Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Boquete?
How do I bring my pets to Panama?
What are the retirement benefits for the Pensionado Visa?
Is high-speed internet available?
Can I get phone service in the Boquete area?
Can I obtain insurance in Panama?
Are there medical services nearby?
Do you have a map of Boquete?
Can I get mail service in Panama?
Are there any Bilingual Schools in the Boqete and David area?
Can I open a bank account in Panama?
Can I, as a foreigner, get financing through a Panamanian bank to purchase a property?
Can I get work in Panama?
What type of activities are there in Boquete, Chiriqui area?
How do I get to Boquete?
You can fly to Panama City, Panama, (not Panama City Beach, FL) airport symbol PTY, from most major cities in the US and Europe. Primary airlines providing service are Copa Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
From the Panama City airport take a taxi to Albrook Airport which handles all the domestic flights throughout the country. The taxi ride should be approximately $30.00. There are two airlines that fly to David (pronounced Daveed) each day.
Air Panama
(507)721-0841 / (507)721-0842
(506)290-8413 – In San Jose Costa Rica
www.flyairpanama.com
Aeroperlas
(507)315-7500
(507)775-7779
www.aeroperlas.com
In David you can rent a car or take a taxi to Boquete. David is a 30 minute easy drive from Boquete and the taxi is around $25 if you decide not to rent a car. It is advisable to rent a car in David as you may want to drive around to see the area and there are no rental car agencies in Boquete.
Car Rental Agencies in Enrique Malek Intl Airport, David, Panama
National Car Rental
(507)721-0974
www.nationalcar.com
reservaciones@nationalpanama.com
Alamo Car Rental
(507)721-0101
www.alamo.com
Thrifty Car Rental
(507)721 2477
www.thrifty-pa.com
Budget Car Rental
(507)-775-5597
www.budgetpanama.com
Avis Car Rental
(507)774-7075
www.avis.com.pa
Or you can rent a car in Panama City and drive from Panama City to Boquete. Use the websites above to make your reservations. It will take approximately 6-7 hours and it is highly advisable to do this drive during the day light hours as there are some construction areas that are dangerous at night. The drive is beautiful and it is a straight drive along the Pan American Highway.
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How do I bring my pets to Panama?
1. Contact your airline and find out:
a. If they have a direct flight or at least one where you do not have to change planes.
b. If they will allow your dog to fly on the same flight as you. Some have restrictions due to the
time of day they will accept animals in the cargo hold.
c. Find out what type of "Airline Approved" carrier the dog must travel in and whether they can be
a water dish or bottle (like a in hamster cage).
2. Get from your Veterinarian, a health and vaccine certificate. It might be a single document for the health and vaccine certificate or they might be separate documents. For the US, the Department of Agriculture issues this certificate after the pets have received the vaccination from the Vet. Ask the Vet for details. It is best to get a rabies and all vaccinations no earlier than 90 days prior to arrival and no later than 30 days so that they are all current. The health certificate is APHIS Form 7001 (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) and a lot of Vets are approved to do this form. Banfield Hospital in PetSmart is a USA national chain store that is approved to do the form – you do not have to be patients prior but they will review the Vaccination records from your other Vet. They will give the animal a health exam and complete the APHIS form. Take this form to the Department of Food and Agriculture in our area - there may not be one within driving distance for you so you may call them to inquire about mailing the APHIS Form 7001 for their stamp and certification. The fee is approximately $24.00.
3. Authenticate at a Panamanian Consulate the document (s) above. If you have separate documents for health and vaccine certificates, authenticate the health certificate only. For the US, this is the document issued by the USDA, APHIS 7001. Send by FedEx (so it was traceable) originals of *Rabies Certificate, *Authenticated APHIS Form 7001 from the USDA, *Money Order of $30.00 for each pet. Also include a return FedEx envelope so they immediately return the forms to you. This generally takes 2 days after they arrive in DC. You can call them if you like, they speak english – ask for Pet Certification department, (202) 483-1407. You can FedEx the package to:
Consulate of Panama
2862 McGill Terrace NW
Washington, DB 20008
Attn: Pet Certification
4. Once you have your authenticated forms, a letter and copies of the forms must be sent to the Airport Customs department that will clear your animals. You can have Jose Saenz (tour operator, taxi and helper) assist you with this prior to your arrival. For Jose to get that he needs: the pets name, breed, age, size – height and weight – sex- Jose will pick you and your pet up at the airport and help you get through the vet at customs. Jose’s phone numbers are: (507) 263-7604 cell (507) 614-7811 email: bocasfrog@yahoo.com
Hotels accepting pets in Panama City:
Hotel Albrook
(507) 315 1789
Room rate is $44.00 a day, double $55.00 a day, pet’s charge is $10.00.
ventas@albrookinnpanama.com.pa
A Nice 2 Bedroom Condo Apartment
San Francisco Disctrict
Rate is approximately $60 per night, includes kitchen and maid service. Cat Box
www.bocas.com/condo-panama.htm
Jennifer King
La Cresta de Oro
Bed & Breakfast
info@lacrestadeoro.com
www.lacrestadeoro.com
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What are the retirement benefits for the Pensionado Visa?
