[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Ronald,

Thanks for posting. Though a bit older, the Coronado Golf & Beach Resort has a pool, nearby beach club, golf course, and spacious rooms. You can contact the hotel directly to inquire about rates and whether their concierge assists with rental cars. You will find hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals and more in the Coronado region listed on hotel review websites like TripAdvisor. The advantage of checking TripAdvisor lies in the site’s filters which allow you to find something that suits your personal tastes exactly. That’s why I am a big fan and always check to see what the latest reviews are saying. The hotel industry in Panama is very dynamic so there’s always something new.

This forum thread suggests that a company in Coronado has the best car rental prices in the region: http://internationalliving.com/forums/topic/car-rental-in-playa-coronado/, you may want to check that out. Most people rent a car in Panama City on arrival and drive from Panama City to Coronado, but obtaining transportation to Coronado and then renting a car in Coronado has its advantages as driving in Panama City can be stressful.

You’ll find posts and info on driving in Panama here on your Panama Insider website, please make sure to read them starting here: http://internationalliving.com/forums/topic/panama-city-to-pedasi-by-car/ and here http://internationalliving.com/forums/topic/need-for-rental-car-in-panama-city/

Hope this helps and enjoy your visit.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Nicolaas,

Many people live on Panama’s Caribbean coast and don’t see it as a huge problem, but it’s usually between 120-130 inches of rain a year so we are talking a lot of rain (about double what we get on the Pacific side of Panama). That said there are no hurricanes here ever as Panama is outside the hurricane belt.

Read more about the Caribbean versus the Pacific in Panama right here, on your Panama Insider website. Here is the link: http://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/where-to-live/pacific-coast/#pac.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Jason, you may also want to contact Panama attorney Rainelda Mata Kelly, mentioned on the rolodex page of this website. Here’s her contact info:

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

As an expert in immigration, corporations and real estate law, she may have some valuable insight. As Linda says, alternative construction is not unheard of here so it’s probably just a matter of applying for the right permits or green certification.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Ron,
Thanks for visiting the Panama Insider forum.
I’m afraid this is an issue I don’t have any personal experience with and requires technical expertise beyond my ken as Panama editor. Pedasi being a small town may not have the experts you need to test the soil/well water. This undertaking will likely require quite a lot of patience and literally pounding the pavement in Panama. You would probably need to discuss with municipal authorities in the Pedasi region and ask if they have a person/list of persons authorized to do the required surveying or analysis. If you do not speak Spanish you’ll need to take a friend or hire someone to help you translate, as it’s likely the government/water people you’ll have to deal with do not speak English. I’m just guessing here…an educated guess after my ten years in Panama…a well is nice to have as a supplement to local service, but isn’t going to save you a lot of money when you factor in the time and expense of getting this done and then upkeep. I’m sure experts recommend treating/filtering your water, no matter where in the world you live. As for the quality of the water, my guess would be that it wouldn’t be any harder or easier on your clothes and appliances than the municipal water, which is fine. In Panama, rust due to humidity and salt content in the air is usually a bigger concern when it comes to washers, dryers, stoves, etc. Opting out of trash service might also be a headache. Pedasi is as a rule kept very clean, so you would need to ensure your trash isn’t piling up. You might try reaching out to expats living in Pedasi to get their take on all this. Here are some links to expats with blogs/websites you might reach out to:

http://www.expat.com/en/blog/central-america/panama/www.mcmoller.wordpress.com
http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/profiles/60317-tedd-tennis
https://www.facebook.com/smileys.restaurante
http://www.pedasihotel.com/
https://indacampo.wordpress.com/tag/pedasi/

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Thanks everyone for posting/chiming in on this. Just a quick reminder that we post valuable contact information

Insurance broker Magda Crespo is mentioned in the Rolodex section of this website, and might be the best person to try for recommendations outside of Panama City:

Magda Crespo Insurance broker specializing in the Chiriqui region (local and international insurances); cell +507 6671-8800; email: magdac2216@yahoo.com. *Magda also brokers real estate in the Chiriqui region, see: http://www.mcpanamarealty.com.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Thanks for the update Phoebe and good luck!
Happy Holidays!

~IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Lynda,

International Living publishes this info on the International Living website (https://internationalliving.com/events/) and began promoting the Feb 12-14, 2016 Panama event some months ago. My understanding is that it sold out in record time but you can go to the link provided here and sign up for the waiting list/learn more about the event. We probably won’t have the date for the 2017 Panama event till after February 2016. I hope this news isn’t disappointing to you…there will be an International Living event in New Orleans in April 2016, you can read about that and other events at the link provided above.

