Thread: New here & heading to Panama.

I've read and learned so much already. Great questions and answers. I am leaving my CA home of 54 years and heading to Panama in 2012.

I think my intro post is in the wrong place. I'm new to these forums. Sorry for the confusion.

You're in the right place as far as I can tell! Welcome

Originally Posted by Patnoel

I think my intro post is in the wrong place. I'm new to these forums. Sorry for the confusion.

See how you are, confusing us and everything.

Where are you planning to settle at first?

I would be very interested in your process and experiences if you would not mind keeping us updated. Maybe even start a blog about it to keep your friends and family in the loop. And who knows, maybe its the start of your new online presence.

Good luck PatNoel, I am jealous!

sjc

Thank you all for the warm welcome. sjc, I'm just learning how to work a forum response and my granddaughter just taught me how to TEXT over my Smart Phone that is apparently smarter than me. However, my online presence through a blog may be an interesting challenge. Thanks for the idea. I'll let you know. Until then I think I'll have to lurk on this site and occasionally bother you all with my clueless questions. By the way, an organization called International Living spurred my interest in Panama and Central America in general.

Originally Posted by Patnoel

Thank you all for the warm welcome. sjc, I'm just learning how to work a forum response and my granddaughter just taught me how to TEXT over my Smart Phone that is apparently smarter than me. However, my online presence through a blog may be an interesting challenge. Thanks for the idea. I'll let you know. Until then I think I'll have to lurk on this site and occasionally bother you all with my clueless questions. By the way, an organization called International Living spurred my interest in Panama and Central America in general.

One thing I've learned from this forum and many visits to Panama is that one should not believe everything International Living says about Panama or Ecuador or anywhere else. It's hype. Panama has a lot to offer, but it has a side to it that IL doesn't discuss. I'm not turning and running away, just have learned that there are challenges and differences presented in moving from the U.S. that one needs to recognize and appreciate. If you reset your expectations (with a big dose of patience), you'll be all the better for it, IMO.

Originally Posted by BalaBeacher

One thing I've learned from this forum and many visits to Panama is that one should not believe everything International Living says about Panama or Ecuador or anywhere else. It's hype. Panama has a lot to offer, but it has a side to it that IL doesn't discuss. I'm not turning and running away, just have learned that there are challenges and differences presented in moving from the U.S. that one needs to recognize and appreciate. If you reset your expectations (with a big dose of patience), you'll be all the better for it, IMO.

Thanks for the reality check advice. Thanks to your replies and this forum I am getting another perspective.

In your experience or others, what are some of the major challenges and differences that should be known or be made aware of?

What would you consider to be a downside to Panama? If you don't live in Panama, is there some place you prefer such as Costa Rica or Ecuador?

Originally Posted by Patnoel

I've read and learned so much already. Great questions and answers. I am leaving my CA home of 54 years and heading to Panama in 2012.

Hello Patnoel,
That's the same year that our family is planning to try out Panama. Which area do you have in mind? We are trying out the country for 6 months before we make a decision. 2012 is not coming fast enough!

Originally Posted by Patnoel

Thanks for the reality check advice. Thanks to your replies and this forum I am getting another perspective.

In your experience or others, what are some of the major challenges and differences that should be known or be made aware of?

What would you consider to be a downside to Panama? If you don't live in Panama, is there some place you prefer such as Costa Rica or Ecuador?

I lived in Panama for six years during the 90's. The one thing that was hardest for me to adjust to was the "manana" (tomorrow) attitude. No one ever seemed to be in a hurry do to anything (except maybe cut you off in traffic ). Now that we are planning on moving back to Panama in a few years and retire for good, I will have to learn how to be extremely patient.

I know I will have to adjust to Panama because Panama will never (and should not be expected to) adjust to me.

Will you like to live in Panama City or the "interior"? Panama City is fast living. The "interior" is for those that like country living or simple living. If you like simple living and have a modest income, the interior is pretty nice. Major complaints include the heat and rain and lack of amenities. Best part is being able to live on a modest budget and be fairly comfortable. And of course, adjusting to a different culture. Takes patience and tolerance.

Originally Posted by Patnoel

In your experience or others, what are some of the major challenges and differences that should be known or be made aware of? What would you consider to be a downside to Panama? If you don't live in Panama, is there some place you prefer such as Costa Rica or Ecuador?

I weighed Belize and Mexico closely because of (i) English (Belize) and (ii) convenience in travel from U.S. (Belize and Mexico). Ecuador and Costa Rica were also looked at but ruled out primarily because Ecuador is years away IMO from being ready for what I was looking for and because Costa Rica seemed to have less options and higher costs.

I chose Panama mainly because of (i) strength of economy, (ii) cost of housing, (iii) availability of citizenship (albeit, a somewhat difficult and expensive path), (iv) diversity and supply of residential areas (mountains, other interior areas and beaches), (iv) ease of ownership (moreso compared to Mexico), (v) relative safety (again, moreso compared to Mexico), (vi) proximity to a "major" banking and business center, (vii) healthcare and (viii) general receptiveness to expats invading their country.

What don't I like: (i) nobody picks up their trash, (ii) nobody does what they're supposed to, whether it's your own lawyer or real estate agent or property developer (it's not personal, they just don't see any urgency or need to follow through on what they're supposed to do), and (iii) the perception that you must be laundering money if you're heading to Panama (e.g., dogs sniffing my crouch for money as I walk down the jetway at international airports in the U.S.)

