Comments on: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Moving to Panama http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm Latin America Information Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:38:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Deb http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-256968 Deb Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:22:37 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-256968 Brett-Just curious...would you be willing to share what type of business you do online to earn $2000 per month? The thing that holds me back from moving is how to make a living once I am there, I am not retirement age yet. Also, does anyone know what are the best places to go for salsa dancing in Panama City? I have been dancing here in the US for 9 years...I would think there would be lots of places, but maybe there are some recommendations from those that live there? Thanks! Brett-Just curious…would you be willing to share what type of business you do online to earn $2000 per month? The thing that holds me back from moving is how to make a living once I am there, I am not retirement age yet.

Also, does anyone know what are the best places to go for salsa dancing in Panama City? I have been dancing here in the US for 9 years…I would think there would be lots of places, but maybe there are some recommendations from those that live there? Thanks!

]]> By: Jackie http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-254359 Jackie Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:23:27 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-254359 The stores there that are as close as it gets to the US would be: Pricesmart (Sams) membership Do it center (Home Depot) Machetazo (Walmart) Rita Smith ( it carries just about everything found in US grocery stores, but more costly) I would have to say most appliances are cheaply made and more costly then in the US, but if you go to colon you can find stuff cheaper at the free zone. I would have to say I adore my kitchen and all that I use, so I think I would cheap that with the freight and vehicles. Oh and the pots and pans are way to expensive and cheap made compared to a good set in US. Another thing is you can check craigslist to buy somethings for your house, because most people are there temporarlly and sell there stuff. Dont get me wrong it's a wonderful and inexpensive place to live. They also have a metro bus just like the ones in the US air-conditioned and all for .25 cents. They go pretty far I would have to say I took it as far as 20 miles. The taxis are also cheap I usually didn't pay no more the 2.50 to go where I needed. The stores there that are as close as it gets to the US would be:
Pricesmart (Sams) membership
Do it center (Home Depot)
Machetazo (Walmart)
Rita Smith ( it carries just about everything found in US grocery stores, but more costly)

I would have to say most appliances are cheaply made and more costly then in the US, but if you go to colon you can find stuff cheaper at the free zone. I would have to say I adore my kitchen and all that I use, so I think I would cheap that with the freight and vehicles. Oh and the pots and pans are way to expensive and cheap made compared to a good set in US. Another thing is you can check craigslist to buy somethings for your house, because most people are there temporarlly and sell there stuff. Dont get me wrong it’s a wonderful and inexpensive place to live. They also have a metro bus just like the ones in the US air-conditioned and all for .25 cents. They go pretty far I would have to say I took it as far as 20 miles. The taxis are also cheap I usually didn’t pay no more the 2.50 to go where I needed.

]]> By: Jackie http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-254295 Jackie Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:24:16 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-254295 I'm considering moving there with my children. I'm only 34 and love Panama. My mother's whole side of the family lives there. I just got back from being there all summer long. Once I came back I could totally see the difference in both countries. It is totally worth leaving the falling economy we live in especially if you plan on investing or opening a business. It is also way cheaper to live there then in the US. One business that left me in awww was one that was like a internet cafe. It was about 40-50 computers in a small business that charged 50¢ for 30 minutes and $1.00 for an hour. All in all the business could be put together for around 10-15,000. One can also hire someone to run it for 6 days a week at 12 hours a day for around $450.00 a month for there wages. The place gets great business especially from kids who like to chat. They also had faxing and copying for small fees too. Panama has great advantages for the US citizen in living there and even having a business. One just has to look into it thoroughly. Also a great freight company that charges reasonable prices is seaboardmarine.com. I found them to charge me around $2,600 for a 40 foot container delivered to my door. This fits approximately 4 cars and then some. All others where wanting close to 2 gran for just one car to be shipped. Good luck everyone I’m considering moving there with my children. I’m only 34 and love Panama. My mother’s whole side of the family lives there. I just got back from being there all summer long. Once I came back I could totally see the difference in both countries. It is totally worth leaving the falling economy we live in especially if you plan on investing or opening a business. It is also way cheaper to live there then in the US. One business that left me in awww was one that was like a internet cafe. It was about 40-50 computers in a small business that charged 50¢ for 30 minutes and $1.00 for an hour. All in all the business could be put together for around 10-15,000. One can also hire someone to run it for 6 days a week at 12 hours a day for around $450.00 a month for there wages. The place gets great business especially from kids who like to chat. They also had faxing and copying for small fees too. Panama has great advantages for the US citizen in living there and even having a business. One just has to look into it thoroughly. Also a great freight company that charges reasonable prices is seaboardmarine.com. I found them to charge me around $2,600 for a 40 foot container delivered to my door. This fits approximately 4 cars and then some. All others where wanting close to 2 gran for just one car to be shipped. Good luck everyone

