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Panama: Jungle Treks? Visiting in July:
Hello!! Not sure how much rainforest you'll find around Boquete/David area...I think Bocas would be more suitable for that. You may want to consider visiting the areas around Gamboa and Gatune Lake which is closer to PC, since you'll be in the country for 2 weeks. Another place you might find appealing is Taboga Island. I love it there. More of a quiet beach town but there's a lot of trails that you can hike. You can spend the day there but I would recommend spending a few to really take your time and explore around. It's much quieter during the week btw.
As far as vaccinations go I don't think they're really necessary unless you're planning on going into extremely remote areas. Even then you're probably ok. Bug spray is a must though since the critters love us newbies.
Hope I've helped!!
Cynthia*
Panama: Thanksgiving in Boquete:
Hello!!
I don't post often on this site but I am so sick of people bashing Panamajames whether it be directly or implied that I'd like to set the record straight... Btw Tizzy we are all aware of the laws in Panama, thank you for pointing that out as you call someone a jackass, nice one!!
Someone asked where to go for Thanksgiving and Panamajames politley answered. What does that have to do with anyone's right to use their pensinado discount or how weathy they are? He was just stating what a good deal it was. Whether Panamajames is wealthy or not is none of your damn business Eldukedeplas, or anyone else's for that matter. You've got some nerve!!
I can say firsthand that Panamajames and his wife have been nothing but helpful to me during my transition to Panama. I can recall numerous times(too much to list) that he's helped me not only to get info and find rentals (not just his own) but even has gone as far as insisting on planning a shopping trip to David so that he could drive and pick me up from a dental appt, although I had told him I was fine taking public transportation. Any time I need anything he's always one of the first people I will call. He's always steered me in a good direction and I value and trust his insight. All this he's done for me and guess how much he's made off me, not one single dime!!
Some of you seem to think that he's preying on newbies which couldn't be further from the truth. Sure he and his wife have apartments that they rent out, so what, a lot of people in Panama-- retirees included-- do the same thing--big woop!! His rentals are very reasonable for what you are getting and quite the bargain compared to what's around.... So he's worked with credit unions--another big woop-- he's made a lot of people very happy and made them a lot of money. So what's the problem??
He's always here to give great advise to people off and on this site. He's not rude about it like some others have been accused of, even if the questions are repitious and the person should know better and done their homework. He's always happy to help, regardless of the situation.
We're all adults here so why don't we start acting like it!!
Panama: can you live on social security in panama:
I currently live in NYC, and we are in the process of moving to Panama next year. Initially we will have to live off a tight budget while we build our home etc. I'm not at retirement age and will be living off savings and investments. I do think that someone could live off 1000 month if they wanted to. I plan to for the 1st year or so. Whenever I visit, which is often, I'm always amazed at how little I spend while there. Now keeping in mind that we're zipping here there and everywhere and really not trying to be frugal. I guess it just depends on your lifestyle. We are vegetarians, eat out at a lot of the typico type places, don't mind picking fruit of trees, (actually quite like that!!) and take mostly buses. I purchased a small Panamanian home to live in while building so we will have little overhead as far as monthly bills etc. For us it will not be that hard to do, although not ideal. My point is it can be done. I agree w/ Jim, once you get the hang of things you'll know where all the bargains are and where not to go. If you can find a cute Panamanian rental for 3-400-which there are plenty- you can budget the rest. I say come down and visit for a few months to see what areas are suitable and the type of lifestyle you'll have. You'll get a good idea of things that way. Buenos suerte!! ~Cynthia*
Panama: Expats in David:
Hi Dr Judy!!
Welcome to the neighborhood!! I purchased a property in Dolega which is 1/2 way between David and Boquete. Will be moving there next year.
I'm not sure about any expat hangouts in David, but Boquete seems the more likely place. A good way to meet people is at the Tuesday morning market which is over the bridge in Boquete. Gets started aprox 9am until aprox noon. A lot of people from the surrounding area go there and it's a nice way to get aquainted.
Another thing I would try is a website called Boquete.Ning.com -Again, a good way to get to know people from the surrounding area. You can post questions and reply to the posts etc. I've learned quite a bit through this site as well as made some very nice friends.( I'm Urban Bird btw).
Hope this helps!!... I'll be visiting again in July for 2 weeks. Would love to get together some time and practice our Spanish!! Lol!!
Cheers!!
Cynthia*
Panama: GPS & Cell Phones:
Hi Corinna!!
I hope you're feeling better today!! :))
I think the GPS would be useless in Panama since there's hardly any addresses. Except for maybe PC but not too sure. I avoid the city as much as possible. Wonder why?? I have the Garmin Nuvi and it's pretty much useless to me here since after using it a couple times it got stuck on an address and everything I punch into it goes to that address. I'm sure it's a simple fix but I'm not too tech savvy and haven't figured it out yet.