Originally Posted by BalaBeacher

What don't I like: (i) nobody picks up their trash

Maybe things will improve. According to Don Winner's post today at Panama-Guide:

The municipal authorities in Panama City are working on a decree that seeks to punish with imprisonment those who throw garbage on the streets. Mayor Bosco Ricardo Vallarino said in the coming days they would be applying the decree involving arrests. "We're done with applying fines, now we will put them in jail," said the mayor. The only alternative to avoid going to prison would be, in place of the jail term, the litter bugs could pay their sentences with community service by collecting garbage in the rivers and creeks, and sweeping the streets. They also plan to sanction those persons who cross the street without using the available pedestrian overpasses. However the lawyer and unsuccessful Mayoral candidate Miguel Antonio Bernal said Mayor Vallarino has no power to punish with imprisonment those who litter in the streets. "The mayor wants to implement actions that are not his responsibility," said Bernal. (El Siglo)

Hello fellow Panama Dreamer,
I'm retiring and wanted to experience all areas but after feed back on this forum I think we are going to start by renting a newer condo near the ocean in the city. This is the foremost reason for my leaving the Calif Bay Area anyway. I love Carmel, California on the coast (for those unfamiliar, Clint Eastwood was the mayor and is a beautiful town next to the ocean) but the homes start at 2 million. I'm not a member of the Lear Jet crowd. Bummer!

I also like the idea of walking to coffee shops, restaurants, theater, and socializing. I agree with your 6 months idea. Renting should provide the freedom to travel or move.

Do you have an area in mind? Are you retiring or starting a new business or career?

BalaBeacher, when you said trash is a problem you were not kidding. I don't know that imprisonment will solve it but I notice Bernal didn't offer a solution.

Trash attracts critters. In addition to being unsightly it creates a public health issue. Have they have had a public education and awareness campaign through TV, media etc.? Is this an interior, city or both issue? There is no crime in being poor but no excuse for being a selfish pig. I say off to the quillotine with them. lol

I take it for granted that Panama has garbage pickup service. Correct? Here it is mandatory. I had to pay for garbage service even after my tenants moved and the house sat empty for two months. No garbage? You still pay.

Originally Posted by Patnoel

Hello fellow Panama Dreamer,
I'm retiring and wanted to experience all areas but after feed back on this forum I think we are going to start by renting a newer condo near the ocean in the city. This is the foremost reason for my leaving the Calif Bay Area anyway. I love Carmel, California on the coast (for those unfamiliar, Clint Eastwood was the mayor and is a beautiful town next to the ocean) but the homes start at 2 million. I'm not a member of the Lear Jet crowd. Bummer!

I also like the idea of walking to coffee shops, restaurants, theater, and socializing. I agree with your 6 months idea. Renting should provide the freedom to travel or move.

Do you have an area in mind? Are you retiring or starting a new business or career?

We are thinking of Gorgona, Coronado or Chame area. Our preference would be Gorgona, the school the kids will be attending is located there. Although the other two towns are very close by. It all depends on what we get for rentals. There are more rental options for Coronado and Gorgona. I wish I could retire, I am in my late 30s and my husband in mid 50s. With two young children we still have to continue doing some sort of work for income. We will just use the first 6 months to explore and observe.
We chose Gorgona for several reasons. 1)school 2) near the beach 3) near El Valle de Anton 4) 90- minutes away from Panama City 5) slower pace and small town feel and 6) the outdoor space. Of course you can get the outdoor space as long as you are out of the city.

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

We are thinking of Gorgona, Coronado or Chame area. Our preference would be Gorgona, the school the kids will be attending is located there. Although the other two towns are very close by. It all depends on what we get for rentals. There are more rental options for Coronado and Gorgona. I wish I could retire, I am in my late 30s and my husband in mid 50s. With two young children we still have to continue doing some sort of work for income. We will just use the first 6 months to explore and observe.
We chose Gorgona for several reasons. 1)school 2) near the beach 3) near El Valle de Anton 4) 90- minutes away from Panama City 5) slower pace and small town feel and 6) the outdoor space. Of course you can get the outdoor space as long as you are out of the city.

Panama Dreamer, what school in Gorgona is your kids going to? We have a 6th grader and 3yr old. School is very important. Thanks!!

DKM,
The school that the kids will attend is Panama Coast International School. Last October, we were all there to have a tour and feel of the area. It is a very small scale school compared to the schools offer in Panama City. The advantage to this is of course the smaller classroom ratio and more attention toward the kids and their learning. The director herself is from Colorado. She moved to Gorgona and with her family 8 years ago. I have seen a big billboard on the Pan-American highway advertising a new school opening up in Coronado for August 2011. I do not see that happening on time but atleast that is another option.
Are you planning on moving to Panama anytime soon?

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

DKM,
The school that the kids will attend is Panama Coast International School. Last October, we were all there to have a tour and feel of the area. It is a very small scale school compared to the schools offer in Panama City. The advantage to this is of course the smaller classroom ratio and more attention toward the kids and their learning. The director herself is from Colorado. She moved to Gorgona and with her family 8 years ago. I have seen a big billboard on the Pan-American highway advertising a new school opening up in Coronado for August 2011. I do not see that happening on time but atleast that is another option.
Are you planning on moving to Panama anytime soon?

Panama Dreamer, Thanks for this info. We are looking at this time next year making the move. We are trying to get down there this fall to look around. The initial fee for some schools are very expensive. Does the Panama Coast Intl School have a very big initial fee? Thanks again for all the info.

DKM, I sent you a PM.