]]> By: Brett http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-244363 Brett Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:11:07 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-244363 My wife and I are really looking at relocating (from the US) to the Panama City area, and would love any current information. Ultimately we are wondering what it would cost to rent a small 2/3 bedroom house within 30-45minutes of Panama City and surfing? We also do have 2 small dogs and would need at least a small backyard area. I work online and would be able to make about $2000 a month (US). Can we survive on that? Keep in mind that we are pretty simple people and dont need luxurious living... Any info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks My wife and I are really looking at relocating (from the US) to the Panama City area, and would love any current information. Ultimately we are wondering what it would cost to rent a small 2/3 bedroom house within 30-45minutes of Panama City and surfing? We also do have 2 small dogs and would need at least a small backyard area.

I work online and would be able to make about $2000 a month (US). Can we survive on that? Keep in mind that we are pretty simple people and dont need luxurious living…

Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks

]]> By: Kat http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-236733 Kat Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:11:05 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-236733 Hello, my name is Kat and i'm 53 and getting ready to retire in about 5 yrs i'm hoping to vaca in Panama it sounds like the perfect place to spend the rest of my life... i would like to be by the water and karen had these questions which r perfect. I couldn't have asked them better myself! If any one can provide answers to specific questions I’d be most grateful. 1) Is there any reasonable way to move to Panama with some belongings (kitchen items, and misc household items)? Same for taking a car or do you buy there and is that practical from $ standpoint? 2) I would like to rent – a nice home 3/2 – in or near an expat community, or gated community – is that possible and what might the price be? 3) I understand Cerro Azul is a good place – 30 mins from Panama City, far less hot and humid – what are thoughts of this area, versus Boquete and Chiriqui? 4) In the area of Panama City would one find Costco, Walmart, Home Depot etc, as in many parts of Mexico? 5) Is it expensive to buy furniture and appliances there? 6) How about the process for becoming a legal resident – difficult? What are financial requirements? And bringing a pet (dog) into the country? 7) Any site I should be sure to check out for more information? 8) Bugs, Spiders and Snakes? Give me the honest run down on what i should be counting on? Thank you – anything will be much appreciated. Hello, my name is Kat and i’m 53 and getting ready to retire in about 5 yrs i’m hoping to vaca in Panama it sounds like the perfect place to spend the rest of my life… i would like to be by the water and karen had these questions which r perfect. I couldn’t have asked them better myself!
If any one can provide answers to specific questions I’d be most grateful.
1) Is there any reasonable way to move to Panama with some belongings (kitchen items, and misc household items)? Same for taking a car or do you buy there and is that practical from $ standpoint?
2) I would like to rent – a nice home 3/2 – in or near an expat community, or gated community – is that possible and what might the price be?

3) I understand Cerro Azul is a good place – 30 mins from Panama City, far less hot and humid – what are thoughts of this area, versus Boquete and Chiriqui?
4) In the area of Panama City would one find Costco, Walmart, Home Depot etc, as in many parts of Mexico?
5) Is it expensive to buy furniture and appliances there?
6) How about the process for becoming a legal resident – difficult? What are financial requirements? And bringing a pet (dog) into the country?
7) Any site I should be sure to check out for more information?
8) Bugs, Spiders and Snakes? Give me the honest run down on what i should be counting on?

Thank you – anything will be much appreciated.