Panama offers great incentives for foreigners who live here. For retired people older than 55, Panama offers additional incentives and exonerations of taxes. Come see the beautiful landscapes and very reasonable prices for real estate and you will understand why respected institutions such as AARP and International Living declare Panama one of the best retirement locations in the world.
If you are older than 55 (60 for men) you have the following benefits:
• 50% discount on ticket prices for admission to movies, sporting events, concerts
and other public shows.
• Discount on Panamanian transportation: 30% for buses, trains ships; 25% on flights
within Panama.
• 50% Discount on rack rates for hotel rooms in Panama. (includes, motels, B&Bs,
and resorts). 30% on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
• 25% Off restaurant bills (except those who do not require a commercial license)
• 15% Off fast food franchise meals.
• 15 % discount on hospital services and other health services when it is covered by
health insurance.
• 10% discount in pharmacies, even prescription medicine.
• 20% discount for physician fees, even specialists.
• The 15% discount on health services are applied by insurance companies to their
rates.
• 20% Discount on prosthesis and health products.
• 20% off technical and professional services.
• 50% Discount on costs or commissions of personal and commercial loans.
• 15% Discount on loan rates for personals and commercial loans.
• 1% discount on the interest rates for mortgages taken out for personal uses.
(Except when there are special rates constituted by law.)
• No real estate tax, when you hold real estate in your own name and you have only
one property in Panama.
• 50% Discount on the cost of the passport.
• 25% off electric, telephone services and water bills
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Is high-speed internet available?
In most areas of Panama it is possible to have high-speed internet in your home. This is easily accomplished through wireless connection with the antennas on Volcan Baru and other areas throughout Panama. The local cable company is also working on bringing cable TV and cable speed internet to the more populated areas of Chiriqui.
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Can I get phone service in the Boquete area?
While Cable & Wireless is no longer putting in hard line wires for telephone service many residents have been happy with the services they receive from their cell phones and from Internet based phone services such as Vonage and Skype. The internet phone services depend on the connection speed you receive but offer a viable option at even 256K. You need to check into this service prior to moving to Panama as the hardware you need may be difficult to receive once you are here.
Vonage
(866)243-4357 - Toll Free in US
www.vonage.com
Skype
www.skype.com
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Can I obtain insurance in Panama?
Yes, insurance for cars, homes and property is widely available. We have found an American, english speaking insurance broker that has been helping Expats for many years.
Panama City
Kevin Bradley
Insurance Broker
www.panamakevin.com
kbradley@cwpanama.net
kevin@panamakevin.com
From USA dial 011
Office Phone: +507 263-6450
Cellular: +507 674-1063
Fax: +507 263-6818
US Mailing Address:
Dept. PTY1161
PO Box 025207
Miami, FL 33102-5207
David
Erick R. Candanedo
(507)775-4432 / 3227
(507)775-3940
ecandanedo@cyccpa.com
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Are there medical services nearby?
Yes the health care facilities nearby are very good. There is also state-of-the-art facilities in Panama City.
Recommended hospitals in David:
Centro Medico Mae Lewis
(507)775-4616
maelewis@cwpanama.net
Services offered: Hospitalization, X-Ray, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Intensive Care.
Hospital Chiriqui
(507)774-0128
medicserv00@hotmail.com
Services offered: Hospitalization, X-Ray, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Intensive Care.
Centro Medico San Juan Bautista
(507)720-1881
nonypretelt21@hotmail.com
Services offered: 24 hour urgencies, General Physician, General Surgeon.
Health Insurance recommended:
Medic Service Chiriqui
(507) 774-0128
medicserv00@hotmail.com
Contact: Ixikmy Amador
Seguros E Inversiones Alba
(507)774-4900/774-2936
(507)775-8926
martinalba@cwpanama.net/seinalsa@cwpanama.net
contact: Martin Alba (english spoken)
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Do you have a map of Boquete?
Yes, it is not the most detailed map, but it gives you a general idea and shows the major roads.
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Can I get mail service in Panama?
Yes, you can use the local post offices (correos) and get a mail box with them called an apartado or APDO. Most towns have post offices, but they may not have a box available. You can use general delivery here.
There are also some private mail services that have different monthly programs depending on your needs. The private mail services might be preferred particularly if you do business through the mail.
DHL, Fed Ex and UPS are available throughout the country, but can be expensive.
