About FJW

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: Travel agency in PC?:

We are very happy with Starlite Travel in Plaza Albrook. We work with a lovely lady, Luz, who speaks excellent English.

Panama: pension visa:

Great info from Panamabob! We just went through the process and it was an expensive pain in the ass. Our attorney recommended that we also apostile 6 months of bank statements showing ss and pension deposited. Every page of every doccument you submit must have that apostile!! In addition, every page must be translated into Spanish (our lawyer handled that but it was an additional cost.) If you're married you have to submit an apostiled copy of the marriage license. Since we were already living in Panama, we had to pay an attorney in the States to compile all the documents we needed and get them apostiled, All together we spent about $4,000!!

Panama: Money in panama:

It is EXTREMELY difficult to open a bank account in Panama. Almost impossible until you become a resident.

Belize: Bicycles on Ambergris:

Don't forget a sturdy bike lock....bikes get stolen and stripped down all the time.

Belize: real estate:

You absolutely, positively, MUST have an attorney when buying property!!! Property titles in Belize are a mess and countless folks have bought land from folks who didn't own it in the first place. We have successfully used Ryan Wrobel in Belize City. He is an ex-pat who has lived in Belize for years and is trustworthy and hard working. Good luck!

Panama: Relocating 5 dogs to Panama:

We moved to Panama last year with two dogs (our fur children) and getting everything together became overwhelming! EVERY document needed a special International notary seal called an Apostile Seal - check it our on the Internet. Finally in desperation, after making myself almost sick we used, Panama Pet Relocation mario@panamapetrelocation.com, Mr. Mario Vilar. He took care of everything beautifully - we were out of the Airport in no time at all with our small dog who traveled with us. Mario delivered the other dog who had to fly on a different air carrier, the next day to our home. It was expensive but well worth every penny!

Belize: 5 Year Plan:

I lived in Belize for 12 years before moving to Panama in 2011. There is a lot of information on this site about both countries. I suggest you pull-up all post from the last two years - you'll learn a bunch. That said, BOTH countries are expensive to live in if you want to maintain an 'American' standard of living. Only thing cheap in either country is unskilled labor. Keep an eye on Air travel costs back to the States...Belize in particular is often near $1,000US per person - outrageous!! Crime in Belize, especially in and around Belize City is out of control. Be sure to visit both countries sereral times and do your research. DO NOT but property for at least two years after you move!!!

Belize: portable saw mill:

Most of the lumber in Belize is milled in the Mennonite communities in the River Valley or the San Ignacio area. Remember, you'll need a work permit even to have a small business. Work permits are a challenge to get! Be sure to do your homework before you move down.

Belize: Belmopan, administrative capital of Belize:

Belmopan is a city created after Hurricane Hattie decimated Belize City in the early '60's. For years it as just a place where folks went to work. Only recently has it really started to become a viable community - hence the lack of sidewalks, etc.

Belize: Best/worst areas of Ambergris to live?:

South of town is low and swampy with tons of mosquitoes during rainy periods.

Date Joined:

9/15/2011

Total Posts:

35

Posts/Day:

0.02