@marascot
American expat in Panama
Forum
22 posts
About me
American
Lives in coronado
Registration: 28 March 2011
Activity
Inflation in Panama in 2022 by Mickael
In the various media, inflation in Panama is becoming increasingly important. This is becoming a concern for some, with fears of an impact on day-to-day budgeting. Today, how does inflation in Panama impact on daily life? Which products and ...
@jimig Comments are all valid. Additionally, the never-ending trillion-dollar deficit spending by both parties, in my view, is a significant contributor to the current US inflation spike. Tony Read More
Pensionardo and obtaining a Panamanian drivers licence by paulthepom
Hi I have a UK licence and I am looking at getting a Panamanian licence. Any advice please many thanks Paul
This information may not be current. It's been 2 years two years since we last visited. My Panamanian license was only good for 2 years. It's was a bit of a hassle to get the license. A medical exam may be required...we paid at the DMV ... Read More
Paying corporation fees by marascot
Hello, where in Panama can we pay annual corporation fees? Thanks, Mike
Hello, I have a utility bill. Really would like to know if these fees can be paid to directly to Panama. It would be useful if you have information I can use to make these payments. Thank you August Read More
Paying corporation fees
Hello, where in Panama can we pay annual corporation fees? Thanks, Mike Read More
Bringing Your Pets to Panama from the USA or Canada by rodl13
Here is an updated article I put together about bringing your pets to Panama, with current 2019 information. So, you have decided to make the move to panama, and now you are in the planning stages. What to do with the house, furnishings, mail ...
From recent experience United does not allow pets in cabin on international flights. Unless you are a diplomat you would be required to go through a approved broker/shipping agent. Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Panama by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Panama? Is the public postal ...
Hello, I found the most convenient is MBE (Mail Boxes Etc). In the US packages/mail are shipped to a Miami address then airlifted to Panama and then delivered to a local MBE office usually in a week to 10 days. Probably need to check with MBE ... Read More
Long term car rental or buy a car? by Lauke
Hi, I would like to know your opinion if it is better to either rent or buy a car when we need it for about 10 weeks. Renting is relatively expensive so I was wondering if it can be a good option to buy a used car and try to sell it later. We are ...
To rent or buy tough choice. I have the same decision. We spend 3 mos a year in Panama. I decided renting was the better choice. Leaving a car for nine months in Panama sitting is not a good idea. Routine maintenance, annual registration and ... Read More
Bank loans in Panama by Priscilla
Hello, Finances and banking can sometimes be a headache for many expats, especially when it comes to taking out bank loans. Is it difficult for an expat to get approved for a bank loan in Panama? What are the types of bank loans available ...
My experience. Being an American getting routine bank accounts was problematic...because of US reporting requirements. Depending on age banks may require life insurance...at least for mortgages. Tony Read More
Traffic in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Panama, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...
Hello, traffic congestion is very bad especially during rush hours. Getting into city problematic. Mid day traffic tolerable. Infrastructure has not kept up with increased auto traffic. Presumably when the train system to outlining areas, west of ... Read More
Paying bills in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Panama? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
Kristc99 summed up nicely. The only problem I have because we are here for 3 months/ year is the electric bill. I have to estimate last month's payment plus extra and pay in advance. No way you can pay if you are out of country. If you can open ... Read More
renewing pensionado card by marascot
I obtained a Pensionado status and card almost 8 years ago. The new cards look (apparently) different than the old ones and hardly anyone recognizes the old card. My question is has anyone gone through the process of updating the card (caret). ...
Thank you for your response. It could be that immigration did not understand I was trying to update the pensionado caret. I did go with someone who speaks fluent spanish but not really familar with the immigration system. it was pretty chaotic in ... Read More
renewing pensionado card
I obtained a Pensionado status and card almost 8 years ago. The new cards look (apparently) different than the old ones and hardly anyone recognizes the old card. My question is has anyone gone through the process of updating the card (caret). ... Read More
FBI report for VISA by Books&Wine
My husband and I had our fingerprints done and mailed them off for the FBI report yesterday (1/17/16). The deputy spent at least 20 min w me trying to get good fingerprints. She tried many times digitally, then inked me but said, "I can almost ...
Hello, is the FBI report for a background check for a Pensionado visa? If so, you may want to verify the requirement. The requirement was eliminated several years ago. It was no longer required when I applied in 2007. However, Its always possible ... Read More
Trip to Catalina from Panama City
Hello, we are consider driving to Catalina, Pa and was wondering if anyone can tell us about the trip. For example, - approximate driving time - condition of roads from Santiago to Catalina. - Hotels availability...recommendations.. Thank you ... Read More