Best Place to Retire: Why You Will Want To Retire in Boquete Panama
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2024
- If you have been searching for a place to retire that is affordable, has great weather, activities, strong expat community, you should put Boquete, Panama on your list. There are many reasons to retire in Panama. They use the US Dollar, have visas that give retirees amazing benefits like discounts to restaurants and airfare. Whether it is a retirement rentals or retirement home you are looking to buy, there are many options.
The Panama cost of living makes it particularly attractive and with 75° weather all year round, you can’t beat it!
Blogger Jim White of www.routetoretire.com shares how he and his family chose Boquete, Panama as their new home with all the pros and cons that you will want to consider as well when making this decision.
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Assigned to Panama in the late 80s while in the U.S. Navy; married local girl. Now retired since 2017, we have a nice house in Santiago where we spend a few months every year. I can say this, my blood pressure drops to almost normal levels while I am there. Don't know why, but I feel great down there. I eat better there because of the abundant market supply fresh pineapples, melons, oranges, mangoes, bananas. I once bought 17 bananas for $1.00. Finally, Santiago is off the beaten path, and spouse is from La Colorada a
small town about 10kms from Santiago.
good living that's why!
Most Americans don’t understand that what they consider cheap prices are actually pretty high for the locals.
exactly! little by little the locals get kick out cause all the prices go up! just make me sick! in Puerto Rico its happening too! it just make me sick!
I would guess most Americans are fully aware of that, but don't care.
@@therussmeister We are losing our reasonably priced apartments/rentals too.
Ya, totally. I remember when I was younger and the San Francisco Bay Area was nice and affordable, then we got tech people from all over the world who came there and were paid wages far above what the locals would get and they drove up the housing prices such that locals couldn’t afford the anymore, people from other countries like China brought the money they stole from other Chinese through corruption and have been buying up houses for cash way above asking price, landlords are buying people out of their rental contracts so they can raise the rents. It’s tough being a local.
@@coocoocachooglin yes corrupted people from many foreign countries come here with lot of cash to buy up real estate and other investments . Basically the money they made through corruption needs protection from their corrupt system. They choose a city to invest big some of money and drive up the prices for locals who have been living there for many years.
I lived there for 8 months and he hasn’t told you about the 7 months of rain and heavy fog. It’s beautiful and the locals are very friendly, but many logistical problems with setting up banking and visa requirements.
Bajareques ❤️
USA owes every household $14,000, for taking our income from March to now September. Teach people to work online, and have recorded films to teach students at home on all subjects, and pay people $2K per month.
Deal with all the murders by sending rapists, murderers, and traitors to Siberia one way. America is not safe for anyone.
ruclips.net/video/8l5jEQW6OW4/видео.html
Let go and let God always. No one can ride your back, unless you bend over. BEHAVE FOLKS or else...
And the other four months of high winds
Repent of Evil
p
@@genericdeveloper3966 God was born in Boquete!!! I loved my eight years.
FACTS anyone that want to make PANAMA they second home, here is the story: is a good move why if you can cut all your expenses in haft GO FO IT the less stress you have if you move to panama WHY NOT, the cost of health care insurance in PANAMA is way less than the U.S. AND YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PRE EXISTING HEALTH CONDITION YOU GOOD TO GO
the pensionado retirement panama visa offer a long list of saving, just imaging getting older and living longer because you find a place where all your stress go away, yes you have many expat living IN PANAMA AND THEY COMING FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD BECAUSE THE WEATHER, HEALTH CARE, GOOD FOOD, NEW FRIENDS ,SECURITY, STRESS FREE, LOW COST OF HOUSING,
AND GUEST WHAT NOW YOU CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL AND SEE NEW PLACESES THE MORE HAPPY YOU ARE THE LONGER YOU LIVE JUST STAY HEALTHY AND FIND THE WAY
if you find your self living with a limited funds in the U.S. and at the end of the month there nothing left that is a sign of stress, is time to move and cut your expenses in haft to live way longer
STRESS FREE
You actually can't get health insurance for pre-existing conditions, until 2 yrs after you apply, like high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. After that 2 yrs, you still may not get approved, so you should be prepared to pay for services out of pocket, which can be very affordable. Most people just self-insure, putting away the equivalent to what insurance premiums would be (approx $120/mnth), into a bank account. Then if needed, they have a nest egg to pay with. AND, if you have a heart attack for example, you can go to a private hospital, and to have stents put in, it costs around $50k, but if you go to a public hospital, the same work will cost about $1,200-$1,500.
