================================= How to work with me: ================================= 😎 One-on-one Consulting for planning your move abroad: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/50min
Excellent interview. Just back from Boquete. The people are kind, enjoyed the food, and the library park was amazing. Thank you for confirming our experience.
Living here in Boquete (Bajo) downtown and walking distance to everywhere from Alberta Canada. Power is $21.00, and gas is about 5- $7.00 per month. Fresh fruits and veggies within walking distance. The rent for a new building is $750.00 for one bedroom. 85-90 restaurants in town from local food to Italian/Chinese food - from $3.00 to $50.00.
This guy really knows the Value of having a good Mic . The voice of a radio Talk Show Host . good info . It's always comforting to get together with expats but learning another Language , you've got to be with the Locals who don't speak any English .
I agree. Boquete has been discovered for hardcore expats who do some digging. Many have moved there over the past few years, which has driven rentals up. But you can still get great rentals just outside the city!! Thanks for commenting@shabadime10!
Great interview and thanks for the information! Visited Panama City and now considering a tour throughout the who country to explore a possible place to retire abroad.
So happy I found your channel, just a tip I think you could ask for a prices of a typical meal. Because people spend in restaurants differently. Also the rent/buying a car would be nice to know also
Hey guys, great video. Thank you. I just retired in the US. Wooohooo. I was so looking forward to it. I'm starting to plan my first trip to Panama for later this year. I'll go ahead and apply for the Pensionado Visa while I'm there. I think I'll try 6 weeks in Panana for my first trip there
Important to know that there is one thing you need to do while still in the US, in order to apply for a visa, and that’s get fingerprinted for an FBI criminal background check. It’s my understanding that you can’t do that while in Panama. The other doc you need to provide to an immigration attorney, is a letter from SSA that states your monthly benefit amount (min monthly amount for one person is $1000).
great video but I couldn't find Christopher Minori on FB,, does anyone have more contact info for him, or others in Boquete,,, thanks much, looking forward to being in 'Boquete within a few months
Good stuff! Wished you would have asked him about the negatives of living there and the difference between a $320 per month apartment versus the more expensive ones except that the cheaper ones are further out. Also, please try to interact with those who take the time to comment.
It is getting more and more expensive to live in Panama. In order to live in Panama cheaply you need to lower your standards. For example, if you need a 300 dollar per month rental, you need to look for something very rustic and small. Away from beaches. Away from areas where Xpats live. Real estate is no longer cheap in Panama. Everything has gone up in price. I think its worth it to come to Panama to visit and see for yourself. If you can tolerate living like the locals live it is cheap to live in Panama. If you want to duplicate the lifestyle you left back home, you will find it expensive.
I can imagine that with all the Americans pouring into Boquete the prices are going to shoot into orbit in a few years. It happened in Costa Rica and Portugal. Here's hoping it will remain affordable outside the city, and I could take buses and taxis in and out as needed. I want to get by without a car if possible.
Yes, Boquete has been discovered, offering the best weather year around 70 degrees. You can still find some buys outside of the town but you may need a vehicle if you choose that. Keep us posted on your journey!
@@adventurefreaksss I just saw a video on Volcan. That seemed appealing to me, and it said they have good bus and taxi service. The rainy season seems like the biggest problem from my perspective, but I keep hearing that it's not all day every day. Seems like flooding would be a real hazard.
Please let them know we sent you:). Bryan Saez Licensed Real Estate Broker PN-5431 Bienes Raíces Casa Solution, S. A. www.casasolution.com Avenida Central Bajo Boquete, Chiriquí Republic of Panama 011-507-720-1331 (office) 011-507-720-2807 (fax) 011-507-6972-5622 (cell) wa.link/lyp6v6 (WhatsApp)
He must have got his lease agreement a few years ago .. $950 a month is long gone. I was there for almost 3 months in May, Jun and Jul 23' (the rainy season) and most decent rentals where $1200+, still better that the US but I know several people who move out of Boquete due to inflated rentals ... priced out of paradise!!
Most places in Boquete don't have A/C -- don't need it. Which means your monthly electrical bill will be significantly lower than in hotter climates. So, there's that to consider as well.
We got it in 2020. Last year, it went up to $1100, which is still a great deal in this area of Boquete, especially considering all the upgrades we've gotten from our amazing landlord!
