P.S. Companies like Expedia often have no clue about the above. (I.e., they're not present locally and are often clueless about local car rental conventions.)

In English: "It's easy to live with your eyes closed, misinterpreting everything you see."

Great information and that adds some peace of mind, thank you Jessica!

Hello HPMALM, While I can't anticipate what special needs your group might have here is some important information. (I'm including some resources you can reach out to for further information, scroll all the way down.) Re your other question here's all the info I have about firearms (I am fairly certain there would be zero recognition in Panama of any permits you hold in the U.S.): "Hunting is not allowed in Panama. The fauna is protected here, and illegal hunting will subject you to arrest and the imposition of heavy fines. Importing firearms and obtaining permits for use of firearms have always been arduous processes in Panama. At present, there is a moratorium on the importation of certain firearms—consult a reputable Panama attorney to ensure you have the latest info before attempting to ship or bring in any type of weapon. In mid-2018 the government also announced new requirements and restrictions on gun permits. Applicants are subject to biometric facial recognition exams and must provide DNA in addition to fingerprints. Again, for the most up-to-date information, consult with your Panama attorney. Keep in mind that very few countries outside the US are liberal about gun ownership and use. Bringing a gun into Panama without an importation permit is considered gun running, with stiff penalties. Having a gun without a gun permit is a serious offense. Shooting an intruder or trespasser could land you in prison with no recourse. And while Panama is modern in many ways, its jails are not." IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR PANAMA TRIP Dear Panama Enthusiast, International Living (IL) takes pride in being your best resource for info about life in Panama & other locations around the world. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important information with you. Immigration US/Canadian citizens: You must have a passport to visit Panama. You do not need a tourist visa. Check your passport expiration date—it must be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival. Be prepared to show proof of solvency & of intended departure. Panama law requires adults to carry ID. Panama’s tourist law states that Americans/Canadians can stay for 90 days but for many years now immigration has been granting 180 days, meaning you are welcome to stay up to six months with no visa required. All information in this message is subject to change. Always check travel info and advisories before you go (see US State Dept - travel.state.gov or Government of Canada - travel.gc.ca). It’s wise to also double-check websites/social media for updates from airlines/airports, embassies/consulates, etc. Additional resources you may find helpful: US Embassy in Panama: https://pa.usembassy.gov. Panama Tourism Authority: www.tourismpanama.com. Resources & Trip Planning Airport: Most travelers fly into Tocumen International (PTY), aka the Hub of the Americas, located east of the Panama City center. Copa, Panama’s flag carrier and Latin America’s largest airline, helped transform Tocumen into the region’s best and busiest hub with an incredible selection of international flights (and domestic flights between Panama City & David). Many other airlines also serve Tocumen, including United, Delta, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines. If flying from Canada, Sunwing or Air Transat might offer packages/charter flights direct to the beach (Scarlett Martinez airport, Rio Hato, about 30 mins from Coronado). *If you need help planning your visit, contact a travel agent or make use of travel and airfare tracker websites/apps such as Kayak. Hotels/accommodations: Use online services like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, or Google Maps reviews to ensure your pick has good, recent reviews. Panama City: The Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Airport Hotel are far from city conveniences. You may want to choose central/downtown areas for ease of exploration. Obarrio and El Cangrejo are popular neighborhoods for metro access, walkability, & good value hotels like Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel (there are MANY other options). Bella Vista is also walkable and offers ocean/Cinta Costera views/access (luxury hotels here include the Hilton Panama and the Waldorf Astoria Panama). Casco Viejo is very romantic with its historic plazas and colonial architecture. It’s generally expensive and can be noisy (loud music). It’s beautiful and walkable and fun. I use Uber to get around Panama City as it's inexpensive and GPS-tracked. I also use the metro for easy access to the city center and Albrook. I do not recommend yellow taxis in Panama City. I do use yellow taxis in other parts of the country. White "tourism taxis" are the only ones authorized for pickup right outside airport doors. These & private ground transport companies charge $35 and up to/from city center. I don’t use them as Ubers tend to be cheaper & nicer. Uber pick up is from the middle lane or airport parking