I really appreciate all the honesty during this talk. Well done.
Interesting interview! Boquete is lovely, but we decided on Bocas- wanted that ocean view. 😊
Excellent interview! I’ve already scheduled a trip to visit Panama next year and will be staying an extra week in Boquete. This interview helps with my research. Thanks!
Are you going on the panama tours?
Awesome! Would love to know how you like Panama!!
Great video on retiring in Boquete, Panama! Really makes me consider it as a top retirement spot.
Thank you for your video on my home town. Expats seem to love it..ah Duran coffee!!
I’m hoping to retire in Boquete in 3-4 years; good info on this video and I’ll be making numerous trips and doing more research to setup a smooth transition
Ive lived here! Amazing place
Boquete is known for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural surroundings.
Thank you, my dear. You are definitely doing a marvelous job on Mexico and its people! God willing , we hope one day soon , we can move to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 🙏🏽❤️
loved watching this.....I was born and raised in Garfield Hts, just outside of Cleveland...nice to see a fellow party, feeling ok to move out of the US...
What a wonderful interview! My husband is ready to move there today! What would be our next step?
I checked the place out. True it doesn't get too hot or too cold. But that does not mean "perfect weather". The windy season is quite windy, and when that is over it is rainy season for 6 months.
It is very popular with expats, so you'll have other retirees to make friends with.
Couldn't suck more than the 6 months of rain and heat in Centra Florida.
@@TOMMYSURIA it rains but stops then it s sunny again, basically like summer in Fl but in the 75 F not 90s at all.
@@normagertz9055 75 I love 💕
Thank u 4 the vlog. How about if there is issue w/ mobility, MS? I would like 2 find a retirement local mayb w/assisted living or? Or would just need a small cottage or apartment.
I saw on a youtube video Charles Schwab has a bank account and they refund your fees on foreign transactions. You will have to verify that but I am pretty sure this was the place to get your visa / checking account. Here is a tip for seniors. Tracfone can be bought by the minute and they offer plans. You can get 1350 minutes for 365 days of service. I spend $113 for 1350 minutes for 365 days of service in the U.S. so if you travel back and forth you can save a whole lot over AT&T, Verizon or other big name carriers. I don't think you could use it in Panama but for your trips back home it is a cheap way to go.
Lived in David ...I like the slower life...drive to Las lajas to go to the beach....40 minutes....houses are not super big in room size...in most settings....9x12 ...10x10...that is the norm....there are lots of pluses ...there are lots of things to adjust to....different....if you speak Spanish well you can truly enjoy your time in the country....maid services are about 80 to 160 per month.....I love my time there ...house ...in the city of david...so I see things a little different....
Nice video and and a beautiful country! Did you just travel there, or is this a trip you took before the pandemic?
This was a trip before the pandemic...oh how I long for the days to travel again!
Foreigners who want a more tranquil less dense populated place, go to Volcan and Cerro Punta, on the other side of the Baru Volcano. Similar temperature as Booquete(some low, some high).
wich ones are the low ones?
thank you for your rapid reply. I have subscribe to your RUclips Channel.
Loved it!!! Just what I needed to know! Thanks!
nice you dont need that much material stuff to enjoy your life, cheers!
Thank you.
Love this video! How much handicap accessibility is there?
How do you call for a taxi? Is Uber available or another option?
I’d buy a small farm and plant Avocados and banana
did you find the farm?
@@eiracarmenjimenez6115 It’s small but yes It’s really beautiful
@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 in boquete?
