As a single woman hoping to retire abroad from the UK in the next few years, I am so inspired by this channel. Sonya is an inspiration, doing the move alone after her husband sadly passed away, and I wish her all the best❤
Have been researching Panama for years. Living in NYC was always told to retire in Panama. Many years has passed since I retired. Discovered your channel today 7/20/24 and you Maggie has motivated me again. I'm 80 yrs old, healthy and feeling strong, speak spanish. Do I still have a change to fullfill my dreams.
Hello and thanks for watching. Your question is an interesting one. Moving to Panama is a huge undertaking and at 80, you're probably settled with your friends, doctors etc.If you're dreaming about Panama, you could probably come for some extended periods if that's feasible. I have a friend who lives in Brooklyn, she spends the winter months here. I'm just sharing my thoughts with you, not offering advice. Everyone should decide for themselves. Please keep watching. and thanks for writing.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad Thanks. Muy buen consejo pero tengo q comunicarme contigo primero. Estoy viviendo en este momento en SC. Mihermana vive aqui pero yo rente desde abril 2024. Si hubiera encontrado tu canal no lo hubiera hecho. Pero Dios es amor y te encontre. Sigue alentandonos, hay miles mujeres como yo q necesitamos tu consejo tan real y espiritual. Que Dios te bendiga en tu trajectoria de ayuda incondicional y Humana.
Dear friends...thank you so much for enjoying the videos. As you can imagine, it takes time and effort to bring you fresh content every week. Please consider liking the videos and subscribe to the channel. That would help us reach our goal of reaching 2000 subscribers more quickly. Thank you much and welcome to the family!
Thank you for your content geared to the older single woman who wants to live abroad. I have been praying, and contemplating this type of move since it's just me. I have lived abroad for almost 3 years many years ago in Asia but I had the support of the Air Force base as I was active duty. I LOVED my time there but I had to be realistic that everything was not peaches and cream, but neither is life. You make your best decision based on the info you have and work thru the ups and downs. I am retired and a middle income retiree as well. I retired from a long career in healthcare. I am doing so much research and look forward to visiting in early 2025. One thing I like about Panama as an older person in my 60's is the healthcare system. When I attended University of Maryland for my Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program years ago during my rotations I got to know some of the residents who were from Panama and attended Johns Hopkins school of medicine. Johns Hopkins medical center in Baltimore has a partnership with a hospital in Panama as well. I think the infrastructure in many parts of Panama is suitable but there will always be issues no matter where you live. I am remembering how I loved my time in Asia as I remembered I was a guest in their country and not the other way around. This thinking helped me to blend in and not get frustrated. But, there were so many English speakers during my time in Asia and I understand in Panama I will have to get better at speaking Spanish as this is their national language not English. Furthermore, for me I like that I can get a direct flight from the east coast to Panama City and arrive in just a few hours vs 10 to 12 plus hours from other places in the world.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad Of course I had to support a fellow NP and click that subscribe button! I am hoping when I visit I will be able to connect with some of the expats who have made the move to get more insight into their personal journeys'.
I love your channel!! You are so organized and concise with FYIs; that's big for me. I don't need to read transcripts to figure out what you said, what it is because you put information on the screen😊
Another amazing single courageous women living abroad in Panama. Wow, so real these testimonials are profound. Thanks for your hard work in creating content Sonias is truly inspiring❤
I'm 57, I'm from Panama, living here in USA for 34 years, I'm so ready to move back to my country, but need to wait get retirement before, i will do this move hoping my mom can wait until i can do this big move.
What about banking? If you have direct deposit in a U.S. bank, how do you navigate that? A really nice presentation. Happy life to you, Sonya - and sweet little Mia!
Hi...you're right, we forgot to touch on that. You can open a bank account once you begin your residency process. Ii have direct deposit in the US but you can also have your social security deposited in your bank here. Otherwise, we make ATM withdrawals from our US bank and deposit into our Panama account. One drawback are 3he ATM fees but some US banks do reimburse the ATM fees. Thanks for watching.
You can get around the ATM fees by writing a check from your US bank/deposit it into you foreign bank account. It takes about 21 days to clear in Panama but it's not an issue if you don't need the 💰 right away.
@@kennyroberts2703 this is true. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, most of us don't have a lot of cash to deposit ahead so, we just do the monthly transfers.
