results of your poll. we have owned homes in 4 countries and driven in all of them.

We will be moving to Las Tablas area and have a pension to live on. The wife is an online trader to supplement our pension.

Paul n Marija

stgibson
  12/8/2016 11:01 EST

@ fredfrom arkansas
Jaramillo, Alto lino, Palmira,Alto Boquete, etc. are really subdivisions of Boquete and price wise you won't see much difference. They are much quieter than Bajo Boquete and shopping in Boquete is very limited. If you ask people who live there you will find for the most part that they make 1 or 2 trips weekly to David to shop. Anything other than a doctor visit requires a trip to David. If you come back down the hill toward David you will find the communities of El Frances, Dolega,the turn off to Potrerillos and going back up La Acequia, Potrerillos Abajo, Palma Real and many many more small communities that are much less expensive, quiet, have local food resources and are closer to David. They are generally 2 to 4 degrees warmer than Boquete but not nearly as wet and windy. Of course you haven't been here for the windy season yet which usually starts in Jan. and goes thru April. Take your time and explore some more, you might be surprised what you find. We live in La Acequia and love the climate here, no A/C and no heat and don't need either. We are 15 minutes to David, 15 minutes to Alto Boquete, 4 minutes to basic shopping in Dolega and 6 minutes to the new regional hospital in Los Algarobos. I can be into David and back home before you can get there from Bajo Boquete and the only thing we here form the house is the birds singing.

HedgeHopper
  12/10/2016 18:48 EST

I have been reading this forum with interest. The forum information is current, and the writers seem to have a wide range of experiences.

I'm hoping you will allow me to shift the focus of the forum to ask a couple of questions, with the hope you can provide some guidance or direct me to a forum that's more closely related to my topic.

I'm considering moving from Canada to Panama, I expect that each region in Panama will provide it's own flavor of living experiences.

Before decide on a location I want to take time and travel through the different regions of the country but renting a car for 4-6 weeks will be expensive, Does it make sense, or is it possible to take a bus from point to point stay a few days, meet with some expats to get a feel for each area? I don't speak Spanish but I am computer literate and could use translating software

Your help would be greatly appreciated

stgibson
  12/11/2016 09:23 EST

@HEDGEHOPPER
Rental cars are expensive because if the insurance racket the rental car companies have here which can often cost you more per day for mandatory insurance than the car. Public transportation is good here but can often be slow and very confusing once you are off the beaten path especially if you are not proficient in Spanish. My suggestion since there are really 3 main areas of interest in Panama ( Panama city area, Altos del MAria, Gamboa, El Valle de Anton, Coronado, etc. ; Central area, Chitre, Pedasi, Tonasi, los Santos, etc. ; Western area, Chiriqui, David, Boquete, Volcan Santiago, etc.) would be to take public transportation to central areas in the 3 zones and rent a car for a few days and explore. I am not sure about the PC area or the Chitre area but in Chiriqui there is a car rental place in Alto Boquete where you can rent a car for $200/week all inclusive [email protected]. Maybe some other people can weigh in on locations in PC and Chitre. Most of the areas can be visited within a 1 1/2 -2 hour drive from these central locations and would have rental car companies. We rented a car for 2-3 week periods and pretty well covered the areas between PC and Chiriqui and after living here in Chiriqui for 5 years I realize that if we had tried to do this using public transportation it would have taken us more like 6 months to cover the same territory. For example, to take a series of buses from where we live, knowing how to do it, to David (which is 15KM) would basically involve the whole day. We can do it in a car in 3 hours. This is why expats who live here with cars can't understand why everything is slow here and why no one shows up on time.

FredfromArkansas
  12/11/2016 11:55 EST

My current experience with a car rental from Thirty at the David airport. Rental was about $5 a day, but the 2 week rental with insurance was $750.

OldPro
  12/11/2016 13:40 EST

Oh to have a thread stay at least near to on topic.

All I asked for was answers to 2 simple questions. How many countries and are you currently in one or looking to try one.

While 9 people have answered those questions to a greater or lesser degree, all the other responses are OFF topic.

A couple of HIJACKERS who want to ask their own question without starting their OWN thread. One particular responder who repeatedly writes off topic.

NINETEEN useless responses out of 28. Well done all.

BigJack2016, I wouldn't look for any results of this poll anytime soon. It's no longer a poll at all.

Or maybe there is a result/conclusion after all. I might conclude that the ability to answer a poll is beyond the intelligence of the majority of those posting in this forum. LOL

SunsetSteve
  12/11/2016 16:47 EST

What a crab! lol
The off-topics were more interesting that the on-topic posts. I mean, who REALLY cares what someone else's history is, when you get right down to it. The data itself can/could certainly be put to good use but it may be that a message thread is just not the best format to gather it.

HedgeHopper
  12/11/2016 17:57 EST

@SunsetSteve - Participating in a forum is a personal choice. If the topic of this forum doesn't interest you, rather than demeaning the value of the topic, maybe you should exercise your freedom of choice, by searching for a forum where you could add positive value to the discussion

Panama2017
  12/11/2016 19:23 EST

What, no poll results OldPro? Wow...

Ladymel
  12/11/2016 19:42 EST

Agreed

SunsetSteve
  12/12/2016 07:45 EST

I was simply reflecting on the OP's previous post, offering a theory on why the survey attempt rambled off-topic. It was an attempt at constructive criticism, but thanks for the suggestion to keep my mouth shut.

stgibson
  12/12/2016 09:14 EST

OldPro,
It will be interesting to know what the purpose and results of your poll is. From what I have seen on this thread although it has gone astray somewhat, is that it seems a majority of the people that participate on Expat Exchange have lived abroad in the past. I think this can probably be expected. It would be interesting to do the poll on other sites, i.e, Boquete Ning, etc. I think you would probably find the reverse or maybe not. It could be that people who have not lived abroad before are more hesitant about responding.

Soontogo
  12/12/2016 13:08 EST

Old pro,
I have lived in England, Wales, Rwanda. Botswana, St Lucia, North China, South China, Hong Kong (where I met my wife).
I speak British English, Swahili, Cantonese, Mandarin, oohlong dialect and Welsh
My wife has lived in most areas of China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, England and Wales.
She speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, several dialects, ( there are around 47 different dialects in China) and English.
For the unknowing who wish to split hairs, Wales is a seperate country with its own culture and language.
I understand Old pros point about about newbies commenting, but I feel their input is also necessary and information more up to date whereas those who have resided for longer hold a wealth of information, although all is a little like Aesops blind men and the elephant

BigJack2016
  12/13/2016 01:54 EST

we answered the poll questions
but it appears
to be a moot point. we will post a new thread after we arrive in Panama comparing our research to the realities we encounter.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Panama GuideLiving in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in PanamaHealthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in PanamaCost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to PanamaMoving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in PanamaReal Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros Cons of Living in PanamaPros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in PanamaRetiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Visa and Residency PanamaPanama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal