I live just outside of David. I did not buy in David because of all the crime zones, which you failed to mention. Your video shows mainly nice places, most of David is not like that. I walk around David twice a week. I know every place you went. Most of the other restaurants are Fonda, and pretty bad. Or expat type and pretty expensive. Another factor is the culture in the providence. I am moving out of this providence and going to Penonome, in Cocle, because the people are so much friendlier. Many dont last in this area very long. And unless you live here, there is no way to accurately know things like that. You have to own a car and that adds more to your cost of living figure. Owning a home and a car it costs me $950 to live and I dont do much.
This seems a bit harsh. Their numbers are different than many because they lived in apartments and most expats live in homes. Also, most expats expect hot water for showers. Homes start around the $350/range. Around $550 you can find a pretty nice place. Again, how one eats and socializes is different. One can buy enough veggies from street venders for $20/week. if one supplements that with meats and dairy, one can keep their total food consumption down to $350 or less. One can get by with buses and taxes in David. If one budgeted about $120.00 a month for taxis ( twice a week outings) they would do fine.So, my budget is closer to around $1300/month but that is within what most people receive on their pension. The rental for $550 is also a 2+ bedroom home, if one found a 1 bedroom it would likely cost less.
David would not be in my top 5 places to live either. That video should be out within a few weeks Thanks for your opinion, but there are indeed expats living in David that love it. The only way to know the best spot for you personally in Panama or anywhere else in the world is to spend time there. Somewhere you hate others love and vica versa. Here is that report about real estate: vagabondbuddha.com/why-retired-expats-should-not-buy-real-estate-overseas/
Dan you got a couple of shit comments. I hope these people aren’t subscribers cause they aren’t very friendly. I don’t want to see you lose subs but a few of these commenters are frickin morons. Thanks for your honesty and showing these places the way they really are and not whitewashing it. Take care my friend. Cheers!!!
Such great comments that you two get. I feel like I am part of your family and your presentations give a fantastic footprint on the cost of living in the areas you visit.
I couldn't agree more Monique Henriquez. Thanks for commenting. RU-vid grows our channel faster when people comment! So we really appreciate it! Best, Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks for the great analysis of different areas in Panama! We’ve been mulling over the idea of moving either part-time or full-time from US to Costa Rica but now Panama seems like you get the same Paradise for a cheaper. I like that Panama uses the American dollar
Hi. Just came across this video a few yrs later. There is another región little Unknow called Hornito. Undeveloped town vs Boquete. However, you will get the same weather as boquete for 1/4 or 1/5 if the cost of Boquete. This is very rural but great people and opportunity to see another region in Chiriqui. Also there is a small town literally 20 min from David (on the way to Hornito and Bocas) that reminds me of Pedasi 30 yrs ago. You can rent a house here-Panamanian style for 200 or less per month. It’s small but it has its charms. Cangilones-River de Gualaca are found here. If you want to save stay away from The city-David and Boquete for sure! Buena Suerte! Panamá is great!
Great point. Places like David and Boquete are softer landings for newbies, buy once you have some time under your belt, and less fear, you can explore surrounding communities and see if one feels better or cheaper to you. A place you will love more later, might feel too challenging when you first land overseas because they are less adapted to your old way of life.
Thank you so much. I was wondering if there were any studio apartments in Panama. I was wondering about the laundry as well, glad to know that your laundry can be picked up.
I've heard it pronounced "Day-veed" by expats. I guess that's the Spanish pronunciation. I like the way you always balance your reports with positives and negatives instead of just giving a rapturous report like so many travel vloggers. One surprise: you can drink the tap water in David? Is that true throughout Panama or just a local thing? There's few places in Mexico where the tapwater is potable.
Nice video I loed Panama and Costa Rica except for rain and humidity when I was there it rained FEET of rain each month during "green" season. I got tired and left for Ecuador and Colombia where it is spring year around in Medellin and Loja/Cuenva.
My friends, I really do enjoy your videos and I hope you keep them coming. Since I lived in the area where you are coming from I have to say that that your pronunciation of the city of David is really pronounced Da veed. Just saying my friends, please don't take offense.
I love your videos-well presented informative and chocked.full.of.useful tidbits....One.small tip offered in the spirit of goodwill: David is.pronounced "Dah-veed". #Fan #Subscriber
Another great video, Dan. I have been to David and was surprised to see how much it reminded me of the US, but much more affordable. I would probably live in Boquette if I settled in Panama. I am now in Queretaro, let me know if you need any specific information from here. Love Central area. I know Qiang really liked it here. Take Care!
Also Dan, you said that you meet Qiang on the TENDER what made you do that and why the TENDER and not the Plenty of Fish or even Mexican cub or what they may have there in Asia like Asian babys or whatever so again, why the TENDER ? I never heard of it. Maybe I need to check it out.................sounds like you hit that grande jackpot finding Qiang.
maybe the water valve is turned off? At least you know it will rain. It must be uplifting to be free of material things. I always thought if I had to bug out and could only take what I could carry what would it be?
We rent a temporary place on airbnb (2-4 days) so we have somewhere to go when we land at the airport. If we decide to stay for a month we go get a better deal as I explain here: vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/
You and many others who espouse cheap retirements miss the boat. The vast majority of retirees are elderly. The quality, availability and cost of medical care has to be for them every bit as important as housing, much more than eating out or entertainment. You both seem to prefer hot steamy tropical "paradises" and make your judgments from that. While perfect tropical beeches and Qiang's lovely figure may get you a lot of clicks. Many if not most long term retirees will prefer to live in cities where first class medical care will be available and in cities with cool year around climates. That would include Costa Rica's Central valley, Medellin, Columbia as well as the higher and cooler regions of Mexico City and the Andean capitals.
What kind of staying tourist visa did you get and how long now there in Panama ? If you enter Mexico after you have been there make a video and share how many days you got because again, it's crazy now with the visas in Mexico.
@@VagabondAwake Ok great. Looking forward to that. Hopefully you get that 180 day if that what you want and need. I'm ok with my 90 day in Mexico tha will give me more time being in California before I fly home to Scandinavia for the summer.
So when you guys say that you are not depended on eachother regarding making and spending the money so do you keep it so Qiang pays for her share and you Dan for yours or ? Also, I understand that you Dan file your taxes for uncle Sam since you are an American but where does Qiang file ? Also, who ays for if you have it that travel health insurance and do you it as a couple or single since you are not married ? Wow, many questions hopefully many answers many want's to know how you guys have it set up.
Thank you Donna Clemmons! That is right. :-) Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