]]> By: June Ruge http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-227026 June Ruge Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:43:21 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-227026 Thank You all for your ideas on moving to your country. I have the same needs as Karen S. I want warm, safe and low cost of living. I also have two small dogs. I can't afford to live in the US much longer. Can I live off $1,200.00 a month, and enjoy learning all about you. I also have a 9 year old. I have SSD and no child support. We have Muscular Dystrophy and we can both walk but need warm water to keep us limber. It is the only exercise we can do and I make too much to get help from our government and too little to pay the bills from all the Doctors here. I can NOT have any delays with my monthly direct deposit, drug store near by to get our med's each month. We also need to sell our car, We can't afford to drive there. What is the cost on taxi or bus to get the things we need? Please Help!!! Thank You so nuch Thank You all for your ideas on moving to your country. I have the same needs as Karen S. I want warm, safe and low cost of living. I also have two small dogs. I can’t afford to live in the US much longer. Can I live off $1,200.00 a month, and enjoy learning all about you. I also have a 9 year old. I have SSD and no child support.
We have Muscular Dystrophy and we can both walk but need warm water to keep us limber. It is the only exercise we can do and I make too much to get help from our government and too little to pay the bills from all the Doctors here. I can NOT have any delays with my monthly direct deposit, drug store near by to get our med’s each month. We also need to sell our car, We can’t afford to drive there. What is the cost on taxi or bus to get the things we need? Please Help!!! Thank You so nuch

]]> By: Esteban http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-215570 Esteban Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:13:25 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-215570 In response to Tim's post from May 2010, a google search on the law firm Panama Law will reveal a major bias leading this site. Be extremely cautious when dealing with lawyers by proxy, your due dilligence (and as mentionned above - references) are your best protection, but by no means complete. This law firm no longer operates out of Panama and in fact is leading people to Guatemala, simply look at their site and it is evident (including the fact that they use 502 area code). On the left hand menu of their site they do not even seem to offer a Panamanian Corporate formation services, yet it is not on their list of offshore juristiictions to avoid (which is subjective at best!) A few of the statements from that website that stood out as particularly false to me - after 4 years of research (trust me, I am OCD when it comes to investigating potential investments) are as follows: 1. CITIZENSHIP "The law reads that after having a permanent residency for five years one is eligible to apply for citizenship. It does not say you are going to get a citizenship as if this is the only requirement. You need to get the President of Panama to approve your application. When we took a look we saw an average of 2.5 people a year were granted these citizenships in the years we looked and their last names were the same as those holding political office." now I have no proof to substantiate this one way or the other, by why exactly would relatives of Panamanian officials need citizenship??? Furthermore, this has the earmarking of a deliberate and thin scare tactic to me (read: IMHO!!!!) 2. PANAMA BANKING "Corporation and foundation bank accounts cannot receive any debit or Visa cards. For cards you need a personal account and then the cards have your name on them." In direct contradiction with almost every law firm based in 507 which claim that through many banks you are able to get a corporate card with only the name of the corporation embossed. 3. ASSET SAFETY "There is a way to get a court order in Panama from a Panama Court to garnish, lien or levy a Panama Bank account. If you do not know where the person’s bank is you can have the court send a Fax to all the banks in Panama asking them to seize, lien, levy any bank account associated with the name of the person as a beneficiary owner or signatory. This is called a Sequestro." I have a few issues with this, #1 they are the only people throughout the internet to have any mention of this, and copy and paste under different names on different sites. #2 as an authorized signatory to an account you are not (in the eyes of the law) the benefiacial owner thereof and thus the assets cannot be subject to perseuction against you. The case must first be made, and passed that you are the defacto beneficial owner of the assets. Furthermore, any reputable firm is able to layer your assets in such a fashion as once the ball starts rolling on this you are provided with months of notice while the matter is tied up in the courts. 4. SEARCH WARRANTS "The police in Panama do not need a search warrant for any reason to search anything. This can include your home, your person, your car, your vault box, your business etc. This is fine if you trust the government, I guess." More scare tactics, Investigators may enter a person's home only with consent or a written order (search warrant) from a competent authority or to assist victims of crime or natural disaster (Steve C. Ropp. "Administration of Justice". Panama: A country study (Sandra W. Meditz and Dennis M. Hanratty, ed.). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (December 1987).) 5. CRIME OF PASSION "If you catch your spouse with another person being intimate you can kill one or both of them as a crime of passion and not be prosecuted. The crime must happen as soon as you catch them. You cannot like go to a friend’s house, get a gun and return in that this would be premeditative. You could do this with a girlfriend or boyfriend but could be more risky than with a spouse. So you can get away with murder in Panama." A simple Google search brings up many results on the first page to contradict this - 'nuff said! 6. GUN RIGHTS "You can get permission to own and or carry a gun in Panama as a permanent resident or pensionado. Now they want an Interpol records check and the wait for that could be well unlimited. It takes most people three to five years to get a permanent residency so what do you do for the first few years? Panama has a high crime rate. To get a gun you need to supply DNA from your blood. There is also a urine test (drugs) and fingerprints. Then the gun goes in for ballistic sampling. Process can take several months. Who do they share your DNA with? There have been some close calls regarding people losing many of their gun rights." Completely and utterly false. Google the procedures to own a gun, Americans in Panama group on Yahoo has a great thread on this. I have written these 7 contradictions to the site posted and as this reply is MASSIVE and I am not even 1/5th through the lies I feel I have perhaps made my point and shall end it here. To anyone who has read this full post, I am 30 and moving down to Panama after spending approximately 90 days there/year to learn it. My parents-in-law have been there for 4 years and I am finally able to transition my business there. Be wary of what you read, always quadruple check facts and please (PLEASE!!!) don't believe what every law firm says (especicially these BSers)! Out! In response to Tim’s post from May 2010, a google search on the law firm Panama Law will reveal a major bias leading this site. Be extremely cautious when dealing with lawyers by proxy, your due dilligence (and as mentionned above – references) are your best protection, but by no means complete.

