fxtrader

So about a year ago we started a business and based it out of Panama like a lot of people who want to incorporate offshore do. Well it's progressed to the point where we need a presence, staff, etc in Panama. So, being the single guy in the group I volunteered. I'll probably be going there in June for 2 weeks or so to sort things out as far as living arrangements etc. We have our office space already in hell I don't remember, some bank building in downtown Panama City.

Anyway, I'm moving from the US, and what I'd ideallly like to do is get a place a bit out of Panama City itself. I'm more of a cottage by the beach guy as opposed to a highrise type. I also have 2 dogs that will be making the move with me (one is a great dane, so apartments are out anyway). I don't mind a commute to work. An hour each way is fine by me. I am i nvolved in an industry that will have me out of work by mid-day most days anyway. Any suggestions of where to start looking for a place? I'm not opposed to buying a place, but since this is a bit spur of the momment I'd prefer to rent for a while until I get the feel of the place and make sure where I'm living... is where I want to continue living.

I'm also a gym rat, and from what I can tell most of you reccomend Power Club, is this right? I defintiley subscribe to the "lift a bunch of heavy shit - repeat" ideas of training so a place with nothing but machines is not going to cut it for me.

Hmmm... what else? Oh cars, I obviously won't be bringing mine. I'd prefer something of an SUV in case I decide to live somewhere off the beaten path (or just decide to hop a curb or two). I don't even have a clue what sells in Panama, or better yet, what you can get parts and service for. So any suggestions here are welcome as well.

Last thing (for now) is about marinas and dock space. Yeah I'm thinking of buying a sailboat. I'm sure there are slips around there, but can anyone shed any more light on them than that?

Thanks in advance for the help!

fxtrader

Another one! I guess I lied.

Call service. I've been out of the country and all over europe with my current cell phone (quad band Samsung from Sprint) but I don't think that's the right thing to keep up with if I'm living elsewhere. Who are the major service providers in Panama? I also have sprint broadand in both of my laptops so I'm never really out of touch even when I'm out of the office, but I guess that's out. Can someone just point me in the general direction of the best voice / data wireless carrier in those parts and I'll call them and get familiar with what I'm going to need.

fxtrader

Interesting. Am I to take this as no one knows or no one live in Panama?

GordonS

Hi Fxtrader,

Some days are a bit slower here and those with the appropriate knowlege may not check Panama Forum every day. You may find that panamawannabes or panamadwellers are not as edgy and responsive as some people want so you may have to wait a bit longer.

Manana maybe?

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soltero

You'll generally have better luck on these kinds of boards if you keep your info request very focused and specific; you asked for a LOT of info in one post.

Housing: You didn't mention budget or lifestyle requirements; just being "a bit out of the city" doesn't narrow things much. Could be Las Cumbres or Albrook/Clayton (or a hundred other places), depending on the kind of vibe you want and how much you have to spend. Really, it's kind of impossible to answer this question until you have been here and had a look around.

Gyms: Again, personal preference. Some like Power Club, some like the Tech place; your choice will likely be best determined by what's on the route from your new home.

Cars: Again, what's your budget? Most common (and easily serviced) are Japanese and Korean brands: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, etc.

Boats: In Panama City, you're pretty much limited to Amador Causeway, and while I don't know prices, I suspect they're high. Pacific docks/moorings are rare, other than the islands, because of the tide swing. The alternative would be to keep it on the Atlantic side (Portobello, Bocas), and make a fairly long drive (or flight) when you want to go boating.

MRWOOHOO

Agreed, prices and options here are probably further apart than Miami. You can probably purchase some of the most expensive products and services that are available in Panama. Housing can go from millions of dollars down to $50/mo. When it comes to vehicles, my suggestion is Japanese and diesel. Gym's previously listed have good and updated equipment, there are also smaller gyms with basically free-weights. In regards to boating, large boats can be moored or docked at Amador as previously mentioned. If you plan to tow it your imagination, and wallet, is your barrier.

panamaoffshorelegal

If you can handle the commute I suggest looking at something in the Coronado area.. .that may be pushing it but you will really be living that beach with some perks lifestyle. Also, highway access to Coronado is easy to navigate... the same can't be said for all of Panama.

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fxtrader

True, I used to spend a lot of time in Mexico, so while imaptient sometimes... I am very familiar with thw manana concept

fxtrader

OK, somewhere near the beach, pacific side preferably. I'll be there in 2 weeks, but only going to be there for 2 weeks, so I'd at least like to get an idea of where I need to start looking rather than just flying blind. Budget is pretty flexible, I'd like to keep it under $3K a month though while renting.

This is exactly what I was looking for. Common and easily serviced. Thanks!

Well that sucks. I'll have to explore this a bit more I suppose. The Pacific side is definitley a priority for me.

fxtrader

I will check it out.

twocents

I can help you out some with the boat question. If you can afford one, you are really going to be able to affrod one. There are very limited licenses and not that many open slips. Most people pay a ton for them and they keep on paying to keep their spots. A lot of the time if you are going to jump the line and get a spot it is going to be because you are someone or you know someone-- thats how a lot of things work down here.

I would suggest one of the many co-ops where you can pay a membership fee and have access to the groups boats all the time. There is even a group that you can register with and pay you fees here in the States and then use the boat in Panama, they have docks all over the world for members to use.