About CarrieW

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Some Forum Posts:

Panama: Bringing a pet to Panama:

Hello, We just brought our dog down from California to Panama about 9 months ago. We flew on Copa. Our dog, Jordy, was too large (30lbs) to bring in the cabin, so he flew cargo. He did very well in cargo. I actually called the cargo folks in Copa. They guided me through every step. The trick is getting the documents you need on time. 10 days before you fly, you must get a vet to sign a form (the vet should know which form for Panama). This forms says the dog is healthy. Then you take that form to the USDA. We were fortunate enough to have one in San Francisco, so I could actually take the form in. Depending on where you live, you might have to Fed-ex the form. Then, you must get it to a Panamanian consulate. In our case we did have to fed-ex the form. You must pay with a money gram and provide a paid fed-ex (or maybe a USPS envelope)... Check with the consulate. It is a nail biting experience but in our case it worked well. Be sure you are not flying in on a holiday because once you arrive in Panama, your dog will have to get through customs...which involves a lot of paperwork and a quick vet check. The vet is on-site at the airport but you need to check the hours. And they are NOT there on weekends and holidays. I do not know the procedure for having your pet as a service dog...but the forms to get him/her through Panama customs will be the same...no matter how he/ she flies in. Good luck! Carrie

Panama: Recommendations for places to stay in Las Tablas?:

Hi, My husband and I live in Boquete but are planning a short trip to see a few places in Panama. We are spending a few days in the Boca Chica area. We thought we would drive to Las Tablas, or the surrounding area after Boca Chica. Does anyone have a recommendation on a decent hotel? We are looking for a place with its own bathroom. Thanks in advance. Carrie

Panama: Arriving in Boquete:

Hi Susan, I am also from Northern California! I've been living in Boquete for 6 months, and my husband has been living here for 10 months (he came early to get us set up with housing). The Tuesday market is a good place to meet expats. Also, Sugar and Spice has a lot of expats who eat there. You just need to strike up a conversation with them. They are very helpful. If I can be of help, please PM me and I can answer more specific questions. For the record, we love living in Boquete and are happy we made the move. Great people, great beauty and a complete 180 from the hectic CA life! Where are you from in CA. We lived in San Jose and were raised on the peninsula (Los Altos)! Regards, Carrie

Panama: getting started:

Hi Pan2021, You are right to do much research. Before we moved to Boquete, from California, we researched for 5 years! I asked a lot of questions on this forum and received some great advise. Keep in mind that there are two seasons...high season which is around December to April. Low season is May through November. If you come at low season, you can probably find less expensive places to rent (in Boquete and surrounding areas). By the way, we love it here...have been here 6 months and feel it is the best move we ever made! Good luck with your research and feel free to PM me if you have further questions. Carrie

Panama: Boquete Hotels:

I agree with Boquetegirl! Also, Downtown Suites is nice. They have fully equipped kitchens and you would be right in town. Not sure of the price though. I also know of an apartment for rent...can be short term that is located in Volcancito, but you would need a car for that. There is also a hotel right near The Rock...owned by The Rock...which is a very nice restaurant. Trip Advisor is a good source of info.

Panama: El Valle for the weekend:

We stayed at the Golden Frog when we were researching our forever home. We loved it there and we went every night for the happy hour. Our hosts were so knowledgable and helped answer all of our questions. We loved El Valle but ultimately ended up in Boquete. Enjoy your visit! I hope you love it as much as we did!

Panama: Traveling from Costa Rica to Boquete question:

Hello, I live in Boquete. I have a sister who is coming to visit, but wants to stop in Costa Rica for a few days. Does anyone know the easiest, and somewhat inexpensive way to get from San Jose, CR to David? We do not have a car, so picking her up at the border of CR is not ideal. Is there a good flight from CR to David? My brief investigation shows no flights. Will she have to fly in to PC? Is there a bus from San Jose to David, and if so, how long does the bus take? Thank you, Carrie

Panama: Bringing in fast-foods:

I'm not sure about frozen food, but when we were in customs waiting for the vet to approve our dog and his papers for arrival in Panama, they pulled a lady out of the line. She had burritos and they took them away from her. They were wrapped in foil...not frozen.

Panama: Weather:

I will add my 2 cents to the already great info you have received already. When we visited PC on our investigative trip, we took taxis everywhere. We mapped out where we wanted to go...the old town, the fish market, the neighborhoods...etc....there were 4 of us and our taxis ranged from $2-5. We ended up hiring a taxi to drive us around a bit for about $35! Well worth it. We then rented a car, in the financial district and drove to El Valle and surrounding areas. It was difficult to get out of the city, but we managed...very carefully. We drove back, returned the car and stayed at a hotel that provided free transportation to the airport for our return flight. There are a ton of holidays in November, so keep that in mind. When you go to Bocas...be sure you bring bug spray...the little noseeums are bothersome. Enjoy your time...soak up the culture and remember that a smile goes a long way here in Panama!

Panama: Boquete Expat Meeting:

Hi There is a Tuesday market in Boquete at the BCP center...across the river...just ask anyone where it is...they will know. There are many expats that go there. I don't know exactly when it starts, but we show up around 10am, and it is full swing then. It is only in the mornings on Tuesday, and I believe it ends at 12pm. I'm not sure if that is the meeting you are referring to...but if you go to the Tuesday market, you will meet many of us there! Almost everyone is willing to answer your questions. But...it gets very crowded and can be a bit overwhelming at first. Regards, Carrie

Date Joined:

6/23/2013

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