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Mexico: How to prevent incoming emails without unsubscribing:
I am interested in most of the content in this forum but I am getting countless emails from one thread that I would like to stop getting. For some reason I am getting double and even quadruple messages from this particular thread. Is there anyway to stop this without unsubscribing to the forum?
Mexico: Advice about Riviera Maya:
I don't know much about Mexico but I can tell you Panama is no longer cheap especially in Panama City. The prices are higher than where I know live in SW Florida. Also, if you have pit bulls you cannot fly them on all the airlines I checked because of the way their noses are constructed--it is too much of a risk to fly them. Some parts of Panama are still cheaper but you will need to speak good Spanish to get along well. I have traveled all over Panama and the places with the most ex pats are Panama City and surrounding areas, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, Coronado and some in David. I personally like El Valle, Santiago and Chitre but you will need some Spanish since most people do not speak English there.
Panama is relatively safe but since I had been going there since 2004, I have seen a big increase in crime aimed at ex pats such as home invasions and robberies. Even though we may not be rich--to the locals we are. That makes us more of a target. If you are choosing Panama City just stay out of sketchy neighborhoods and use common sense like you would in any large city. Panama City is in my opinion safer than many large American cities but has gotten very pricey. If you want to know more about Panama just send me a private message.
Mexico: Anti-Amer.sentiment in the Riviera Maya:
Well Said! I don't think America will have a dictator anytime soon... The question was asking about Anti-American sentiment in Mexico.--not for political opinions on President Trump.. Is there new Anti-American sentiment in Mexico? Has anyone experienced first hand? I have heard that many Mexican people do not like our current president due to his immigration policies and promise to build a wall but have not heard anyone say they have experienced it first hand.
Panama: income producing opportunities in Bacas:
I lived in Bocas. It is hard for an expat to work legally in Panama.
If you work there, locals may report you to the authorities because you are taking their jobs away.
My suggestion is a good honest person who has skills to fix things... like an auto mechanic, handyman, plumber, electrician, carpenter, tile guy, refrigeration, A/C. It is extremely frustrating to try and get anything fixed by the locals. They are not skilled and in my experience, do a sub par job. I had a local "auto mechanic" fix plugs on my diesel engine and ended up having to get a new engine because he couldn't get them out and hammered them into my block. Carpenters put in two docks for me and neither one went to the land but fell short by five feet or more! If you are able to fix many different types of things, you would probably do okay... I have seen expats become "realtors" that do very well but they do it under the guise of "consultants" and/or use a Panamanian who has a real estate license to open a company. You might try one of the Bocas groups on Facebook to connect with people there. I don't know many expats that live in Bocas on this forum. Good luck! If you want any more info on Bocas you can send me a private message.
Panama: Speaking Spanish:
I learned to speak Spanish in the military at the Defense Language Institute and was exposed to speakers in almost every Spanish speaking country in existence. I didn't use my Spanish for over 25 years and when visiting parts of Panama didn't use it much either. I moved to David into a neighborhood with no English-speaking neighbors. I had to do everything in Spanish from buying, registering and selling a car, going to the mechanic and dealership, paying bills, getting cable and electric, renting a house, going to dentist, doctor and hospital, buying insurance, paying taxes, banking etc. (Most people in David do not speak that much English.) My Spanish came back very quickly when I was forced to use it. I had a wonderful friend from David, Jose Luis, that I never was able to understand that well but weird as it seems--I could understand his parents, children and wife just fine! The problem is encountering different accents from region to region, city to city or just individual to individual accents. Think Bronx vs Boston. Minnesota vs Hatteras NC or just trying to understand my brother-in-law from mountains of Tennessee--I am from Tennessee!!! Understanding Spanish can be much more difficult than Speaking Spanish. The best thing is try your Spanish out on everyone and engage them in conversation. Most people will help you and are eager to talk. Also ask them to speak "mas suave" if they are speaking too fast. Also, Panamanian speakers CAN BE different. I lived in Spain for two years and visited Costa Rica, Peru, and Mexico. I have friends from Chile, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nicaragua and Colombia. I can attest that Panamanians do speak differently than some of those countries--especially those who live outside Panama City. (Colombians speak closer to the Panamanians to my ear.) In Panama, they have different words and phrases that are unique to that country--especially slang. Just don't be shy and talk as much as you can. Poco a poco you will be able to better understand native speakers. Believe me being able to speak Spanish makes your experiences in Panama much easier and enjoyable.