lot. Domestic air travel: Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (“Albrook airport”) is a hub for Air Panama with domestic flights to Bocas del Toro, Chitré, and David. Boquete/David: You can drive, take a bus, or fly to David from Panama City (Copa Airlines/Tocumen Airport or Air Panama/Albrook Airport). The Enrique Malek airport in David is mostly domestic (Costa Rica being the exception). There are several car rental agencies at the airport. The drive/bus ride from David to Boquete is about 40 mins. Coronado/Arco Seco Pacific beach region: Drive or take a bus from Albrook bus terminal (Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, Grantnt.com). The Scarlett Martinez/Rio Hato airport is used for private/charter flights only (no regular commercial flights). The drive to Coronado is about 1.5 hours. Avoid rush hour (heavy traffic, lane reversals). Tours/ground transportation: There are many providers offering road trips, tours (day tours, eco-tours, etc.), ground transportation, airport pickups, trip planning assistance, etc. Here are a few options, and you’ll find more on review websites like TripAdvisor: • Ancon Expeditions anconexpeditions.com • Roadrunner Panama panamaroadrunner.com • Inside Panama transport@insidepma.com • Namu Travel Group namutravel.com • (Coronado beach region) Services Coronado servicescoronado.com Kindly note I am a writer and not a tour guide. Rental Cars: There are many options, including National Rent A Car (www.nationalpanama.com/english/index.htm), which in my experience tends to have good rates/service. Navigation/connectivity: Waze is a great driving app to help you navigate Panama City if you get local data. Download Panama to your smartphone’s Google Maps app for offline access. For local cell/data service, you can buy an esim or get a local sim card/cheap cell at the airport or local malls. Many restaurants have WiFi if you don’t have data or don’t want to incur roaming charges. Money matters: Panama uses the US dollar ($). It is locally referred to as the Balboa (B/.). Paper currency is all US but you will see Panama-minted coins. Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted. Amex is not. Outside the city you may need cash for expenditures including lodging (as always in travel, assume nothing & ask before you go). Foreign exchange: You can withdraw USD from ATMs, use your credit card for purchases, or take care of your exchange needs on arrival in Tocumen Airport. ATMs are easy to find in most cities but some small towns/islands do not have ATMs. Plan ahead. Climate & weather: Average temp at sea level in Panama City: 88F daytime/78F nighttime. The Coronado beach region is generally a few degrees cooler. Boquete and other mountain towns are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than Panama City and can drop to 60F at night. Wherever you go, bring a light cardigan/jacket. Bus, boat, & plane rides in Panama are often extremely cold. Dry/summer season: December through April in most parts of the country. Rainy/green season: starts in May, most of the country outside of the Caribbean gets afternoon showers (an hour or so). July: Often there’s a “second summer” (three weeks or so with no rain). Heaviest rains and storms (no hurricanes): usually from August through November. Mountains and Caribbean get nearly 2x as much rain as the Pacific region. For current weather information consult a trusted news/weather source like Weather.com. **Important resources for potential expats: ** Here are some providers that will be happy to hear from you and help with relevant matters: VISAS/ATTORNEYS: If you plan to live or buy a home here, you'll need a reputable, reliable Panamanian lawyer to assist you with legal matters. You can send Panama-related legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to: Rainelda Mata-Kelly Mata-Kelly & Partners Local tel: +(507) 216-9299 Dailing from the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299 rmk@mata-kelly.com www.mata-kelly.com Ted Baumann is IL’s Global Diversification Expert, focused on strategies to find the right country for residence, expand your investments, lower your taxes, and preserve your wealth overseas. To book a consultation visit https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/. Real estate/rentals: International Living does not sell/broker real estate/rentals. You can write to Pangea, exclusive real estate advertiser to IL, to request broker information or to ask questions about real estate, developments, and renting: Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com Serious about Panama? Step it up with IL’s best-selling book on Panama. Escape to Panama by Jess Ramesch is the ultimate resource, with detailed chapters on everything from high-value destinations with active expat communities to property law, taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and visas. Learn about important regions that are worth exploring now… and get insider tips for a smooth move, along with info on Panamanian culture, language, etiquette, and more. See www.ilbookstore.com. Information on the next International Living seminar in Panama City, Panama will be posted at https://internationalliving.com/conferences as it becomes available. The next event will be in 2026. To contact IL Events see