@@eiragimenez6200 No it’s in Marmaris Turkey on the Mediterranean coast
YES!
I just had a thought- are there bowling ally's in Panama? I used to go bowling with co-workings or go to play pool here in Maryland. Never heard anyone mention bowling or pool halls, or chess playing.
I don’t know about Boquete, but definitely in Panama City.
Great interview! Boquete sounds nicer and nicer. We need to visit soon.
The weather and cool breezes, the food and the people make it really attractive and a nice place to visit or live!
The guy from the state above me talked quite a bit about utilities and rent off $1,100. However, he did not mention the square footage, how many bedrooms, how many bathrooms, etc. Can we please know the square footage of his condo he rents, the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, any balcony, verandah, etc?
His family is there. I believe she said kids so maybe 3 bedrooms?
If you go to his blog you can find that information.
Hard to be part of the culture when you live in a gated community - cut off from the locals :-(
dawn foster Yes, you find that in plenty of places, but none quite like Boquete. Sure Panama is great if you don’t use cannabis, don’t value freedom, enjoy being gringo’d, and just 30 years ago, US Marines were slaughtering Panamanians. I am sure those families don’t remember that. Enjoy!
Not all foreigner live like that. Some love to participate more with the community and we love them 👍
cut off from the locals is the best thing of all. Anybody who knows anything knows locals are highly undesirable in almost any affordable place.
I was in Boquete today, and visited a realtor about rentals. I later met someone who lives in the Valle Escondido area of town. When I left and returned to the hostal where I'm staying, I searched for sale prices online. The houses in that area of town range from $275 K to $1.299 Mil. Shockingly high, and certainly out of my price range.
@@danhayes5225 Go home
upvoting for the Schwab tip about tx fees.
Saludos a los gringos y extranjeros en Panamá 👍 Disfruten tierras altas Chiriquí.
@Roberto Brown Funny we have a soccer player here in Panama with your name, roberto el bombardero brown, check out this link about Jamaican in Panama
Risa, How were you able to get in to Panama in June? I thought the borders were closed at that time. I had been dreaming of a trip to Boquete for years. Are Americans allowed in at this time (Sept. 7, 2020)? PS-I like your videos!
We filmed this in January...and didn't have time to edit and post until June! I believe Americans are now allowed...but who know if that will change...
I would love to check this place out. I am thinking you can't be in a bad mood in that weather.
no it's really hard that's for sure.
IT RAINS HEAVILY FROM 11.00.A.M. TILL 8.00.P.M. FOR 9 MONTHS OF THE YEAR.
@@victorcosta9590 🤣 so dramatic. But is true. I prefer to deal with rain instead snow and hurricaines
It rains a lot
I'll be coming to Panama on Marcgg 30, 2021 with no itinerary other than staying in a hotel in Panama City. I'm fully vaccinated and looking to relocate when I retire in a wgat? of years. I want to check out the country as much as possible. Should I rent a car or what?
How many months is the "rainy season" in Boquete and when does it begin?
Its now October 2023. Im watching this video for the 2nd time. Please do another video on this same American man/family. Is he still in Boquete or somewhere else and why?? Thank you❤❤
As far as Banking you should open an Uphold account
I have same top you wearing ☺️
Great
......55,000 views in only a couple months....lots of interest in this....
Wonder why? Life in the states has gotten insane not only costs
Boquete always looks great and seems well priced. Give it another year and prices will double...?
Who knows what will happen after the pandemic! I don't think prices will double. It's not super easy to get to from the US but once you are there, it has a lot of pluses!
@@ModernAging Thank you for responding. It seems like Boquete is trendy and prices will move accordingly.
The crooks will double the price for the foreign bc they see the dollar signs.. the country is all screwed up at the moment bc of the previous leaders and the one commanding now have been stealing money that there is no even funds to help their own people in this pandemic. Panama has a lot to offer but the crooks dont even care about the well being of their people or even if the country moves foward. It's a shame that just the foreign people can enjoy the beauty of my country but not its residents due to the lack of education, jobs, and etc... I can just go on and on...
