About Christian86

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

Germany

Past Expat Posts:

United States

Switzerland

France

South Africa

United Kingdom

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: Advice on San Carlos:

I just sent you a pm.

Panama: Panama More Expensive Than I thought!:

Hi Lisa, I just sent you a pm with my suggestion.

Panama: Crime in PTY:

Gman, the link that you provide is to a private site of a financial crime consultant. I just skimmed through there web site and the article posted is not worthy of forwarding or referring to on this website. What you are doing is unnecessarily scaring potential visitors or expats interested to come to Panama by providing them with false information. People who live here such as yourself know that the situation in Pananama is nothing like you or the article describes. If this was reality you would have already packed up and left the country. We know of the problems that exist here but it is not up to us to resolve the issues as expats. This is a young democracy and we should take it as such as we also benefit handsomely of the advantages it provides. I have gotten to know the people as kind and not nearly as aggressive as in my native country and feel very safe and welcome here. I agree with Stanley that the wreckless driving especially of buses and trucks is far more dangerous than any other potential threats at the moment. There is another statistic that should be addressed and publicized. It probably will not be addressed until a family member of a high ranking official gets affected.

Panama: Panama's Banking Interest Rates:

Panama does not offer FDIC insurance and is generally not transparent. Even if you have an account with the local subsidiary of a large international Bank the mother company might not be held responsible. As a former banker I would not deposit more funds than necessary locally and keep your savings and investments where they treat you better, I.e. FDIC and SIPC insurance. The return of your money should have priority.

Panama: If Cost of Living is top of mind:

The cost difference between the two locations comes from the fact that the dollar has been very strong whereas other currencies have been comparatively week in recent times. Currencies are traded freely and prices and the correlation of the currency can change on a dime's notice. Panama is relatively expensive at the moment for non-$ retirees but this will change again perhaps sooner than later. So I would not base my retirement decision on that because your happiness may change as quickly as the markets price things against you. Renting or buying is definitely relatively cheaper in neighboring countries at the mall moment. What about taxes? Last time I checked their forum American retirees were concerned about having to tax their pensions in Colombia. If you include that and the fact that you may need accountants and additional legal advice for compliance being an expat, than the advantage also may no longer look so great.

Panama: Kathleen Peddicord:

I would recommend that it is not worth subscribing to a newsletter until you have explored all the other options. Especially about a subscription about a specific country. You get more diverse and accurate information on this website. Most if not more questions have been answered here than you could possibly get from a paid subscription.

Panama: Coronado Used Cars:

You should check encuentra24, the website for Panama first. I do not know any local dealers but have been lucky with my purchases via Internet. I keep a record of all my expenses and expect the same from another buyer or seller. Stick to the common brands for maintenance and parts.

Panama: Skin/Bug Bites:

When you live in Panama permanently you have less issues with bugs than when visiting. Rainy season is worse than dry season. Panama City is OK, but when you go to Howard or Cocoli at dusk, it is terrible. Coronado is generally OK, but Punta Chame in the rainy season is not. I do not know the specific reasons, perhaps mangroves and lack of fumigation, but I do recommend asking a lot of questions and investigating an area before deciding where to settle. My family has been lucky with our location, but there are big differences.

Panama: Help - guidance for Panama re-locate:

I just sent you a pm

Panama: Trump Won - I'm outta here!:

In a developed democracy people get to choose their government. I am not American, but I love and admire the resilience of the American people especially in this last election. Despite all the subjective and one sided media attention they were able to vote without being influenced by it. I could not think of another nation where the people are so capable of discerning what is the right thing to do and not them be influenced by the stupid pollsters. After GW Bush's poor judgment and presidency after 9/11 It was not difficult to understand that people wanted change. But after the way that the last 8 years went in the wrong direction a change was just as necessary. I doubt that the new president elect will spend as much time on the golf course as the last one while letting everything continue to go to shambles. I personally am much more hopeful today for the future than I was a few days ago.

Date Joined:

5/27/2013

Total Posts:

54

Posts/Day:

0.04