Internationalliving.com/events-questions/, or call toll free from the US/Canada: 1-800-681-2402. International/direct dial (not toll-free): + 443-353-4232. Panama Holidays* 2025 Jan 1, 2025: New Year's Day Jan 9, 2025: Martyr’s Day (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours) (Feb 7-9: International Living’s Fast Track Panama Event**) Feb 28-March 4, 2025: Carnival Mar 5, 2025: Ash Wednesday Apr 17-20, 2025: Holy Week (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours Good Friday) May 1, 2025: Labor Day Aug 15, 2025: Founding of Panama La Vieja (Original Site of Panama City) Nov 2, 2025: Day of the Dead (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours) Nov 3-5, 10, 28, 2025: Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays) Dec 8, 2025: Mother’s Day Dec 20, 2025: National Day of Mourning (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours) Dec 25, 2025: Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24 & 31) Subject to change. If a holiday falls on a Sunday observance may be moved to the following Monday via executive decree (dates in parentheses). May be announced only days ahead of time. Best of luck with all your Panama plans! IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Hi Brian, For info on brokers who manage luxury rentals you can get in touch with Pangea, the IL preferred real estate advertising partner, email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com. You can also find a wide range of rentals in the different regions of Panama on sites like www.tripadvisor.com, www.vrbo.com, www.viviun.com, www.encuentra24.com, www.compreoalquile.com or www.airbnb.com (many of the better-priced listings will be in Spanish). Many expats also list great options on expat Facebook pages. If you find a long-term rental that you like, don’t be afraid to ask if the owner will rent to you for a shorter term, and vice-versa. If you're planning on renting in a specific town for 1-2 months, I highly recommend booking something with great reviews for your first few days and then going to see places in person before committing to a month or more in one apartment or house. Have a great stay. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Hi Lisa, Sounds like you've yet to complete your application process but please do come back and post about the experience once you've gotten your residency and ID card. Best of luck with all your Panama plans. Regards, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Thanks Doug, I'll add that Casco is romantic, beautiful, and fun, but it's also pricey by local standards and filled with tourists and revelers, so it's worth booking a longer stay to see how you feel... some expats adore it and don't mind the tourists while others prefer to visit often but live elsewhere. Happy exploring...

Hi Jonathan, Though it's true that Coronado may not look like much on the surface, the below summary and below linked article can perhaps give you a better idea regarding why so many expats from the US, Canada, France, and beyond dug in and chose to stay. That said, if it didn't grab your heart, we get it. There are plenty other places with nice beaches and happy expats, so keep reading and find the perfect one to suit your needs and wants... everyone is different, and what a wonderful world it is, with so many great options listed right here in the pages of International Living. Summing Up Coronado: There's pretty much nowhere else in the world you can find such affordable property in a place that's also convenient with excellent supermarkets/restaurants, home improvement shops, and pretty much every other service, plus golf, pickleball, etc., and: close to a true cosmopolitan world capital (Coronado is a 1.5 hour drive from Panama City, the only such city in Central America. The drive is along a stellar stretch of the recently expanded... again... PanAmerican Highway) close to the region's best and busiest airport hub (the Hub of the Americas in Panama City, aka Tocumen International Airport) close to more than a few of the region's best hospitals (including the John's Hopkins International affiliate, Pacífica Salud, with two locations in Panama City, and the prestigious JCI accredited San Fernando, with a hospital in Panama City and a satellite in Coronado) A 45-minute drive from 2 cool-weather mountain towns with hiking, hot springs, and more. On a warm, tropical ocean (the Tropical Pacific) But completely outside the hurricane zone Sunny all year But without extreme weather Friendly and welcoming locals Large (active, well-established) English-speaking expat community Pristine secluded beach (generally no hawkers/tourist groups, uncrowded, clean) Plus in a desirable country (relatively safe, politically stable, US dollar, diversified strong economy even without the canal), wealthiest in Latam (ranks among top for best infrastructure, internet, cell service, salaries), low taxes (from "big ones" like property taxes to the "they add up" ones like taxes and markups on luxury items like wine and fine imported foods... try buying a car or bottle of wine elsewhere in Central America and you'll understand), close to the US (3 hour flight from Miami), same time zone as much of the US and Canada... First-time visitors may not be impressed with Coronado’s meandering lanes. Unlike