Panama: Chinese Lady moving soon:
I hope that you will get some replies from the Chinese Community. I do not mean to be negative, but it is my experience that the Chinese do not mix with non-Chinese. At least in my age group which is late 50s. The Chinese in Panama seem very "traditional." Some still have arranged marriages. The Chinese I met all are very industrious and hardworking business people. They mostly friendly and very polite but that is where it has stopped in my experience. I actually talked to one more-open Chinese lady about the fact they did not socialize with outsiders and she said it was true and was a shame. She would have liked to have more expat or non-Chinese friends but others (especially the men) in the Chinese Community frowned on it. She told me some of the men had even complained to her husband about her "behavior" (being overly friendly to non-Chinese. This lady was a teacher. Actually, the Chinese ladies I have met do not socialize much in general. They usually have lots of extended family around and many work long hours. I hope that what I observed may be limited to just the people I know and not wide spread. If not, it is better that you know so your wife doesn't become very unhappy if you move.
Panama: June 2016 - Paso Canoas visa run to Costa Rica report:
I have made the "border run" many, many times mostly from Bocas del Toro and three times from David. There are major differences between the two borders. ALWAYS traveling from Bocas del Toro to Costa Rica I had to show proof of return.(No proof of funds, though.) Instead of a plane ticket--a bus pass will work just as well and is much cheaper. You can buy the bus ticket at the border before you cross. I found that on that border it was faster and easier to take one of the private shuttles. Much more comfortable than the bus!
The shuttle driver takes care of having your passport stamped and if they take care of the problem of a return ticker.
Also, when flying from US to Panama ( Tocumen airport)--I always was asked for a return airline ticket when checking in with the airline be it Copa, American Airlines, Delta etc. I flew once to Lima Peru and back to Panama and used my bus ticket that I had bought and that worked.
The border at David was much easier in my experience. I actually went with my Panamanian lawyer neighbor to the immigration office in David to get information about how to cross. (It seems the immigration office in the country are aware of the non-resident border runs.) Anyway I was told to walk over and walk immediately back again with no need to stay in Costa Rica. I was skeptical and prepared to stay over but it worked! Three with no glitches or problems. Didn't have to show proof of funds or return plane tickets or even a bus ticket. (I recommend the bus ticket just to be on the safe side.) Some people get a flight reservation print it out and then cancel the flight. I have done that also and it worked.
I think it also depends on what official is in charge the day you go and what mood they are in. The border near David seemed much more lax. TECHNICALLY you are supposed to have proof of funds (Can be a credit card.) and a proof of return back such as plane ticket or bus ticket so I think it is always best to be prepared. You never know when they may tighten up on the rules or a "boss" is there that day.
Panama: Are Panama Corporations a Total Scam:
It is not necessary to own a property in a Corporation. I too was advised to do this and was told it was how it is done in Panama. From what I can see the only advantage to owing land in a corporation is when you are going to sell it. It is just a matter of transferring shares. That to me, is also a weakness. Anyone who has access to the shares, can get control over the corporation and assets there-in. In my opinion, the main reason attorneys recommend owing land in corporations is for their gain mostly. You then have to pay for the set up of the corporation and yearly resident agent fees. If you are not conducting business, then a corporation doesn't make sense anyway. Foundations are different. A much better way to go. I have had these set up. They aren't much more expense to do than a corporation. Just beware of anonymous foundations (and also anonymous corporations as well!) If not set up properly you could have an unscrupulous lawyer take control. Make sure you structure it so you still remain in control. Technically, a Panamanian Foundation has no OWNER just beneficiaries. If you want more info, please private message me and I can discuss more in depth. I am so sorry this happened to you. I have had similar problems. I would be happy to share my experiences with you so you can learn from my mistakes. Good luck!
Dominican Republic: Moving to Punta Cana:
I don't know about Ecuador but you cannot retire in Panama for $800 per month unless you live very poorly. Panama is no longer cheap. I lived there for a few years and just moved back to the US recently. The cost of living is comparable to SW Florida! The immigration requirements have also changed and you need to prove much more than an $800 per month pension for a pensionado in Panama. I would check out more recent information for both Panama and Ecuador in terms of cost of living and immigration requirements.
Panama: David - buses and cheap hotels?:
There is one main bus station in David downtown. It has two main parts and buses load from two sides. You just have to find the area where the bus leaves for the border. Also I think you can buy a ticket in advance. Otherwise it is first come first serve. It isn't that far to the border maybe 45 minutes or so. I only drove by car so I am not sure how long to the border by bus. Taxis are inexpensive and you can find them at the front of the bus station. Just ask how much the fare is before you get in. If you have a lot of luggage I would definitely get a taxi. There is a good inexpensive hotel near the bus station within walking distance. It is called Hotel Alcala. Rooms are under $40. It is safe and has a decent restaurant. There are several hotels downtown which is a short distance from the bus station. Anything near the central park is good. Plenty of restaurants and shopping. I wouldn't stray too far from the bus station if for nothing else convenience. David isn't a huge city but is good sized. It is relatively safe even at night.
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