'living' Expat

susan (203.94.87.173) -

could I live very comfortably in panama, not in the city, on $1000 a month inc. rent. plus car prices a modest 4 door.

Comment #1 retireinchiriqui (201.226.26.78) -

Yes, you could depending on the location you want. In Panama City it will be tough. In Boquete it will also be tough. Volcan, it could happen. David, it could happen. Bocas Del Toro, you may be able to pull it off. Puerto Armuelles, no problem at all.

RICSA

retireinchiriqui.com

Comment #2 DS (84.172.134.159) -

I know a couple retiring to Panama probably their land is near Panama City. She is from Panama and he is from USA. I donät know if I will qualify for the discounts that pensioners moving to Panama can get, but I like the tax discount. I would have to live on about $1000 also per month or less to save. I guess I would have to live in a smaller city like Chiriqui said---Volvan, David, Boca del Toro, Puerto Amuelles...

I guess it will take a while to learn about apartments, houses, banking, and stuff. I have to compare with Asia as I have been there to Thailand and other places. I havenät been to Panama yet. I guess the tourist areas in all cities charge more for everything though.

Comment #3 don (12.160.149.10) -

GO TO "americans in panama.com" and sign up It is a discussion group of expats ....you can comfortably live on 1,000 per mo....don

Comment #4 Greg Sun (201.218.72.74) -

It depends on how many people are going to be living with a $1000 income if it's one person alone you should be able to live quite comfortably except for maybe san blas and bocas as prices there have gone up quite a bit

Greg

Comment #5 Old Pana in Okie Land from Tulsa,Ok. (Contact Member) -

Agree, Got friends living in David for 800 a month (lower middle class) and single. Want a middle class living count on shelling 1000 plus in David. 1500 and you on easy street. Good luck.

PS: Chiriqui a better and most stable place than Thailand. Trust me on this one.

Better people too.

And Don is correct. Visit Gringos in David and Americans in Panama. Folks are a pleasure to chat with, and extreamly helpfull.

Give it a try.

Comment #6 Baroness1440 (64.59.144.87) -

My husband and I are exploring living part time in Panama. We have an 8 year old son who would do correspondence school while we are there. What would life be like on $3000+ per month? Thanks.

Comment #7 rowena105 from Hogstown, The Universe (Contact Member) -

Wow you mean you can actually live in Panama for $800 a month? That would cover everything including a car and living expenses such as gas and food and entertainment? Or does that just cover accommodations?

Even if it is only accommodations that's fantastic.

Is it very difficult to actually move there and have your pensions sent to you there?

Comment #8 Jules from Vegas, baby (Contact Member) -

That's amazing that you could live there comfortably for just $800 a month. I think it would be ideal to retire there, but I've got quite a few years before I can even think of retiring!

Comment #9 Karen from Texas (Contact Member) -

I've been reading about a lot of people moving to Panama to retire. Is it that much cheaper than living here in the States? If you're living on only $800 a month, what exactly are you doing without?

Comment #10 carr from Veracruz Mexico (Contact Member) -

Interesting that I found this page doing a web search. I tried a couple of the links other posters have provided here and was unable to find the forums so I joined and here I am.

As my profile states Im 56, semi retired and living in Veracruz Mexico (since 2002). Veracruz now is a lot like Miami or LA. The charm I found here when I moved here has gone.

I am planning a highway trip through Central America in the next 2 weeks to a month. I have ordered the guidebooks Lonely Planet and RoughGuide for Central America and hopefully will have them in a week.

WHat Im looking for is a place where I can live within walking distance of the beach without a crush of tourists (here is horrible on weekends) and without paying tourist prices for everything. Hopefully a place with a few waves to surf.

Being experienced with travel and life in Mexico, Im approaching the trip to Central America carefully since its unknown territory. Additionally I have a world of questions about whats allowed and whats not in Panama. Without clogging this place up with a lot of needless questions Im going to wait for the guides and after that post with questions about the trip and life there in Panama.

Thanks to all for the forum.

Regards

Carr in Veracruz Mx.

Comment #11 Sharron Volkman (67.142.130.15) -

I live in Roatan Honduras right now - I have about 900 in income - I can work here but most jobs are Island wages and 6 days a week. I am 63 and would prefer to work only a few days. My accomodations are simple a furnished place but no car and hot water is only in shower which is good for here.

I was wondering if there was any place in Panama i could live on my Social Security and be any where close to water. I am on the beach here but then the Island is pretty small and anywhere is "pretty close to the beach".

Also do I need Spanish, I am working at it but progress is slow.

I love the simple life here but communication with home is often a problem.

Comment #12 Mary Strociek from Las Margaritas, Panama (Contact Member) -

Hi!

We live in Panama on $1400/month (Matt's social security). We live very comfortable, but we own our home and cars. We live about 1-1/2 hours from PC.

Our utilities (elec, gas for house, DirecTV, internet, water, cell phone) run us about $300/month. Car insurance is $175/year. House insurance is about $100+/year. Other expenses include gas for car ($100/month per vehicle), medicines for Matt ($200/month). I go into PC 1 per month to do major grocery shopping at PriceMart, MegaDepot, RebaSmith, etc.

