I moved to Boquete some 9 months ago, never looked back. Cost of living, climate, everything here is excellent. My deck overlooks a $$$ view of Volcan Baru and I get rainbows delivered to my doorstep during dry season. Not perfect by all means...there are frequent power outages and it is a small town indeed. But so peaceful and green.
The problem we found once we were 2 months from moving, is the cost of medications and health care. In Canada, we have free health care, so moving to Panama we would have to pay for our own medical care, which could get very expensive. Also, I priced my prescription medications online, and it would cost me at least $800/month. Here in Canada I have a great prescription plan, and pay $140 a month total. They also have virtually no extended care homes or nursing homes, and they are not North American style. Any health care plans you might pay for in Panama, are only good until you're 70, and then you pay everything. We are rethinking our move now. I'm devastated, and heartbroken, but we have to be realistic.
@@bobhowes3362 Yeah, no I don't think so! When it's 98 degrees outside, and 95% humidity, I need air conditioning. There is also no additional expense to run a vehicle, in cold or hot weather, so that's meaningless. Two of our female friends were stopped on the highway (individually) by the police, and were told they were "speeding". They were offered the option to pay the "fine" there on the side of the road, or go to court. One of our friends didn't have $50 in cash, and after a lot of heated discussion in Spanish, which she didn't speak, they finally settled on the $20 cash she had on her, and let her go. One of the ladies has lived there for 12 years, so she's not a newbie. We returned home January 26th, 2023 and it was cold here in Toronto, but I could have kissed the ground when we got home! I'll take the 4 seasons, and not have to be afraid of the police, or feel like we're getting ripped off for things in the stores. I didn't mind it at our condo on the beach, but living like a Panamanian wasn't for us.
@investigator77 So your saying that it's NOT more expensive to run a vehicle during the winter??? I've lived in Colorado all of my life. What about snow tires, chains, batteries, deicers, and all the other stuff that goes with cold weather driving? 🤔
@@bobhowes3362 Don't take it so personally Bob. We don't use snow tires, chains, or de-icers. Here in Southern Ontario where we live, we use All-Season radials on the Toyota Highlander all year round, the temperature is not anything like it would be in Colorado! LOL Take out a map of the US/CANADA border, and you'll see that the the bottom tip of Southern Ontario is actually SOUTH of 6 US States. Panama wasn't for us. We lived there for 3 months. We didn't like it, for so many reasons. Stop being so offended by my personal experience. It's weird.
@@investigator77red flag, when you said, don't take it so personally... poor communication skills or poor tactics, not sure. When people label the mindset of the other person in the conversation, they're really just projecting.
Bocas Del Toro “rough around the edges” - This is an understatement! Very few beaches on a couple area islands, so go find one if you absolutely have boat access only. Water taxi can get you to beaches from Bocas town for between $5 and $50 per trip. However, not easy to access generally. The weather is perfect, sunny 75 to 80 all day, super heavy rain most and nearly every night. Nice breezes 24/7. Humidity is very low in July, and its comfortable (now).
Hi! The protests were in July and the situation calmed down and resolved very quickly. Panama has serious advantages for those looking for a country with a cheaper standard of living than the United States and Europe. The country is also blessed with beautiful islands, ample coastline beaches, mountain retreats, and colonial towns. Panama has something for everyone.
In 2 weeks we are out there. Coronado , panama City and bocas del torro. Then we come back for the David, volcan boquete stuff. The plan is to be there on a pension and then additionally social securities within 9 yrs. I'm just scouting for now.
Amazingly informative video!. Well done. I have updated this because my partner has bought a home in Panama and we love it. She bought in Boquete which is a lovely place. We also live for many years in Colombia which is great and half the price of Panama for food. Panama is expensive. One potato in Panama is 1 dollar. Buy 10 in Colombia for that price. We dont eat meat or cheese and it's $2000 per month for us to eat in Panama and $600 per month when we are in Colombia.
@@Dhspat Medellin and all the small towns around it, La Ceja, RioNegro, LLanogrande, La Fe, El Retiro. Also Armenia Quindio, also selento and filandia (small towns). Half price of Panama.
I would love to live in an ocean front house near Bocas, but if it isn't in a gated community, is it regular for the home to be intruded and robbed while its inhabitants are not there ? What about protected gated expat communities with houses and/or condos, like red frog beach resort and eventually others ?
