Cars and Towns?

14 years ago
Hey all,
I'm going to be driving my van from the states down to Costa Rica in October and my family will meet me the first of November. We've got a house leased for 6 months and our plan was that we may even stay another 6 months if we liked it.

Well, I've come to find out that a program that was in place for keeping a car in the country past 6 months is no longer there. I'd have to register the car (I'm told over $14k in taxes, registration, etc.) or sell it within the first 90 days. Neither of those seems like a good plan.

So what I'm looking into now is staying for 6 months and then moving along. Of course Panama is what's on my radar. I have two main questions:

1- Does Panama have the same stifling taxes and regulations for bringing a car into the country or are they going to be more reasonable? Any idea what it would take for me to bring it in and keep it long term with US plates? Or change over the registration?

2- What are some ideas for towns? We'd be looking for a small beach town within an hour of Panama City that had amenities (grocery stores, light shopping, stuff like that) and was reasonably priced.

Thanks for the help.

SJB Global
SJB Global
Caballero Méndez & Candanedo
Caballero Méndez & Candanedo

Our firm is especially recognized for its Immigration and Visa services, helping clients relocate smoothly, obtain residency, and comply with Panama’s legal requirements. We make the migration process clear, efficient, and stress-free, so you can focus on what truly matters: starting your new life or business project with confidence.
Learn More

Caballero Méndez & CandanedoCaballero Méndez & Candanedo

Our firm is especially recognized for its Immigration and Visa services, helping clients relocate smoothly, obtain residency, and comply with Panama’s legal requirements. We make the migration process clear, efficient, and stress-free, so you can focus on what truly matters: starting your new life or business project with confidence.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

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