Useful Information for Expats

Panama Residency Visa Requirements

Once you have decided to change the cold weather for a tropical and sunny day at the beach. There are just few places in the world that are still affordable and if you have done your ...

Preparation is key to a smooth property transaction.

Deciding to sell your property takes a lot more than sticking a price tag on it, calling a real estate advisor and sitting back to wait for a buyer. Oh no. There is ...

Panama Public Holidays 2012

Panama Public Holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period

Need to Pay a Traffic Ticket? Here’s How

I received a parking ticket in Panama City, which had been adhered to the driver's window of my vehicle. You do not have to go into Panama City to take care of it. The closest ...

New to Panama? Be Prepared to Experience Culture Shock

Now that it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, we see new people arriving in Panama almost every day, here at the beaches. In getting ready to move to Panama, there are ...

Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room. We have now been in Panama for three rainy seasons and this year is the only year I ...

What is a Property Tax Exoneration in Panama and, do I have it?

It is important to understand that Panama’s Property Tax Exoneration is actually a Property Improvement Tax Exoneration. That means that you as a property owner are still ...

Reading a Good Book in Panama

I have to admit before I arrived in Panama almost 3 years ago, I had almost given up on reading. Being involved in the Corporate Rat Race, drinks with the girls after work, commuting and and all the ...

Kids Stuff - Part II - Going to School in Panama

You have made the decision to move to Panama. You are packing up all your worldly possessions and the family is embarking on a new adventure. As many of us already ...

Shopping On-Line and Shipping to Panama

I was recently in need of a new pair of Prescription eye glasses and after visiting a few of the regular shops in Panama, I realized that I was facing the same ...

“Panama has the best drinking water in the world” – True or False?

This was the standard phrase, when I talked with locals about the quality of drinking water in the city and in the interior, one year ago. This situation ...

Oferta Simple = Simply the Best Deals in Panama

Getting a good bang for our buck! From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep we are always on alert for a great deal and value for our money. It ...

Kids Stuff - What we do for Fun - Part 1

I never thought that by moving to Panama, my life would become as active and as social as it has. We are of the type that will try anything once, and most of the time we end up ...

Let Union Fenosa Know That You Are Alive! - ‘Fe de Vida’ by July 31, 2011

If you are alive and well, living in Panama and receiving the Pensionado discount on your monthly electric bill from Union Fenosa, please notify them, in person, before ...

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming ...

CASA - Commercial Phone Listings

Commercial Phone Directory (Surrounding areas and more) ...

The Moldy Season

The rain is coming and soon we will be amidst green grasses, lush flora, gentle sea breezes and great afternoon storms. The only downside of this season is the unwanted house guest: MOLD. It is a silent ...

Taking A Taxi in Panama City

Who ever knew that taking a taxi in Panama could be a sport? I live at the beaches and do not like driving in the city or to the city. I will do it but I would much rather hop ...

Panama Property Tax Rebate, and Switch

According to a recent article in the daily, La Prensa, property owners have a great opportunity to pay a lower tax rate. All you have to do is voluntarily re-valuate your property and pay your lower rate on a higher tax base.Anyone who voluntarily re-valuates their property by June ...

Long live the 20-year property tax exemption

Panama’s President signed the Law to extend the 20-year tax break on April 15, 2008. Not only was April 15th a good day for ...

Panama Offers Free Medical Insurance for Tourists - What a Concept! - Cancelled

We heard about it, we read about it and we waited to see if it would really happen. Two weeks ago, I laid eyes on a 30 day free tourist medical card. It is real ...