Great information we had a place in Bocas sold it to make a few bucks but I do regret it , but are looking to buy again somewhere so your information is priceless!
So much great information!! How is the traffic between David and Boquete? Thx! Also, how much more money do believe a couple needs in Boquete over Santa Fe for instance?
I lived in Costa Rica and now have a permanent residency in Panama. I prefer Panama by far. Panama uses the US dollar, the cost of living can be much less (depending on where you live), Panama is below the hurricane belt (though CR is not affected by hurricanes all that much), and I find Panamanians to be more down to earth. That is my perspective. Good luck.
@@billhennessey6374 Hello, we been in Costa Rica lots of times, but never been in Panama. Wear is cheaper life? Like rent for 3 months November December and January and food Costa Rica or Panama?
@@Pk12138 it totally depends on where in the country you go. If you are interested in the beach, you would pay a lot more in Coronado, Panama than you would in Pedasi, Panama because there are a lot more expats in Coronado and it is more developed. I have not been to Costa Rican beach communities in some time, but I do understand that Costa Rica is more expensive.
Could you clarify your comment that it takes 6 hours between LaConcepcion and Paso Canoas? Am I missing something? The Pan American hwy 1 can't possibly take that long to go 27 km? Super informative videos..thank you!
That highway has enormous potholes everywhere, so most traffic goes about 40 MPH. I'm sure you could bust an axle if you didn't see one, and drove into it at 60 miles and hour. There are no other highways to change to. There's really only one highway that goes from eastern Panama, to the other western border. There are no sideroads to get around any blockages, which happen frequently. It took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to our hotel in Nueva Gorgona, from the airport (estimated at 50 minutes, to 90 minutes, depending who you speak to. We left at 5:20 p.m., and arrived at 8:40 p.m.
Island Colon, AKA Bocas Town,,,,, the water is really, really Nasty. We had to wash our shoes twice to get the smell out of them. You do not want to go into the water around the area of Bocas Town. To many backpackers unless you are young. We love Boquete area which we live.
@@WWEENETWORK I would check out the Coronado area, that is closer to Panama city. Also Pedasi is a nice area on the Azuero peninsula area. This area get less rain.
Stop saying there are no hurricanes. I experienced two in a week. During the pandemic, the second one went on to rip up Nicaragua. Both did considerable damage to Panamas infrastructure.
Take my word for it, you will NOT be able to live for $1000 per month in Panama, if you did, you would not like it very much and it would be an extremely uncomfortable life. Poverty in Panama is horrendous and there are no real public relief or benefits offered especially if you aren't Panamanian. If you are tourist, Panama is set up to take the money from your pocket as you have to pay everyone that does anything for you or gives you anything. Even if you marry, you will always be the gringo, you will be asked to borrow money, you will be targeted for "investing" you will be "Godfather" to anyones child. All this gets very annoying after a while when everyone sees dollar signs in your eyes. The police are friendly enough if you have money as well, always up for a "donation"
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I moved to Boquete some 9 months ago, never looked back. Cost of living, climate, everything here is excellent. My deck overlooks a $$$ view of Volcan Baru and I get rainbows delivered to my doorstep during dry season. Not perfect by all means...there are frequent power outages and it is a small town indeed. But so peaceful and green.
I am also contemplating a move to Panama (retired military). I heard that there is an area of military retiree s. Do you have any info you can share?
Volcan seems remote. Same distance drop dvaid as boquete because of mountin ranges.
The problem we found once we were 2 months from moving, is the cost of medications and health care. In Canada, we have free health care, so moving to Panama we would have to pay for our own medical care, which could get very expensive. Also, I priced my prescription medications online, and it would cost me at least $800/month. Here in Canada I have a great prescription plan, and pay $140 a month total. They also have virtually no extended care homes or nursing homes, and they are not North American style. Any health care plans you might pay for in Panama, are only good until you're 70, and then you pay everything. We are rethinking our move now. I'm devastated, and heartbroken, but we have to be realistic.
The expense is offset be the cost of running homes and vehicles in the extremes cold weather.
