Hi folks,
My wife, son (9) and I will most probably be moving from the UK to Panama within the next 8 weeks through work. I have a few questions that, hopefully, the kind folk on here will be able to answer for me!
Firstly, schooling. Our son follows the UK curriculum. I see that there are two Oxford Schools in Panama City and I think we want to put him into the school on Calle 50 (from what I've read, this appears to be the better of the two). Could someone let me know what the standard of education there is like and roughly the annual cost of school fees, please?!
Secondly, housing. My company will provide us with a budget of around $2,500 / month for housing (exc bills). Could anyone let me know what would be the best areas of Panama City to look at to get something like a 3 bedroom detached house (preferably with a pool!) in a safe neighbourhood for that kind of monthly rental?
Thirdly, cost of new cars. My company will give me a budget to spend on a new SUV as part of the package, which is really kind of them. However, I am darned if I can find out the cost of new cars in Panama to figure out if I will actually be able to afford anything there!!!! Could someone let me know the approximate purchase cost of something like a new Nissan Pathfinder / Toyota Prado? Alternatively, what sort of SUV could I afford to buy new for around $40k (unfortunately, it has to be an SUV and has to be new due to company policy).
Fourthly, importing old cars. I have a 26 year old Land Rover here in the UK that I love (not quite sure why, as it looks like it's hit every gate it's ever been driven through!) and would dearly like to not have to sell it when we move. It's only worth a couple of $k maximum, but its sentimental value to me is huge. Would I be backing a loser if I tried to import it? Are there any concessions for the importation of classic cars to Panama?
Any input that anyone can give would be gratefully received!
Alex