@@ararathhectic3986 sounds like the US right now......
I had heard an annuity payment would not qualify someone for the pensionado visa. A pension payment, or social security payments do qualify. Can someone confirm this?
Hi Risa, that was a great interview. Quick question, what do you think about investment overseas? We work on the real estate business and here in Panama City Panama we are seeing a lot of interest on the high end and luxury market from people looking for options to retire or start a new life elsewhere. They are asking about cost of living, taxes and healthcare. Do you think that it’s something that is happening for now and it’s a normal trend or will increase exponentially for the last quarter of 2020 beginning of 2021?
I think it has been steadily growing where North Americans are finding that retirement is too cost prohibitive and still retain a good quality of life plus the weather is warmer in central America. I am not surprised more and more people are looking to move to Panama.
Thank you for the response Risa, we think the same here at the city. We just need to be prepare for the wave, time will tell.
I LIVED IN VOLCAN, CHIRIQUI, PANAMA, VERY CLOSE TO BOQUETE, FROM 1998 TILL 2003. I ALSO SPENT TIME IN BOQUETE, AND WALKED TO THE TOP OF THE 3,500 METER HIGH CERRO BARU MOUNTAIN. UNFORTUNATELY IN THIS PART OF PANAMA IT RAINS "HEAVILY" FROM 11.00.A.M. TILL 8.OO.P.M. FOR 9 MONTHS OF THE YEAR. (MID MARCH TILL MID DECEMBER). FOR THE 3 MONTHS OF THE DRY SEASON IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH. IT DOES GET WINDY IN THE DRY SEASON. NEAREST BEACH IS 100 KILOMETERS AWAY. (PLAYA LAS GARZAS) NEAREST GOOD BEACH, LAS LAJAS IS 140 KILOMETERS AWAY. I MOVED TO COSTA RICA IN AUGUST 2003, OR 17 YEARS AGO. IT ALSO RAINS A LOT IN COSTA RICA FROM 1.00.P.M. TILL 7.00.P.M. FOR 7 TO 8 MONTHS OF THE YEAR. PANAMA MUCH CHEAPER AND BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY.
What I have seen on different channels is most Americans want to go somewhere that they can recreate their life back home. Living in a gated community and avoiding immersion with the local population seems to be a pattern with too many of these expats, especially in countries like Panama or Costa Rica. I suspect a large percentage of Americans realize the limitations no one mentions, after the fact, especially learning Spanish, and return home within a year.
And yet there are some of us who want immersion in the country - language, culture, activities, community, friendship. Yes, the ugly American stereotype is real for a reason, but like a true stereotype, isn’t true of everyone!
still have a little place there...i bought before the huge spike in prices like 2000 to 5000 percent and then the incredible crash and burn,... the locals are mostly indians who are great when theyre sober,..and only want a bite to eat most of the time ,.,.theyre stealthy as hell..and i always have my caretaker leave rice and beans outside the door to the house and behind the mailbox supports.theyve been in the house often but only take food...duh...weather and lengthy rainy season are a psychiatrists dream.there are some nice views and produce is exceptional ..the ride down is nice on a bicycle ,. not for old men ..or squandering your hard earned nest egg..
Why would someone not try to learn the language
Diddy22 only in American can you get away with that ....
The american ignorance .
Entitled mentality
@@trdriver430 Just makes him sound (to me) like we fit the stereotype of Americans: greedy, white and racist. If you move to another country, either become part of their country or don't go there. ISN'T THAT WHAT MANY AMERICAN'S SAY TO THOSE WHO COME HERE FROM A POOR, BROWN COUNTRY? we should uy a little farm in the middle (farther West) of American not near Cleveland and live there. I've lived in DC for 55 years and know full well the cost of rent and houses within 75 miles and see what all we have available to us. Just like other countries; people who take advantage of the poorness of the country and local people, avoid them except when you want them to cook or clean for you, require they speak English since you don't want to learn to speak properly to them and take advantage of your upper class (to them) lifestyle. Ever invite locals to your home as your guest and make them jealous? I understand from my American friend married to a woman from Panama who grew up well educated; says since they are both 75, they keep thinking about moving back down there and love the local night life in towns. Instead they are moving to AZ. I have 2 acres of scrub in SE AZ near the border and would love to build something there but my husband hasn't taken to that area yet. No wonder we are called Damn American's around the world. Our attitude precedes us.