the colonial towns that dot the countryside, Coronado doesn’t have a main plaza set in the center of an orderly grid. Not all of the roads are well-paved, and houses run the gamut. You’ll see humble little cottages, mansions on grand fincas (large plots of land), and everything in-between. There’s a security gate between the commercial and residential area, but most visitors’ cars are waved through with little ceremony. But don’t be deceived by Coronado’s unassuming appearance. Many of Panama’s wealthy families have homes here, and the full-time expat community is extremely friendly and welcoming. Over the past decade, Coronado has grown into this region’s most convenient hub and arguably the most convenient "have it all" beach retirement destination in Central America. https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/june_2022/4063847/ I'll just repeat this here again, because it's worth re-reading: If Coronado didn't grab your heart, we get it. Once you get all your nuts and bolts info, the decision if you're choosing between two or more equally appealing destinations will often simply be an emotional one (a connection that you simply feel when you get there). There are plenty other places with nice beaches and happy expats, so keep reading and find the perfect one to suit your needs and wants... everyone is different, and what a wonderful world it is, with so many great options listed right here in the pages of International Living.... Thanks and happy exploring. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Most banks will require that you be a legal resident for a short period of time before opening a local account so most expats do get their residency visa first, operating via home credit/debit cards in the interim until they can get a local account set up. Having a local account makes many things (like paying for local utility bills) easier. Though there are some expats who don't open a local account, it's recommendable to do so. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

The thing that's important to bear in mind is that the cost of paying for care out of pocket in Panama or any other of the countries listed here may well be as low as a co-pay in the US. Many expats in Panama find that paying out of pocket for healthcare in Panama, with no insurance to help them cover costs, is still far cheaper than living in and paying for insurance in the States. Many US expat retirees living in Panama do keep some form of Medicare so they can return to the US if they need anything major insofar as healthcare is concerned, to avoid long-term major costs and to be near family, etc. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Hi Cori, In Boquete and indeed in any mountain town in Panama it pays to study the microclimates over an extended stay. Talk to immediate neighbors for the latest intel. In the greater Boquete district some areas may be windier or rainier while others may get lighter showers. The area known as Volcancito, for example, is notoriously windy. Ask neighbors to share experiences not just from this year or last but, if possible, over a five-year period. Panama is always affected by the El Niño and La Niña weather patterns; the former brings us drier weather (or droughts in parts of the country) and can last a year or more while La Niña ushers in a year or more of wetter weather (or flooding in parts of the country, including mountain regions). No matter where you live in Boquete, though, it's very lush with frequent misty rain referred to as bajareque which means humidity is always high. Homes tend to be built with this in mind. E.g. slatted closet and cabinet doors can help keep clothing and shoes from getting musty or moldy, and some homes have air conditioning units even though the springlike temperatures mean you don't really need a/c (or heating). Running the a/c regularly can help you keep your home dry. In a typical year in Boquete (no El Niño/La Niña) you'll have scattered showers and bajareque throughout the year with Jan-March being fairly dry and the heaviest downpours falling from August through November. Regardless of time of year, Boquete tends to be very sunny (and yes, that constant mingling sun and rain means lots of rainbows). For more info you may want to check out https://www.boqueteweather.com/stations.htm, a truly wonderful resource that allows you to see recorded temps etc at the local weather station (it was amazing for this region to get this) and which cites among many other useful observations: "A more typical day during the wet season in the Boquete District is to wake up to generally clear skies and sunshine. As the day progresses, you see cumulous clouds developing in the south and then growing into towering cumulonimbus systems. By mid afternoon, the cloud systems move into the area and rain falls. The thunderstorm rains last for varying amounts of time, but usually not more than a couple of hours. Slow steady stratus cloud rains from the Caribbean are unusual but occasionally occur during the wet season. "Because the Boquete District is a large area with a lot of variation in elevation and terrain, there seem to be many microclimates. While this makes sense and there is a lot of folklore discussion about these microclimates, there is not a lot of available data