"President Martinelli has signed an Executive Degree that all foreigners who do not require a visa- this includes all American and European citizens, effective now will get an automatic 180 days stay in Panama upon entering the country. Foreigners who enter Tocumen Airport are receiving this 180 stay."

Panamainfo’s Blog Great News : New Six Month (180 Day) Panama Tourist Visa for Most Tourists

No links to any official sources. Anyone know what's up with that?

This is a great website http://www.sigpanama.com/joomla/index.php for those who are already in Panama or just planning a trip. Geographical Information System offers free 3D digital map of Panama. You have to download it from the website. The software has an extensive database of buildings and companies, bus stations and allows measuring distances. It also supports several languages, including English.

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So I have been spending sometime in Pedasi as of late and meeting local people. It does sound like some property is moving and not just the low-end stuff. Supposedly somebody just purchased a beach finca to the tune of 8 figures (lots of zeros). Also met somebody that purchased 2 lots in the Andromeda project. Very nice houses are starting to popup in the Costa Pedasi project as well.I also saw in another online forum where people in Boquete have noticed property is starting to move again. Frankly I am surprised but there seems to be some positive movement in the real estate market again.

Among others, I often read Don Winner's Panama Guide. I use google with Firefox and the site is now blocked by google due to a virus alert. Don hasn't posted for the last couple days and perhaps it would be nice if someone who has his personal email would let him know in case he isn't aware of it. He has been doing some great reporting on the murders in Bocas and has been writing about following up leads on similar events in Costa Rica so he may be up there now.

Hi, I'm still pretty new to this forum. I have read that school systems in Panama run from March to November. I'm wanting to know the cost per month of schooling for each child. Do you get a discount for two children, sorry I know it's a silly question? What are the hours/days schools operate? Also I would be interested in a bilingual school but do not want to break the bank, meaning we couldn't afford 5-10k per year on schooling. I do want our children to get a good education, please give me some feedback. We are looking to live on the outskirts of Panama as I feel it may be safer. I look forward to hearing your responses. Thanks so much!

Hello
I am looking to relocate to Central America and Panama has my attention and looking forward to learning more about the country and its people.
Best Regards
bhead

Hello, I have been looking to reclocate to South America for sometime now, just looking at different options to get a feel for where is maybe best for an Ex English Pat.

One newbie question, with regard to the language, I have some Spanish I know which is used in Southern Spain in Europe, how much different is Panamanian Spanish as I would like to learn more over in UK but they seem to only offer Euro Spanish lessons here?

Thanks

I am pleased to have come across this site. I am an Ironworker in Las Vegas contemplating retirement in Panama, However I still have a few goo years left in me. The Economy in the states is pretty bad especially for construction. I saw a photo of the city's skyline and wondered if i'd be able to travel with my tools and my family to settle and maybe start up a small business until I reach retirement.

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Good afternoon everyone! I am planning my Fall trip to Panama and begiining to research Places to stay. I like the El Cangrejo district and was wondering id anyone has stayed at the Apt/hotel Torres De Alba across the street from Hotel Las vegas? Any tips for lodging or weekly apt rentals in the area would also be appreciated. I also plan to visit the Pedasi area and Boquete. In Boquete I plan to stay a few nights at Valle Escondido. I have allot of flexibilty as I don't have to work again until next March or April. Thanks in Advance for your helpful advice and Ideas.

Big thanks to all who contributed to this little thread prior to my visit. Esp Mr WooHoo for his nicely produced videos. Visited Casco Viejo, on a tour. Was very interesting. I saw at least one live music club there (closed early afternoon). Ventured to Causway and saw much of it on foot. Ate at Hacienda Colombia (in video). It was unfortunately a dreary, rainy day. Wanted to get back to Zona Viva at night but did not. Any thoughts about this nightlife? Discos with mostly locals there, am I correct?

Calle Uraguay looked busy & people having fun the night I was there.

Any thoughts on this neighborhood?: El Cangrejo. An acquaintance of mine has has beautiful pub there, Pangea

I've read some information that suggests creating either a corporation or a foundation to protect your assets. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has taken either route, reasons for doing so and the costs and work involved in setting them up. Thanks in advance.

Here is a 1.5 Hec parcel that sits next to the 2.6 hec parcel I previously posted. Price of this is $6 meter. The difference is this parcel has the absolute highest point and best view on the entire 30+ Hec finca that has been divided and it is a smaller piece. For the neighborhood it still is a Great Price.

If you have a GPS that can save track logs and you travel on some remote roads in Panama, please send me the tracks so I can contribute them to openstreetmap.org. The main roads and PC are covered, but some back roads aren't. We all benefit from the free maps that are created with this data.

I'm looking a taking a motorcycle trip with 3-5 friends in January or so. I've done three trips through Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize from the US. I've ridden through Mexico a couple times and do not care to do it again. It is a long ride and we get lost a lot. The trips were done on touring bikes and I'd like to get smaller (400-500 cc) bikes for the trip so we can do a little more rough road exploring. I have two ideas: The first is to buy used bikes in the US and ship them to the Yucatan (Progresso or Puerto Moreles preferably) and the second is to see if we could buy the bikes in Panama. Either way, we would ride to/from the Yucatan to Panama, stay a couple weeks, and ride back to where we started from. I'd love some advice on shipping the bikes or on buying the bikes in Panama. If we bought the bikes in Panama, we would consider selling them after the trip or just storing them for future adventures. Buying the bikes in Panama would be less expensive than any of the other Central American countries and since I plan on moving there in the near future, keeping them wouldn't be the worse option. Any help or contacts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hello,
I dont know if this would interested someone here but I have some very well located real estate for sale in Sint Maarten. Since Copa is opening a direct flight PTY SXM it could be interesting ...
All the best

Hello,
I am willing to open a CD for 5 years and therefore I need a rather solid bank.
Global create me a lot of problem to open my account therefore I am thinking of Multibank which would also give a 5.5% mensual.
A friend of mine told me that they had problem in 2008 turmoil ??? since he is not a connaisseur I dont rely too much on his info
does someone know what this bank is worth?
Thanks for your help

I was wandering wish cell company is better or offer better rates to call the US

Can foreigners living in Panama on a retirement visa legally own firearms? I would be interested in keeping a shotgun or revolver in my home strictly for self defense purposes. I know home invasions can be an issue in some areas and have read that if you put the word out in your neighborhood that you have a gun in the house the potential robbers may think twice before trying to break into your home. Also, if ownership is permitted, is it best to bring the firearms with you or buy them in Panama?

Yes, is it possible / advisable in Panama City? Assuming the person is a proficient driver in the US (but not a daredevil one :LOL!)
Or should we take a cab everywhere? Is it easy to get a cab streetside? Is it safe? With kids during daytime.
How do the costs compare - driving (ie, factor in car price, fuel etc) compared to taking cabs?
Is it driveable in the suburbs, say Clayton?
Thank you!