About jonoyakker

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: Starting a business in David:

Your diesel tools are heavy, I would think that bringing a container or half container would be best. Make sure you use a shipper/broker who is widely recommended!!! I have a business. Your lawyer, (again widely recommended) will first setup a corp. then apply for your visa. I know its not really legal, but I am not seeing the work permit issue being enforced if you have your FNV. I think you can take your time on that... There is a shortage of good mechanics here because the level of training and work attitude is not good. That is both good (because there will be lots of demand but bad news because its hard to find good people) Its taken me 3 years to have all great Panamanian workers. Start learning Spanish now-its harder than I thought. And are you catching the theme about getting recommendations??? There are good people here but the legal system does not flush out the bad ones. And learn the (complex) labor laws, get contracts on everyone you hire. Running a biz here is not for the faint hearted but I suppose that is true everywhere. Have you thought about going to work for a good shop first before opening your biz? That would give you time to get your personal affairs in order before beginning the huge task of opening a biz.

Panama: Hotel near Immigration Office:

No, Country Suites in El Dorado. Mid priced and good value. Just off the Corredor Norte. It's close to immigration and I'm pretty sure it has a pool. One caution-there is a stupid step coming in and out of the bathrooms. At least the two times I stayed there.

Panama: Quick Guide to El Valle:

There is lots to see and do in beautiful El Valle: http://pty.life/el-valle-panama-guide/

Panama: Getting to Tocumen:

I prefer Uber. The service is better, the cars are clean, and the price is less. And you know the price up-front. No games...

Panama: 100$ for your signature, friendly nations visa application:

Also, it is, or was possible to sell a corporation.

Panama: Arra Hijan:

It is a bustling, crowded, dirty, bedroom community for the city. There are nice pockets but it would not be my cup of tea...it was discussed here a few months ago. Try a search for more comments.

Panama: Short visit - where to go for 2 days???:

Forget David/Boquete-no way can you do it justice in 2 days. I would head to El Valle.

Panama: Looking for reasonable long-term monthly rental:

David, I am curious how you would guarantee the rental each year? You probably realize that you are asking someone to rent to you only in "high season." I think most landlords would want to charge a premium for that. Anyway, I just received notice that my 2BR will become available. Its in beautiful El Valle: http://panama.craigslist.org/apa/5944688125.html?lang=en&cc=us

Panama: Poverty in Panama:

Like many official measures, the meaning of poverty is skewed. That is because the definition of poverty is simply a measure of money. But consider this: if someone has all their basic needs met, yet they have no money, are they living in poverty? Officially, yes. Poverty does not measure happiness, nor sense of purpose, opportunity, or love. We forget that money is not everything. I know more than a few wealthy people who are miserable. Many Panamanians live on very little but they somehow manage by living together in large families. On the whole, I would venture to guess that they are happier than those in the US where I am from.

Panama: police shakedown:

Yes, you need a Panama drivers license if you have residency. There is a loophole-show them your passport (but not resident card) which makes your overseas license still valid. That is if you have been in the country less than 90 days.

Date Joined:

2/12/2012

Total Posts:

1174

Posts/Day:

0.62