About mover92

Status:

Preparing to Move Abroad 

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Texas, United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: Carwash (machine) in Panama?:

Saw one in David.

Panama: Why live in a "gated" community and what about the Police?:

My family also lives in Boquete but not in a gated community. We are a little off the beaten path and do have a perimeter fence, dog & alarm system. Fortunately, we have not had any instances with robbery. As for the police, we did have a "run in" with some. We went thru a check point and were asked for ID & DL. We presented our visas & TXDL and were asked when we arrived. Since we had been in Panama longer than 90 days they told us our TXDL were no longer valid and we needed a Panamanian license. They detained us for about 30 minutes and threatened to impound our car and fine us $150.00. After much back & forth the officer said we could "pay our fine" and go. It cost us $60.00 and we were on our way. We are still trying to obtain our local licenses. Easier said than done! Not all police are corrupt, but there are some out there. Just be prepared.

Panama: Boquete - Montanas de Calderas vs. Hacienda Los Molinos:

We toured both places in Feb when we moved here. They are both very nice subdivisions, with Montanas being the newer of the two. Monatanas is a little further off the path than Molinas and hotter there too. I think all the houses we looked at in Montanas had a/c, an added expense we were looking to get rid of. Molinas is overlooking the canyon and Montanas has a nice view, but flatter lands. Both had security at the entrances and have paved roads. Montanas has underground electric which makes it look very clean. I believe both have clubhouses and I know Molinas has a small pool, not sure about Montanas yet. They are still upgrading the area. Are you looking to buy or rent? I believe they have both options at both locations. Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

Panama: Driving from Panama City to Boquete -:

Mike, Hi! We made that same drive in Nov last year...at night no less. My husband said he will never do it again! (but he did) The traffic in PC is very crazy as are the drivers. It doesn't help that the roads are not clearly marked and the ones that are, are in spanish. Once we were out of the city, the Pan-Am highway was nice up until the point it becomes a two lane road (can't remember where) to Boquete. Again, roads are not clearly marked and when they are the signs may be a block or two ahead or behind the actual road! We stopped once to clarify our directions...big mistake. An officer detained us for about 30 minutes checking out our passports and tried to give us a "sticker" as he called it. My husband had no idea what he was talking about and he finally gave up and let us go, but not before asking us for food! Defintely come during the day if you do it. It was a long drive but we wanted to see the area before we moved so we drove. We moved in Feb and took the flight from PC to David. A word of caution...we just received a notice that there was an armed robbery on a bus from PC to David on Sat nite. They took everyones valuables and brandished guns & knifes. Just be cautious if you go that route. That could have been a one time thing but you never know. We drove to PC & back to get our dog in March and we made sure we went during the day. The second time wasn't as bad, as some of the landmarks in the area were familiar. Also, be sure you get insurance on the reantal car when you get here. I bought some online when I made our reservations and they would not honor it once we arrived. Good luck with whatever you decide. Let me know if you have any other questions. My email is: dinaherrick@yahoo.com

Panama: Bocas Del Toro, Panama:

We just spent 5 days on the islands and fell in love! We are currentely living in Boquete, but are considering a move when our lease is up. The waters are amazing! The snorkeling was the best I've ever seen and the coral reefs are breathtakingly beautiful. There is definetely an air of Carribbean appeal on Isla Colon. That is where we spent most of our time. We visted a couple of the other islands and are planning on going back next week to see more! I've talked to some people who have lived there and they all have different opinions of life there. Some loved it others hated it. I guess it's different for everyone. If you are a water lover, you would probably fare well there. Lots of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Otherwise, it's a very slow and laid back lifestyle. Not alot happening, but it will probably change once the airport is expanded in 2012. bvrealtypanama has some awesome houses for sale online. Good luck!

Panama: Vonage / Magic Jack:

We have a Magic Jack and have pretty good luck with it. Some calls are not clear and sometimes receiver says we sound choppy. I think it all depends on your internet and the signal/speed.

Panama: Going to check out areas in Boquette:

We moved to Boquete in February and love it! This is the begining of the rainy season. Don't know if that makes any difference to you or not. Summer here begins around December. We used several realtors to show us rental houses and they were all very helpful. There is no MLS here so listings are done by word of mouth. What one realtor knows about another may not. Check with Casa Solutions or Joe Branca Realty. There are 2 others we used, but I will have to find the actual name of the company and send later. Good luck!

Panama: car import and furniture:

We are living in Alto Boquete-renting as well. There are lots of furnished houses-we had a hard time finding one that wasn't! We looked for about a week for a vehicle. There is a local guy here, Keith, that specializes in helping foreigners buy a vehicle. We also did not have our acct open here (still waiting on the paperwork) so we wired the money-no problem. Had paperwork done same day-registration and all. Be sure they register the car in your province so you don't have to go to PC to renew it.

Panama: Plane from PC to David from Tocumen:

Hadn't heard that but I do know that by 2012 David will be an international airport with direct flights.

Panama: Storage in Panama:

You didn't mention what part of Panama you are relocating to, but there is a storage facility in Chiriqui that will store your container for you. They have a website www.chiriquistorage.com Hope that helps! Good luck

Date Joined:

9/18/2009

Total Posts:

27

Posts/Day:

0.01