Moving to Boquete, Panama

"We visited here many times before moving and stayed in different areas each time. There are 13 micro-climates here and they vary greatly. Some roads are not good so that may play into housing decisions too. Temperatures vary, even 5 minutes away can make a big difference. There are also areas that get extremely windy in Jan-Feb. Rent before buying," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Come and visit several areas before making the move. We have snakes, though I haven't seen one yet. We do not have mosquitos. If you select an International Mover, avoid Move Management. They are very efficient on the US side, but they use PIR on the Panama side. PIR can't create a ACH to withdraw funds from your checking account, nor can they swipe a debit or credit card. As Manny Rojas in Miami,says, you can always pay in cash. (his relatives in Panama City run PIR) If you do not have two thousand in cash it may take you nine days to get the cash from an ATM, meanwhile, port charges, at $50 per day, keep mounting. I was withdrawing from 2 different banks in the US banks on a daily basis. BTW, every ATM here spits out $20.00 bills. You may have to fight with your US bank to make them understand that there is no Foreign Exchange issue in Panama. Mastercard charged as much as $12 foreign transaction. They have since reduced those fees to $5 or $6. Visa charges $4. If you don't have a place for your goods to be delivered, PIR charges $500 per month or any portion thereof, even one extra day will cost you $500.00. One more thing, if you send them a wire transfer, their bank charges PIR $90, which they will gleefully pass on to you. Bring buckets of cash or avoid Move Management. Your local US contact will drop you like a hot potato as soon as your goods are on the water. There is a storage place on the way to Boquete called Chiriqui Storage run by Hellmut and Linda Pederson. One good sized locker is $100/mo. A 20 ft. container would take two lockers," explained one expat living in Alto Boquete, Panama.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Boquete is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in Boquete. Additionally, you can also search for local real estate agents who specialize in Boquete rentals. They can provide you with more information about the area and help you find the perfect place to live. Additionally, you can also ask around in the local community for recommendations on rental properties," remarked one expat in Boquete, Panama.

"We lived in Panama City for a short time while we were waiting for our goods to arrive. The heat is almost unbearable. We had visited Boquete on previous visits and decided that its mild weather is a good choice. Never too hot or too cold. We purchase a dehumidifier for the rainy season, but you don't need an air conditioner or space heater. A lighted ceiling fan is all you need," said one expat in Alto Boquete.

"I lived in Leon, Nicaragua and was tired of heat, The temperatures here suit me well. I found an apartment in Alto Boquete on the Internet, and took a 6 month lease. I will be moving closer to town as I don't own a car," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"We have a 2 bedroom rental house up the hill from Boquete town. It is our preferred area. We were lucky and planned well in advance of moving here," said one expat in Boquete.

"Typical construction of homes in Boquete, or all of Panama, is lack of insulation. During rainy season the rain drops, size of marbles on a tin roof is deafening. You may want to keep ear plugs nearby," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Expat homes and apartments in Boquete are typically modern and comfortable, with many featuring open-plan living areas, large windows, and balconies with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Many homes and apartments come with amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, and high-speed internet. Expats can also find a variety of housing options, from luxury villas to more affordable apartments. Boquete is a great place for expats to live, with its temperate climate, friendly locals, and abundance of outdoor activities," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"3 bedroom 2 bath homes. In Boquete it is typical to have a home but there are some apartments available. When you make any change to your house you will be overcharged and you will receive poor quality work. Your electricity will be high, and undependable, and you will never have the bill delivered to your house. It is your responsible to know when the bill is due and your responsibility to go to them and pay it. (the Post Office does not deliver mail. you may not even have a street name and house number.)," said one expat in Boquete.

"We are renting a home. It is typical housing; concrete outside. This home has a lot of wood including ceilings. We just paid for an exterminator to gas the house. It is large. It has 4 bedrooms, one barely larger than a closet. The kitchens in older homes have no drawers. Think table service settings. Small countertop, limited storage in overhead cabinets. My eating area has steel shelving that I brought from the US. It provides storage for the mixer, baking equipment extra dishes and bowls. It's has a very Restoration Hardware look about it. I think that new construction has limited storage space as well. If you have books or dvds, buy shelving. Linen closets often don't exist. I store my linens and fabric in antique suitcases. Even if you buy kitchenware in Panama, you have to store it somewhere," said one expat who made the move to Alto Boquete.

"Monthly rental is $905.00 per month cheaper. Housing here is between $600 $700 for two bedrooms. There are real estate people here who will find a house or apartment for you. Be prepared, every local has his hand out. Everyone from the cab drivers to our exterminator will offer to find a house for you. They have contacts and get commissions. But make no mistake, the Panamanians are all good-hearted and mean well. Sometimes strike gold," explained one expat living in Alto Boquete, Panama.

