Search the Community

Overview Enjoy our cool/spacious 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom., Family Home with great views of Vulcan Baru/open concept living./dining./sitting room combo/overlooking small man-made pond & backyard. Kitchen with eat in counter, laundry rm. outdoor patio. Parking-WiFi,TV,AC, 10 mins-shopping. Minimum, monthly rental at a rate of $1475.00 per month including electricity, water, garbage pickup, and Internet. The space We love the open concept entrance which immediately provides a view through the large sliding double doors of the living room into the backyard, the green space and the man-made pond. Guest access Access to Three (3) bedrooms of four (4), 2.5 full washrooms /laundry room, rear porch/ covered side porch with seating and hammock/backyard Interaction with guests We will be out of the country but will collaborate/consult with guests on a weekly basis to enquire about their comfort & satisfaction. Other things to note The community houses a small hotel, spa, gym and civic centre. However, services there are unavailable to our guests unless with special dispensation upon request (14 days in advance) 2.webp 4.webp 5.webp 6.webp 7.webp 9.webp 10.webp

For over 15 years I have been advising and assisting expats in their first steps in their new home country, and I have also lived and worked in many countries myself. I know from personal experience how it feels to start from scratch, to live as a newcomer in a foreign country, and to know neither the culture nor the language of the new host country. It is perhaps an unpleasant truth, but unfortunately a fact: not everyone finds in Panama what they might have hoped to find. If you are looking for a country to move, then in my opinion it is not about finding the "perfect" paradise, but to choose a country that meets your personal wishes and needs. How these are shaped and what is important to you (or not) is a very individual decision, which, in addition to facts, is always a certain decision of the heart. Therefore, I have summarized five points for you that you absolutely must know about Panama. If you find it difficult to accept these cultural differences and adapt in certain ways, Panama may not be the right place for you. Patience, patience, patience: The clocks tick differently in Panama. Time is a relative concept: "mañana" does not always mean "tomorrow" but maybe "two weeks", "ahorita" is anything but "right now", and it is quite common to arrive at private meetings much later than agreed. Unpunctuality (except at work and when dealing with authorities) is not a discourtesy in Panama. Bureaucracy and a different attitude to work mean that many processes, procedures and work steps are handled much more leisurely and slowly than we are perhaps used to in the USA or Canada. Irascible and brash behavior is often completely pointless. However, a smile and a certain degree of composure and flexibility can open many doors in Panama. “Juegavivo”: A common expression in the Panamanian culture describing a person who charmingly and with a twinkle in his eye likes to cheat a little, swindle or twist the truth in order to benefit from it. As a foreigner it is often difficult to distinguish cultural differences from "juegavivo". Therefore, always inform yourself in advance, especially in business and financial matters. You will find many insider tips and advice in my legal blogs, or simply book an appointment for a (virtual) free initial consultation. “Puente del mundo, corazón del universo” (Bridge of the world, heart of the universe): This is how Panamanians describe their beloved Isthmus and this national pride runs through all areas of life. In November Panama celebrates various national holidays, for this reason the whole country more or less stands still during this month. If you are planning a trip to Panama for business, it is better not to do it in November, and if you do, expect additional delays and allow more time than usual. "Clothes make the man": Clothes and appearance are important in Panama. Even ordinary people are careful to appear neat, clean and well-groomed at all times. Permissive, dirty clothing or vulgar behavior is not always appreciated. Foreigners who dress appropriately usually gain respect. Shorts (despite the temperatures) are usually worn only in private, at the beach or pool. Insider Tip: When attending appointments with public officials or at a bank, always make sure to dress appropriately: no flip-flops, sandals or Crocs, no shorts or miniskirts, no sleeveless T-shirts, loose-fitting shirts or spaghetti strap tops (or dresses). However, it doesn't have to be a shirt and tie. A simple short-sleeved t-shirt, jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine. Don't forget to wear a faceshield as well as a mouth-nose protection (mask) during appointments at the immigration office. “Piropos” or flattery: As a (single traveling) woman (but also as a man) you often get more attention in Panama than you are used to. Many men (and women) in Panama are often very direct when it comes to attracting the attention of the opposite sex or making first contact. If you don't want this, you can simply ignore unwanted remarks or reject them in a friendly but firm manner. Panama is unique. Using the slogan of the Panamanian Tourism Authority, “Panama is for travelers, not tourists." Whether you are looking for a destination to move, want to have a "Plan B" on hand, are interested in investing abroad, or want to spend your retirement in the sunny south. There are many reasons that speak for Panama and inspire expats for this small country. Whether as a traveler, investor or expatriate, the country enchants its visitors with mountains and beaches and offers the unique opportunity to wake up in the Caribbean and have dinner at the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Panama is an insider's tip for investing in real estate overseas. Panama is above all one thing: authentic, open and warm. Let yourself be carried away by the joy of life, openness and friendliness of the locals. It is easy to see why Panama is considered one of the happiest nations in the world. Panamanians like to strike up a conversation with others, be it in the supermarket, at passport control at the airport or in a café. Just try it out, even if you speak little or no Spanish your counterpart will always be eager to help you and make small talk. This is also true when moving around in Panama, whether as a single traveler, with or without children; you can be sure that people are always friendly and helpful. When our daughter was born in Panama, we were often approached by complete strangers on the street or in stores who congratulated us and wished us luck. One time my wife was stopped by the police asking for her driver’s license. At the end the official called over his other colleague just to have a look at the lovely baby on the back seat. And this actually happened more than once. I will never forget when at the passport control at the airport in Tocumen, an immigration officer held up our family (and the whole line waiting). We were just coming back from a trip to Europe, and of course we were tired and exhausted. While being in line for passport control, suddenly the official in charge yelled “STOP! STOP! Stop, here!”. My wife and I looked at each other confused. What was wrong? Then the immigration official pointed to our daughter in her stroller. “Now look a this little princess! Everybody, look a the sweet little girl…”