@minorjoystudios Hi Cristopher! Thanks for letting us take a peek into your life. I will be moving to Boquete this December by myself. Can you recommend your realtor? Thanks!😊 ☀️
@@BeachGirl-ud6tg best to look when you get here. When you do, drop me a line, me and the wife can get a drink at Mike's, I can introduce you to some of the regulars and I'll be happy to hook you up with our realtor
Yes, but it's expensive. Also, there are certain cars that everyone works on, such as Hondas. If you have a more uncommon vehicle, repairs will be expensive and time consuming. Recommend you buy a vehicle here.
Most people do not move to overseas destinations looking for work because the unemployment is very high. There are also restrictions ensuring jobs are for locals. But many move overseas and start a business. Bar/ restaurants or they work online and have a job prior to moving. Thank you for viewing!
Just so people know. In Panama it's illegal to work without a work permit. The Friendly Nation's Visa does not entitle you to work. You need to apply for it separately. Yes you can start a company but you can't hire yourself unless you have a work permit. You can hire Panamanians to work for you. The law also states that a maximum of 10% of employees can be foreigners. And please don't try to do the visa yourself, you do need to hire a lawyer. Also getting a work permit is not as easy as it used to be and you need to have your Friendly Nation's Visa first before you can apply for it.
@@adventurefreaksss Your welcome. The reason why I say that you need to hire a lawyer is because the government keeps changing the requirements. If you don't have a lawyer then you will not be know when and what they are changing
I believe it will become too expensive, by the time we retire(2/3 yrs.) It looks like we'll take our chances in the coffee region of Colombia. It will help that my wife's a native.
Isn't there concern about the deteriorating situation in Panama because of the worsening drought affecting the Canal shipping, the economy, the closure of the mining industry, and the illegal migrant situation?? People must be crossing Panama off of their expat lists along with Mexico and Ecuador.
@@dovygoodguy1296Merida Mexico is the second safest place in the northern hemisphere. It’s a few hours away from Cancun and a wonderful place to live in Yucatan peninsula. Quebec Canada is the only city safer w population about a million.
Yeah, i was paying 1400 in Kennesaw, GA for a tiny 1 bedroom apt. Here I'm renting a nice sizes house in town. There are cheaper places in town, as low as 500, but they are smaller. They often include all utilities. Things get cheaper the farther out you go.
Drives me nuts that he doesn't know how to pronounce Boquete. It's not Boh-Kettie. It's Boh-KE-tay. argh. It makes me think he hasn't really been out and about meeting people there.
The rain is ridiculous, the prices to eat out are really expensive, a lot of good things but one thing it is not is CHEAP. If you want cheap go to SE Asia.
It really depends on where you go. We have three restaurants where a meal is under $10. We have others where they're reasonable and some that are way over-priced. In general, we've found prices reasonable in Boquete and in other parts of Pana, they are extremely cheap.
@@minorjoystudios and it depends on where you’re coming FROM. I live near San Francisco, CA, and everything here is crazy expensive (food, housing, gas, medical), so moving to pretty much anywhere in Panama is going to be cheaper.
Yes, you are right. But how often do you hear about such thing happening in Panama compared to others countries ex USA, Mex and Colombia, which it’s basically a daily occurrence.
@@normagertz9055 It happens all around the world that people disappear, it does NOT happen often that authorities try to cover what actually happened and with these two girls it is very clear here in Europe that in that place they knew and they tried to cover up...period
It's literally one case, and the jury is still out on what really happened, although everyone has their own opinions. However, Panama is safer than most places in the US.
@@minorjoystudios You can call me many things, but ‘old’ is not ok. Lol. You do you, dude. Nails and all. Thanks for the video. I’m headed down there shortly to find a place to live.
=================================
How to work with me:
=================================
😎 One-on-one Consulting for planning your move abroad: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/50min
Terrific interview. Thank you. I am planning on going down there soon and checking it out.
Panama has been on my list for awhile and this video helped me realize it’s time to start making plans sooner than later. 👍👍
Thank you! And thank you for viewing our content!!
I want to leave but need to find how to get started
These podcasts really helps if anyone is confused of the retirement destination. Thumbs up.
