Thread: New Member

I have been researching Panama from afar for months now and recently got connected to this forum via Sovereign Man Confidential. I'm a 30-year practicing (I'll figure it out one day) financial advisor with my own business and my wife is an estate planning attorney. We will make our first trip to do "on the ground" research in Nov. or Dec.

We are working under a three year plan -- buy property there soon to visit each year and rent, liquidate our businesses and real estate here in 2-3 years and transition to half- or full-time living in Panama. I would love to hear from anyone who has already blazed the trail before me and has tips and/or pitfalls to watch for.

I'm most interested in the Gorgona and Boquete areas so any information, opinions or contacts about or in those spots would be beneficial, negative or positive. Also, is there an opportunity for US money managers and/or estate planning attornies to serve the expat community there?

Thanks to all the posters. I've gotten a good education in the few days I've been a member.

Gatorman

Your best bet is to come here on vacation. The more time you spend here the better. I don't live in Boquete so I can't give you an opinion about that area. It isn't necessary to buy real estate right away. Take your time and look around. Rentals aren't that hard to find. If I was you I would travel to Boquete and look around. Maybe meet some new friends and ask questions. If you want to live in Boquete for awhile, then rent something short term. Relax and enjoy. Then next time you come take a look at a different area. Just don't come to my area. We like it quiet here unmolested by party animals.

I agree - resist the temptation to buy for quite awhile.

Welcome!! Come and visit, then decide.

And, make your decision on your own criteria that you develop on what's important and not what others say you should or should not do.

I lost my reply in cyber space - ugh. My advice is to read every thing on the Forum going back to at least 2010 - tons of info. Then come visit often and stay as long as you can. Try to connect with young professionals who have transitioned into the Panama work force - a little tricky, I'm told. Best of luck!!

Oops...you have 30 years as an attorney I read that as you were 30 years old Forget the part about young professionals in Panama - smile.

Thanks all. We're shooting for ten days to two week visit in December. Once the trip is set I'll be asking for other advice and offering a beer (or whatever the local drink is) to anyone open to meeting while we're down there.

I will say that the information on this site is truly excellent in all areas and answers many questions a newbie has. I will be browsing the archives and thanks to all you ardent posters.

Gatorman

Hi Gatorman,

Welcome to both of us