@@bobhowes3362 Yeah, no I don't think so! When it's 98 degrees outside, and 95% humidity, I need air conditioning. There is also no additional expense to run a vehicle, in cold or hot weather, so that's meaningless. Two of our female friends were stopped on the highway (individually) by the police, and were told they were "speeding". They were offered the option to pay the "fine" there on the side of the road, or go to court. One of our friends didn't have $50 in cash, and after a lot of heated discussion in Spanish, which she didn't speak, they finally settled on the $20 cash she had on her, and let her go. One of the ladies has lived there for 12 years, so she's not a newbie. We returned home January 26th, 2023 and it was cold here in Toronto, but I could have kissed the ground when we got home! I'll take the 4 seasons, and not have to be afraid of the police, or feel like we're getting ripped off for things in the stores. I didn't mind it at our condo on the beach, but living like a Panamanian wasn't for us.
@investigator77 So your saying that it's NOT more expensive to run a vehicle during the winter??? I've lived in Colorado all of my life. What about snow tires, chains, batteries, deicers, and all the other stuff that goes with cold weather driving? 🤔
@@bobhowes3362 Don't take it so personally Bob. We don't use snow tires, chains, or de-icers. Here in Southern Ontario where we live, we use All-Season radials on the Toyota Highlander all year round, the temperature is not anything like it would be in Colorado! LOL Take out a map of the US/CANADA border, and you'll see that the the bottom tip of Southern Ontario is actually SOUTH of 6 US States. Panama wasn't for us. We lived there for 3 months. We didn't like it, for so many reasons. Stop being so offended by my personal experience. It's weird.
@@investigator77red flag, when you said, don't take it so personally... poor communication skills or poor tactics, not sure.
When people label the mindset of the other person in the conversation, they're really just projecting.
Very informative video, certainly learnt a bit more than the usual Panama videos, now I`ve got more to go on thanks
Very helpful!
Well you just talked me out of Panama!
You need to go there are see much of it from ever coast so you can really decide. If not, you are not working with a full deck and bound to lose!
Panama is about 25% less cost of living vs. Costa Rica the most expensive county in Central America.
Great video. You gave me a lot to think about. Thank you. ☘️☘️☘️
Bocas Del Toro “rough around the edges” - This is an understatement! Very few beaches on a couple area islands, so go find one if you absolutely have boat access only. Water taxi can get you to beaches from Bocas town for between $5 and $50 per trip. However, not easy to access generally. The weather is perfect, sunny 75 to 80 all day, super heavy rain most and nearly every night. Nice breezes 24/7. Humidity is very low in July, and its comfortable (now).
Essential for retirement planning. Informative insights to consider for a fulfilling retirement abroad
Excellent and informative presentation.
I was on my way. Then I learned of all the political unrest and protests. Why is this a place so wonderful to live in?
Hi! The protests were in July and the situation calmed down and resolved very quickly. Panama has serious advantages for those looking for a country with a cheaper standard of living than the United States and Europe. The country is also blessed with beautiful islands, ample coastline beaches, mountain retreats, and colonial towns. Panama has something for everyone.
Why focus on something that only happened for a short time a long time
Ago! Who are you listening to? Get more info and think for yourself!! ❤
I like Panama lovely living place the place of moderate weather green blue nice sea 🏙️ ☁️
So very happy I stumbled across this, a wealth of information. Thank you!
In 2 weeks we are out there. Coronado , panama City and bocas del torro. Then we come back for the David, volcan boquete stuff. The plan is to be there on a pension and then additionally social securities within 9 yrs. I'm just scouting for now.
Amazingly informative video!. Well done. I have updated this because my partner has bought a home in Panama and we love it. She bought in Boquete which is a lovely place. We also live for many years in Colombia which is great and half the price of Panama for food. Panama is expensive. One potato in Panama is 1 dollar. Buy 10 in Colombia for that price. We dont eat meat or cheese and it's $2000 per month for us to eat in Panama and $600 per month when we are in Colombia.
The are cooler cities in Panama than Panama City.
Where in Columbia? Any suggestions? Thanks. ☘️☘️☘️
@@Dhspat
Get the guide book: Lonely Planet specifically for Colombia and read it from cover to cover.
@@Dhspat Medellin and all the small towns around it, La Ceja, RioNegro, LLanogrande, La Fe, El Retiro. Also Armenia Quindio, also selento and filandia (small towns). Half price of Panama.
I would love to live in an ocean front house near Bocas, but if it isn't in a gated community, is it regular for the home to be intruded and robbed while its inhabitants are not there ? What about protected gated expat communities with houses and/or condos, like red frog beach resort and eventually others ?
Great information we had a place in Bocas sold it to make a few bucks but I do regret it , but are looking to buy again somewhere so your information is priceless!