@@catsitter01 Well said. Thank you
Good place for living retired person
FACTS In order to be eligible for the foreign-earned income exclusion, you must meet the following three requirements: •Your tax home must be in a foreign country
•You must have foreign-earned income $107,600 of your foreign-earned income from your U.S. income taxes. For the tax year 2021, this amount increases to $108,700.[1
] This provision of the tax code is referred to as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
Nice green screen
is the money in dollars or what?
Volcan Panama is as beautiful as Boquete but cheaper, Boquete is tourism oriented and Volcan more into farming @
We have a lot of other video interviews of people who live in Boquete, and throughout Panama, on the youtube channel for panama relocation tours.
You should do a,viedo about retiring in newmexico now that's a great place to retire 👍
Still the same shit, USA.
Lol
will have to put it on my list! thanks Ernie :)
@@heather4089 quit being a,smart,ass
What are some places similar that expats have not driven up the prices.
From Volcan town to Cerro Punta there are some smaller towns with similar temperature and weather as Boquete. Some a little bit hotter(Volcan) others colder(Cerro Punta)
Ecuador
@@hermitcard4494 Cero Punta sounds good; I like 65 to 55 no problem.
I live in Brooklyn NY...I PAY more than that. I don't have a gym etc
Escape while you can. I don't see how regular people can survive in NY.
It's hot is actually bullshit. I'm on the beach in Florida I'm hot.so I love Panama love swimming in the pacific and no it's not hot.lol .just having fun. Very beautiful place to live. No need for a car .rent for a weekend if needed. So if I don't say .I'm saying move too Panama every thing you need is there. Beautiful beaches beautiful mountains and great cities.
I like boquete but unfortunately one of the best kept secrets isn’t a secret anymore and the price has increased because there are too many Americans and Canadians living in this area. However there are other areas in Panama with lower prices.
Is the gentleman buying or renting the condo ,he just said
He is currently renting.
@@ModernAging .. .. Cheese is 70% fat 😵🧀🍔, heart attack.
ruclips.net/video/utPkDP3T7R4/видео.html ..
@@ModernAging .. Cheese is macaroni cheese, 70% fat 😵🧀🍔, heart attack.
..
ruclips.net/video/UcN7SGGoCNI/видео.html !!!
Great video!
Thanks so much!
a non native esp no spanish speak and from USA generally pays way too much for any property outside of USA
Ive been there it beautiful and yes very very inexpensive.
have u not heard about lisan froon and kris?
How difficult is it to get a home built there?
If you have the money, not difficult at all.
Just wondering, why do you pay your rent in cash?
Most countries in the world are cash-based. Saves money on bank fees, transaction fees, etc, and it’s literally money in hand. Many of the generation who went through the US depression in the 1930s learned to only trust cash - like my grandparents; many countries have the same stories. Besides, with some countries’ political and banking systems, cash is certainly safer!
Do you have to become a citizen of Panama? Can I retire down there and still collect my Social Security?
Yes you can. I believe the have income requirements for the senior visa. It was $12k a year minimum.
@@kimroberts2704 Thank you!
ruclips.net/user/PanamaRelocationTour
We have special regulations for you guys. You only need to prove that you’re getting a retirement income of at least 1000 USD monthly or 750 USD + some investment in real estate.
@ what if you’re getting at least that amount from disability? Does that count if I’m not 55 for this visa?
What about medical insurance or hospitals?
