About AuntieFlo

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Cuernavaca, Mexico, Mexico

Citizen Of:

United States

Past Expat Posts:

Panama

Chile

Argentina

Nicaragua

Uruguay

My Website:

http://https://sites.google.com/site/the6monthers/

Advice for New Expats

Live in any country you think you wish to make your permanent home for no less than 6 months. Don't move furniture, don't sell anything, don't get visas, don't move bank accounts, do nothing but move with suitcases of clothes and then decide. You will be surprised what you can learn in 6 months of living in a place.

I would love to live in...

Back in the US

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Favorite Book:

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Some Forum Posts:

Spain: Starting over in Spain: America got boring.:

Are you aware that unemployment in Spain is currently at 26%. Unless you have some skill that cannot be found in Spain by a local you most likely will not be offered a job. What área of employment are you targeting? We live in a new country every 6 months but we are not looking to displace a local in a job hunt.

Panama: American Couple From Texas Found Dead In Their Home - Boquete, Panama:

Thank you for the link. It's such a fresh story news is just getting out. If you find anything new please let me know.

Panama: Volcan Expat Woman Murder Investigation:

This is incredibly sad. Sending prayers to her family.

Panama: Moving to Panama:

I read about this last night panamaguy. I have been following this story since Ed went missing last year. I have to say what shocks me most is how incredibly violent this death was. To be stuffed inside a suitcase? Never heard of this type of violence in Panama. I hope they find those responsible. By all accounts he was a very nice man.

Panama: will retire in the next year or so:

Have you ever been to Panama? Most telling thing you said; $200 for booze and $150 for food.

Panama: DAVID HOME RENTAL:

Try viviun.com www.encuerta23.com Craigslist Not all real estate firms in Panama are properties for sale only - many have property they will rent because the owners are desperate. http://panamarentals.com.pa/ That should get you started. There are dozens of rentals companies in Panama, just need to find someone who is honest to deal with. Good luck.

Scotland: Comments about Perth:

We have sort of narrowed our search down to renting and living in Perth for 6 months. Does anyone have any comments on life in Perth - both pro and con - for a newbie? I appreciate your insight. And if you know of a reliable letting agent that would be appreciated too. I have several websites I was given but I want to get the ball rolling since I hope to land on July 1st. I only want a 1 bedroom house or flat with internet (that's my most pressing need). Thank you all.

Panama: schools in boquete:

There is a high school in the Alto Boquete area but not in Boquete proper. It's not bi-lingual as far as I know, that would be in David. Don't know of any condo's in Boquete (not yet that is) but houses and apartments for $700 and less is reasonable (depending on what you want and how you want to live). The only amenity in Boquete is going to be grocery stores and restaurants. Not sure what else you are looking for. If you mean movies and malls that will also be in David. And the best bookstore in Panama (we were told its the only used bookstore in Panama) is on the road between Boquete and David. He's closed on Mondays but if you need a good book to read that is the place. Check out viviun.com, boqueteforsale.com, encuerta24.com to give you a lead on places to rent. There are so many realtors who have property in Boquete. Some of the property that is for sale the owners would gladly rent them too, usually fully furnished. Just saw a new listing on craigslist too.

Panama: Tipping?:

Taxi's are not expecting a tip unless they do something special for you like drive you to your door or something. Restaurants are unique. Some charge you for tipping and it will be on the bill and some won't. You just have to check. If you have to tip keep it under 10%. Bell hops, valets, usually .50 to a 1.00. Don't use them at the airport - they want $2.00 a bag to help you get to the gate - and they ware these little white cards around their necks to show they are legit. Such a rip off. When you have the kids at the grocery store bag your groceries remember to tip them for each bag loaded - about .20 per bag.

Panama: biking:

There are several biking clubs in Panama. I know someone who rides every week with a group of friends. So we have seen many people around Volcan and Boquete riding. There is also a group that rides from Bocas to Boquete on bikes. We've seen them and while I would only do that with a guide (mostly because the road is so badly torn up) I do know they do bike in Panama. Have you checked out Tour de Panama? Not sure if you are up for a bike race or not but this would give you more information on bike routes. There are a couple of bike shops in David as well. HTH

Date Joined:

5/14/2011

Total Posts:

34

Posts/Day:

0.02