"The cost of housing in Boquete varies depending on the size and location of the property. Generally, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Boquete is around $500 per month, while a three-bedroom house can cost up to $1,500 per month. Prices can also vary depending on the amenities offered, such as a pool or a view," said one expat in Boquete.

"Our rent (including electric, gas and high-speed internet) is less than half of just our mortgage in S. Florida. Tip: if internet is important to you, don't ask, "do you have internet" since everyone can get it. Ask, "what speed internet can I get and how much does it cost?" We pay about $50 for 5G megs mo. Five minutes away it is $150 for 1meg," said one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"We are certain it is less to live there than in the US although....prices are creeping up at least in the grocery stores," explained one expat living in Boquete, Panama.

"Rent. Not difficult, but a bit seasonal. Purchasing is easy, but selling a home takes a very, very long time, so it's advisable to rent first, always," said one expat in Boquete.

"Buying a home in Boquete can be a great investment, as the area is known for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. Renting a home in Boquete can also be a great option, as it allows you to experience the area without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Boquete should be based on your individual needs and preferences," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"I shipped via UPS all "necessary" items to decorate as well as daily living items...towels...sheets and all kitchen cooking supplies including china and silverware from Virginia to Panama City. Additional charge from Panama City to Boquete. No furniture or appliances as they were included in the contract. This was a 3500 K expense but we wanted to move right into the house to start enjoying life and not have to shop when there. This did not happen . "OUR" house was illegally occupied and we were unable to have him evicted and after several months returned to the US. Let me make it clear that it was not a Panamanian but a "Gringo" that we bought from. We remain in litigation...one year. Bottom line..After renting there for months and having time to "find" ourselves I WOULD NOT SHIP ANYTHING. IN PANAMA THERE ARE SO MANY LOCAL AND INTERESTING THINGS FOR A HOUSE and fun to look. Not too far from Boquete near the border of Costa Rica is a great place to start! I gave all away to needy Panamanians and a local church," remarked one expat in Boquete, Panama.

"When moving to Boquete, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and terrain. Bring comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. A raincoat and umbrella are also essential, as Boquete is known for its frequent rain showers. Sunscreen and a hat are also important, as the sun can be quite strong in the area. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring sturdy shoes for walking, as the terrain can be quite uneven. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary medications and toiletries," said one expat in Boquete.

"Things I wished or do not regret bringing: Towels in colors I like, Bed linens and Shoes. Things I wish I left at home: nothing," remarked one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Full size vacuum cleaner. I brought all of my slacks. In Panama we are going through a phase of slacks and jeans with 3" zippers. If your are not wearing a thong, you better have a very long shirt. I don't have any idea when this style will change. There are no Talbot's type shops here. Shoes are reasonably priced. We wish we had brought power tools. They are more expensive here than at Home Depot. If you have a computer, bring a modem. Bring your car. Roads vary from super highways to dirt roads. New cars are expensive in Panama," explained one expat living in Alto Boquete, Panama.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Boquete. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, as shorts and tank tops are generally not considered appropriate attire. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using offensive language. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local environment and to avoid littering or damaging the natural environment," said one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Boquete is a popular destination for expats due to its stunning natural beauty, temperate climate, and low cost of living. The area is known for its lush green mountains, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque coffee plantations. Boquete also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and bird watching. Additionally, the town is home to a vibrant expat community, with many expats choosing to retire in Boquete due to its low cost of living and relaxed lifestyle. With its stunning scenery, temperate climate, and low cost of living, Boquete is an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home," commented one expat who moved to Boquete.

"Boquete offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents and visitors. The town has a modern hospital, Hospital Chiriquí, which provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Additionally, there are several private clinics in Boquete that offer specialized medical services, such as cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology. Boquete also has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For those seeking alternative treatments, there are several spas and wellness centers in the area that offer massage, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies," replied one expat when asked about moving to Boquete.

"Many doctors live in our town and the facilities are quite adequate for expat healthcare," stated one expat who made the move to Boquete.

"Boquete offers a wide range of medical services. The town has several private clinics and hospitals that provide quality medical care. Many of these facilities are staffed by experienced and qualified doctors and nurses. Additionally, Boquete has a number of pharmacies that offer a variety of medications and medical supplies. The town also has a number of medical specialists, such as dentists, optometrists, and physical therapists, who are available to provide specialized care. Boquete also has a number of medical laboratories that offer diagnostic testing and other services. In addition, the town has a number of medical centers that provide emergency care and other medical services," remarked one expat in Boquete.