Gr8 question
The hospitals here in Panama are actually very good. There are public and private hospitals - I've only been to a private hospital but was impressed with the quality service I received. The doctors usually train in the U.S., Mexico, or France and the equipment is very modern. Here was a post I wrote about my visit to test things out... www.routetoretire.com/medical-service-panama/
You can get insurance here. Some hospitals offer their own insurance. The costs are very low though and a lot of people don't even bother. We have expat insurance but mostly so we have coverage in case something should happen when we visit the U.S. For a lot of people, a good thought is to just get catastrophic coverage in case the costs start to build up for something bigger like cancer treatment or something along those lines.
@@JimIsAwesome Doctors train in Panama, not the US. In fact a US trained doctor cannot practice in Panama as a medical license requires graduation from a Panamanian medical school. Panama protects their professions. The medical equipment is often a generation or two behind the USA. In Punta Pacifica you will find current technology and current pricing similar to the US.
@@alankwellsmsmba yes, because that's the area where the uppity people live, but l like he says there are public and private medical services. For the workers who pay taxes, ss, state tax somewhat similar like U.SA, They can go to any public hospital to be seen by any specialist, they just show their paystub at the admission/administration area before being seen and then they can see you.. it's somewhat helpful for the people who can't afford high insurance JUST PRAY YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING SERIOUS OTHERWISE YOU ARE SCREWED. APPTS. MADE BY THE OFFICE ARE RIDICULOUS THAT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW IF YOU ARE GONNA MAKE IT OR NOT... THEN THAT'S WHEN THE PRIVATE CLINICS COME ALONG IF YOU HAVE SOME KIND OF SAVINGS GOOD FOR YOU, YOU CAN AFFORD IT.. OR YOU CAN VISIT "A WITCH DR." A NATURIST DR. ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO PUT MY COUNTRY LIKE THE LAST WONDER BUT IT ISN'T BECAUSE ALL THE CROOKS INVOLVED BUT BELIEVE ME IF YOU CAN AFFORD LEAVING THERE YOU'LL FIND IT AS PEACHES AND CREAM.
What is the best airport to fly into?
If you are flying from the States, you fly into Panama City and then take a connecting flight to David. It is about a 45 minute drive from there.
Thank you.
Personally, I prefer New York cos it's familiar, famous and the most expensive city in the US, isn't it?
Los Angeles is next, for the more sunshine..? Lucky you, Risa. 😎⛱️🌇
I love NYC but it has gotten more and more cost prohibitive....and the winters can be brutal. It all depends on what one is looking for!
@@ModernAging True! Warm wishes.
What can help reduce extreme hair loss and brital hair? I'm 56 years old, an active exercise cross-fit, healthy eater, water drinker and cranberry juice drinker. I cut off coffee and switched to organic coffee. I don't eat meat. Sometimes I eat fish. Vegan/orgsnic person.
Millie Torres
Check your Thyroid.
Yes have thyroid checked. Sounds like a symptom. Supplement that helps strengthen hair is men sulphur. Also makes males grow fast and hard. But otherwise have thyroid checked. Research lugols iodine for thyroid but still consult with a specialist.
Eat more hairy animals rat,cat,dog,horse and etc cut out all fish and chicken you will be looking like Cousin It in just months ✅✅
When he's talking about Pensionada "Visa" - isn't he talking about RESIDENCY?? Isn't the "Visa" the stamp a tourist gets every ____ (I think it's 6 months isn't it??)
Yes. It’s a type of residency document that allows you to travel to a country, a visa. Just like the H1B or a Green Card in the US.
Remember that Americans can visit Panama without needing a visitor’s visa as tourists and stay for 6 months. A pensionado visa is a legal status as a long term resident. Only for people who qualify as retirees.
You should contact a Panamanian consulate in the US if you want to know more.
Is there high crime in Boquete or other towns?
Vey low crime and a lot of police.
@@rberding but what happened to Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon lost in the jungles? Firstly police couldn’t find them in the first days of April 2014, then did a terrible investigation and closed the case as faster as possible. A lot of police but have zero results.
@@MrKing-ke4mh The girls could not find a guide. All occupied. So went alone (stupid).
