CIGNA Expat Health Insurance
Private Messages Friends Invite My Jobs My Properties My Profile My Tips

Panama Expat Forum

Advice on San Carlos

Post New Topic
Tankgirll
3/12/2017 04:54 EST

Hello all! I was hoping I might be able to get some good insight and opinions from all of you who have already made the leap! Here is my situation: I am looking at moving to either the Tulum/Playa del Carmen area of Mexico; San Carlos, Panama; or Fajardo, Puerto Rico, from the US. I will be employed as a remote employee for a US company (but will get my own residency visa). I'm in my 40s, female, and will be moving alone--aside from my 2 dogs.
I was wondering about a variety of things: how safe a woman alone might feel; how tolerant people are to Pitbulls; any tips/tricks on renting (dealing w/real estate agents/landlords); a good lawyer for the visa; good places to go to buy groceries you miss from home; how reliable is the internet connection at home; will I be lonely (lol); best way to get my belongings there; things I should definitely bring, or leave behind; what if I want to keep my US cellphone, do I just get a local SIM card; buy a used car there, or will a scooter suffice; are medical expenses all out of pocket for temporary residents; will online products (Amazon, etc.) ship there?
I realize those are a lot of questions, so don't feel like you have to answer them all, but any advice is appreciated!
Thanks so much!

Post a Reply

00abuse

StanleySankey
3/12/2017 09:02 EST

Good day

My first year in Panama I lived just out of San Carlos. Internet as long as you are in an urban area you can get good high speed internet from Cabla Onda, Claro or Cable and Wireless. It will be a lot more reliable than the electricity. I am currently working remotely for a US multinational so you won't have any issue in that regard.

For shopping for products from home. Riba Smith in Coronado.

Cell phone you can use your US phone with a local sim but will need to get the phone unlocked before you leave.

Ordering from Amazon is super easy. Have everything shipped to the Mailboxes Etc in Coronado and it will be pain free (more or less)

Post a Reply

00abuse

expat health insurance from CIGNA

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

llseldon
3/12/2017 09:30 EST

As it has been said many times on this forum, take enough things to live for 6-12 months to see if you want to live there before moving everything there. It's a big change expensive, some people have gotten there then can't afford to return home. PL

Post a Reply

00abuse

RICOBREEZE802MARK
3/12/2017 10:47 EST

Mexico has a ton of problems, drug lords plus many low life workers all trying to be a drug lord thinking they are untouchable, they can take or do anything or anybody they wish. mostly young punks with guns. Then you have to think about how they feel towards americans. since we have started to deport them, and that is just going to get worse as time goes by. police are mostly bought and paid for, and you to them are just another dollar bill to be taken, you are also open to be raped, because the men there have that macho mind set. most people think well about mexico because they stay in the resort towns, but even those have had some killings lately. You will be a target because you are the rich american lady. even tho you are not rich, but to them you are.

Puerto Rico I have spent time there as well, it was years ago and I know things change, but what I took away from it was, rude people, all entitled because the u.s. gives them handouts, so they expect you to do the same, when you refuse then they will go off on you calling you everything they can think of. P.R. is broke at this time and in debt, major debt, and they are looking again for the u.s. to bail them out. The wind was a problem for me as well, it seemed to never stop. I also was bored out of my mind, I drove around the whole island and then cut across it on the toll road one night just to have something to do. plus side your passport is good, money is same, and if you live there full time no taxes.


you ask how safe a woman alone might feel; how tolerant people are to Pitbulls; any tips/tricks on renting (dealing w/real estate agents/landlords)

how safe a woman feels depends on the woman. Most all the women I have met here, have no problems at all with men. most locals are respectful towards women.

pitbulls, no one here really cares.

rent tips? the best I could tell you is to find a smaller home in the back yard of a richer local family. many have a main house and then they built a 2nd smaller house in the back yard. Many of these people don't even live in the main house, and are there on the weekends. this is a plus for you, first you have a yard person who takes care of everything, the place will be safer, many have pools, and after a little time, the family will more or less look at you as family and help you with any problems you might find. and of course those hookups are a bonus to you. I would look towards corondo more then san carlos tho. many expats there and tons of rich homes. closer to stores, shops ect. you asked about a used car or scooter, if you lived there, no need for either one, taxis are everywhere.

how reliable is the internet connection at home; will I be lonely (lol); I use cable onda and I have really been happy with their service.

will you be lonely? honey, even the fat girl has friends at closing time.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Christian86
3/19/2017 17:04 EST

I just sent you a pm.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Debra730
3/20/2017 07:05 EST

Pretty sure you questions were answered last week

Post a Reply

00abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Panama.

Mail Forwarding to Panama

Mail Forwarding to Panama.


Expat Tax

Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals


International Moving Companies

Moving to Panama? Find a moving company.

Join Today (free)

Join Expat Exchange to meet expats in your area or get advice before your move. It's FREE and takes 1 minute!

Copyright 1997-2017 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal