[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear William,

The income requirement was raised to $1000 in 2008 and has not been lowered, so it would seem the page in question was out of date. Unfortunately annuities do not qualify. However, you can qualify with a pension of only $750 if you buy a property in Panama (worth at least $100,000).

You can read more about the current pensioner visa here: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/visas-and-residence/ and if you have more in-depth questions you may also want to contact an attorney via contact details here: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/rolodex/

Hope this helps.

Best,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Rick,

You plan to cross the Costa Rica-Panama border at Paso Canoas and then get to David, correct?

A few important things to keep in mind:

The border crossing doesn’t cost anything (subject to change) but can take 2 hours if there are many people in line. If you are patient it really isn’t bad.

At the border, to enter Panama, you must be prepared to present $500 cash per person (financial solvency requirement) and airline tickets showing when you will be exiting Panama.

Yes there are “frontera” or “border” buses and it’s about an hour’s drive between Paso Canoas and David. You could hire a cab but it would be expensive, probably not worth it (more than $40). Bus schedules are not published so you need to inquire at the piquera (bus station)…that said, frequencies are usually good, no need to worry that you won’t be able to get a bus on the day you need it. Last time I traveled it was like $2 and buses ran from the border to David like every fifteen minutes from 6am to 9pm (this is all approximate but shouldn’t vary much).

At the border you will need to walk your luggage across, so pack light or be prepared to tip a local a few bucks to help you.

There are “international” buses between David and San Jose, Costa Rica. There are also flights.

I don’t know about the GPS including both countries. But outside of Panama City, the country of Panama is very easy to get around, I’ve never used GPS, I just stop and ask. There’s just one major highway, the Pan-American or Inter-American. You will find lots of info on this highway and driving in Panama on this website.

It’s always a good idea to drive during the day when it’s safer (in terms of visibility and avoiding accidents).

Regards,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Ted,

There is a site called Paginas Amarillas which you can Google, but the listings are sometimes out of date, as these days more and more businesses are relying on their own websites and no longer providing their contact info to “yellow pages” sites. Maybe try this company, website: http://www.sellosyplacas.com or http://www.showpromsports.com or http://www.odysseypanama.com

Good luck!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

DEAR JUDITH, Yes absolutely, you can rent a car in Coronado…well not right in Coronado but nearby, I think there is a Thrifty car rental agency in Santa Clara (about 15 minutes away) and a National Rent a Car agency at the Decameron Resort (about 30 minutes away). Probably cheaper to rent in Panama City (Albrook) though!
Have fun!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Wayne,

You’ll find information on David and how to get there (domestic airline Air Panama is, I believe the only option for flights…alternatively you could rent a car and drive…) here: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/where-to-live/chiriqui-boquete-beyond/

There are a bunch of new hotels, you wouldn’t believe just how many. Panama has more hotels in the pipeline than nearly any other country in the region save Brazil! I usually just check review sites like Trip Advisor to see which hotels are getting the best ratings at the time. There’s everything from hostels and B&Bs to big hotels and resorts, so depends on what you’re looking for, and what area you want to stay in. You may want to stay in David and then move to a hotel in Boquete rather than driving from David to Boquete for a day trip.

Here’s some more information you may need:

Planning a visit? Here is some important information about Panama travel and resources:

Arriving/Departing: Most travelers fly into Tocumen International Airport, aka, the Hub of the Americas. Located in Panama City, Panama (call letters PTY), Tocumen is Panama’s only major international airport for commercial flights. Panama’s international airline, Copa, is Latin America’s largest airline and has helped transform Tocumen into the region’s busiest hub, with a great deal of direct and connecting flights.

The Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama City (also referred to as Albrook, after the neighborhood in which it’s located) is a hub for domestic airline Air Panama.

The Enrique Malek airport in David, Chiriqui offers flights to and from Costa Rica; all other flights to and from David are domestic.

There are also small domestic airports or airstrips elsewhere in Panama, including the San Blas/Kunayala region, Chitre/Pedasi, Contadora Island, and Bocas del Toro.

Regarding the newly completed Scarlett Martinez airport at Rio Hato (Pacific Coast near Coronado), at time of writing, the government says this will serve international and domestic charter flights. The recently expanded Colon airport also serves charter flights.

Customs and Immigration: To visit Panama, U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a passport, valid for six months from your arrival here. No visa application required.

Citizens from visa waiver countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, El Salvador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and Uruguay, may also visit Panama for up to 90 days without a visa*.