Excellent interview. Just back from Boquete. The people are kind, enjoyed the food, and the library park was amazing. Thank you for confirming our experience.
The library is incredible! And check out our new park!
Living here in Boquete (Bajo) downtown and walking distance to everywhere from Alberta Canada. Power is $21.00, and gas is about 5- $7.00 per month. Fresh fruits and veggies within walking distance. The rent for a new building is $750.00 for one bedroom. 85-90 restaurants in town from local food to Italian/Chinese food - from $3.00 to $50.00.
Thank you for this addition!!
That is real? I am at Alberta Canada. I will go there this year to find out, thank you very much for the information
planning to retire there this coming December. really enjoyed this video... hope to cross paths with you christopher.
That would be great!
Rents are going up!
A Pensionado visa also gives you discounts for seniors.
This guy really knows the Value of having a good Mic . The voice of a radio Talk Show Host . good info . It's always comforting to get together with expats but learning another Language , you've got to be with the Locals who don't speak any English .
Have a house in Alto Boquete and an island house on Loma Partida. We love Boquete. We did just visit Medellin Colombia... beautiful mountain towns.
How are the costs for a small house with a few acres of land?
can't wait to visit Boquete.
I am seriously wanting to move to boquete!
950 is high in mountains ⛰️ of Panama 🇵🇦. But happiness is key
I agree. Boquete has been discovered for hardcore expats who do some digging. Many have moved there over the past few years, which has driven rentals up. But you can still get great rentals just outside the city!! Thanks for commenting@shabadime10!
TOO MANY RUclipsRS OVER ADVERTISING BOQUETE
Great interview and thanks for the information! Visited Panama City and now considering a tour throughout the who country to explore a possible place to retire abroad.
@@Explorer63-k6d thank you!
Great interview
Thanks all the tips bros. I love it.
Thanks!
So happy I found your channel, just a tip I think you could ask for a prices of a typical meal. Because people spend in restaurants differently. Also the rent/buying a car would be nice to know also
Thank you for this feedback!
Love Mikes!!
Thank you for viewing!
For me, Boquete has that perfect eternal spring climate. But I can imagine Boquete coming more and more expensive, like Costa Rica.
Great video! Great Guy! On my way! 😂☀️🏝️💯
Thank you!
Hey guys, great video. Thank you.
I just retired in the US. Wooohooo. I was so looking forward to it. I'm starting to plan my first trip to Panama for later this year. I'll go ahead and apply for the Pensionado Visa while I'm there. I think I'll try 6 weeks in Panana for my first trip there
Congrats! Keep us posted on your progress!!
Important to know that there is one thing you need to do while still in the US, in order to apply for a visa, and that’s get fingerprinted for an FBI criminal background check. It’s my understanding that you can’t do that while in Panama. The other doc you need to provide to an immigration attorney, is a letter from SSA that states your monthly benefit amount (min monthly amount for one person is $1000).
great video but I couldn't find Christopher Minori on FB,, does anyone have more contact info for him, or others in Boquete,,, thanks much, looking forward to being in 'Boquete within a few months
I let him know you're inquiring! Thanks for viewing!!
Christopher said to send him a message via FB messenger. Search him on FB. Cheers!
Good stuff! Wished you would have asked him about the negatives of living there and the difference between a $320 per month apartment versus the more expensive ones except that the cheaper ones are further out. Also, please try to interact with those who take the time to comment.
Most of the differences have to do with size and how close to main street they are.
@@minorjoystudios Thank you.
Please bargain down prices to prevent inflation
It is getting more and more expensive to live in Panama. In order to live in Panama cheaply you need to lower your standards. For example, if you need a 300 dollar per month rental, you need to look for something very rustic and small. Away from beaches. Away from areas where Xpats live. Real estate is no longer cheap in Panama. Everything has gone up in price. I think its worth it to come to Panama to visit and see for yourself. If you can tolerate living like the locals live it is cheap to live in Panama. If you want to duplicate the lifestyle you left back home, you will find it expensive.
Well said! Thank you
I can imagine that with all the Americans pouring into Boquete the prices are going to shoot into orbit in a few years. It happened in Costa Rica and Portugal. Here's hoping it will remain affordable outside the city, and I could take buses and taxis in and out as needed. I want to get by without a car if possible.