Hi, thanks for reaching out. San Francisco is a neighborhood in Panama City. The weather is hot and muggy during rainy season. There is oceanfront in Panama city but no beachfront per se. I find that the humidity is worse the closer you are to the water and height does not seem to matter. If you are in a beach area (outside of Panama City), you may have slightly cooler weather. You find cool weather in the mountains of Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta and Cerro Azul which is close to the city. Thanks for writing and for subscribing!
Great Information ! Really enjoy it. Love Panama!!! I really like Internations too. Can Sonya share the name of her doctor ? I am still looking for a good doctor.
I am quite enjoying your channel. I am single and looking to do a scouting trip in January to Panama. Do you recommend a relocation tour and if so, which may be geared towards single women. Take care and thank you.
Hi, thanks for watching. I have mixed feelings about relocation tours. I made several visits and felt like I did not need one. But others who may want all the information given to them and the exposure to various communities, cities and neighborhoods, may find them useful. I don't recommend any tours but I know of three you can check out.. Black Expats in Panama, Panama Relocation Tours and Panamazing Tours. You can find their info on their Facebook pages. Good luck in your research.
Maggie, I always research what natural disasters a country I'm considering retiring in may experience. Panama is prone to earthquakes. Has any occured since you've lived there? And are there certain regions more prone than others? It's not a game-changer for me, just want to know what to expect.
Hi, thanks for writing. We do feel tremors at times with centers usually being in either Columbia and Costa Rica.I read that the latest direct one with the eye being here in Panama was in the 1980s. There was a recent mild one here a couple of weeks ago... a 4.9 if I remember correctly. The Chiriqui province is more prone to earthquakes. We have no hurricanes though...that's a plus. Thanks for watching the videos and for subscribing.
Hello. You mentioned Sonya's apartment was large and spacious. Could you share what the cost of that type of space is please. I will be moving there by this October. Thank you for sharing. I would love to meet you lovely QUEENAGERS. 😊
Hi, thanks for writing. I love the term QUEENAGERS... so fitting. Sonya got a good deal with her apartment. Depending on location, a 4-bedroom apartment in the city will run $1200-2000+/per month. It is best to work with a realtor and tell him exactly what you're looking for and your budget. Remember to research locations during your scouting trips which is what Sonya and I did. Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you to Panama.
@@phindilejacquelinehickson2842 on AirBnB, check out areas such as El Cangrejo, Avenida de Balboa, Obarrio. Most apartments are pet friendly since we have so many dogs here. Best of luck!
I love your channel. I am a retired teacher and am also originally from Haiti. My plan was always not to stay in the US. I am looking for a place with the perfect climate (warmer) and where I can find a community. I want to be around black people of different generations and would like to blend in with the locals.
Hi, thanks for writing. Rent in Panama is based on location, size and amenities in the building like gym, pool. You can expect to pay $850 to $1500+ based on the factors mentioned. In the city, many apartments come furnished and water is usually included. In the interior, you may find some deals that are all inclusive. Everything is negotiable as mentioned. Thanks for watching the videos.
Yes, you can keep your US number (it is recommended for yur banking at home). You can either make sure your US phone has dual Sim capacity (one for your US number and one for your new local Panama number) OR you can get another phone once you get here for your local Panama number which you will need to pay bills and do your banking. A lot of us carry 2 phones.
Hi, thanks for reaching out. Prices in both areas are about the same. Apartments in Soyna's building tend to be a bit bigger 2-4 bedrooms. Prices vary from $1200-2000/month
@@singlewomenretiringabroad did Sonya say she's from Tennessee? Because I am in Tennessee right now I've been here since I got out of the military in 1998
Hi, thanks for writing. Their number is 507-6238-1724. You can also message via their website kraemerlaw.com/en/home/. I reached out with a question and they did respond. Good luck!
As a single woman hoping to retire abroad from the UK in the next few years, I am so inspired by this channel. Sonya is an inspiration, doing the move alone after her husband sadly passed away, and I wish her all the best❤
Thank you. She's amazing.
Hi @christines5430 I am a single woman from Ireland living in Panama. I absolutely love it.
@@nicolaa9672 that's amazing ...Ireland...wow..thanks for watching.
Have been researching Panama for years. Living in NYC was always told to retire in Panama. Many years has passed since I retired. Discovered your channel today 7/20/24 and you Maggie has motivated me again. I'm 80 yrs old, healthy and feeling strong, speak spanish. Do I still have a change to fullfill my dreams.
Hello and thanks for watching. Your question is an interesting one. Moving to Panama is a huge undertaking and at 80, you're probably settled with your friends, doctors etc.If you're dreaming about Panama, you could probably come for some extended periods if that's feasible. I have a friend who lives in Brooklyn, she spends the winter months here. I'm just sharing my thoughts with you, not offering advice. Everyone should decide for themselves. Please keep watching. and thanks for writing.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad Thanks. Muy buen consejo pero tengo q comunicarme contigo primero. Estoy viviendo en este momento en SC. Mihermana vive aqui pero yo rente desde abril 2024. Si hubiera encontrado tu canal no lo hubiera hecho. Pero Dios es amor y te encontre. Sigue alentandonos, hay miles mujeres como yo q necesitamos tu consejo tan real y espiritual. Que Dios te bendiga en tu trajectoria de ayuda incondicional y Humana.
Why not??? Come on down!!! I am 70 and Panamanian born, and I am coming home
Dear friends...thank you so much for enjoying the videos. As you can imagine, it takes time and effort to bring you fresh content every week. Please consider liking the videos and subscribe to the channel. That would help us reach our goal of reaching 2000 subscribers more quickly. Thank you much and welcome to the family!
And SHARE her Videos! 🇵🇦
@@MYTYIAALLEYNE thank you1
Thank you for your content geared to the older single woman who wants to live abroad. I have been praying, and contemplating this type of move since it's just me. I have lived abroad for almost 3 years many years ago in Asia but I had the support of the Air Force base as I was active duty. I LOVED my time there but I had to be realistic that everything was not peaches and cream, but neither is life. You make your best decision based on the info you have and work thru the ups and downs. I am retired and a middle income retiree as well. I retired from a long career in healthcare. I am doing so much research and look forward to visiting in early 2025. One thing I like about Panama as an older person in my 60's is the healthcare system. When I attended University of Maryland for my Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program years ago during my rotations I got to know some of the residents who were from Panama and attended Johns Hopkins school of medicine. Johns Hopkins medical center in Baltimore has a partnership with a hospital in Panama as well. I think the infrastructure in many parts of Panama is suitable but there will always be issues no matter where you live. I am remembering how I loved my time in Asia as I remembered I was a guest in their country and not the other way around. This thinking helped me to blend in and not get frustrated. But, there were so many English speakers during my time in Asia and I understand in Panama I will have to get better at speaking Spanish as this is their national language not English. Furthermore, for me I like that I can get a direct flight from the east coast to Panama City and arrive in just a few hours vs 10 to 12 plus hours from other places in the world.
Ditto to everything you said.. and hello fellow NP 👋. Thanks for watching and commenting. Please consider subscribing... if you have not yet done so.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad Of course I had to support a fellow NP and click that subscribe button! I am hoping when I visit I will be able to connect with some of the expats who have made the move to get more insight into their personal journeys'.
Sonya is living her best life! Thank you ladies for a fun and informative video for women just like me. Panama 2025!
Yeahhh....Thanks for watching!
Love this! Thanks for sharing your single life experiences! I'm excited about my journey!
Wonderful. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much Sonya for sharing ❤️
You are so welcome!
Thank you ladies ❤
It's our pleasure. Thanks you for watching.
I love your channel!! You are so organized and concise with FYIs; that's big for me. I don't need to read transcripts to figure out what you said, what it is because you put information on the screen😊
Thank you for the feedback and thanks for watching.
Absolutely loved this video. Sooo helpful and inspiring. Maggie, thank you! I am coming to PC in 2 weeks and plan to retire there in 2027!
@@madisonmichele yeah!!!!
Another amazing single courageous women living abroad in Panama. Wow, so real these testimonials are profound. Thanks for your hard work in creating content Sonias is truly inspiring❤
Awww thank you so much. We both had fun doing it. Please keep watching.
A bold step in the right direction. Good to know, Sonya. Thanks a lot for sharing. 🙏
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Thank you both for sharing.
Thanks for watching! It's our pleasure.
Very interesting video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
I subscribed. Plan and visiting this year. So encouraged to see mature single women moving abroad which is my situation.
Yesss...we're here. Thanks for watching.
I'm 57, I'm from Panama, living here in USA for 34 years, I'm so ready to move back to my country, but need to wait get retirement before, i will do this move hoping my mom can wait until i can do this big move.