The experience of traveling abroad in the midst of COVID-19 regulations means a challenge for many...in fact I recommend a lot of patience because each country has its own system of how to deal with the pandemic. That is why in this blog I want to give you recommendations given from my own experience in order for you to enjoy your trip to Panama. First, when you purchase your flight ticket to Panama and have your flight confirmation from the airline, you have to register online before making your trip to Panama; the system generates a QR code, thus letting the Panamanian health authorities know where you will be staying during your trip. Here is the Link: https://www.panamadigital.gob.pa/RegistroPacoViajero Remember that if you are traveling from Europe, the flight is long and the validity of the COVID-19 test may be compromised and the airline may not accept it and worse, may not let you board the flight. Also, investigate in time all necessary requirements not only of your destination country, but also of the country where you will make a stopover or transfer (if applicable). For example if you travel with KLM via Amsterdam to Panama you will need a PCR test (even if you have a connecting flight only). I recommend that two days before your trip (taking into account that the validity of a PCR test is 72 hours), you take the PCR test which normally gives you the result in 12 hours, but there are others that take a little longer. In order to avoid any stress, it is better to take the required test in time. This PCR test will help you to transfer through Holland or another EU country without any problem. However, when you arrive in Panama the PCR test will already be expired. To enter Panama you can also present an antigen or rapid test (according to current regulations, as of today June 11th 2021). Therefor I recommend that the same day you travel, you take an antigen test (at the airport of departure) and the result is given to you in 15 to 30 minutes. With this you can be sure that you will not have any problems when arriving in Panama. Always have at hand in a small trolley or handbag your passport, your airline ticket (which I recommend to have in your cell phone as a photo, pdf and also printed), the required COVID-19 exams (with a copy in your cell phone as a photo or pdf and also printed), because you will always be asked these documents about 10 times throughout your trip. In one of my trips I overheard while waiting in line for the boarding of the plane that an airport official complained to another passenger why he only had the COVID-19 exams on his mobile phone, that he should have them printed out as well, but that is not true, since it depends on the airport and the country, as well as the airline, it is not always necessary to have the printed documentation, but as I explained, better forewarned and be prepared than to have a bad time. Every airport has temperature control at each location, whether in Europe or Panama. As a general rule there are thermal cameras that scan the temperature of all passengers. Once you arrive in Panama you will have to wait in line and wait for your turn to get off the plane, then you will be transported to the airport terminal, and once inside you will be asked again for the COVID-19 test. As I said, be careful that they are not expired. Then you will have to go to get your luggage, which is usually coming out on the right hand side (flights from Europe). Just follow the corridor and you will see the lines, as well as the signs going down some stairs; there you will be asked again for the COVID-19 test and passport, but now, it is to register you in a database (confirming the online registration that you had already made prior to your trip). After passing the passport control (take the left row for tourists, and the right row for foreign residents and Panamanians), you will need to pick up your luggage. Be guided by the signs of the origin of your flight. At the exit of the airport you will feel the humid Caribbean heat, it will take you a few days to get used to it. Don't be surprised if people come up to you offering to help you with your suitcase and bags, asking you if you want a cab. I do not recommend taking one. Cab drivers' fares are very high, i.e. they can charge you between 20, 30 and 50 US dollars. Be careful because free competition of supply and demand rules in Panama. What I do recommend is that you install an UBER application on your cell phone, make sure you have internet connection on your phone because you can take an UBER and it will cost you a fraction of what you would pay in a normal cab, and you will be more comfortable. If you come with a lot of luggage a $21 UBER is enough room to get to your hotel using the highway. Remember that mobile data roaming in the EU is no problem, but when you arrive in Panama you may not have internet. When you arrive you will be able to buy a Sim card. Buy a non-contract prepaid one. A recharge of 20 to 25 US dollars is enough to have internet connection. Google maps will help you a lot to know how to move around Panama. To avoid internet connection problems you can download offline maps of Panama on google maps. However, if you travel to Chiriqui, you will be asked to take an antigen test before you leave the province again. If you travel by plane this test will be done by the Ministry of Health at the airport in David. There is also a private laboratory at the Tocumen airport when traveling abroad. The rapid test result will be delivered to you in about 30 minutes. However, PCR tests are not done at neither of the two airports. Nevertheless there are laboratories in Panama City and David that will help you to get your PCR COVID-19 exam for travel purposes on time, either express in 5 hours, or standard processing time between 12 to 24 hours. On your return to Europe if you travel with KLM please note that the Netherlands requires registration as well, here is the link: https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2021/05/26/quarantine-declaration). Be well informed before organizing your trip and buying your airline ticket, each country and airport has its own rules and requirements. Have a safe trip, I see you soon!