Yes, Boquete has been discovered, offering the best weather year around 70 degrees. You can still find some buys outside of the town but you may need a vehicle if you choose that. Keep us posted on your journey!
@@adventurefreaksss I just saw a video on Volcan. That seemed appealing to me, and it said they have good bus and taxi service. The rainy season seems like the biggest problem from my perspective, but I keep hearing that it's not all day every day. Seems like flooding would be a real hazard.
Is pork readily available and inexpensive
The guest took 20 years to answer the rent question, OMG
@@kevinstrong7520 patience is kindness my friend:)
@@adventurefreaksss Rentals will be going up!
Could you give me a local agent with whom we could work to help us lease a property for the long term?Thanks
Please let them know we sent you:). Bryan Saez
Licensed Real Estate Broker PN-5431
Bienes Raíces Casa Solution, S. A.
www.casasolution.com
Avenida Central
Bajo Boquete, Chiriquí
Republic of Panama
011-507-720-1331 (office)
011-507-720-2807 (fax)
011-507-6972-5622 (cell)
wa.link/lyp6v6 (WhatsApp)
He must have got his lease agreement a few years ago .. $950 a month is long gone. I was there for almost 3 months in May, Jun and Jul 23' (the rainy season) and most decent rentals where $1200+, still better that the US but I know several people who move out of Boquete due to inflated rentals ... priced out of paradise!!
Thank you for this addition!
Most places in Boquete don't have A/C -- don't need it. Which means your monthly electrical bill will be significantly lower than in hotter climates. So, there's that to consider as well.
We got it in 2020. Last year, it went up to $1100, which is still a great deal in this area of Boquete, especially considering all the upgrades we've gotten from our amazing landlord!
@minorjoystudios Hi Cristopher! Thanks for letting us take a peek into your life. I will be moving to Boquete this December by myself. Can you recommend your realtor? Thanks!😊 ☀️
@@BeachGirl-ud6tg best to look when you get here. When you do, drop me a line, me and the wife can get a drink at Mike's, I can introduce you to some of the regulars and I'll be happy to hook you up with our realtor
Interesting, appears it’s a popular retirement city for Americans.
Yes very desirable destination for expats!
$950, $750 = not inexpensive. Thats half of some people's socizl security che k
I'm retiring next year and my social security check should be about $1800- $2000 a month
No beach no move😢
Lol, its an hour away from a beach. Best of both worlds, cool temps and a beach nearby:)
Oh ok, thx , i will check it out when there in january to april
Thx
Can you bring your car when you move there?
Yes, but it's expensive. Also, there are certain cars that everyone works on, such as Hondas. If you have a more uncommon vehicle, repairs will be expensive and time consuming. Recommend you buy a vehicle here.
Can young families (tradesman) move to Boquete and make it? or mainly for retirement? ty
Most people do not move to overseas destinations looking for work because the unemployment is very high. There are also restrictions ensuring jobs are for locals. But many move overseas and start a business. Bar/ restaurants or they work online and have a job prior to moving. Thank you for viewing!
Very difficult for gringos to find a job here. Best to bring a remote job with you.
Way too much rain!
Perfect for showers in the morning:)
❤
Thank you Stephanie!
I am in Pedasi now....Boqete sounds a lot better...100 degrees today...music scene is boring...thanks for your video
Just so people know. In Panama it's illegal to work without a work permit. The Friendly Nation's Visa does not entitle you to work. You need to apply for it separately. Yes you can start a company but you can't hire yourself unless you have a work permit. You can hire Panamanians to work for you. The law also states that a maximum of 10% of employees can be foreigners. And please don't try to do the visa yourself, you do need to hire a lawyer. Also getting a work permit is not as easy as it used to be and you need to have your Friendly Nation's Visa first before you can apply for it.
Thank you for this addition!
@@adventurefreaksss Your welcome. The reason why I say that you need to hire a lawyer is because the government keeps changing the requirements. If you don't have a lawyer then you will not be know when and what they are changing
Grreat advice!! Thank you@@nicolaa9672
I think I will not go there, to expensive and complicated.
@@WolfF2022It's not complicated. It's a lot easier and cheaper than getting a residential visa for other countries.