Hi, thanks for writing. So glad to meet a Panamanian. I know you'll be happy when you do make the big move. Please keep watching.
Great interview!! Sonya is awesome!
Yes she is. Thank you so much for writing and subscribing.
Enjoyed. Looking forward to my trip later this year and moving there to retire shortly after
Sounds great! Thanks for watching and for subscribing.
This is great information to know
Indeed. Thanks for writing.
Liked. Great interview. Thanks so much for the valuable info and encouragement.
It's our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for subbing!
I can't wait to meet you...I m planning to visit Panama again at the end of this year or the beginning of 2025..working on my availability.
Awesome...would love to meet you as well. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed your video. I'm in Florida retired, contemplating visiting Panama.
Wonderful! I also moved here from Florida. You will enjoy your visit to Panama. Thanks for writing and for subscribing.
Love your videos! I’m one of the males that watch them all. So informative and friendly way to help us.
Awww.. thank you so much. Love my male viewers. Please keep watching and thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure.
What about banking? If you have direct deposit in a U.S. bank, how do you navigate that? A really nice presentation. Happy life to you, Sonya - and sweet little Mia!
Hi...you're right, we forgot to touch on that. You can open a bank account once you begin your residency process. Ii have direct deposit in the US but you can also have your social security deposited in your bank here. Otherwise, we make ATM withdrawals from our US bank and deposit into our Panama account. One drawback are 3he ATM fees but some US banks do reimburse the ATM fees. Thanks for watching.
You can get around the ATM fees by writing a check from your US bank/deposit it into you foreign bank account. It takes about 21 days to clear in Panama but it's not an issue if you don't need the 💰 right away.
@@kennyroberts2703 this is true. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, most of us don't have a lot of cash to deposit ahead so, we just do the monthly transfers.
Great informative video. I'm looking to retire in a few years with SS and a pension. Panama is on my radar.
Awesome! You should have no issues. Panama is a beautiful place. Thanks for writing, for watching the videos and for subscribing.
Thanks for posting! Interested in San Francisco area also. What is the climate compared to Panama City high rise areas on the beach front?
Hi, thanks for reaching out. San Francisco is a neighborhood in Panama City. The weather is hot and muggy during rainy season. There is oceanfront in Panama city but no beachfront per se. I find that the humidity is worse the closer you are to the water and height does not seem to matter. If you are in a beach area (outside of Panama City), you may have slightly cooler weather. You find cool weather in the mountains of Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta and Cerro Azul which is close to the city. Thanks for writing and for subscribing!
Great Information ! Really enjoy it. Love Panama!!! I really like Internations too. Can Sonya share the name of her doctor ? I am still looking for a good doctor.
Hi, thanks for writing. She sees (and others in our group do as well) Dr. Alejandro at the ProCare Clinic in Obarrio.
I am quite enjoying your channel. I am single and looking to do a scouting trip in January to Panama. Do you recommend a relocation tour and if so, which may be geared towards single women. Take care and thank you.
Hi, thanks for watching. I have mixed feelings about relocation tours. I made several visits and felt like I did not need one. But others who may want all the information given to them and the exposure to various communities, cities and neighborhoods, may find them useful. I don't recommend any tours but I know of three you can check out.. Black Expats in Panama, Panama Relocation Tours and Panamazing Tours. You can find their info on their Facebook pages. Good luck in your research.
I hear it's very safe as well.
Hi, thanks for writing. We definitely feel safe.
@@singlewomenretiringabroadYes I have never felt unsafe in Panama. Of course like everyplace there's good and bad areas
THANK YOU
It's my pleasure. Thanks for writing.
Arrocha and Javillo pharmacies deliver too! 😁
Excellent. I did not know that. Thank you.
Maggie, I always research what natural disasters a country I'm considering retiring in may experience. Panama is prone to earthquakes. Has any occured since you've lived there? And are there certain regions more prone than others? It's not a game-changer for me, just want to know what to expect.
Hi, thanks for writing. We do feel tremors at times with centers usually being in either Columbia and Costa Rica.I read that the latest direct one with the eye being here in Panama was in the 1980s. There was a recent mild one here a couple of weeks ago... a 4.9 if I remember correctly. The Chiriqui province is more prone to earthquakes. We have no hurricanes though...that's a plus. Thanks for watching the videos and for subscribing.
@@singlewomenretiringabroadThanks so much for that info. I really enjoyed the interview with your friend. Looking forward to your next post.
