Thread: Hello All

I am planning a trip from California to Panama in mid September, with the expectation of relocating there. I would like to have a small home and some land in the mountains, where I can grow whatever grows best in Panama! A real estate agent told me that the mountain villages near David are very nice, but that's all I know! It sure would be nice to communicate with some Expats from the USA (or any English speakers, for that matter!), so I could learn as much as possible before I fly in. I have been studying Spanish this summer, but I am still far from fluent.

I'm glad I found this web-site, and I hope to be meeting and corresponding with some great people in the near future! Thanks!

Welcome. There are many good threads on El Valle and Boquette (north of David) and general living in the interior for you to catch up on. Opinions are wide ranging and freely tossed about, but some folks actually will have great information to share with you! Panama can be everything you hoped for or a miserable time--depending on your expectations and ability to "go with the flow."

Welcome!! Don't forget the other side of Baru, Volcan, the bread basket of Panama.

Dear BalaBeacher and Becky,

Thank you both for responding to my post. I did not know that Baru was the bread basket, and since my main interest is farming, I guess I had better take a look! Becky, are you currently living in Panama? I'm assuming so...can you tell me a little about your experience of what it was like to relocate there? Was there anything that surprised you that I should be aware of? I'm finding out there is so many tasks to coordinate in this move, that it literally keeps me awake at night.

BalaBeacher, thank you also...I am hoping for a wonderful new life. Actually, it had better be, because I am liquidating most all of my belongings here in the states. The things I just cannot part with will be held in storage for a couple of months until I find a place to settle. I had also considered Chili and Argentina, but I like how the Panamanian government makes relocating easier than anyone else I have researched. It would be a major disappointment and financial disaster if I cannot create at least some aspects of my dreams. It would cost a fortune now to start over again in the States. I'm flexible and adventurous, so if I am lucky things will go well. I didn't see the threads you mentioned here on this site, except for some videos, but I probably overlooked them. Do you think there will be a good number of properties available that are not part of trendy developments? I don't want a duplication of the American suburbs gone tropical. I'm looking to simplify my life!

I would be so grateful to anyone who cares to post advice or information about living in Panama! Thank you again.

Originally Posted by cynk

Do you think there will be a good number of properties available that are not part of trendy developments? I don't want a duplication of the American suburbs gone tropical. I'm looking to simplify my life!

The supply and variety are ample! I think renting in one or more locations first would make sense before you buy if your plan is to go immediately to fulltime Panama living. Few people would make the right choice right off the bat. The consequences of a mistake in picking the "wrong" location are greater than if this were only a second home for you, IMO.

HI and welcome to the forum!!

Listen to the ones above and do your due diligence!! Check out various yahoo groups also.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Thank you BalaBeacher,
That is just the information I was looking for. I was a little worried that Panama would be very commercial, and I think I understand you to me that there is something for everyone, low and high prices included. I hear you about looking around. As much as I am excited to get some plants in the ground and stake out my new home, I know you are right. Has anyone ever relocated their pet cat?

Hi Mary,
I am doing the diligence as best I can...it is frustrating at times, but I'm hanging in there. Thanks!

I agree - no matter how tempting it is to buy something, rent something for awhile first.

Originally Posted by cynk

Has anyone ever relocated their pet cat?

A lot of people have relocated their pets to Panama. It's not too much of a challenge - just have the correct paperwork in-hand and everything will be fine.

Hi,

I would love to hear about your trip and any advice for me. I am going to take my first trip soon.
Anything you would like to share would be great!

Don Johnson