Low hanging clouds occur. Many wild animals. The native Indians found shoes, passport and cell phone plus money.. It is a real jungle. All medium size and large supermarkten have armed guards also the banks. It is quite safe here in Boquete.
@@rberding How do you know that they have been looking for a guide to make El Pianista trail? I haven’t heard it before. Okay, but why did rescue teams didn’t find them if this girls were sitting near monkey bridge for like 10 days, according to the police report? Secondly, people say there are no wild animals in the area of Mirador and monkey bridge. Thirdly, the photo #509 were deleted using a computer (if it deleted from photo camera it could be restored). There is one path from the Mirador to that stream where Kris were standing. Impossible to lose.
Yea in Tennessee it's cheaper than that..
He is not living cheap i have found apartments in different areas starting 350 with elec and utilities. I have found little ocean view condos starting 50,000$
I'm thinking Tennesse as a nice retirement
@@cris7845 visit Chattanooga! We moved here about 15 years ago and we still love this place. Lots of things to do and see...boating, biking, walking ....
@@squareact62 have tou checked the level of crime in TN?
Any places that are under $300 a month to live?
There might be, but probably not anything you'd be thrilled with - see my above answer about the average cost.
We are a Dutch couple, lived and worked in West Africa, 13 years in Spain, 12 years in the Caribbean and now since almost 6 years in Boquete. We are fluent in Spanish. Yes you can rent in town a small furnished apartment for 200-250. We have150 mbps internet. We live in a 3 bedroom (large garden) unfurnished bungalow 8minutes from town. 450 p.m. utilities excluded. Learn Spanish!!! We and our 2 dogs love it here. You do not need a car as taxi and bus rides are freaking cheap.
Check out olx.com.pa and search the real estate section. For a place that cheap, you'll probably be outside of Boquete...more like Dolega or Bugaba.
How much does it cost for a very modest place to live?
We're in a gated community with 24x7 security, a full gym, racquetball court, 2 pools, hot tub, etc. The condo is a 3 BR, 2 Bath and fully furnished and some utilities included, we're paying $1100/mo. You can absolutely find cheaper though depending on what you're looking for. I'm told the average rent right now in Boquete is $750/mo. - so you can find cheaper or more expensive depending on what you're looking for.
@@JimIsAwesome Apparently average rent has gone up a lot since I visited about 8 yrs ago.
@@JimIsAwesome What is the name of the complex you live in?
@@davidmotion7555 Valle Escondido is the name of the community.
How do you do your Banking, and money conversions.?
Panama use the USA dollars my friend 🙂
At least Google the country. Since the beginning of the 20th century 1 Balboa equals 1 USD.
I wouldn't mind not driving but healthcare is a biggy
yes healthcare is a biggie for so many of us!!
If you go to David on the bus and go to Pricemart, how do you bring back all the stuff you bought there? Do you get back on the bus with a bunch of big bags?
👍❤
good education...2 things, One, I understand we Americans, can only stay for 3 months on travel visa, and can not re-enter for 6 month period, so did you sign a 1 year lease? the math doesn't add up. It's hard to longterm settle on a travel visa. Two, more important than water and air, is a stable internet connection and a co working space productive community., I dont think this has that..this is more for family to homeschool off the grid for a few months staycation and regenerate or quarantine. Again, good content, it's captivating.
If you are American you can stay 180 days on a tourist
visa. In about 1.30 hours you are with a bus or taxi at the Costa Rican border. You have to stay there for 72 hours and go back for another 180 days.
Does social security count towards the pensionado visa??
As far as I know Panama's government requires proof of a minimum of one thousand dollars of steady monthly income for life to qualify..so I would say yes to your question. Jackie Lange owner of Panama relocation tours can fill you in on anything you would need to know.
@@Joejoe-ns7yv thank you Joejoe.
Yes. You could also just get the Friendly Nations Visa.
What is the internet like there??
Really depends on your area but there is decent internet in Bouquete
Not one mention about health care and the availability/quality of it. Additionally, we are a gay couple. Is that a problem there?
