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Howdy, I've been around, 23 countries, 4/7 continents, and I'm looking for a place to relax for the time that I have left. I've been to Panama once, both David, and Panama City. I was only there for a month or two. I'm a disabled OEF/OIF veteran, so I'm looking for somewhere to settlendown. I've been living in Mexico City for five years, it's gotten too blase, and I've been coming here for the past 19 years. Panama uses the USD, so no exchange rates, and different scenery. It's also too loud over in Mexico City, tastes change as you get older. I'm wondering about the attitude of the people since it's been about 8 years since I've been there. Not much of a difference in finances, 10-20% can be accrued in ATM fees. That, plus the fact that I presented three different options on how I am eligible for my Mexican Citizenship, and they keep hassling me. So I'll  take my money elsewhere. Why contribute to a country that hassles you with everything? I'm on VA disability plus SSDI, I have to return to the US to finagle a little bit, but I'm looking to start my traveling again here by June/July. I'm not a fan of cities, so I'm thinking something like boqete, or something similar. I like peace and quiet with the ability to access what I need, i.e electronics, banking, food, and a roof over my head with hiking/horses to ride. I'm even considering moving to a finca in Mexico, I'm considering Panama because you're in close with the USA, we utilize the same currency, and I had an enjoyable experience when I went there. If you could answer the couple of queries that I posted, then I would appreciate it.

You can see on the forum my previous opinions about living in Panama; Don’t!

Hi, just signed up. My wife and I are thinking about retiring in Panama in a couple of years and hope to visit this February. We're open to anything at this point but based on our likes (hot weather, little rain as possible, beaches, close to restaurants/bars and safety) we're thinking the Cornado or Chame area may be where we need to focus as a starting spot. I'm sure I'm going to have a lot of questions but my initial query is, If we fly into Panama City, what's the best way to get to those areas? Is there a shuttle that can take us, do taxis go that far from the city or is it best to rent a car?  I'm not sure about driving in a foreign country that I don't even speak the language of. It looks like just 1 main highway to that area and I noticed a few nights ago it was 1 long redline meaning traffic wasn't moving for miles. We're not opposed to the north side either, like outside of David. Any input would be appreciated

People seem pretty quiet on this site I think. Nobody answered my similar note last month. We've never been but are going to visit end of Feb and are renting a car. We speak little Spanish but I have driven in Costa Rica and Mexico many times.  I understand it's not always that slow but one will have to put up with  various circumstances and slow downs wherever one goes. There are a few things to learn like if you do get in an accident don't move your car until the police come. Get the extra insurance the rental place offers just to be safe, things like that. Go and even if you, like us, don't speak the language always make an effort to say gracias or any words you have learned. They appreciate that as you would if the shoe was on the other foot. Have  good time and relax and enjoy.

@manper

I didn't have any problems when I was just a tourist years ago, I was in both David, and Panama City. This was however, before covid. They use the USD as currency, it's cheaper than the us, and the weather is iffy because of the precipitation. That ànd not liking to eat peppers......