Below is contact info. For two private mail services:
Mail Boxes Etc . In Panama City
Edificio Marisol
Local # 1, Paitilla
Panama, Rep. De Panama
Tel 507-264-7062
Fax 507-264-7064
www.centam-mbe.com
Mail Boxes Etc. in downtown Boquete
Tel. 507-720-2684
Fax 507-720-1019
Email: mbe-boquete@cwpanama.net
AIR BOX EXPRESS- Aerocasillas
Panama City Tel 507-269-9774 fax 507-269-9396
David 507-775-4512
Boqute 507-720-1027
Email: info@airbox.ws
www.airbox.ws
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Are there any Bilingual Schools in the Boqete and David area?
Yes, Below is the contact info for three most popular in the area:
Bilingual schools in David and Boquete:
Colegio Guadalupano, Boquete
(507) 720-4350
guadalupano@cwpanama.net, web site:
www.es.geocities.com/instituto_guadalupano
Colegio Bilingue Anglo Panameño, David
(507) 774-0080
Fax # (507) 774-2812
anglopa@cwpanama.net
Colegio San Agustin Catholic School, David Telephone #
(507) 775-4338 / 775-3059 /774-7601
Fax # (507) 774-3272, e-mail:
colsadav@cwpanama.com, web site:
www.colsadav.org
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Can I open a bank account in Panama?
Yes, Panama is a world banking center and there are many banks to choose from. What you need to open a bank account is 2 letters of good standing from a bank you bank with at home on their original letter head. The letter should state something to the effect of your name, how long you have been banking with the institution and that you have been a good client of the bank. Bring the letters with you and then you will need a local professional to write a letter of recommendation, which could be your lawyer or realtor when you arrive. Some banks require 2 letters and some only need the one letter from your current bank. HSBC bank requires the letter to be notarized, but most other banks do not have that requirement.
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Can, I as a foreigner, get financing through a Panamanian bank to purchase a property?
Yes, and please read below.
IMPORTANT DETAILS TO KNOW ABOUT PANAMANIAN BANKS AND FINANCING
The banks here can be slow, but they will finance to foreigners that qualify. They require all the documentation of income and debt such as 2 to 3 years tax returns, credit card bills and statements, pension income, etc..
An American bank will not finance a property off shore.
The below banks will finance 50% on raw land.
Also, all the banks here will finance up to 25 or 30 years, however the loan has to be paid off by the time the borrower is 75. So, if you are 60 they will only give you a 15 year loan. If you are 70 or more they will not give you a loan period!
All the banks here require the borrower to get a life insurance policy. To get this policy you have to have a physical by a doctor here in Panama (so be prepared for a trip here again to get that done or do it while you are here if you can not make a second trip for the physical exam) for the insurance company. If you have a health problem like high blood pressure, etc...they won't give you the life insurance policy and hence NO LOAN!
With the above in mind, here are some loan officers in some of the major banks that Speak English:
BANISTMO BANK
Jaime E. Figueroa
Mortgage Loans
www.banistmo.com/mortgages
tel. 011.507. 227.26.66 ext.1101
Cel. 011.507.6.616.12.03
jfigueroa@banistmo.com
SCOTIA BANK
Monique de Roux = monique.deroux@scotiabank.com - 507-6675-3885
Javier García-Vega = javier.garcia-vega@scotiabank.com - 507-208-7791
Wai Lam = wai.lam@scotiabank.com - 507-360-2193
HSBC
Gloria Granados
Boquete Office
(507)720-1300
gloria.l.granados@hsbc.com.pa
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Can I get work in Panama?
It is very difficult to get a "job" anywhere in Central America. Also, wages are much lower than North America.
In Panama you can get a work visa if you work for a company that cannot find a Panamanian who can do the same work. This is in law to protect their citizens' work possibilities. The company and you would have to demonstrate your expertise and that there is no Panamanian that can do this work.
The other way to get a work permit in Panama is with a company that may want you to work for them. All Panamanian companies are allowed up to 10% of their employees to be foreigners.
In either of the above instance you have to get a lawyer to do the paperwork through the ministry of labor and immigration. This can take up to one year or more.
You can own your own business as a foreigner, for example in tourism such as hotels, b&b’s, services, etc. Many foreigners down here also work through the internet in their own homes, such as traders, web site developers, etc.
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What type of activities are there in Boquete, Chiriqui area?
White Water rafting: www.panama-rafting.com
Boquete Tree Trek: www.aventurist.com
Fishing charter out of David: Pesca Panama Fishing Charters, pescapanama@hotmail.com
507-6614-5850 or 507-6524-3851
Coffee Tours: Casa Ruiz, SA, www.caferuiz.com
phone: 507-720-100 fax: 507-720-1292
pruiz@cwpanama.net
Exploration Panama: www.explorationpanama.net
Fishing and Diving - Pacific side out of Boca Chica……beautiful islands;
Phone 507-720-2470
info@explorationpanama.net