So much great information!! How is the traffic between David and Boquete? Thx! Also, how much more money do believe a couple needs in Boquete over Santa Fe for instance?
Don’t get behind a delivery truck!! Plan on a minimum of 45 minutes just to be safe!
Thank you for this video awsome
Super video!
Thank you super Informative!
Thanks Michael, glad it helped!
Good Job, ThankYou
I'm retiring and contemplating Costa Rica and Panama (Boquette). Do you have any comparisons, or reasons, you would choose one over the other?
Hi Don! This article might be helpful: www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/in-focus-panama/will-you-prefer-living-in-costa-rica-or-panama-find-out-here/
I lived in Costa Rica and now have a permanent residency in Panama. I prefer Panama by far. Panama uses the US dollar, the cost of living can be much less (depending on where you live), Panama is below the hurricane belt (though CR is not affected by hurricanes all that much), and I find Panamanians to be more down to earth. That is my perspective. Good luck.
@@billhennessey6374 Excellent points!
@@billhennessey6374 Hello, we been in Costa Rica lots of times, but never been in Panama.
Wear is cheaper life?
Like rent for 3 months November December and January and food Costa Rica or Panama?
@@Pk12138 it totally depends on where in the country you go. If you are interested in the beach, you would pay a lot more in Coronado, Panama than you would in Pedasi, Panama because there are a lot more expats in Coronado and it is more developed. I have not been to Costa Rican beach communities in some time, but I do understand that Costa Rica is more expensive.
Could you clarify your comment that it takes 6 hours between LaConcepcion and Paso Canoas? Am I missing something? The Pan American hwy 1 can't possibly take that long to go 27 km?
Super informative videos..thank you!
That highway has enormous potholes everywhere, so most traffic goes about 40 MPH. I'm sure you could bust an axle if you didn't see one, and drove into it at 60 miles and hour. There are no other highways to change to. There's really only one highway that goes from eastern Panama, to the other western border. There are no sideroads to get around any blockages, which happen frequently. It took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to our hotel in Nueva Gorgona, from the airport (estimated at 50 minutes, to 90 minutes, depending who you speak to. We left at 5:20 p.m., and arrived at 8:40 p.m.
@@investigator77
When people hear or read “remote” they only think peace and quiet not un civilized, which can be a better descriptive word! ❤
what are the rainy seasons like on the 2 islands You discussed in the start of the video?
Any endemic diseases there? Also health system ?
How to regiter for work or business or. Studies and gow to keep contact with clerics about issues
Hi,
Any comments on the Los Tablas area?
It’s growing. Get there quick!!
Island Colon, AKA Bocas Town,,,,, the water is really, really Nasty. We had to wash our shoes twice to get the smell out of them. You do not want to go into the water around the area of Bocas Town. To many backpackers unless you are young. We love Boquete area which we live.
Thank you for the warning. Does Boquette have beaches?
@@WWEENETWORK you have access to the la Barqueta which about 1 hr away.
@@bhoustonjr 😊
@@bhoustonjr Thank You. Where is the best area ....if you want to live near the ocean but want modern type living?
@@WWEENETWORK I would check out the Coronado area, that is closer to Panama city. Also Pedasi is a nice area on the Azuero peninsula area. This area get less rain.
How to register ???
Stop saying there are no hurricanes. I experienced two in a week. During the pandemic, the second one went on to rip up Nicaragua. Both did considerable damage to Panamas infrastructure.
Do they accept bank account with enough savings instead of income?
Investment in the country...$100K - $200K
I was looking for an area without gringos, and found it. Gringos screw up the place .
Take my word for it, you will NOT be able to live for $1000 per month in Panama, if you did, you would not like it very much and it would be an extremely uncomfortable life. Poverty in Panama is horrendous and there are no real public relief or benefits offered especially if you aren't Panamanian. If you are tourist, Panama is set up to take the money from your pocket as you have to pay everyone that does anything for you or gives you anything. Even if you marry, you will always be the gringo, you will be asked to borrow money, you will be targeted for "investing" you will be "Godfather" to anyones child. All this gets very annoying after a while when everyone sees dollar signs in your eyes. The police are friendly enough if you have money as well, always up for a "donation"
Lol pleez go back to Paris
I need to check out everything in the second half of this video. Thanks! 🥸
Hi Terry, glad you fond it useful!
Any comments on the Los Tablas area?
Pedasi has been handled intensively....