[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Isa,

Thanks for visiting the forum.

You can read about Coronado and other beach areas (around Coronado, like Farallon…and in other regions, such as Pedasi) here on your Panama Insider website. I suspect in places like Coronado and Pedasi you can get a rental return of 6 or even 7% (samples from expats in Pedasi: https://internationalliving.com/magazine-issues/2015/january-2015/) but for specific real estate questions such as yours we recommend contacting an expert at Pathfinder International, IL’s exclusive real estate advertiser:

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

Don’t hesitate to post any additional questions.

Best,

Jessica

IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Thanks Richard!

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for posting. No there’s no online system for that, you can add money to your metro card at metro stations and then hop on. The last time I was in Tocumen airport unfortunately there was no way to buy cards or put money on your card, which is silly, I know. But you can walk out to the bus stop and offer a local money to swipe their card for you. If there’s no one waiting for the bus then wait till the bus gets there and climb onboard and ask the passengers onboard to help you out.

For any others reading this post,just fyi, there are also taxis at the airport, car rentals, and you can call services like Uber or drivers listed in the travel/rolodex portions of this website…so plenty of options.

Happy travels!

Best,

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Lisa,

No you’re not crazy. Driving in Panama City is not for the faint of heart, but once you get out of the city it’s tough to get lost and the roads are fine, see this section of your Panama Insider website: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/insider-tips/#city)

I like to drive because I like to stop and buy fruit etc and see the countryside, so depends on how much you want to see vs how quickly you want to get there.

Last time I drove it took me a good 5 hours to get to Pedasi…budget 5-6 hours from wherever you’re staying in the city.

Hope this helps and you have a great time! Don’t hesitate to post again.

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

More:
Driving in Panama on a tourist visa
Tourists can drive in Panama for up to 90 days—if asked by a traffic police officer, you should be prepared to show your valid home country driver’s license and your passport—both the photo ID page and the page bearing your entry stamp, so officials can calculate how many days you have been in the country.
There are no exceptions to the 90-day rule. Even if you apply for a change in status—for example, if you begin the residence application process and are allowed to stay in Panama past the 90-day mark—you cannot continue to drive on your home license. You can, however, visit the Autoridad de Transito y Transporte Terrestre (Transit Authority, or ATTT) and apply for a local permit. The attorney processing your change of status will help you with this, as you’ll need to show proof that you are a resident or that you have applied for a change of status.

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hello ________,

If only love made the world go around. Unfortunately, for many of us money is the biggest consideration on our minds, and the same will be true in your life overseas. Some expats manage perfectly well in Panama with home-country credit and debit cards.

This is not a country where you’ll find exchange posts around every corner. You can withdraw dollars from ATMs in Panama City, ask whether your hotel offers exchange services, or plan on getting to a bank during local operating hours. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so check with a bank to find out the current rate and expect there to be fluctuation (usually minor amounts) between now and when you travel.

For most, opening a bank account in Panama is the best solution for long-term stays or full-time living.

If you are coming for a short visit or are in the process of getting your Panama account set up, you may need to operate via credit cards and withdrawals from home via check or debit card. As I’m sure you already know, Panama uses the U.S. dollar and all ATMS dispense U.S. dollars.

Though many of the banks you know from back home have branches in Panama—such as Scotiabank—don’t assume the systems are the same. They are not. A bank branch in Panama won’t have your account information or waive ATM fees just because you’re an account holder in another country.

In Panama City and other major destinations like David and Santiago, there are ATMs around nearly every corner. After all, Panama has one of the largest banking districts in the world, with some 90 different banks operating here. You’ll also find ATMs in most supermarkets and shopping malls. (Watch out when visiting the islands or remote areas, though. There’s no ATM on Contadora Island, for example.) Take into account fees you may be charged to make withdrawals while abroad; you could pay anywhere between $3 and $5—even more—each time you use the ATM. Just use a card with a recognized system like Plus or Cirrus (it will say right on your card) at any ATM in Panama (most ATMs in Panama use a variety of systems, including Plus and Cirrus, so you can plug your Canadian card into nearly any ATM here and withdraw U.S. dollars, usually at a good exchange rate as compared to whatever exchange posts are offering)

If you use your credit cards from back home in Panama, your bank may impose fees for use abroad. Many credit card issuers now shamelessly charge not only a fixed fee for every international purchase, but also up to 3% on the purchase amount.

If you’re moving to or spending a lot of time in Panama, tell your bank representative that you’re planning on spending time in Panama and discuss these fees. You may find that opening an account in a different bank in Canada, or wherever home may be, can save you money when you get to Panama. Some banks have special offers for things like foreign ATM fee reimbursement, or better bill paying options, while others may offer credit cards with no foreign currency fees. You’ll find it well worth your while to research these options exhaustively.

For large sums, expats (usually those living or doing business here) often use international wire transfers.

Safety and contingency plans

Before traveling to Panama or anywhere, have a contingency plan and expect the unexpected. For example, what will you do if you find yourself out of cash or lose your credit cards? Know your credit card pin for cash withdrawals (though these can be so expensive they should only be used as a last-ditch measure). Keep emergency numbers and any other pertinent account information listed in a secure location, so you can call to report card losses immediately. Online banking is a plus, as you can access your information securely online with your secret password. Talk to loved ones about being away and ask who will be available to help in a pinch. Panama has several Western Union and MoneyGram branches you can use to get funds here in an emergency.

Read more about money and moving to Panama here on your Panama Insider website, starting here: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/moving-to-panama/

And don’t hesitate to post any additional questions or comments.

Best,

Jessica Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Thanks for posting Caryn, it’s always nice to hear from readers and we love seeing you all interact with each other on the forum. For future reference, shorter posts (one topic per post) tend to get more interaction but no worries at all, as you said you wanted to introduce yourself so we totally understand.

Take care and remember we’re here to answer your questions about life in Panama as best we can. If and when you do post questions, please post by topic. (Search for existing threads and post your questions in relevant threads or in new threads…one topic per thread).

Best,

Jessica Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hello _____,

Thanks for posting. Bocas del Toro, being on the Caribbean, gets rain almost all year long. However, the month of November is notorious for heavy downpours, so avoid going then. Locals say September and October are the driest months (followed by May and June) and March is statistically the sunniest month.

That said, this year is one of the “driest” years Panama has ever experienced. Due to the El Niño phenomenon we’ve had less rain than any year in the past 102 years of record-keeping at the Panama Canal.

*For your convenience and further reading this information and more info on Bocas and weather is available right here on your Panama Insider website in the itineraries section https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/travel-itineraries/, this news section https://internationalliving.com/2015/06/june-2015-2/ and this forum post: https://internationalliving.com/forums/topic/news-from-panamajune-2015/#post-616408

Enjoy Bocas!

Best,

Jessica Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

P.S. Remember:

No matter where you go in Panama, consider bringing a light cardigan or jacket. If you’re coming back from the beach and are wet from swimming, the breeze can feel cold…especially in Bocas, where people spend a lot of time on motorboats, whizzing across the water, with the wind blowing cold and strong. Also air conditioning in restaurants, hotels, etc., can be cold with a capital “c.”

Cheers,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Rich,

I listened again and hear Margaret even louder than me, not choppy on my end. if you tried different devices and are getting the same results I would guess that perhaps it is your internet connection. You could try letting it buffer…i.e., hit play, and when the recording starts, hit pause, then walk away for an hour. Then come back and listen.

Alternatively you can use this link to access my originals of the recordings from my cloud…it is split into three recordings, so you’d have to listen to 1, then 2, then 3: http://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByzAzDXm1cx8fnptVTJqV2hPX2xweXhzdmx2c1dCOG56bElER3p5cTB0ZF84VWl4TllOVnM&usp=sharing (Please, this link is only for Panama Insiders, so I trust you will not share or post it anywhere).

Again, try letting each recording buffer before listening.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Jessica

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi and thanks for posting,

We actually don’t recommend driving from the U.S. to Panama. The border between Costa Rica and Panama is fine, but there are other borders you’d have to cross that are notorious.

Few people drive through Central America – you’ll find adventure blog posts by the the ones who have done it (and the dangers they faced).

You may want to try consulting a website like drivetheamericas or adventuretrek (I’ve never had any dealings with these, just found them online. Apparently the latter does group RV trips but the website says they’re happy to advise solo drivers).

The requirements may vary from country to country, so you’d have to research each border individually.

To keep the car in Panama (for longer than the 90 day stay accorded to a tourist) you’d likely have to register the car nationally and pay import taxes or fees. How much you pay will likely depend on the blue book value of the vehicle or a national equivalent. I have heard it can be pricey (over a thousand bucks, possibly much more), even for a modest car.

requirements may include:

original documents showing that you are the registered owner (Registration), and that the car is in adequate condition
copies of your passport, Panamanian auto insurance, proof of solvency, and more. (I’ve heard many expats who don’t speak Spanish hire guides at the border to help).

If you apply for the Pensionado visa you should be eligible for a customs exemption, but still may have other fees to pay.

You’d need to check all this with your Panama attorney (remember, we have one listed in the Rolodex section of this website), a shipping/logistics company, or relocation specialist.

