Future Home in Panama

Welcome aboard Sylvie,

I'me moved your presentation to the Panama forum.

All the best,

Julien

Thanks Julien

Still trying to figure this out, being my first time and all

Sylvie

Please have a travel mate with you.  I would strongly recommend against you traveling alone throughout Panama.

Vie1961 wrote:

I'm planning a trip to Panama in the summer of 2014 in the hopes of discovering enough to make a decision to retire there in hopefully 4 to 5 years.

There seems to be a lot to discover and am wondering if I really need to book hotels in advance.  I assume I will need to stay in more than one hotel if I'm planning to get to know my way around a bit.

I'm no expert but I doubt you'll have trouble finding a room during the summer season. I was able to find places to stay (hostels, b&b's, hotels) in various parts of the country without ever making a reservation a head of time.

Vie1961 wrote:

But other than planning perhaps my first week there, was hoping the "wing it" for the remaining 2 to 3 weeks.

How do you plan on getting around? Rent a car? Ride the bus? I think you could wing it pretty easily but it would be easier if you have a car. I think you'd need a car if you don't know Spanish as it would be difficult to ride the bus. I would also recommend having a good map with you at all times too.

Vie1961 wrote:

I might be going solo on my visit (scary) ...

I think you'd be better served going with someone. If you don't know Spanish or don't know it very well, I'd highly recommend traveling with someone who does.

Vie1961 wrote:

Not really sure where to start, but here I am

How much do you know of the country? What are you looking for in a place to retire to? Live on the beach? Live in the mountains? Do you want to live like a local or among expats? Once you define those then you can start researching some places you want to visit or get some recommendations from people on this forum who actually live in Panama.

I don't know if I will be able to find someone to go with me.  I have an ex-neighbor who is Spanish (originally from Spane) and when I went to visit  her about 3 weeks ago I discussed my intent to move somewhere in Latin America (possibly Panama).  When I indicated my plan to visit next summer she seemed very keen on joining me.....so hopefully she would still be willing to join me for a visit....but I cannot always depend on others.

thanks, that would be great not to have to book hotels in advance given I will want to check out different places. 

I will consider renting a car....that sounds logical considering the bus may not take me everywhere.

I don't want to live in the mountains.  Living on or near the beach would be great, or close to the city. Would be great to live among the expats at least for the first year or so.

Hi Sylvie,

Good for you for forging ahead.  I am actually in the process of relocating to Panama myself.  Having been in the tour industry for many years, I saw the need for a Relocation Tour to explore the country to determine if it was a good fit.  I can now offer what was not available for me.  Our tours give the opportunity to see more than one area with no sales pressure.  Our relocation tours are usually 7 or 10 days and offer fully-escorted safe group travel and the ability to spend some time venturing out on your own to really get a good perspective.  We also arrange meetings with expats to hear about their experiences, realtors to see some properties and attorneys to hear about visas and moving options.  Everyone will have the opportunity to visit stores, pharmacies, hospitals, etc.

If you're interested you can find out more at www.LocalTravelExcursions.com  We offer established packages or groups can custom a tour with exactly what they want. 

Good luck with your moving plans.  Please let me know if you would like to join us on one of our tours.

Karen

Thanks Karen.....that's something I might consider.

Sylvie

Ahh, I see you are planning to come and visit. Excellent!! You will know a lot more about how you feel about Panama when you are actually here.

There is excellent public transportation here. Buses are cheap and go pretty much everywhere, and taxis aren't very expensive either. Renting a car though... it's not just the car. You also have to buy their insurance (no matter if you have your own or have made other arrangements). Maybe just rent a car locally for a day or two if you need one, but try to use other transportation most of the time or between cities. 

We found Panama City to be too crazy for us (we're old retired folks!) We're in David and that's worked very well - warm, close to everything you need on a regular basis, easy to go to the beach or the mountains if we wish. There is a large expat community in Boquete not far from us. It's never cold, as in freezing, but damp chilly nights are too cold for us up there (we like warm weather) You might visit though and see what you think. It sure is beautiful, and if you're from Canada and used to cool weather you might find the climate just right for you.

Kris

Vie1961 wrote:

thanks, that would be great not to have to book hotels in advance given I will want to check out different places. 

I will consider renting a car....that sounds logical considering the bus may not take me everywhere.

I don't want to live in the mountains.  Living on or near the beach would be great, or close to the city. Would be great to live among the expats at least for the first year or so.

Hi Sylvie,
I've been here in Panama going on five years, live by the beach. I would be glad to talk or meet with you.
E-mail me and maybe we can exchange phone number, I can call you.
Mary

Sylvie, welcome!!
  You are smart to plan an exploration visit here.  If I could offer a couple of suggestions: Don't make reservations except for your first night and the last couple of nights before you leave.  That way you'll be free to explore, yet you will have a place to relax before you go home.
  Talk to lots of people here in Panama on the exchange so you will have people you can visit & I know many will show you around their communities.  There are so many great people here, and it sounds like you're an outgoing adventurous person!  You are going to have a great time! 
  If you can afford it, rent a car and find someone to come with you.  Buy a few books on Panama & absolutely purchase the National Geographic map of Panama on Amazon (about $10 and worth every nickel).  Start practicing Spanish...it's an easy language and everyone here will appreciate your efforts.  Bring a good pocket dictionary.  You will be surprised how much you'll learn in just a few months!
  I live in Puerto Armuelles, near the Costa Rican border & David.  It's a beach town that's just being discovered, so prices are very reasonable and we have a small but very nice expat population. 
  I hope you will keep in touch!  I'd love to meet you and show you around our area.  Take care,  Veronica

I'am like you! Trying to get the info on why Bougete or David is so popular? And what is the true cost of living in Panama? What are the best apartment or condo rental companys? Is it word of mouth? Seeking some answers myself!
Marc