This law firm no longer operates out of Panama and in fact is leading people to Guatemala, simply look at their site and it is evident (including the fact that they use 502 area code). On the left hand menu of their site they do not even seem to offer a Panamanian Corporate formation services, yet it is not on their list of offshore juristiictions to avoid (which is subjective at best!)

A few of the statements from that website that stood out as particularly false to me – after 4 years of research (trust me, I am OCD when it comes to investigating potential investments) are as follows:

1. CITIZENSHIP “The law reads that after having a permanent residency for five years one is eligible to apply for citizenship. It does not say you are going to get a citizenship as if this is the only requirement. You need to get the President of Panama to approve your application. When we took a look we saw an average of 2.5 people a year were granted these citizenships in the years we looked and their last names were the same as those holding political office.” now I have no proof to substantiate this one way or the other, by why exactly would relatives of Panamanian officials need citizenship??? Furthermore, this has the earmarking of a deliberate and thin scare tactic to me (read: IMHO!!!!)

2. PANAMA BANKING “Corporation and foundation bank accounts cannot receive any debit or Visa cards. For cards you need a personal account and then the cards have your name on them.” In direct contradiction with almost every law firm based in 507 which claim that through many banks you are able to get a corporate card with only the name of the corporation embossed.

3. ASSET SAFETY “There is a way to get a court order in Panama from a Panama Court to garnish, lien or levy a Panama Bank account. If you do not know where the person’s bank is you can have the court send a Fax to all the banks in Panama asking them to seize, lien, levy any bank account associated with the name of the person as a beneficiary owner or signatory. This is called a Sequestro.” I have a few issues with this, #1 they are the only people throughout the internet to have any mention of this, and copy and paste under different names on different sites. #2 as an authorized signatory to an account you are not (in the eyes of the law) the benefiacial owner thereof and thus the assets cannot be subject to perseuction against you. The case must first be made, and passed that you are the defacto beneficial owner of the assets. Furthermore, any reputable firm is able to layer your assets in such a fashion as once the ball starts rolling on this you are provided with months of notice while the matter is tied up in the courts.

4. SEARCH WARRANTS “The police in Panama do not need a search warrant for any reason to search anything. This can include your home, your person, your car, your vault box, your business etc. This is fine if you trust the government, I guess.” More scare tactics, Investigators may enter a person’s home only with consent or a written order (search warrant) from a competent authority or to assist victims of crime or natural disaster (Steve C. Ropp. “Administration of Justice”. Panama: A country study (Sandra W. Meditz and Dennis M. Hanratty, ed.). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (December 1987).)

5. CRIME OF PASSION “If you catch your spouse with another person being intimate you can kill one or both of them as a crime of passion and not be prosecuted. The crime must happen as soon as you catch them. You cannot like go to a friend’s house, get a gun and return in that this would be premeditative. You could do this with a girlfriend or boyfriend but could be more risky than with a spouse. So you can get away with murder in Panama.” A simple Google search brings up many results on the first page to contradict this – ’nuff said!

6. GUN RIGHTS “You can get permission to own and or carry a gun in Panama as a permanent resident or pensionado. Now they want an Interpol records check and the wait for that could be well unlimited. It takes most people three to five years to get a permanent residency so what do you do for the first few years? Panama has a high crime rate. To get a gun you need to supply DNA from your blood. There is also a urine test (drugs) and fingerprints. Then the gun goes in for ballistic sampling. Process can take several months. Who do they share your DNA with? There have been some close calls regarding people losing many of their gun rights.” Completely and utterly false. Google the procedures to own a gun, Americans in Panama group on Yahoo has a great thread on this.

I have written these 7 contradictions to the site posted and as this reply is MASSIVE and I am not even 1/5th through the lies I feel I have perhaps made my point and shall end it here.

To anyone who has read this full post, I am 30 and moving down to Panama after spending approximately 90 days there/year to learn it. My parents-in-law have been there for 4 years and I am finally able to transition my business there. Be wary of what you read, always quadruple check facts and please (PLEASE!!!) don’t believe what every law firm says (especicially these BSers)!

Out!

]]> By: Barbara http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-189525 Barbara Sun, 01 May 2011 20:48:18 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-189525 I've read a lot of the posts on this site and all of you seem to be knowledgable about Panama. My husband and I will be moving to Panama at the end of the summer. I'm a type 1 diabetic and my husband's a type 2 diabetic. Do any of you know who we can contact in Panama regarding healthcare for diabetics? I’ve read a lot of the posts on this site and all of you seem to be knowledgable about Panama. My husband and I will be moving to Panama at the end of the summer. I’m a type 1 diabetic and my husband’s a type 2 diabetic. Do any of you know who we can contact in Panama regarding healthcare for diabetics?

]]> By: David Jay http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-188905 David Jay Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:28:45 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-188905 Can anyone tell me what they think of Las Tablas. I have been thinking about moving from U.S. to Panama. And heard that Las Tablas would be a nice place and not too expensive. Can anyone tell me what they think of Las Tablas. I have been thinking about moving from U.S. to Panama. And heard that Las Tablas would be a nice place and not too expensive.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.latinworld.com/2009/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-moving-to-panama.htm/comment-page-1#comment-186265 Aaron Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:10:00 +0000 http://www.latinworld.com/?p=1009#comment-186265 It has been an interesting read on here. Im a 49 yo man living in North Dakota. I moved from Northern California to ND 20 years ago. This adventure has been GREAT, Ive made a good living, have had a great quality of life, learned some Midwest values (people with money here dont show it for instance). I left CA searching for a better QUALITY life than CA offered. I tell people the main difference is in CA, everthing is very regulated, taxed, lawsuits al the time, and in ND you can really do what you want so long as your not totally stupid and if you do something stupid be respectful, people here have good hearts and are understanding. I tell my friends that people from Panama and Costa Rica are like North Dakotans in general, just a lil shorter. Good people. I came here (ND) and became part of a small community. I expect the same will be for me in Panama in a year or so..YOU get out what you put in...gate yourself off, well be isloated, thats not for me! It has been an interesting read on here. Im a 49 yo man living in North Dakota. I moved from Northern California to ND 20 years ago. This adventure has been GREAT, Ive made a good living, have had a great quality of life, learned some Midwest values (people with money here dont show it for instance). I left CA searching for a better QUALITY life than CA offered. I tell people the main difference is in CA, everthing is very regulated, taxed, lawsuits al the time, and in ND you can really do what you want so long as your not totally stupid and if you do something stupid be respectful, people here have good hearts and are understanding. I tell my friends that people from Panama and Costa Rica are like North Dakotans in general, just a lil shorter. Good people. I came here (ND) and became part of a small community. I expect the same will be for me in Panama in a year or so..YOU get out what you put in…gate yourself off, well be isloated, thats not for me!

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