As I mentioned last time, you left out the issue of weather. The intense high humidity and heat in Panama City is said to be rather intolerable, like living in a sauna.
Panama, in my experience, would be a good place for a short stop or to use as a travel hub for that part of the world. I admit I didn’t go to Boquete but I don’t think there’s “enough” in Panama - it’s not big enough or culturally enriched enough for exploration over many years Not knocking it, overall it’s a nice place and has its advantages, but it wouldn’t be my relocation choice
Hi Beth. I just found your video today and am currently staying in Costa Rica until March(Ciudad Colon) I had an expat say to me just today that he found that Panamanians weren't nearly as friendly or welcoming as Ticos. It sounds like your experience was different. My 90 days will be up in March so thinking of giving Panama a try for a few months if I am able to fly in. Hopefully things will open up in March. Thanks for the video. que le vaja bien!
Hi Mark, thanks for watching! In my personal experience both the Ticos and the Panamanians are friendly, happy people. I will say, in the service industry it does seem they are friendlier in Costa Rica as at times Panamanians can seem rude or slow to serve in restaurants, shopping markets, etc...not true for all but does happen time to time. I would 100% recommend giving Panama a try! If you decide to give it a go, you can email me at beth@trypanama.com and I will gladly assist you with a vacation rental:).
nice video.. I am coming to Panama on the 5th of Feb if nothing is cancelled via Panama Relocation tours to get my first taste of Panama. I have a few years before retirement, and I plan on taking several trips there to find my 'home'. Maybe another one in June or July and tour your area.
Thanks for watching Ann! How exciting you are considering Panama for relocation. Would love to have you on a tour of the Panama Pacific areas. You can email us at info@panacificrelocationtours.com if you have an questions or once the stars align and you would like to begin to plan. Take care!
@@texasrebel7754 oh yes. It was a great tour. Even with all the covid restrictions. The tour guides were the absolute best people you ever would meet, from Alabama originally. Although it went by a little too quickly and I did not meet as many expats as I had hoped to. All the accommodations were fantastic. Everywhere we went was lovely and I certainly want to go back and explore the areas a little more.. If you get the chance do it, with ANY of the tours, and add time at the end so you can explore some more on your own. I am so ready to go permanently but of course I have a few years yet till retirement. I hope to go back in July or August.
@@relocatewithbeth and yes I think a tour with a different tour group would be a great idea. We spent more time in Boquete and I would like to see more of the "Panacific" beach areas..
@@anniesshenanigans3815 Thanks Ann for getting back so fast!! I'd love to do a tour, but they're booked now until 2022, & I don't want to wait that long. I hope to go later this year, so if I can swing it may get the relocation guide and a private tour. Once my daughter is married off in May, I have no further obligations in the US & would like to leave this year if possible. If not, definitely next year. Thank you for your time!!
Beth, this is just what I had been looking for!! Originally I was focused on moving to Costa Rica, but from this video, and many others I've been watching, it is clear that Panama should be my choice! I'd love to hear your thoughts on expats and locals integration in various communities. I think that's one thing Panama has over CR also. Thanks very much!
Thanks for watching Jan- so happy you found it valuable! Panama is most definitely an excellent choice:) There are many communities to choose from throughout the country. Here in the Coronado area, which is where I live and work- there is a nice blend of locals and expats. Additionally, the expats that are here are from all over the world so we have a lovely diverse community. In most communities in Panama, even in the more popular expat communities- there is a mix. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in a relocation tour to experience it first hand or if you would like to stay in one of our many vacation rentals or if you just have additional questions:)
Very helpful video Beth, so thank you. As an expat, would I be likely to keep a car in Panama or rely on local drivers? Can I import my car from the States?
Thanks for watching and glad you found it helpful! It all depends on where in Panama you are going to live. Personally- if I was living in Panama City and not planning on doing a lot of exploring throughout the country- I would not have a car at all and rely on Uber and taxis as parking and traffic is very hectic. If you are looking to live in a more suburb/rural type area, I would recommend a car as everything can be spread out. You can import a car from the states, however, taxes are high and the process with customs can be stressful. For myself and many others, the better choice is to sell your car in the states and purchase one here (most common makes are Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai). Check out this video for further info regarding all things vehicle: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-893YaNk3UwA.html.
Looks like a long time since you have been in CR. :) We are thinking of relocation to Panama, because of many reasons. Maybe you haven't noticed here in CR but this country has more dogs than monkeys and those dogs are barking everywhere. Working online it's a nightmare. Never have seen a country with a so low level of responsibility. It's not being rude but just a part of the culture I guess. Expats here are overcharged everywhere including shops, restaurants, and even a pharmacy and dental not to mention taxi or water bills for rentals. So, let me just send you an email and see if we can chat... Thank you for your video!