This new Google Group is open for membership. Joining this group will give you the ability to post questions and give answers to questions, about living and visiting Boquete. This is a Chat Room where political or religious issues are NOT permitted, and members are asked to be courteous and not give opinions that cause consternation and cause rancor. These are the kinds of posts you can place on Boquete Talks: Real Estate for sale or rent, Events that will happen, Questions about where to find things or services, Answers to questions posed, Notices of businesses opening or closing, Restaurant reviews and opinions, Information about businesses, etc. We ask that you make sure that the information you post is accurate, and that you verify facts you post as facts, before you post. You can choose how you will receive posts; Individual Messages as they are posted, Daily Digest of all message posted in one email to you, etc. This type of group exists in other communities and provides a great service to share information that is of assistance to other members of the community. To join this group and begin posting and receiving posts, just click here: https://groups.io/g/BoqueteTalks Penny Ripple We ask that you make sure that the information you post is accurate, and that you verify facts you post as facts before you post. You can choose how you will receive posts; Daily Digest, Individual Messages, etc. This type of group exists in other communities and provides a great service to share information that is of assistance to other members of the community. To join this group and begin posting information, questions and answers, just click here: https://groups.io/g/BoqueteTalks Real estate for sale or rent Events that will happen Questions about where to find things or services Answers to questions posed Notices of businesses opening or closing Restaurant reviews and opinions Information about businesses We ask that you make sure that the information you post is accurate, and that you verify facts you post as facts before you post. You can choose how you will receive posts; Daily Digest, Individual Messages, etc. This type of group exists in other communities and provides a great service to share information that is of assistance to other members of the community. To join this group and begin posting information, questions and answers, just click here: https://groups.io/g/BoqueteTalks

Private Interest Foundations in Panama constitute an alternative to Offshore Corporations or Companies and to Limited Liability Companies, because they are meant to provide asset protection, playing an important role, similar to that of a Trust. For this reason Foundations directly compete with Trusts as a vehicle for wealth and estate management, permitting separation of assets between the founder and the beneficiaries, but without necessarily losing control of such assets, as it happens in Trusts. A Private Interest Foundation is the combination between a corporation and a will. In general, a foundation has some similarities with companies; once registered in the Public Registry of Panama, the assets of this legal entity are maintained separated from the incorporators, considering that they are created to maintain the confidentiality of the owners of the mentioned assets. Foundations differ from corporations in relation to the presence of an owner or the need to issue share certificates (corporations). Unlike a Corporation, a Private Interest Foundation can be created as a living will tool. A big advantage of Foundations is their irrevocable nature, which allows them to continue operating for many generations, establishing certain provisions for their operation in the by-laws. In case the intervenients no longer wish to continue the Foundation, they can provide for its dissolution. In contrast, testaments are only intended for a single and particular event. Feel free to email us if you have any further questions. We will be pleased to assist you and guide you through the process of incorporation of your Private Interest Foundation in Panama and any related services. www.gomitom.com

A few weeks ago, I presented this story at the BCP reading group. It was well received and I have gone on to publish it on Medium.com. The story is real, save for one tiny detail. Enjoy... A Haunted Housewarming in Panama Mark Heyer