from which to draw solid conclusions. " Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Hi Elissa, Just saw your email, sending the below via email and posting here: Conveniently Harry Hunt who was one of the exhibitors at the event divides his time between Boquete and Puerto Armuelles, you might want to contact him and cc his associate Magda Crespo, their info is in the conference booklet but I have pasted it below for convenience. Best of luck with all your Panama plans. HARRY HUNT Own Boquete Tel: +507 720-2506 Email: ownboquete@cwpanama.net Website: www.ownboquete.com MAGDA CRESPO MC Panama Realty Tel: +507 720-3240; Cell: +507 6671-8800 Email: magda@magdacrespo.com Website: www.mcpanamarealty.com Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Glad you've posted CLAUDETTELC 0 and it would be great if some of the other ILers on this forum are in Panama City to meet up. That said most of the folks on this forum are contemplating a move and may not be there yet. Luckily there are many ways to meet expats in Panama. Networking apps and sites like LinkedIn (website: www.linkedin.com), Instagram (website www.Instagram.com), and Facebook (website: www.facebook.com) are extremely popular in Panama and are great ways to grow your network. You can create a profile for free and search Panama-related groups. You'll find expat groups specifically on Facebook for many areas of Panama, such as El Valle and Coronado. Attending events, by the way, is also a great way to get involved and meet new people. There are many sites where you can find out about fun events, including Facebook (check expat groups in your city or town of interest and/or select the events section from the menu), Playa Community (Coronado region; website: www.playacommunity.com), and Internations (Panama City; website: www.Internations.org). When traveling to specific destinations in Panama, make sure to hit the popular expat hotspots. You’re likely to make friends and glean important information. In Panama City, you might try the Balboa Yacht Club if you're already in the area (it's located not in Balboa but in Amador by the Radisson Hotel Panama Canal and a short drive from the Biomuseum), and in the city-center there are multiple options like The Londoner Pub, owned by fun-loving expat Piers Edgar, or Bdubs by the Waldorf Astoria, or Murphy's Bar on Via Argentina (check their facebook pages to see if they're having live music or other fun events as these are great networking opportunities). International networking platform Internations also holds networking events once a month—a different venue each time (sign up for the website at www.internations.org/panama-city-expats). Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Glad you've posted CLAUDETTELC 0 and it would be great if some of the other ILers on this forum are in Panama City to meet up. That said most of the folks on this forum are contemplating a move and may not be there yet. Luckily there are many ways to meet expats in Panama. Networking apps and sites like LinkedIn (website: www.linkedin.com), Instagram (website www.Instagram.com), and Facebook (website: www.facebook.com) are extremely popular in Panama and are great ways to grow your network. You can create a profile for free and search Panama-related groups. You'll find expat groups specifically on Facebook for many areas of Panama, such as El Valle and Coronado. Attending events, by the way, is also a great way to get involved and meet new people. There are many sites where you can find out about fun events, including Facebook (check expat groups in your city or town of interest and/or select the events section from the menu), Playa Community (Coronado region; website: www.playacommunity.com), and Internations (Panama City; website: www.Internations.org). When traveling to specific destinations in Panama, make sure to hit the popular expat hotspots. You’re likely to make friends and glean important information. In Panama City, you might try the Balboa Yacht Club if you're already in the area (it's located not in Balboa but in Amador by the Radisson Hotel Panama Canal and a short drive from the Biomuseum), and in the city-center there are multiple options like The Londoner Pub, owned by fun-loving expat Piers Edgar, or Bdubs by the Waldorf Astoria, or Murphy's Bar on Via Argentina (check their facebook pages to see if they're having live music or other fun events as these are great networking opportunities). International networking platform Internations also holds networking events once a month—a different venue each time (sign up for the website at www.internations.org/panama-city-expats). Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Reach out to Magda Crespo for info on the Highlands. She is a treasure when in comes to everything Boquete, David, and Volcan. Here is her contact info: Magda Crespo Insurance & Real Estate Agent Tel 507-720-3240 Cel 507-6671-8800 email magda@magdacrespo.com website : www.magdacrespo.com

I've never stayed longer than ten days, so I don't know about staying a month. I just got mine at the airport to avoid the hassle.

Hi BABBS33, Generally if you come to Panama on a retirement visa (the Pensionado visa/program) you cannot seek employment at Panamanian companies. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch