Thinking about driving to Panama from the US to live?

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Charlie

If you want to reside in Panama, youwill need to apply for a visa. If you are retiring there it is easy. if you want to work there, you will need a work visa..not eay to get and wages are low. You can learn about visa requirements at site below. Scroll down to where it says, " Travelling to Panama" in red letters. You would not pay taxes there unless you buy property there or are employed there.

soar_2307

In order to drive from the United States, you will need to drive throughout the following countries:

1. Mexico
2.Guatemala
3. Honduras
4. Nicaragua
5. Costa Rica
and finally
6. Panama

This is the only way for you to drive to Panama by car.

conde_c_b

for you to come to Panama, from the States, it is easier on your pocketbook if you fly on over, hunt around for an apartment and also look for a job.

please keep in mind that for a bank branch manager, he or she will get 3,000 or more depending on his/her level of workmanship.

M L

If you are very adventerous, patient and speak some spanish... great!

1st - you have to get there, through customs in each country along the way. You would best be prepared to have apostilled copies of your ownership documents, several extra copies for each border and arrange your route, insurance, fuel and lodging before going. Plan on NOT driving at night. Also plan on bringing spare parts if possible, the roads can be rough and your car will get a beating! Other than that its pure adventure and... be prepared to fees for the borders and some stops along the way (so bring enough cash).

2nd - When you get to Panama you will have 90 days as a tourist. You then will need residency in some form. Retiree plan is great and has lots of benefits, you must have a pension income. Otherwise there are many other types of visas available. Insurance recently became mandatory, so plan on buying that in Panama before coming (I can recommend you some english speaking agents if you like). Basic compulsory liability for a year runs about $160. Once you switch your car over, the registration is annual and very cheap, but the import tax (if you don't get an exemption) is about 20% of the value that the customs agent decides your car is worth.

lalocaindianagirl

My Dad and brother made the trip because there was a recall on a truck that they had purchased in the States. They said it was awful. The worst part being that there are no good roads in Mexico and definitely no signs worth reading. I'd be very careful!

Henry

Don't even think about making the drive unless you have a lot of experience south of the border and speak passable Spanish. While many folks have done so, there are also lots of horror stories about losing everything and paying bribes at border crossings.

If you think Panama might be the place for you, fly down and spend a few weeks. Most of us locals recommend spending at least 6 months and preferably a year in Panama before making a decision.

Panama is not an easy place for foreigners to find work, and wages are low. Retirees, and I am one, find it a good place to live with most of the amenities you are used to, good health care, and lower cost of living.

Check out the Yahoo groups on Panama. Here's a place to start.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RETIREnPANAMA/

ajs

It is a looong drive and is not worth it, specially with gas pricess so high. My uncle did it in the 70's and the car was a mess at the end of the trip.
As far as getting your visa, etc to live in Panama, you have to contact an immigration attorney. If you are retired you automatically qualify for retired visa, if not you have to get a business visa or marry a panamanian woman.
Taxes are not a big deal, specially of you are over 64. Lots of exceptions for the elderly.

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