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Gringo living in Panama

Gonzo (64.215.121.113) -

Exotic Place

Exotic Women

Darien Jungle the best !

Islas de Kuna..incredible

Living here 10 years

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Reply #1 dj (205.188.116.202) -

Hey Gringo:

Says you've been there 10 years... Great... I need info if you will be willing to give some up...

I live in DC and have had it... I need a snow bird situation or complete retirement...

If someone had told me at 18 I would get to be this old this fast I would have shot them... BUT ...I'm old (er)...

can you give me some of your opinions ( good, bad , and ugly) of Panama without the hype I keep getting from the guys that have a vested interest to sell me something...

Can I work if I want to, start a business?? What can I get away with, without going to jail??? Don't want to do anything bad, just want to know the limits... Is there a second amendment style protection for gun owership as I am still a competative shooter... Don't kill anything but paper, don't hunt except with a camera.

How are Americans treated ( really)... What is the real price structure of land and real estate, again without hype... How much rain in the rainy season, how often, same for the dry season... Humidity... Sea level and as you go up into the mountains...Same for temperature...What about bugs, things that bite and things you really don't want to get bitten by...

And frankly, anything else you would be willing to share...

My needs are fairly simple...about 1-3 acres, house with the good stuff, water, electricity, phone, internet, SAFE, good neighboors,place to grab a bite to eat, shop, place to drink a beer, hopefully fish (trout)if possible... Don't necessarily want to be around a lot of Americans or a gated community, unless it's a safety issue... Just good friendly, respectable, and social people...

I know I'm a bit long winded, but real information from a ten year time frame would be EXTREAMLY benificial...

Anything your willing to give up is better than I have now...

Thanks in advance... And if talking is easier, give me your phone number and the time to call and I will... I will NOT bother you at ANY other time, other than what you tell me... I also will ONLY call what ever number of times you allow me to call...I will NEVER give out your number to ANYONE ELSE either..

Thanks in advance...

D J ( yes, that is what I go by)

Reply #2 docniss (71.48.81.42) -

So DJ

Was just wondering if you got a response to your message and if you would be willing to share since a lot of your questions are also my questions. I likely don't have it near as bad as you as I live in northern Indiana, would never be able to stand D.C.

thanks

docniss

Reply #3 Jim (152.163.35.243) -

"Don't necessarily want to be around a lot of Americans or a gated community, unless it's a safety issue... Just good friendly, respectable, and social people..."

What gives you the idea americans are "safe" or non-americans "unsafe"? If you have that perception why would you want to move outside the United States?

Reply #4 ernesto (69.91.95.164) -

I am a Healthcare Professional

and my Associate and I will be building a “Healthy Longevity SPA” in the Boquete area next year.

I would like to make contact with Expats interested in Longevity way beyond the age of 80

without the customary degenerative chronic illness / dis-ease,

for the purpose of joining me in my efforts ….

Any suggestions in this respect would be much appreciated.

Healthful Regards, ernesto

Reply #5 Greg Sun (200.124.18.228) -

Hey DJ and for the rest of you who might want to know some information as far as Panama is concerned, in general, it rains about 7 months a year, the first months of the year are the dry season where you will most definatly want to be on high lands (chiriqui) or a beach because it's hot humidity so you can imagine, most people in Panama treat americans pretty good based on the overall fact that they usually have more money than normal citizens and arent afraid to maybe give a good tip for a little bit of help.

As far as starting a business is concerned, there are many businesses opening up recently and more to come, I would honestly think that if you have a good idea, or a different concept of business than what is typical in Panama, no matter what you do you should do pretty well.

what is illegal in most countries is the same as in Panama, you cant shoot someone or rob a bank without going to jail, an advantage is that you can drink here till what ever time you want, a big advantage is that you can (un officially) bribe almost any transit guard.

overall its a pretty safe place I mean every country has its "high crime" areas which of course you might want to stay clear of but overall you shouldnt have any problems.

Land in Panama has been going up in value rather fast over the last couple of years but only in certain areas, there are still several underdeveloped areas throughout the entire republic, or you can go to one of the more popular areas which of course have access to more ammenities.