*This list and other information in this message is subject to change. Always check with your nearest Panamanian consulate or your home country’s foreign affairs office prior to travel to ensure you have the latest information.

Country Information:

• Currency: Panama uses the U.S. dollar or $ (referred to as the Balboa or B/.). All bills are U.S. bills; you’ll find a mix of coins from different U.S. states as well as Panamanian coins. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Panama City, Amex is accepted in some but not all locations. Outside the city, you may need to use cash for some expenditures, including hotels/motels. A good rule of thumb: Assume nothing & Ask before you go.

• Foreign exchange: this is not a country where you’ll find exchange posts around every corner. Withdraw U.S. Dollars from ATMs in Panama City, ask whether your hotel offers exchange services, or plan on getting to a bank during local operating hours.

• Climate: Panama is tropical with average temperatures of 88º F and two seasons: dry (summer) and wet (“winter”). The dry season is usually December through April. In highland regions such as Boquete, temperatures can drop to 60º F at night. No matter where you go in Panama, consider bringing a light cardigan or jacket (it can get cold on the beach when it rains and indoors due to strong air conditioning). For current weather information consult Google News, The Weather Channel, or any other trusted news or weather source.

For help planning your visit contact your travel agent or make use of reduced travel websites such as Kayak.com. Low airfares are often available on Copa/United, visit: http://www.copaair.com for more information. Spirit offers budget flights to Panama. Panama is served by many of the worlds major airlines.

New hotels open in Panama every year. For help choosing a hotel and other information try review sites such as TripAdvisor.com. The Riande Airport Hotel (tel: +507-290 3333; website: http://www.hotelesriande.com) is close to Panama’s Tocumen International Airport, but far from city conveniences.

Local tourism/travel contacts:

• Local Travel Agent: Casey Halloran, Co-Owner, Costa Rican Vacations & Panama Luxury Vacations, In Costa Rica: 1-800-606-1860 ext 401, In Panama: 1-866-393-4192, Web: http://www.vacationtopanama.com.

• Eco-tours and custom tours: http://www.anconexpeditions.com

• Road trips, tours, and ground transportation in Panama (including airport pickups): Inside Panama, email: transport@insidepma.com, tel: +507-6675-6601; Sealandsky Journeys, email: ditase@yahoo.com, tel: +507-6630-0847; Marco Colucci, tel: +507-6672-1201, email: macoluche@hotmail.com.

• Rental Cars

There are many rental companies in Panama, including:

o National: http://www.nationalpanama.com/english/index.htm
o Hertz http://www.rentacarpanama.com/general/default.aspx
o Budget Rent A Car http://www.budgetpanama.com
o And more: http://www.panamatours.com/Services/serv_carentals.htm

* Taxis are available nearly everywhere and are very inexpensive. Fares within the greater metropolitan area are usually $3 to $5. Visits to outlying areas like the Panama Canal Miraflores visitor center can cost $6 to $10.

Taxis do not use meters; they carry charts showing the price increase by district. Add $0.35 per additional person to the fare. Taxis charge extra for pickup at hotels, airports, and other tourist destinations. Any taxi can take you to the airport. Only special white “tourism taxis” are allowed to pick up passengers from the airport. Tocumen Airport fare should be $25 total for up to two people or $10 each for groups. Private ground transport companies usually charge $35. For more airport fares see: http://www.tocumenpanama.aero/index.php?cccpage=transporte_publico.

It is not customary to tip taxi drivers (unless the driver has gone above and beyond or helped load luggage).

Always ask the taxi driver what the fare will be before getting in.

Resource Rolodex

KINDLY NOTE: As Panama editor I travel the country in order to write about it. As I am a full-time writer, I do not offer any consulting, concierge, real estate, or travel-related services. Here are some providers that will be happy to hear from you and help with these and other matters:

Real estate: International Living does not sell or broker real estate or rentals, so for real estate queries, contact Pathfinder International Real Estate, exclusive real estate marketer to International Living:

Pathfinder International Real Estate
Tura Murdock
tmurdock@pathfinderinternational.net
info@pathfinderinternational.net
Website: http://www.pathfinderinternational.net

Rentals: Panama has a growing number of rental management companies. One of the first on the scene was Panama Sol:

Panama Sol
Email: panama@panamasolrealty.com

Legal assistance: Whether you plan to live, invest or retire in Panama, you’ll need a Panamanian lawyer to assist you with legal matters. If you don’t already have one, send your legal questions to:

The Law Offices of Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Suite 406-407, Tower B, Torres de las Americas
Punta Pacifica, Panama City, Panama
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the U.S. or Canada tel: (011 507) 216-9299
Email: rmk@mata-kelly.com
Website: http://www.mata-kelly.com

Best of luck with all your Panama plans.

