About ranadelnorte

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: temporary driver's license:

For an issue that is so important to you, best to ask the licensing facility directly, either online, by phone or by online chat: www.sertracen.com.pa Or ask your lawyer. Good luck!

Panama: Taboga Island Life:

Check out the Taboga report on www.panamaforreal.com website. The report is dated (2014), but nevertheless gives an idea of the place. To me the potable water issue would be a deal breaker. Good luck!

Panama: National Migration System offers new online service:

@golric Thanks for posting this intel. Wonder how the role of lawyers will be affected now that the new application and tracking system for visas can be done online?

Panama: Buying Cellphone on Visit to Panama:

You can buy a cheapie Samsung for $20 that uses a prepaid card ($5 each) from your choice of providers, BUT it won't be a smartphone, so no photos, or apps such as Waze. A cheapie smartphone by Huawei or Samsung will set you back $100-$130, and also can be used with a prepaid card. Depends on how and why you want to use the phone, but it is always handy to have one in my opinion. Another option is to have your home phone "unlocked", then buy a new SIM card in Panama from a local provider. Consensus is that MasMovil is the provider with best coverage across the country. Good luck!

Panama: Temp. Apt. Rental. Pty:

You could check out the encuentra24.com website for shared accomodation rentals. Good luck!

Panama: Corporation:

Your question is confusing to me, and I'm wondering if you understand fully the purpose of opening a corporation for the FN visa, the process and costs of dissolving a corporation, why many people hold real estate inside a corporation, and the impossiblity of switching visa types once you're in the country. Think you need to have a nice long chat with your lawyer, and maybe even get advice from another. Good luck!

Panama: Advise and Info Welcome:

Hello You give no indication of where in Panama you wish to live. In Panama City, rent on a 2 bedroom, furnished apartment in a recently constructed, secure building goes for $1200-1700/month in the city core. Please consult encuentra24, a website, to give you an overview of rental prices. Good luck!

Panama: Starting a business in David:

Hello To answer your specific questions: -Obtaining visas is not a DIY project. By law a Panamanian lawyer must file for you. -Opinion is divided about bringing a container or starting from scratch. You'll have to do your own cost/benefit analysis. Be aware that an immigration visa allows you to bring $10,000 of used personal goods duty and tax free. -Most will tell you not to bring a vehicle. Importation is costly, and parts might be not available for your make/model. Vehicles are readily available in Panama at reasonable prices. Are you aware there is a search function on the forum? Answers to many questions can be found by using it. Here is my 2 cents on your situation: -A 2 week trip won't give you enough time to form a decision about such an important move. -Spanish language skills are essential for running a service business. -Budgets are very personal. For me as a Canadian COL is a about 25% less, with most of the savings in services due to low salaries and wages. You'll be in a service business, and will be here during the 20 highest-earning years of your life. That would give me pause for thought. -If your child would be interested in higher education, the options in Panama are not good, so that would be a huge expense.

Panama: How and Where to Open Panamian Bank Account While Visiting Panama:

Banking in Panama has been covered many times. Please use the search function. Bottom line: U.S. citizen tourists with no resident visa in hand or in process will find it impossible to open a bank account, with the exception of those who are obtaining a mortgage to buy property. The Superintendencia de Bancos, the Panama banking authority, produces a list of accredited banks. You are advised to do your own due diligence to find a bank that seems solid, as there is no deposit insurance in Panama. You could visit the websites of those banks that interest you to find their requirements for opening an account. Banco General is a well-respected bank, but there are others. Good luck!

Panama: Bringing motorcycle:

Your Canadian shipper will have a correspondent in Panama who will be able to answer all your questions with the latest info. If you don't choose to purchase door-to-door service for your container, then you'll have to get a Panamanian customs broker to help you on this end, unless of course you have excellent Spanish. Good luck!

Date Joined:

6/5/2014

Total Posts:

643

Posts/Day:

0.62