Hope this helps.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Bill,

Yes, it is expensive to ship a container or even a partial or shared contained. That’s why most expats here say they wish they hadn’t bothered, though I of course understand sentimental value.

If you plan to move a container-full (or partial container-full) of items, most large U.S. moving companies have international arms that handle relocations to other countries. You may be able to save by using a Panama-based company, though coordinating from afar can be time-consuming. If you’d like to reach out to a relocation/shipping expert here is a Panama-based one:

CARIDAD Y. AGUILAR President, Ptypackers (Panama International Packers) and Carybenha Investment Corp. Albrook Commercial Park, Warehouse D-9, Panama, Republic of Panama Tel. +507 232-7155//232-7154; Dir. +507 230-3092; cell +507 6617-8581 Email: caridad@ptypackers.com Website: http://www.ptypackers.com

Pensionados in Panama are entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and currently get a break on luxury tax when importing a car.If you’re not a pensionado then you could be liable for duty.

Learn more here on your Panama Insider website: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/moving-to-panama/#goods

Another thought…if you narrowed it down to, say, five suitcases, would probably be a lot cheaper to just bring with you on the plan and pay the extra baggage fees…though you’d have to see what your airline limits are.

Don’t hesitate to post more questions!

Hope this helps.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

PS I am out of office due to International Living’s Ultimate Event, as I am a featured speaker. I have limited access to email this week but will reply to posts as quickly as possible.

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hello Ivan,

There’s information on beaches like Coronado right here on your Panama Insider website. Which one or ones will suit you depend on what you’re looking for. If you want something close to Panama City then it doesn’t get much better than Coronado, just an hour’s drive. There is public beach access so no, you don’t need to stay at a hotel to get on the sand. There aren’t really any hotels on the beach in Coronado…even the Coronado Golf resort takes its guests to the beach in little trolleys (it has a private beach club). If you’re looking for a resort right on the beach you’ll want to look slightly farther west. You might want to check out the JW Marriott, Playa Blanca Resort, and the Decameron (I like reading reviews on Trip Advisor to get a sense of whether the hotel will meet my personal criteria).

Read more about Coronado at this Panama Insider link: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/where-to-live/pacific-coast/

Sometimes you will see small magazines or real estate brochures around town, but these tend to be geared toward luxury property. If you’d like to discuss property in Panama with an expert, we have Pathfinder International Real Estate listed on the Panama Insider Rolodex, don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any real estate related questions.

Let us know if you have additional questions and it’ll be our pleasure to help.

I’m at International Living’s Ultimate Event right now, as I am a featured speaker, so I have limited access to Internet. But I will respond to queries as quickly as possible.

Thanks!

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi William,

A lot will depend on precisely what type of speed you need and what region of Panama you’re interested in.

Most everywhere you’d visit nowadays offers connections good enough to watch streaming video or upload bulky files to your cloud. But the fastest, most reliable connections are probably those offered in Panama City and David/Boquete (in these locations, Cable & Wireless recently launched a 15mb service for around $45 a month…just Internet or for those who want it, internet, tv, and telephony in a bundle package.)

There are some pockets…places like Santa Fe, Pedasi, even Casco Viejo (the historic district of Panama City)…that may not suit for big internet needs.

As Linda says above, both cable and DSL are used here…however my understanding is that there are some pockets where you’ll have access to only cable or DSL but not both.

Yes, satellite is more expensive from what I’ve heard; you might try contacting a company like Inmarsat directly for specifics, see: http://www.inmarsat.com/press-release/inmarsats-ground-breaking-isathub-service-makes-latin-american-debut-panama/

Hope this helps!

Best,

Jessica

Jessica Ramesch – IL Panama Editor

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Bob,

I recommend you check with the legal contact listed in the rolodex. My guess is that these items are not allowed as household items (and bringing them in as food imports would possibly be a hassle), but if you were to put labels on the items so they looked like they came from supermarket shelves you’d maybe have a better chance of them getting through unnoticed. But again, please check with an expert. Here are some contacts:

CARIDAD Y. AGUILAR
President, Ptypackers
(Panama International Packers)
and Carybenha Investment Corp.
Albrook Commercial Park, Warehouse D-9
Panama, Republic of Panama
Tel. +507 232-7155//232-7154;
Dir. +507 230-3092;
cell +507 6617-8581
Email: caridad@ptypackers.com
Website: http://www.ptypackers.com

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

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hello,

Yes, just contact Pathfinder (mentioned on the Rolodex page of the Panama Insider webiste) to get contact info for the realtor in the Los Santos/Azuero region. For your convenience here is Pathfinder’s info:

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

Best,

Jessica

International Living Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

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