Introduce Yourself Here! (Short introduction only; create a new thread for questions)

[abu]

This is abu (not my real name ), I'm from Canada and I'll be going to Panama in April or May to check things out. I'm 35 years old and I'll be looking forward to meeting some of you guys down there. I spent some time in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, but this will be my first trip to Panama. I speak a little Spanish and I'm working on improving it. That's all for now! Have a great day.

[Kitty]

Hi abu! Great to have you here on this forum.

[richards]

Hey abu, send me a PM when you arrive and I'll show you around.

[BEL-AIR]

Hi all

Just wanted to introduce myself to you all...

I want to have some friends on this board, maybe even meet in real life someday...

My name is Steave from Canada 35 years old and single......

I own a house building company here and am a stock broker, I want to retire in Panama in the next 1.5 years.....

Thank you all.

[Stuart]

Steave,

Great to have another interested inj Panama.

I am Stuart and I live in Baltimore MD. My wife and I are working on plans now to build in Panama this summer. We think it will be a great place to retire to. We purchased property in Altos del Maria in the mountains. It is worth a look when you go down.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Stuart

[Lowcountrydupree]

Just wanted to say hello. I can't wait until this December, when my wife and I come to Panama to start hunting for retirement property. Hope to maybe see some of you while in country. Steve

[GordonS]

Hello everyone in Panamawannabe land or perhaps more useful to me those who already have adopted Panama.

Question: Some friends have apparently put a deposit on a home in a gated community named Malibu Beach near Gorgona. My wife and I are interested but quite wary about giving out money for something that hasn't even been started yet. Do these types of developements usually get completed or are there some out there who go to take possession of their beautiful retirement home only to find a pile of rocks and trees?

[dan80]

Another thought... only buy pre-construction once you actually live in Panama (rent a place for a year or two). That way you'll have more control, oversight and legal recourse than a remote buyer.

[ladonna]

I know of a project similar to what you described. It was a gated community as well and it was close to Panama City. They did construct fully and efficiently, but some people who wanted to construct there didn't pay the full amount of the construction and that's when it didn't get completed. Now there are some fully constructed houses and some that stopped halfway. A lot of people try to sell there rarely anyone buys there. So it's important to also check out the neighborhood and who else is buying in the project. Just my two cents.

[ladonna]

Welcome to this board Steave!

[Stuart]

Welcome Steave,

We are moving to Panama at the end of this year. I have recently retired and hope to begin building our home within the next few months.

Panama seems to be an excellent place to retire to but wonder why would someone at age 35 want to retire?

We are going down again next week for a visit. Maybe we'll cross paths on your next trip.

Stuart

[Frank]

Hi guys

My name is Frank, I´m 28 years old, I´m from Germany and I´m in Panama right now to check it out. It seems like a good country to start a tax-free company, to invest in and to move to. I´ve also been to Costa Rica on this trip.

Chat with you later.

[BEAR]

Hello, my name is Curtis and my wifes name is Pat. We would like to come to Pannma to investigate the possibility of retiring there. We plan to make a trip down and look around for a week or so sometime soon. Any information in regards to retiring and living in Panama would be appreciated.

[mariee]

Hi Frank! Incidentally, I'm also interested in Costa Rica. I think the two countries are similar in what they offer to travelers from the "first-world."

Which country do you like better so far, Costa Rica or Panama?

[mariee]

It's very easy to retire in Panama. I think you only need to prove that you have at least $500 of monthly retirement income. Also, you can gain residency (rather than just a tourist visa) by investing in the country, such as buying a titled property for more than $200,000.

[Frank]

Costa Rica is more touristy and has a better developed tourist facilities. The climate in San Jose is also much more agreeable, when you compare it to Panama City which is very hot and humid (but today is pleasant day, cloudy and not too hot). For business Panama seems much better, it has a top offshore industry with fast incorporation and a large number of banks. I have to explore more but if I´d choose one of the two right now to live it would be Panama.

[Frank]

Hi Curtis! I checked out the residence options and there are many available, but for retirement you´ll just need to prove a $500 pension per month (plus $100 for each family member), a health certificate, police report of good standing, passport copy and marriage certificate. That´s all. The only thing is you can´t get Panama citizenship with this pensionado program. For living, check out Panama City, they are building lots of big apartment buildings right now and most apartments are very affordable. If you live in a high floor I think the climate is much better (not so hot and humid, more windy).

[beer]

What's up? I'm 25 and from Canada, but currently staying in Panama. I saw your flyer and I'm glad there is a site like this. I'll be back tomorrow for the chat and look forward to interacting with you guys.

[craigguy]

Welcome to the board Steave! Good luck in Panama.

Are you really going to retire so young?

[craigguy]

I think you have to do your due diligence. Check up on the company doing the project. Research the backgrounds of executives. Ask to see business plans.

[craigguy]

Welcome to the forums! Good luck to you and your wife. I'm sure you'll find a great retirement home.