Hi all, retired educator here, looking at Panama for place to live.
I am under some pressing time constraints so am hoping someone here can answer some specific questions on Panama for which I would be very appreciative.
I will try to be brief and to the point.
a) I am interested in living permanently on whatever visa involves the least amount of dealing with the government. It is my understanding that I can get 180 days on entry with a valid USA passport and possible another 60 day extension. Is there any way to cross border(s) to a nearby country and renew the 180 days? I qualify for the pensionado visa with an income of over 1000USD. But I'd rather not involve the hassle of dealing with bureacracies there.
b) for access to immigration attorneys and banks, I am thinking that these cities would be large enough for that? Colon, David, La Chorrera. Which would be better for a gringo with limited Spanish?
I really would like to avoid living in Panama City due to the number
of bad reports on that place online. But I don't want to wind up in a place that forces me to commute to Panama City to get things done.
c) I will rent a small furnished studio apartment. Nothing fancy but
in a relatively safe area close to supermarket and transport. I am street smart and have never been a victim of crime, but that could change, who knows? Initially I will have no vehicle and would like to avoid getting one if possible.
d) Beyond that I am looking for relatively good climate. I like hot and dry. Storms are ok if not that frequent. I do not like really oppressive humidity as in Houston, TX for example where you can't walk a block without getting soaking wet.
Thanks for reading. I have experience living in two countries and visiting several others. Happy to contribute, but I give as I get :-)
Thanks for reading.
PS Thanks to mods here for not making it a PITA to register.
I am under some pressing time constraints so am hoping someone here can answer some specific questions on Panama for which I would be very appreciative.
I will try to be brief and to the point.
a) I am interested in living permanently on whatever visa involves the least amount of dealing with the government. It is my understanding that I can get 180 days on entry with a valid USA passport and possible another 60 day extension. Is there any way to cross border(s) to a nearby country and renew the 180 days? I qualify for the pensionado visa with an income of over 1000USD. But I'd rather not involve the hassle of dealing with bureacracies there.
b) for access to immigration attorneys and banks, I am thinking that these cities would be large enough for that? Colon, David, La Chorrera. Which would be better for a gringo with limited Spanish?
I really would like to avoid living in Panama City due to the number
of bad reports on that place online. But I don't want to wind up in a place that forces me to commute to Panama City to get things done.
c) I will rent a small furnished studio apartment. Nothing fancy but
in a relatively safe area close to supermarket and transport. I am street smart and have never been a victim of crime, but that could change, who knows? Initially I will have no vehicle and would like to avoid getting one if possible.
d) Beyond that I am looking for relatively good climate. I like hot and dry. Storms are ok if not that frequent. I do not like really oppressive humidity as in Houston, TX for example where you can't walk a block without getting soaking wet.
Thanks for reading. I have experience living in two countries and visiting several others. Happy to contribute, but I give as I get :-)
Thanks for reading.
PS Thanks to mods here for not making it a PITA to register.
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