'Thanks for your replies' Expat

Thanks for your replies

Dar, I appreciate your attitude re: the 'locals'. You're right, we are the visitors and certainly have no real reason to think that we're anything special. I am actually looking forward to learning how to slow down from the frenzied 'gringo' pace that Americans (i.e. USA) have for some reason adopted. And they certainly do deserve our respect.

My wife and I are excited to see if this new country might be 'right' for us. We are actually tired of the freedoms slowly being taken from us realizing that Panama will have its own limitations as well. I guess we shall see.

Thanks again! Any additional thoughts that come to your mind would be appreciated. Jim

I am so glad that you are going down there with the understanding that we are guests in their country. So many people travel to a foreign country and try to conform them to our U.S.of A. ways. Not fair to them and it really holds you back to enjoying their ways. As I have stated, we have traveled down there many times and will soon be retiring in Boquete as soon as we sell our home here. (Hopefully the market is starting to pick up)

I hope you get a chance to say hi to our friends at Montanas de Caldera. Tell them Mike and Darlene send their regards. You will be treated like royalty. If you need some ideas of where to stay in Boquete, (and where not to stay) I check this site every couple of days. Be sure to eat at the Bistro. It has the local flare with great food. The trout is to die for and the filet mignon is fab.... Also try their Brie appetizer. WOW. If you want a great place to sit and have a glass of wine and talk beside the fireplace, go to the Panamonte. He you need any suggestions, just ask.

Oh yes, I hope you rented your car on line through Thrifty. We have found them to have great prices. Also make sure you get Panamas Liability. Your credit card should cover collision. You will want to get their liability because if you get in an accident, (even if its not your fault) you will have to pay for the other persons medical until it is determined who was at fault. You will not be allowed out of country if you have medical obligations to a Panamanian. No worries if you have their liability. Also, the laws of accident are not like here in the states. Better to be safe, then sorry. Let me know if you need any additional info.

Just go--and enjoy, you will have a great experience I'm sure.

Do you have any recommendations on when we should arrive in David? and then on up to Boquete? I guess there are flights from P. City (but from a different airport) to David at numerous times through the day. My wife and I are planning to take the first 2 or 3 days to just explore Boquete-medical clinics, available utilities and the quality of water, electricity, grocery stores and food varieties there. Hopefully, we will meet some English speaking expats or retirees to get their impressions and evaluations of their experiences to date. Any other ideas you have would be helpful.

You mentioned Thrifty and insurance. Did you rent from P. City or David? If Panama City, what is the drive like to Boquete? Are you or your honey fluent in Spanish? If not, how hard is it to communicate? Earlier you mentioned getting a good Panamanian attorney for any real estate deals? It seems like maybe you indicated earlier that you have found one. Do they office in David?

With David's size, I assume they have some decent (I don't expect or want Bloomingdale's or Saks 5th Ave.) shopping as far as things we may need if and when we move down there. Am I correct in that? How about eating places and outdoor entertainment?

Any other information that comes to your mind would be welcomed. We are around 60 and are becoming more serious about retiring early out of the country.

Thanks again, Jim

Panama city is fine if you were younger and a bit adventurouse. My wife and are 61

we have been to Panama 5 times in the past 5 years. We met in high school in the old

CZone. My wife was born in Panama. We have many friends their , both American and Panamainian in addition to some of her relatives. I tell you this so that you can be assured that what I'm telling you has some validity. All your hotels in Panama will have people that speak English. Most educated people do. Those over 30 and the young 12-18. English was not a manditory language in their schools until Noriega was gone. Also most all business'es will have someone who speaks English. Unless you have a guide stay out of The city, Its a large city and like any large city here in the States It can be a bit overwhelming. One more thing Panama City has no beach, The nearest Public beach is about 1.5 to 2 hours out

towards David. There are 3 ways to get to David, 1. Fly from Albrook national airport, which is located in the old CZone area on the other side of Balboa. It is about a 1 hour + flight. then you could rent a car in David and drive to Boquette about 30 +

min drive.Not a bad road but a little curvy is some places. 2nd choice would be to Take the express bus also from the Albrook terminal, The key word here is express. Very comfortable and air conditioned somewhat like a new model greyhound. about a 6 hour ride. Best thing to do is get you a room in David then go to boquette the next day.

David is like most any medium sized City here in the States. Driving is normal.

In Panama City driving will drive you insane if you are not used to making your own right of way and knowing how to use your horn. Third choice is to rent a car from your hotel

near the cnot from the airport !!!. There are two ways to get to the interstate that goes to David. One goes over the Bridge of the Americas. It's about 10 miles to the 4 lain

the other way is over the new centenial bridge. maybe a little shorter distance. I would recommend the Bridge of the Americas. I would pay some one to go with the driver and actually drive that 10 miles before you all go so that you don't get lost. It's really not that difficult, but for some one new to Panama I would recommend it. Once you are out of the City and Care things are fairly norma. You only need you US drivers License and your entry visa that you pay $5 for(if they still issue that) and of course carry your passport with you at all times. They don't play around with the speed limit on the interstate. I have been stopped several times. always where I did not do the speed limit when going through a town. This 4 lain goes through several towns along the way Limits are clearly marked in kilometers . If you do get stopped don't worry these highway cops have clear instructions to be nice to tourists, even if they might look a little like they mean business. Be careful about bribes if one is indicated $10-20 will do the trick. Play along a little if he is in for a bribe he will pretend to start writing a ticket but then stop to lecture a bit. Learn to say "how Much" Quanto. The drive to David will take you about 7-7 hours with a stop or two there is a McDonalds along the way about half way in Santiago,

This is where we plan to settle. Once you get to David a little ways in you will see a sign to Boquette to the Right. Go to the Chamber of commerce just as you get into town on the right and ask the girl to call around for room rates it is off season and rates should be half around $60-70 for the 4 of you we stayed in a super place while we were there this past May. You will absolutely love this place.

Well thats all for now if you have more questions please feel free to contact me at rudolf@citlink.net By the way I know an excellent and honest realtor who just sold our property for us just outside oh Panama City. She handled it all we did not have to be there. RUDY

Rudy had some wonderful points, but I thought it was a little confusing for someone like yourself who has never been to Panama. I will try and address issues by numbers: May I suggest that you print out the info to take with you.

1. Hotels in Panama City (PC) run from 125 and up per night. We stayed at the Radisson and loved it but paid 160. a night. We stayed at a B&B called Pequeno Paraiso (they have a website) it was fabulous. Richard and Anita are wonderful American Expats. Richard speaks 4 or 5 languages. Has great stories to tell and their breakfasts are to die for. He will pick you up at the airport and take you to Albrook National Airport to catch the flight to David. Make sure you go on their website and look at weight restrictions for luggage. You can go over a little, but if its too much, they will make you take it out. (Don't want that to happen)

2. Try to spend a few days in PC and be prepared, it's hectic in the city. Don't drive in PC. I did and what a mistake. They don't have the same rules of the road in PC. Not to mention, no street signs. But what an adventure not to be missed. As soon as you leave the city, you are much more relaxed. Our first trip down there, we rented a car in PC and drove to Boquete (about 6 hrs) What a great way to see the country. Our first trip we were there several weeks, so had lots of time to explore. Now we fly into PC, stay overnight and fly out to David the next day. Richard and Anita have people they will recommend to you for what ever adventure you want.

3. The flight to David is 55 minutes. Once you arrive in David you can pick up your car at Thrifty rental right at the airport. (very small airport) Oh yeh, make sure you reserve a automatic, because it will be assumed you want a stick. We paid less than a 100. a week for an automatic with unlimited miles. Make sure you have them write down every scratch and dent in auto. Also, the jack in under the front seat. We found out the hard way. They will give you a map of the area and also show you how to get to the road to Boquete.

4. If you decide to stay in David for a night, you will want to stay at the Gran Hotel Nacional. Its the best in David and only around 70. a night. We have never had reservations in David or Boquete and have found that we got a better rate by just dropping in. Never had any issues with vacancies.

5. Now for Boquete, our new home soon. There are several nice places to stay. Our favorite is Hotel Valle Del Rio, the reason is that it is reasonable and the beds are to die for and my husband loves their bathrooms with rain showers. The rates vary between 60. to 90. a night. We have always just stopped in and have never paid over 65. a night. They are a new hotel as well. I will touch on a few others, Valle Escondido is very nice and very expensive. Isla Verde Hotel is great location but the beds were not very comfortable. Boquete Garden Inn was great along the river but we did not have hot water. Panamonte is old. Stay away from the Hotel Fontadora (ms)yuk... They have a lot to choose from in and around Boquete and several are nice. Don't forget about the restaurants I spoke of. Also on your way into Boquete you will pass the road that takes you to Montanas de Caldera, be sure and tell Jane that Mike and Darlene sent you in. From David to Boquete is about 35 miles.

I hope some of this info helps a little. If you need more info, remember I check this site every few days.

I forgot to tell you, they have 2 good hospitals in David. One is affiliated with Hopkins out of PC and the U.S. In PC they have several nice hospitals one being affiliated with the Mayo Clinic. Utilities are around 50. a month for electric, 15. or less a month for water, satelite TV 40. or cable 40. (approx) The water is some of the best I've ever tasted. My husband and I have a well here in Washington state and their water is equally as good if not better, and we have great water. You will meet a lot of Expats in Boquete. I have several blogs I go to so I can be kept informed. Chiriqi Chatter is one and the Boquete Blog. My husband and I speak all most NO spanish but we are learning slowly. If you end up needing an attorney in Boquete, ask Jane at Montanas de Caldera. We have used one in PC. We used one in Boquete to purchase our property. In David they have Costco. Need I say more??? You are the same age as my husband and I, hopefully we will be neighbors. Hope to hear from you soon......If you don't have any more questions, please come back to this site and let me know how your trip went. Or maybe we can exchange email address. Did you get to see my info on health care and cost in and around Boquete and David????

How much "adjusting" does your body have to do regarding food in that area? Will we need to be careful in selecting restaurants. We're not big fish eaters although salmon gets a passing grade with our taste buds. Believe it or not, I've never tried trout but based on your recommendation, maybe it's time I give it a chance. Do the ex-pats have a regular 'meeting place and/or time' in Boquete?

Also, Dar, where did you mention health care costs in and around Boquete and David? I did not see that but it would be of interest to us.

Rudy, thanks for your insight, too. I wish Crystal and I had five trips to Panama under our belts already. We've got a lot of catching up to do. The more we read about and study Panama and, especially the Boquete area, the more excited we get about the possibilities.

Also make sure your passports are handy during the drive as they have checkpoints. You must stop. Sometimes they will wave you through.

Gas up in Santiago. After you leave Santiago, the road is two lanes with repair work being done. No warnings of holes in the road. Not bad, just keep an eye out. Don't hold the buses back as they are in a hurry. Learn to use your horn as they love their horns down there.

As I have stated before, we usually go without reservations and get better prices. Have never had vacancy problems.

Health care is very good. I have addressed health care in this forum under medical (I think) if you can't find it, I'll touch on it later. You will not need any adjusting to the food. Water is great also. You can drink from their taps.

Let me know if you have any more questions, don't forget I check this site a few times a week. Sorry for any errors as I am in a hurry.

Thanks to all who have responded to this thread. We are becoming more and more excited the more we hear and read about this Central America paradise. Some additional questions have come to our minds: 1) Do we really need anything more than our passports to travel in Panama? 2) Are credit cards accepted widely enough that we can leave most of our cash at home? Are debit cards better than credit cards? Is there need for both? 3) Is there a way to have cell phone usage without paying exorbitant fees to call back home to the US? 4) Does anyone know if there any truth to the 'rumor' we heard that pesticides are so overused in the Volcan, Cerro Punta area that the pesticide drift over the volcano to the Boquete area affects the water supply and the living conditions? (Dar-I know you said the water is very tasty but it could still possibly be 'tainted' by pesticides, I suppose.) 5) A person we talked to who lived in Boquete for a year or so claimed that there is asbestos in the older public water pipes. This just gives further question to the quality of the water for the health issues that would be involved if that were true. Does anyone know if this is true? or, where I could check out these claims? 6) How can 'valuables' be safely transported when the 'big move' finally comes?

If anyone reading this post has answers to any of these questions, we would greatly appreciate your responses. One last question: if we drive a rental car from PC upon arrival in Panama, are there any areas we should consider spending a night on the way to Boquete? I know that may depend on our interests but I am just wondering if there is a town or points of interest between PC and David that are worth extra time to explore.

Thanks again for your help. By the way, we actually fly home on Christmas Day. Not knowing how the holidays are celebrated in Panama, does anyone know if things shut down on Christmas Eve? That is the day we were planning to 'do' the Panama Cand/or check out the Capitol and any historical museums in Panama City if they're open.

I will try to answer in order of questions:

1. Yes, Sometimes customs in the U.S. will ask for 2 pieces of ID. Not very often, but we have been asked. I used my drivers lic or voter registration. Take a copy of your birth certificate. Though not necessary. It may come in handy. Also make copies of your passport, driver lic. to keep in luggage, just in case you lose the original.

2. Credit cards are accepted widely. Please note you may need to contact your credit card co. and bank to see if they charge an "International fee" some charge up to 4% of purchase for international processing. When you take cash, try not to take anything over $20. bills. Some of your smaller places may not have change. If you need to take $50. dollar bills you may have to go into a bank to get change. I have also used my debit card down there as well. As long as your debit card has a visa or mc logo. You will want to take cash as well. If you go to the smaller places they might not take cards. Most take cards.

3. You can purchase a phone and calling card down there for less then $50. It usually gives you about 150 minutes

4. I have not heard if they use more than the U.S. but my thought would be that most countries use more than the U.S. I do know that the processing of drinking water is the same as the U.S. and is tested for that sort of thing. I was told that their standards are equally as high as here. If you contact one of the American developers down there, they will give you the standards. Try to get ahold of Jane Davis on her website at Montanas de Caldera she will definately have the answer. Tell her that Darlene Allman from Washinton state recommended that you email her.

5. See above

6. Container shipping is done all the time safely. When you get to that point we can address that at that time.

Be sure and let me know how things go for you... Have a good trip. I will check back with this forum in a few days to see if you have any further questions. Please excuse any mistakes as I am in a hurry.

Dar

The more I read about Panama and especially Boquete area the more excited I get about the possibility of moving there-and I haven't even stepped foot in the country yet. It sounds wonderful! We shall see in less than two short months.

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