Im a local from Boquete, No one really gives a fuck if ur gay, bisexual or straight as long as it doesn't affect anyone else, just remember to be friendly with locals and you'll be fine
There’s no health care here. We just all go to the local witch doctor and pay with rabbit bones or just give away our first born. Truly a savage place. Please stay in the States.
@@Etatdesiege1979 lmao
@@Etatdesiege1979 😆Do they have to be clean bones or can they still have meat on them?
@@Etatdesiege1979I laughed until I cried 😂😂😂😂
very evasive interview from both people.Questions not ansewered and limited follow through
There are better and more inexpensive countries in Latin America to retire in...Colombia, Ecuador, Peru among them.
explain better
I lived there for eight years . I should have stayed. I built a hotel and sold it. Wish I had not!!
It is a lovely little town.
Vaya :( Saludos a donde sea que este y ojalá regresé a Boquete algún día 👍
Where was it located?
@@Don-himself its on the road above the hotels going to palo alto last hotel on the river before you go across the bridge its four octo buildings . It might be named palo alto hotel ?? Ask David Duty
@@hermitcard4494 palo alto on the river just before you cross over the river coming up from the fair
You are guilty until proven innocent in Panama
There weren't & aren't any decent $1100 apartments in Cleveland...But it's all about a person's idea of decent.
One of the many problems no one addresses is the Panamanian currency. Although Panama has its own currency (the Balboa), however, Panama also uses the U.S. dollar. The Balboa to U.S. dollar exchange rate is 1-to-1, which doesn't make since when it comes to GDP. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Panama was worth 52.94 billion US dollars in 2020. Compare that to the U.S. GDP in 2020 at $20.93 trillion. So how did the 1-to-1 exchange rate balance off? Someone with subject matter expertise in economy explain this...I am not convinced that Panama is the best or most beneficial place to retire. Healthcare and medical services outside of Panama City is horrible. DO NOT expect hospitals outside of Panama City to have the same quality.
If you want to blend in, maybe get some sun color on your skin to start with?
1100? That's kinda pricey.
If you are fully retired and nothing else to do, then it’s fine But, retire in Panama with young kids and home schooling them? Crazy!!
Cleveland browns
Listen to some of what they are saying but REALLY listen to what they are NOT saying.
What about corona?
I've written about that a few times as this has been happening here in Panama:
www.routetoretire.com/coronavirus-stock-market/
www.routetoretire.com/random-thoughts-unusual-times/
www.routetoretire.com/planned-trip-back/
I feel a lot safer here than I think I would in the US as the President here's been very aggressive in handling the situation. Most of the cases are in Panama City and nearby areas. I believe we don't have any active cases right now here in Boquete. You can compare numbers between countries here:
www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Jim White : Fast forward to Aug 25 and it looks like you are moving back to the US. To quote from your blog: "It's (Panama) not looking good on opening up anytime soon and so now we're waking up to the reality that our retirement in Panama might just be over." So as much praise as you heaped on Panama and the government response to the wuhan virus, and as dismissive as you were of the US by indicating that you do not miss it, when the chips were down you decided to come back, so it can't be all that bad here. The very reason you cited for praising the Panamanian government turns out to have been the very reason you left Panama. Much respect for the path you took in retiring early, and I hope everything works out for you and your family. There is no substitute for freedom. Sometimes this comes with risk as does life in general. Keeping people, especially the young and healthy, on house arrest for a virus that disproportionately impacts the sick and elderly does nothing but stifle freedom, cripple an economy (bad for everyone), and weaken people's immune systems. Looks like Sweden got it right after all.
@@KayFabe87 Wow, someone that actually sees the truth. Thanks for posting your real comment.
You can drink all the Coronas you like ;-)
I always recommend the lime with it✅✅
Colombia is much better than Panama but I do like the older crowd of Boquete because it almost guarantees quite,
So, he was hoping for more of a “blend” with the Panamanians but moves into a gated condo complex where mostly gringos live. Hmmm.
I think I wanna move there..
It's definitely worth a visit!! It's not super well known which is great.