Regards,

Jessica Ramesch
Panama editor
International Living

IMPORTANT PANAMA HOLIDAYS 2014*

January 1 New Year’s Day
January 9 Martyr’s Day (no alcoholic beverages sold for 24 hours)
March 1-4, March 5 Carnival & Ash Wednesday
April 17-20 Holy Week (no alcoholic beverages sold for 24 hours Good Friday)
May 1 Labor Day
August 15 Founding of Panama La Vieja (original city)
November 3-5, 10, 28 (Dec 1) Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays)
December 8 Mother’s Day
December 25 Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24/31)
* subject to change

P.S. Please feel free to start a new post should you have further questions.

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Peggy, I have driven to all the destinations on my own. Of course I employ the same common sense and awareness I did when living in the U.S., which included being aware of my surroundings, avoiding driving at night on deserted roads or roads with poor visibility (it’s generally easier to drive by day as side roads are not always illuminated), dressing to blend in, not flashing money or anything expensive, etc.
As for a strong art scene that would be Panama City. You can see some relevant flyers at the International Living Panama Facebook page (see the photo album).
Hope that helps and happy planning!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Great, thanks June!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Pleasure, thanks Judith.

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Judith,

There are always a few cat food and litter varieties at supermarkets. Pet/vet stores too.

One unfortunate thing is that supermarkets and stores here are not great about keeping things in stock. Often they wait for things to run out completely and then order, which means it takes time for certain items to reappear on the shelves. I could go around to the vet shops to hunt for what I want when the supermarkets are out, but I prefer instead to mitigate by buying plenty when things are in stock at the supermarket. That way I have a good stock at home and don’t have to worry…e.g., if it’s not in stock this week I’ll buy double when it is in stock next week. Saves me time.

As for number of cats you are probably fine bringing 4 but I would encourage you to check with the law firm listed in this website’s rolodex to make sure.

Regards,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

PLeasure. Hope you have a lovely time.

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

P.S. Remember, there are insurance professionals listed in your Rolodex section of this website…make use of their knowledge and expertise as you’re considering these important matters!

Best of luck to you…

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

In the Chiriqui region, most expats choose to buy a hospital membership plan run by MS Panama/Palig. This is likely the same outfit running the hospital program you inquired about in Coronado. I’d try the region’s PlayaCommunity.com website for information/posts RE how expats feel about the service, and/or contact the hospital directly for info about the facility and services offered (http://www.facebook.com/SanFernandoCoronado) and/or MS Panama: (for information on current membership plans being offered http://www.ms-panama.com/).

NOTE that hospital membership plans are not insurances and are not regulated by the insurance superintendency. So they can change rates etc. at will. That said, the track record seems to be acceptable to the expats that continue to use and opt for the service.

If you’re between the ages of 65 and 74, another option is international insurances available in Panama; the most common seems to be Bupa International. (Persons 74 and over might also be able to obtain coverage but acceptance rates are low; each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.) There are other companies such as AIG and World Wide Medical, which may offer over-74 policies (for WWM info contact Magda Crespo, mentioned in your Rolodex section of this website).

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear James,
Thanks for your post. This topic is covered right here on your Panama Insider website, please see https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/visas-and-residence/. I hope this isn’t too disappointing to you and you keep in mind that medical professionals often come here and find ways to parlay their skills and knowledge into fields other than actual medical practice.

Feel free to post again should you have any unanswered questions.

Regards,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Andrew,

I can’t guarantee that you won’t have any trouble, of course, but I have never heard any horror stories from friends or acquaintances. I use National Car Rental here in Panama City and/or David and have never been overcharged (touch wood!) I always take every bit of insurance offered, despite the additional expense. Make sure you listen carefully to instructions…they’ll usually tell you in order to be covered you must call them to report any little thing, as well as reporting with traffic police immediately.

I hope you have a good experience, please share your experience if possible.

Regards,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Dear Gary,

That’s unfortunately a question you would have to ask Amex, as the issuer would be the one to determine whether or not you get an additional 30 days.

Also please verify with your credit card company that your Amex insurance will be valid in Panama. Insurance for drivers is required by law in Panama and car rental companies may require you to buy a basic insurance regardless of whether or not you have an Amex, as the car rental company may not (possibly, again please check with them directly) have any way of verifying (that your Amex is enough for your to be compliant with local laws regarding car insurance).

Best regards,

Jessica

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