Thanks for posting.

Best regards,

Jessica Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Thanks for sharing Yves!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

What a wonderful suggestion, Bernie! Thanks for sharing…

Best,

Jessica
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Christopher, Thanks for posting!

The correct spelling is El Cangrejo, a wonderful area as I’m sure you’ve already discovered.

It is never too early to start networking and you’ll find there are plenty of options right here in the big city, which can seem very small and friendly once you start connecting with people here.

The great thing about Panama is that there are expat communities, local organizations, and plenty of friendly people about. No matter where in the country you go, you’ll find there are a great many opportunities to get connected. In Panama City you’ll find formal organizations created to bring people together based on common backgrounds, interests, and more. If you plan to work or do business here, consider joining the American Chamber of Commerce in Panama. It’s a ready-made support system that can help answer your questions and put you in touch with like-minded souls.

The American Society welcomes people from the U.S., Panama, and any other country. The non-profit group is a great way to get involved in charitable efforts and network for business and fun.

Internations is a networking platform with chapters all over the world, and the Panama one is very active. It hosts meet-and-greet events once a month at different bars and restaurants around town. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or nationality. If you’re new in town, you may find it well worth a try. Lots of people show up unaccompanied and find it’s easy to work the room, introducing themselves and joining in conversations.

There many online tools you can use to find out about gatherings and connect with interesting people. You already know about the International Living Panama Facebook page (check out the photo albums, where you can see flyers that represent the many activities Panama has to offer). And for business networking, real estate information, and online special interest groups, I have found LinkedIn to be invaluable.

Attending expat and local events is also a great way to get involved and meet new people. There are many websites where you can find out more about events. I like The Visitor, a bilingual newspaper, website: http://www.thevisitorpanama.com. On Facebook you can also go to your events page and search events near you. The more Panama-based pages you “like,” the more you’ll find out about upcoming events. For example, if you’re into jazz, you should definitely “like” http://www.facebook.com/danilosjazzclub?fref=ts. Live music is often featured at The Country Store: http://www.facebook.com/CountryStorePanama. If you’re into wine, try the Felipe Motta wine store events: http://www.facebook.com/felipemottawinestore.

Hope this helps…don’t hesitate to post any additional thoughts or questions. And happy networking!

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Very true, I use Waze as well, Yves, and it seems to be the best in terms of clearly telling you where to turn. The app should be available on any smart phone…I use it on my Samsungs (Android operating system).

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Yes, I use Waze and it’s always clear where to turn. Should be available on any smart phone; I use it on my Samsungs (Android operating system)

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Ian,

This is really a subjective topic and a lot depends on where in Panama you plan to live and/or drive.

I don’t have an SUV–I drive in Panama City and all over the country and find a small car or sedan is fine for everywhere I go. I often rent compact cars like the Toyota Yaris or Kia Picanto (these are popular here) when on work trips. I own a Hyundai Accent Hatchback and am happy with it, as it’s a solid car and the local Hyundai (Petroautos) gives better guarantees than many of the other mid-range companies.

My only advice is to choose a make and model that is common enough here that it will be easy to get parts. Spend a little time in Panama and see what models you see most on the roads. Last year I believe the top sellers were the Hilux, Yaris, and Accent, you can see the list here: http://revistaacelerador.com/y-los-autos-mas-vendidos-son/.

As far as ratings and reviews you can find these online at websites dedicated to cars and make a decision based on what you want out of your car.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Phoebe,

I’m sure others will chime in about their experiences. I don’t have much experience selling personal items, as I had very little to my name until after I moved here, but I know that others have had success with Craig’s list, local flea markets, local consignment furniture stores, local bulletin boards (online and “real world” in cafes, on college campuses, etc), and even by word of mouth. Naturally, exercise precaution when showing items in your home, for example: 1- talk to the interested party on the phone before giving him or her your address (if they make you uneasy on the phone, you can make an excuse and avoid giving out your address); 2-try to have people with you (a friend, spouse, sibling) at the time of viewing; 3- if you live in a building or compound don’t just buzz someone in, go meet them at the main door or gate and make sure you feel comfortable with whoever has come to view your item(s), and so on.

Best of luck.

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Super, thanks Richard!

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