We don't travel back to the states or anywhere else for that matter.

We have found paradise and don't want to leave!!

Matt and Mary

whypanama com

Comment #13 Fatima (190.140.31.19) -

Well i agree and disagree with some of the things here, specially when it comes to having a calm life here in panama, maybe its not as safe as they say the u.s is, but at least we dont have child alerts of missing people everyday .. so its safe for your kids...

i had a bad experince..recently with a couple that was comming to relocate to panama, first they said they needed someone to help them with everything cause they didnt speak spanish, so i offer myself for that, i waited for them at the airport took em back to the hotel .. and we decide meeting the next day, the guy called me next day at 12 pretending me to be there at 12:01 , pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee i mean panama traffic is horrible when i got there he said that he rathers having a person that could be on time.. hellooooooooo i mean at least i got there... anyhow.. the relation ended there coz... coz they decided they didnt want my help anymore, but what is the point here? is that at first when they got to the airport they supposed to have a car booked already ..when they arrived the people from avis said they didnt have a car, then he had an appointment with a lawyer the next morning and the lawyer never answered his phone calls..and yes then i was late.. (but at least i was there) , i mean this are some of the things people should know when comming to panama.., here things are never on time.., if you want someone to show up on time you better call that person early.. at least an hour early ... so she or he can make it ...

but besides that ....and im not saying everyone but most people here are friendly..., in my case.. i lost 2 weeks of my time..looking for schools, and apartments and inssurances, and other things for this people..and then they just kicked my butt.. that way.. thats probably what it takes to be friendly and try to help people... from other countries trying to relocate in mine...

xoxoxox

blessings for all here

Comment #14 Jack Bauer from CR ,at the moment (Contact Member) -

German family is moving to Panama mid-september , my 11 year old daughter needs a second. school( 5 th grade ). We all need a house or a flat ( 2 bedrooms min .)nearby this school ( or working bus delivery system ).We would like to spend not more than 700 US for the rentalcosts . The question is : where to go ? We come with our in CR registered car & our household ( not too much .. ) is that a problem ?? (border , taxes ...??)Any help welcome.thank´s .Jack & Ray (my wife )& Mira (my princess )

Comment #15 dustin (63.176.159.0) -

nothing to do with the topic, but jack, you put way too many parentheses.. (okay)!

Comment #16 Lynn (78.146.3.95) -

Does anyone know how to obtain unfurnished accom. in sanfrancisco, panama. or where someone could advertise as everything I see is short term furnished property???

Comment #17 Chad (63.176.159.99) -

(Haha) (yeah i agree) (with you Dustin.) (Jack, you did) (use WAY to) many (parentheses, ) thats (why I'm using) (more to out) (beat you.) (haha) (haha) (haha)

Comment #18 Jim (98.242.222.39) -

I live in Florida USA and am considering moving to Panama however I don't have a clue how to get started looking. I would like to live in very upscale and secure environment. I can afford to buy or rent. My budget is between $2, 500 & $3, 500 per month. There are 2 of us but would like 3 bedrooms at least 2/3 baths maid quarters and secure parking for at least 2 cars. Condo or house as long as it is secure. What city and neighborhood would you suggest.

I'm planning on getting started as soon as I get some good feedback.

Roger in Fort Lauderdale, Fl

Comment #19 Gabby (167.80.246.204) -

Jim

My husband and I just bought a place in Boquete. Look into Montanas De Caldera developement. Talk with Jane and tell her that Mike and Dar sent you. What a wonderful place. You could live very well in Panama for that amount of money. The reason I stated Boquete it is absolutely beautiful. Weather great and lots of trees, flowers and birds. If you email Jane she will send you a packet of info which will also have alot of stuff on Boquete. Good Luck

Comment #20 kathy from Pa. U.S.A (Contact Member) -

Hi All,

Just got the idea this week to move out of U.S.A. was thinking of Dominic, but after some research, decided on Panama. I am hoping Americans who live in Panana full or part tiem can help us. We are 50 yrs old. middle class. Hard working, foster parenst now, live in the mountians ( near Gettysburg) with 10 acres. have 4 cats and 4 dogs. Hubby is a flooring man. Want to leave states, , too much happening and do not liek the new pres. So, thinking of selling everythng and moving there. So we sell our house, boat, cars and furniture and go therre with our clothed and animals.. I was looking at Gorgona and Coronada to live. need a bit of land 1/2 -1 acre is fine or more. Do not wnat ot be near city.. Need 2-3 bedroom. If we pay cash for a house and car. Would $1000 a month be enough for the 2 of us to live on? Once we move, there is no turning back, so what do we do there if we don't work? Are there other Americans we can hook up with? Can we have a dual citizenship? Are utulities, food, furniture expensive? Fo we have to worry about our house being robbed? Are the police corrupt? Knowign these answers will help us.. Also, we know living in the mtns is a bit cooler than city/beach. I am hoping to be there in 6 months.. We are in the midst of selling our stuff now.. We will jave some $$ but need to kow how much we need for say a period of 10 yrs.. How are teh hospitals, docs? Do they have health insurance and how much is that? We have none now. Any info you can tell me woudl be helpful./ WE know it is more laid back there and primitive, that is fine.