Regarding the phones...When I was there in July I purchased an inexpensive Samsung for aprox $20. It doesn't have all the gadgets my Blackberry does but for the basics it was fine. Not sure if they have long term plans or not it seems a lot of people just buy minutes and refill as needed. You can do this at any Farmacia. I went w/ Mas Movil as the provider. Most people I spoke to said they were the best. You will have to go to the "outlet place" to have the VM activated etc. I didn't do this yet since I was only in town for a couple weeks and didn't want to bother just then. No one stop shopping in Panama, even the most basic things seem to take forever. Things that would take an hour home take a week there. Small price to pay to live in Paradise. I can definitely live w/ it!! That Spanish app does sound cool though!!
~Cynthia*
Panama: Colon to Bouquete Container Mover:
Ric137,
I would also be interested in finding out some info about the best way to move stuff from NY to David. Thanks in advance!!
Cynthia*
Panama: El Valle de Anton and surrounding area rental help:
Hi Corrina!!
I also say "Good for you!!" I too am in a similar postion and have been planning a move to Panama for some time now. I've gotten mixed responses to say the least. People think I'm crazy to give up my good job, good life etc. All I know is I never feel as happy as I do when I'm there so I know I'm on the right path. I've travelled around the country a bit and one place is nicer than the other. The people are wonderful and in a short time I have made some really deep connections w/ expats and locals alike. Everything just feels right and I can't wait to make it all happen next year!! Forget what people say and follow your heart. It will never lead you astray. Btw, I'm also in NY if you ever want to "compare notes". I could talk about Panama for hours!! Lol!!
Cheers!!
Cynthia*
Panama: credit union:
Hello!!
I opened a credit union acct when I was there in January. It's very easy and straitforward. what you will need to bring w/ you is:
1. Passport & 2nd ID
2. Names of 3 people in Panama-- Address, Telephone #, Email etc
3. Names of Beneficiary-- 3 people (or less) Address, Telephone #, SS #, Passport #, etc. Basically anything that will help them track these people in the event something happens to you.
If you are in David/Boquete area there is a gentleman who works with Coaccess credit union who can assist. He helped me and speaks English. His name is Jim and can be reached at Panamajames@gmail.com--Please let him know I referred you. He will be glad to help you fill out the forms and answer any questions you have.
Best regards!!
Cynthia*
Panama: Happy to report.... :)):
Hello everyone!!
I arrived back home Sunday nite from being in Panama por dos semanas. (2 weeks) and wanted to share my adventure.
As some of you know I purchased some land in Dolega which is between Boquette and David.
I was nervous about travelling alone this trip but am happy to report that I had the time of my life...met a ton of new people (both Gringos & Panamanians)...and finalized some business type things.
Opening the bank acct was relatively a breeze. It took a few days, but they were very diligent about things and even contacted me after hours on more than one occasion to let me know when certain things were ready to come back to the bank. I will also add that I brought documentation to apply for a mortgage not expecting to qualify but figuring it couldn't hurt...and was told by the mngr that all I needed to bring in the info about the house which I wanted to purchase so that the bank could follow up on their end about the property etc. Unfortunately I was also told that it wouldn't apply for new home construction (which is what I'm planning) but for an existing property. None the less I was shocked and amazed that I was able to qualify for a loan. Btw this was HSBC.
The 2 weeks flew by so quickly. I could have easily stayed forever and not looked back, had my BF pack up the little ones and our things and be done with it.....I love my property!! (decided to pucrchase another lot btw) I love the surrounding area and everything it has to offer!! I will be very grateful when the international flights go straight to David so as to not have to do the "Panama Shuffle" Everything just seemed to gel so easily and the 2 weeks felt as though I could've been there for 2 yrs. In my heart of hearts I know we are making the right decision and will be more than just ok once we relocate there. I am already counting the days until January when we will be returning next.
Upon coming home had a long convo w/ my BF and we decided that 2013 was the year we were going to make the move. I'm happy about this as it gives us something concrete to work towards rather than just we'll move in the next couple years. This way we have a goal and a focus.
I love Panama!! I love Panama!! I love Panama!! The good, the bad, the ugly.....I love Panama!! :))
Panama: THINKING PANAMA IS CHEAP?:
@ eelydnew1
I would love some info about shipping pets. I'm familiar w/ most of the paperwork etc but any insight would be helpful since I'll be shipping 9 cats, a bird and a large iguana. The exotics are my biggest concern. My email is LLOLLICHOPS11@aol.com
Thanks!!
Cynthia*
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