Looking for Expert Advice on Panama
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We are ages 72 & 74. We are interested in checking out Panama City and the surrounding beaches for living there 6 months of the year.
We were thinking it would be a good idea to rent the first year and explore various areas where to rent year round or purchase. I have many questions.-
Where is a good area for renting in Panama City itself. We would be interested in finding a place near the area of Calle 45, Bella Vista, Panama City. -
We are also interested in the beaches or living near the sea. How far from Panama City do we need to drive to find nice ex-pat communities near the beaches? -
What are the pitfalls for an American Citizen to buy property in Panama vs Renting? -
We would also want to attend a school to learn Spanish. Is this available in Panama City? -
What are the costs for renting a car for the duration of our stay or does it make more sense to purchase a used vehicle? -
We also need to understand the finances, currency, electrics, ease of opening bank accounts, the state of medical care and medical insurance. -
Any other important areas to consider?
There are so many things we have to learn but we wanted to start slowly with a 1-2 week visit end of February.
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Hello DANIYEL.FIRESTONE
You'll find plenty of rentals in and around Bella Vista, along the waterfront and within a short walk of the bayside promenade called the Cinta Costera. Short-term you can try online listings sites like Airbnb or reach out to Pangea, contact info below. The longer you stay the more you can try to negotiate a lower rate. If and when you decide to rent long-term (a year) you'll encounter much lower monthly rates.
You can get car rental costs from larger outfits like National Car Rental and/or ask in specific expat communities outside the city about smaller local companies that might be cheaper; this will depend on which communities you visit. Some expats depending on length of stay did decide it would be more cost-effective to buy a used vehicle sourced through the expat grapevine and then re-sell it when moving on.
One of the most popular beach communities with easy access from the city is Coronado, that's about 65 miles away. Playa Caracol is about 55 miles. IL has resources that cover beach regions and other parts of the country, legal aspects of renting to avoid potential pitfalls, money matters, infrastructure, banking, healthcare/insurance, and other important considerations. See your IL products page if you've already got the Escape to Panama book or visit the IL Bookstore www.ilbookstore.com and/or consult your Panama attorney (info for an attorney below).
Enjoy your time in Panama!
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch
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.comVISAS/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 legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to:
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.comDAVID GOLD
Casco Antiguo Spanish School
US Tel: (203) 820-2234
Email: David@cascospanish.com
Website: www.cascospanish.com