Comment #21 Dar (167.80.246.204) -

Kathy from PA

I will try and answer some of your questions. First you need to make a trip down there to see what part you like. There is a big difference in temp in all the areas. Also price. I can tell you to stay away from Panama City as it is very hectic. Way too much traffic. My husband and I bought in Boquete and will be moving down there as soon as we sell our home here in Washington state. We are in our 50's. Be sure you look into the requirements for living in Panama, you must have a $1000. per month lifetime income. It can be a pension or S/S. Can not be an annuity or CD of deposit. They also have things you can purchase down there to qualify for your living there, but its expensive for the average person. Check out Panama Visa's. Pensionado visa's are the best way to go. Lots of discounts. Do your web research, you will get lots of info on web. Check into taking your pets. You can, but they are quarantined. I heard that if you throw a little money at the place where they are quarantined they will let you take them after a short period of time.

$1000.00 per month would be enough to live on if your home was paid for. Utilities run around $50. a month, medical is very cheap. You can purchase a hospital plan from a local hospital. Dr visits run around $25. Gas is about the same down there as here in states. If you purchase a home on the pensionado program, no taxes for 20 years. Furniture about the same as here. Can find some good sales. Don't forget the Pensionado discounts. Food is a lot cheaper. They have Costco and large grocery stores. Buy LG appliances as they can be repaired right down there.

Now I will try and explain about housing. It is my recommendation to purchase in a gated community. Crime is not that high, but that gives you an added deterrent. The people down there are very nice and we have never had any problems, but some have the attitude that Americans are rich and can easliy replace there things. If you decide on a gated community you will probably have lots of U.S. neighbors. Look into the Boquete area. (about 35 miles from David) Weather is 70 to 80 year round, Lots of Expats, Great restaurants. We purchased in Montanas De Caldera. Absolutely beautiful. Also the Boquete area is noted for lovely flowers and lots of birds. Also a lot more to do. (Hiking, fishing, river rafting) You are between the Pacific and Atlantic ocean. An afternoon trip either way to world record fishing and great diving and snorkeling in Bocas. River fishing in Boquete area. We have eaten some of the best trout down there. I could go on forever, but I will stop for now. If you would like more info. Give me your email address and I will email you and can give more info. If you take a scouting trip down there, let me know, I have some things to let you know about flying and places to stay. Like I said we have made the trip several times. We are going again this summer to put the final touches on designing the home. Hope some of this helps.

Mike and Darlene

Comment #22 Michele (69.254.27.225) -

I bought land in Chame/sora a couple of yrs. ago.Am in Panama quite often.would love to move but have large house in Sebastian, Fl. and looking to sale it, or looking for a trade for house in Panama on Pacific coast.

Also my property in Chame 15 hect. is ready for development, looking for a couple of investors for project.

any one interested in either please let me know

Comment #23 Michael Schleimer (71.200.198.250) -

I will keep it short because you have seen those questions over and over again.

I am 69 years old, my wife 58 and can not retire in the US due to the economic downturn. It seems that we will outlive our retirement fund unless we are taking some drastic messures, like moving to Panama.

We planning a trip in July or August for three weeks to scout and explore Panama.

We currently own two waterfront condominiums in south Florida. The real-estate market is very soft preventing us from selling right now, so will be looking to rent a furnished 2-3 bedrooms 2 baths apartment for the time being We are not sure on location , outskirts of PC , boquete, Bocas del toro , David city .etc.

My first request is if you can recommend a bed and breakfast in a nice part of PC as a launching point. My wife and I can communicate in Spanish quite well but not fluent. I do wish to find out where to apply for “pensionado” visa. I have a social security income of 1, 200.00 per month and some other savings. And I would like to open a local bank account. I don’t know the time frame. I could use your advice. I like to take action now and avoid procrastination, and not “think about it” for three years before taking the plunge. Any advice will be helpful. Looking forward for your reply

Comment #24 Rita (63.176.159.45) -

This are some vital info that i got in the net:

A major benefit of retiring to Panama that must not be overlooked is Panama's incredible pensionado (retiree) program. Panama's pensionado program, in its current form, was created with the passing of Laws No. 6 and No. 9 in June 1987, which provide those who retire to Panama with the most appealing program of special benefits available in the world.

To be eligible, the only requirements are that you are at least 18 years of age and receive a government or documented pension income from an international corporation of $500 (and an additional $100 for each dependent) each month. Those with private or non-documented pensions need to be at least 50 years old. Under the pensionado program, you will be entitled to :

* 50% off entertainment, such as movies, theater, concerts, and sporting events

* 30% off bus, boat, and train fares

* 25% off airline tickets

* 50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday

* 30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday

* 25% off at restaurants

* 15% off at fast-food restaurants

* 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)

* 10% off prescription medicines

* 20% off medical consultations

* 15% off dental and eye exams

* 20% off professional and technical services

* 50% off closing costs for home loans

* And more…

• www.internationalliving.com/index.php/Countries/Panama/Retir...

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