David is the capital of Chiriqui province which is in far western Panama, next to Costa Rica. It usually ties for the second largest city in Panama with a population of about 170,000.
David has a developed infrastructure yet a much lower cost of living than other places in Panama. Tour clients are renting furnished houses or condos in the $350 to $650 range in David. You can buy a new small house for as low as $50,000 in David
David has an international airport and a major bus terminal with connections throughout Central America. You can even catch a bus from David to the Caribbean side of Panama. With your Pensionado discount, it is only $10.60 to take a bus from David all the way to Panama City (a 7 hour drive) or go to San Jose Costa Rica.
There are two large private hospitals in David plus a large modern public hospital. Every specialist is available in David, including cardiologists. You are never more than 15 minutes away from a 24-hour hospital in David.
The city has several shopping centers and malls. In early 2020, the Federal Mall with 400 stores will open. There are two movie theaters with movies in both English and in Spanish (about $2 for a movie).
There are also countless restaurants (with air conditioning), bars and casinos around the city. American fast food restaurants are readily available in David too.
You’ll never be far from a 24-hour grocery store. There’s a daily farmers market with fresh fruits and vegetables. And there is an amazing fish market with fish that was just caught that morning. David has car dealerships, furniture stores, clothes stores, electronic stores, wine stores, gyms, office supplies, fabric stores and much more. [Read more…]