It seems that the Tugboat Captain's union has decided that the safety of ship transits through the new locks is being compromised by the extended work hours required of the tugboat fleet. Worker fatigue seems to be the primary issue. Some captains have made their point via a work stoppage, and the Canal Authority has "sanctioned" them. Apparently transits are continuing with slower passages and without the forward tugboat. In my opinion, this problem will continue to fester until they increase the tugboat fleet and associated crews by a significant number (i.e. 50% +) https://www.prensa.com/economia/Buques-transitan-nuevas-esclusas-remolcador_0_5007249239.html

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Vicepresidente-Unidos-visitara-Panama-agosto_21_4780981860.html

The expanded locks of the Panama Canal do not use shoreside "mules" to move and position ships as they make the transit. It seems that early 20th century engineering decisions are better than some made 100 years later. http://gcaptain.com/containership-damaged-in-panama-canals-new-locks/

Hi we live in the Boquete area part-time and would love to purchase a midsize used recent model SUV. Which one(s) the best for driving around in the David/Boquete area? Also needed for hauling stuff and for hauling 4-5 people comfortably... Should we purchase in Panama or in the US and ship it over? Any warnings/ideas/kudos/issues, etc. we should know about? Any suggestions or tips are greatly appreciated! Thank you! D & L

https://mebeinpanama.wordpress.com/

https://booksr4reading.wordpress.com/

https://booksr4reading.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/a-business-opportunity/ As everyone knows, I’ve been trying to sell the BookMark for a number of years now. To recap, $25,000 for 35K(+/-) books, shelving, furniture, and the goodwill of Panama’s most famous used English bookstore. Retail value for the books alone come to around $250,000. Years ago, we had listed on Alibris nearly 500 books for sale online, the individual value of those books were from $5 to $100, plus we were allotted $10 (paid by Alibris) for shipping, so, if a book only cost $5 to ship, we made an additional $5. There was also a provision for over-sized books. I haven’t kept it up because that was Harold’s thing, plus my motivation was extremely low at the time so I couldn’t be bothered. In any case, since then, I’ve acquired a large number of books from different sources that I have discovered are worth significant money, with a number of them worth over $1000 each. Unfortunately, right now they are sitting in boxes, I don’t recall exactly the titles (they were text books, historical series, etc), but at the time I had checked out the prices on E-bay, and there’s a small fortune to be made. Which goes back to the point, since I’m a lazy, terrible procrastinator…If anyone is interested, they could re-establish the Alibris business, the BookMark receives 50% of the sale. In addition to that, those higher-end books would be sold on E-bay(I’ve seen some of those bidding wars, you’d be surprised), for those books, the seller would receive 25%. The best part, this is something that can be done from the comfort of your home. Of course, at this point, I’m just punting around ideas. We could do a trail balloon and see how it works out. In any case, the person would have to… Have an E-bay account. Have a PayPal account.(?) Perfect English speaker. Have a love and understanding of books. If interested, please contact me and we could work out the details. Ellis_m_1@yahoo.com

The monthly report by the Mayor of Boquete, January 2016 https://youtu.be/PDAVWZeXyis

Here is a one time catch-up post to our Youtube channel and our current inventory of videos available publicly. Going forward, TV Chiriqui videos will be posted here as they become available. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_HqV0_vNuvQF-6pwdKA2w Thanks to Bud for setting up this forum. Mike Moore

I appreciate this new Chiriqui Life, and I'd like for the members here also to visit my Delphi forum, Panama Expats, at http://forums.delphiforums.com/panamaexpats It's a great place to keep up with the politics in Panama, the corruption in Panama, and what's happening with Martinelli and his "zero circle" criminals. Sure, you can read those articles in various places, but I glean information daily from numerous sites. At Panama Expats, you can keep aware of current Panama events all in one place. There are also folders about Pet Health & Issues, Health & Nutrition, World Economy & Issues, Humor, Recipes, and much more. And nothing is "off topic." I've hesitated to widely publicize Panama Expats because I don't want it to end up like the yahoo groups with mostly inane blather. I did post the URL on Gringos in David some time back, for which I was severely reprimanded (and banned) for mentioning my Delphi forum there. We have a Chiriqui Happenings folder, but currently there is very little focus about Chiriqui, specifically David, Volcan, and Boquete. I'd like to change that with your help. I can create folders for those topics. Just let me know what y'all want. I'd like for Chiriqui Life and Panama Expats to be PREMIER sources for information regarding Panama and Chiriqui. Thanks for your participation! We hope to see you at Panama Expats. Just like on Chiriqui Life, there's a slight learning curve. Just ask if you have questions, and also the Delphi help team is very responsive and helpful.