@@m1thomas1 glad you enjoyed it. Please keep watching.
@@m1thomas1 thank you ao much. Yes, please keep watching.
I’m really curious as to the amount of rent that you and your guest are paying.
Hello. You mentioned Sonya's apartment was large and spacious. Could you share what the cost of that type of space is please. I will be moving there by this October. Thank you for sharing.
I would love to meet you lovely QUEENAGERS. 😊
Hi, thanks for writing. I love the term QUEENAGERS... so fitting. Sonya got a good deal with her apartment. Depending on location, a 4-bedroom apartment in the city will run $1200-2000+/per month. It is best to work with a realtor and tell him exactly what you're looking for and your budget. Remember to research locations during your scouting trips which is what Sonya and I did. Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you to Panama.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad You betcha. Any reco for an Airbnb in the area that's walkable and fun. I have my service dog with me.
Thank you again.
@@phindilejacquelinehickson2842 on AirBnB, check out areas such as El Cangrejo, Avenida de Balboa, Obarrio. Most apartments are pet friendly since we have so many dogs here. Best of luck!
I love your channel. I am a retired teacher and am also originally from Haiti. My plan was always not to stay in the US. I am looking for a place with the perfect climate (warmer) and where I can find a community. I want to be around black people of different generations and would like to blend in with the locals.
Sounds like you might want to consider places like Panama, Costa Rica, Belize. Thanks for watching. Sak pase..
Hello ladies thank you for the video. By the way how much is the rent on your apartments ? And what is included ?
Hi, thanks for writing. Rent in Panama is based on location, size and amenities in the building like gym, pool. You can expect to pay $850 to $1500+ based on the factors mentioned. In the city, many apartments come furnished and water is usually included. In the interior, you may find some deals that are all inclusive. Everything is negotiable as mentioned. Thanks for watching the videos.
I have a question about keeping my US phone number. Did you mention that T mobile can do two phone numbers US and a Panama number in one account?
Yes, you can keep your US number (it is recommended for yur banking at home). You can either make sure your US phone has dual Sim capacity (one for your US number and one for your new local Panama number) OR you can get another phone once you get here for your local Panama number which you will need to pay bills and do your banking. A lot of us carry 2 phones.
Thank you, I have been having a hard time getting a clear answer to this question. I will find out if an I phone has this dual SIM card
I really appreciate this interview. What is the average cost of an apartment in Sonya’s building and in your building Maggie.
Hi, thanks for reaching out. Prices in both areas are about the same. Apartments in Soyna's building tend to be a bit bigger 2-4 bedrooms. Prices vary from $1200-2000/month
I’m in the same. Have my documents, but have a complicated time having them validated. Is there an easier way?
Hi, thanks for reaching out. I took mine to the nearest Panamanian embassy and had no issue. Have you tried that?
Hello, do you have a contact/website for the layers )Kramer & Kramer) Sonya mentioned. I am doing my scouting and will be there in August…Thank you!
@@ionamckenzie7336 sure...here you go. kraemerlaw.com/en/home/. Thanks for watching.
I didn't catch what area Ms. Sonya is in. Coronado?
No, she's in the city but I don't share specific information online. I hope you understand.
Wow- who is this Doctor that comes to your Apartment???
Several of them do. He is from ProCare Clinic in Obarrio.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad Excellent ok 👌🏾 thanks!
What is the neighborhood that she lives in?
Hi, thanks for writing. Sonya lives in the San Francisco neighborhood.
@@singlewomenretiringabroad did Sonya say she's from Tennessee? Because I am in Tennessee right now I've been here since I got out of the military in 1998
@@crystalemens572 Hi...she is from Tennessee but has lived in different places
@@singlewomenretiringabroad thank you. I'm enjoying your videos. I'm a 100% disabled veteran and I'm considering living abroad.
@@crystalemens572 Lots of veterans here in Panama.
Ms. Sonia, what is the name of your private Doctor?
Hi...thanks for writing. Her doctor is Dr Alejandro at the ProCare Clinic inn Obarrio +507-6235-6237.
Let YOUR GUEST TALK! YOU INTERRUPT TOO MUCH.
H
Sonya said she used Kramer and Kramer to get her residency. Can you please provide their WhatsApp number?
Thanks!
Hi, thanks for writing. Their number is 507-6238-1724. You can also message via their website kraemerlaw.com/en/home/. I reached out with a question and they did respond. Good luck!