DJ, from what you describe I would recommend either bocas del Toro or Chiriqui you might find attractive, though there are a large population of foreigners there as you would assume.

if you or anyone else has any further questions feel free to write me an e-mail at gsun@hb-realty.com

Happy new year!

Reply #6 Old Pana in Okie Land from Tulsa,Ok. -

Well Put, Greg.

First visit Panama then chose your climate (from 50's to 90's most of the year), then chose location ( Beach front, Islands, and Mountains as high as 11, 000 feet). Then talk to the locals, and find average price you feel confortable with.

Just like in the state, get a reputable lawyer before buying(crooks dont generaly have one nationality) and the rest is easy. Plenty of Ex-Pats who will give you personal info on don't and do's.

Gringos in David and Americans in Panama are very helpfull, and got tons of good info, Americans in Panama (forums) Now is developing a "shopping" cart cost for Panama and David. Every one that goes to the market, store, fix a car, etc, is now posting the exact numbers on the cash register recipt on that site, sort of giving you an idea of what it cost to live in Panama.

Regards

Reply #7 Dennis (86.131.5.198) -

Hello

My wife and I have been considering Panama for a few years now. I am planning on a trip this April to scout it out. Safety, and health care are two concerns, but would like to live in the best climate as possible, without being too remote. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would also like to meet some transplants from teh States, Canada or Europe to talk with while I am there. Any suggestions as to what bars, cafes etc. they hang out would be great.

Cheers

Dennis

Reply #8 Dennis Maroney (86.134.218.148) -

Hello

I am coming to Panama in April to check out the retirement situation. Does anyone have a good car rental company that they might recommend.

Thanks

DM

Reply #9 Jorge (190.140.171.107) -

I have lived here for five years, both in Boquete and David came from Canada and recently became a Panamanian citzen. WORD OF ADVICE don't believe everything you hear or read. As you Americans say "this ain't Kansas Toto". If you are patient and non judgemental, this can be the most perfect place on earth. But if you are into "well they never did that way at home or constantly comparing it to the States. Stay Home because you will ultimately commit suicide. This is central america and another culture and has some vague similarities to North America but that's where it ends. And just because americans have had some influence here (cconstruction)it really means nothing. So if you can forget everything about where you are coming from and be prepared to learn and be taught about another culture. This can be heaven.

Reply #10 Jorge (190.140.171.107) -

construction in my previous note referred to construction of the canal. I might add that requirements for pesionado residency and other residencies are changing. Almost new requirements every few months.

Reply #11 Bubba from deep in your mind -

Are they going to make it easier for the telecommuters to get residency?

For example, someone might earn US$50, 000 a year working online... and able to support themselves very nicely and put lots of money into the local economy... but the residency rules would exclude them in favor of someone getting a couple hundred dollars a money from a pension... that could barely support themselves and not add significantly to the local economy.

Will Panama catch up with the real world?

Reply #12 BRIGITTE SERRANO (190.33.42.46) -

interesados a comprar fincas me llaman en la playa montañas etc

Reply #13 Jorge (190.140.171.107) -

Will Panaman Catch Up to the Real World.

If the political body feels it has to. But new elections are in the air and if a new wave of sentiment shows that those changes need to happen they will. Not because a few gringos critize them for not doing so and think that they know what's best for the country. After all look how well those ideals have served the States, not very well.

Reply #14 jim (75.67.240.33) -

im setting up an office in panama, i need a plce to stay, can anyone help?

please email me.

Reply #15 irina engberg (81.233.54.222) - 09/11/08 18:27

Hello!

does any one know a site on the web or a person who you can contact in panama about a job?? i speak bether inglish than i wright and i speak good spanish.

im 24 and female from Sweden im thinking about moving to Panama in february 2009 and would like to work there i have been there many times before so i know the country.

Reply #16 sally wilson (76.110.24.200) - 09/30/08 12:53

would like to rent a house long term or condo in david or bouquet area would like american style 3br 2ba unfurnish.working with a budget of $650 mthly.please forward any info via email would love to get somewhere by december thanks in advance.

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