I believe it will become too expensive, by the time we retire(2/3 yrs.) It looks like we'll take our chances in the coffee region of Colombia. It will help that my wife's a native.
The coffee region is like living in Tuscany but without the wine and instead amazing coffee! I really like Colombia as an option!!
Isn't there concern about the deteriorating situation in Panama because of the worsening drought affecting the Canal shipping, the economy, the closure of the mining industry, and the illegal migrant situation?? People must be crossing Panama off of their expat lists along with Mexico and Ecuador.
It hasn't really slowed people moving there. Panama has become a hotspot for expats around the globe. Panama City, David, Boquete are leading the way.
why do you say Mexico is being crossed off of lists??
@@YouGotOptions2 My lists. I can't see myself traveling there as the cartels are spreading like cancer throughout Mexico.
@@dovygoodguy1296Merida Mexico is the second safest place in the northern hemisphere. It’s a few hours away from Cancun and a wonderful place to live in Yucatan peninsula. Quebec Canada is the only city safer w population about a million.
@@2Rugrats9597 That means very little anymore in a country being taken over by the cancer of cartels with a powerless government.
$950 a month is still expensive. Sure, if you are from NYC, Chicago, or Atlanta it may be a good deal.
Yeah, i was paying 1400 in Kennesaw, GA for a tiny 1 bedroom apt. Here I'm renting a nice sizes house in town. There are cheaper places in town, as low as 500, but they are smaller. They often include all utilities. Things get cheaper the farther out you go.
Is there employment for a US citizen in Boquete? college?
There is some employment opportunities for those who are bilingual, but it's not easy to get a job
Drives me nuts that he doesn't know how to pronounce Boquete. It's not Boh-Kettie. It's Boh-KE-tay. argh. It makes me think he hasn't really been out and about meeting people there.
A lot of Americans insist on saying names like they were English words.
I know everyone in town. I struggle with a "New Yawk" accent, which, as we all know, is just barely English.
Bring your car, not a place to live without one, just my observation.
Bringing a car is so expensive. Much better to buy a car once you get here.
@@minorjoystudiosYou can't get around with bus / taxis? I am looking for a retirement situation in the next few years and don't plan on having a car.
The rain is ridiculous, the prices to eat out are really expensive, a lot of good things but one thing it is not is CHEAP. If you want cheap go to SE Asia.
I'm hearing this a lot about Boquete. Thanks for this addition!
It really depends on where you go. We have three restaurants where a meal is under $10. We have others where they're reasonable and some that are way over-priced. In general, we've found prices reasonable in Boquete and in other parts of Pana, they are extremely cheap.
@@minorjoystudios and it depends on where you’re coming FROM. I live near San Francisco, CA, and everything here is crazy expensive (food, housing, gas, medical), so moving to pretty much anywhere in Panama is going to be cheaper.
Please stop using the word cheap. It is insulting to the locals who struggle to make ends meet.
For how local authorities behaved with the Dutch girl's murder case in Boquete, I would NEVER EVER come there, literally shameful
Yes, you are right. But how often do you hear about such thing happening in Panama compared to others countries ex USA, Mex and Colombia, which it’s basically a daily occurrence.
@@normagertz9055 It happens all around the world that people disappear, it does NOT happen often that authorities try to cover what actually happened and with these two girls it is very clear here in Europe that in that place they knew and they tried to cover up...period
It's literally one case, and the jury is still out on what really happened, although everyone has their own opinions. However, Panama is safer than most places in the US.
this old man has painted nails??? lol Whats wrong with some mens?
Freedom to do as you like, that's a real paradise!
He directs plays. It’s probably for the show?!?
Even if it’s not it’s him
I don't have any issues with you making fun of my nails, but calling me OLD?!? I'm 57! You just broke my heart, lol!
@@minorjoystudios You can call me many things, but ‘old’ is not ok. Lol. You do you, dude. Nails and all. Thanks for the video. I’m headed down there shortly to find a place to live.
Thank you!🪻🌷🪻 And pensioners get discounts on restaurants, movies, entertainment!🪻
Excellent and very informative interview!🪷🌷🪷
Panama Residency Guidance: weyermann.xyz/en/pensionado-visa-panama-for-pensioners/?ref=adventurefreaksss