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Panama: Banking fiasco:
I agree with bluewind and SAY, get schwab checking. ANy ATM Charges are reimbursed. No monthly charges. You get checking and a debit card and if you have schwab investments one call can transfer $$$ into the checking. Haven't used their wire out of country, but they say it is solid and their customer service is excellent and their # is 800-540-6718. Good luck and be sure to ask your questions so you know what to expect. I asked if I could use a POBox here in the states for statements, etc. while using the ATM for cash in Panama - no problema. Good luck. tommcc
Panama: coffee?:
On my trip in Feb, I plan to visit Boquete and buy some of their world-class coffee at the farm there (I see one on my map!) . I LOVE coffee so would buy a lot and bring it back for my friends to try. Would I have any trouble getting it out of country (taxes)?and does anyone know how hard it will be to bring back into the US through customs. I would assume the bags are sealed and would hate to have all of them opened, but understand they may want to check for drugs so I need to ask before great coffee gets ruined. Would it be better?/easier? to pack the coffee up there and ship it UPS?
As always thanks for your responses. Tommcc
Panama: Any musicians abou?:
jazzbass,
Hello there. I do not play music, but love jazz/blues, grew up in New Orleans. Retired from KC and moved to AR about 3.5 yrs ago and have been posting on this site for info to help me with my move to Panama next year. Also plan to go to the Jazz Festival in Boquete in FEB on my exploratory trip. This forum has been excellent, just don't talk politics or religion, and you will find very helpful advice from some great expats. Good luck with your post and your search and maybe we can meet at the festival. Stay in touch. Regards, Tommcc
Panama: Tipping!:
A new thread.......
What about Tipping: at restaurants, taxi, hotels, etc. Had a bad experience in Japan because I did not know their customs and culture. Would like t avoid any conflict in Panama when I visit. As usual, Muchas Gracias.
Panama: Coronado Newbie questions:
Golfnut is correct. Schwab will set up a checking account and reimburse ATM fees. You can withdraw $1K a day with them, but in Panama $500 is the daily limit. They can accept direct deposit of your Social Security or pension check and in my case I can easily move $$$ out of my Schawb IRA right into my checking account free of charge. If you need a wire transfer to Panama they can do that within hours. They have no monthly fees. They issue standard checks free and also a debit card. Their # is 800-540-6718. Hope this helps. Tommcc
Panama: Religious and Political hatred:
Dominic,
I will be kind here.
MY very large and long post was political and I inadvertently stirred up some nasty responses, but I was still misunderstood. My reason for wanting to leave the US was with the man, not the country, its problems or anything religious. However, I knew better and so take the blame for rattling political sabers with that Title Post and apologize to anyone I offended; it was NOT my intention. It seems our background is similar and with age hopefully comes wisdom. There are certain hot-button issues that almost always stir up controversy and often very heated emotions that lead to careless & hateful words and I realize I better avoid these topics in polite company. Discussions on politics, religion, sex, and money are likely to turn into arguments and no one listens in an argument and nothing is ever gained. When these issues come up we are best off agreeing to disagree and letting it go. I think this applies to wherever you are or wherever you live. With millions of people in the same country there is no way we will ever all agree on anything, With billions in the world, all with different opinions, it sets the stage for eternal conflict which we have in abundance. "Can't we all just get along?" sounds good, but is too idealistic. Unfortunately, no, we can't. It's sad, but true. Try to accept the fact that if people aren't perfect, no place they live can be perfect. People are different: places are different. They all have their strong points; they all have their weaknesses. Wherever you put down roots, try to fit in and contribute what you can. Giving back and "paying it forward" are kind and noble ambitions and you can do that even if some people think you are crazy. I think Panama has a lot of things going for it. The expats that have contributed POSITIVELY to my prior post have had excellent advice, timely suggestions, useful information and gracious offers. I have been greatly impressed with their kindness and helpfulness and this is another reason I am drawn to their country of choice. They've paid their dues, have survived, maybe even thrived in their new land and after hearing from them I have confidence I can do the same. Without their encouragement I would still be adrift wondering what to do. A move may work out; it may not, but if it doesn't you at least tried and that speaks for itself. Good luck in your endeavors and I hope there are wonderful adventures ahead for you and your son.
Warm regards, Tommcc
New Zealand: Got anyplace looking for Americans to move there:
Hi,
Looks like the USA is in dire trouble right now. Anyplace in NZ hoping to encourage Americans to settle there? How's the job situation/cost of living/any expat communities?
Thanks for any info. Tommie
Panama: Trump Won - I'm outta here!:
The worse-case scenario has happened in the US with Trump-elect so I'm seriously considering Panama as an expat until at least he's gone from office. I'm retired, single, an ex-Marine (Semper Fi on our birthday!), and fed-up with VA. I've read a lot of the previous letters and find most of them very helpful. One question I have is how hard is it to get the Pension Visa? It looks like a very effective tool to get retirees to Panama, but does it work well and is accepted easily in country? Also, is it possible to keep Social Security while living in Panama? I'm assuming I'll need to keep my stateside bank for auto-deposits from SS and just pull cash from a local ATM or use a credit card. I am also assuming that Medicare will not be accepted there so how expensive is medical insurance for a retiree? Is the electricity down there just like the US for use with computers, TV, charging batteries, etc. I plan on a month long visit after the first of the year - are there particularly great places most expats like? and I realize the expensive beach areas as opposed to cooler cheaper mountain areas are very different, but I don't want heavy crowds or complete isolation either. I see from most of the forum letters that renting is preferable to buying which suits me fine, but is there anything in particular I need to be aware of as a caution or helpful suggestion? I love outdoor activities, hiking, photography, chess, and writing. I'm a very good cook and comfortable on my own. I look forward to learning Spanish - frankly think everyone should be bi-lingual - do expats have language classes or will I just have to wing it on my own? That's enough for now and my sincere thanks to anyone kind enough to respond. Muchas Gracias.
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