An Expat Talks about Retiring in Potrerillos, Chiriqui, Panama

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Potrerillos, Chiriqui

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

I chose to move to Panama because I have a Panamanian wife and wanted to bring her back to her home country after 30 years of wonderful marriage.

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

I chose Panama because I was stationed in Panama while in the military where I met my wonderful Panamanian wife.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

Full time

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

I lived and traveled all over the world while service g in the US Military including Panama

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

10 years in Panama

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

Just Panama

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Dealing with the oppressive US Government

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

freedom and economic prosperity

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

move all of my assets over seas in advance of my arrival

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

quiet and stress free

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

I built my home on property we purchased 20 years ago

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

Residence visa based on marriage to a Local National

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

By far exceeded my financial goals and predictions

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

Establishing a financial network including a local bank and access to your retirement income typically kept in a US bank

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

$2000 or more per month

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes, Panama has first world medical care but also has third word cares and everything between

Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

Occasionally however most is of a petty nature based on lax security on the part of the victim however there is a new threat slowly emerging with home invasion but still quite rare.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

We need a car where we live however there is an abundance of public transportation including bus and taxi.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes, we have a wireless system that receives the internet signal via a line of sight antenna

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

I would encourage any one who is thinking about moving overseas to take the plunge before it's too late and the US Gov. makes it to difficult to expatriate.