affordable beach towns in Panama Archives

Last Updated Aug 30, 2019 - by Jackie Lange

Why David Panama Should Be On Your Radar

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…]

Last Updated Sep 10, 2019 - by Jackie Lange

Funky Beach Communities in Panama

About half the people who come on a Panama Relocation Tour want to live near a beach. The other half prefer the cooler mountain weather which we visit also. During a Panama Relocation Tour, we visit several beach communities which offer a variety of different prices.

We focus on the beach communities which offer the most amenities without driving more than 10-20 minutes to buy groceries, see a doctor, banks, hospitals with emergency rooms, restaurants and shopping opportunities like clothes or hardware stores. Of course, reliable electricity, water and internet are top priorities too. A good road to get to the communities and houses is important too.

There are plenty of other beach communities in Panama, but unfortunately, they do not have very many amenities close by, so we don’t usually visit those areas. Most people, especially retirees, do not want to drive an 30-60 minutes to go to a nice grocery store, restaurant, doctor or a hospital.

When selecting a place to live in Panama, it’s important to think 5 or 15 years ahead and whether you will still be comfortable making a one-hour drive to see a doctor or buy groceries. If you have pre-existing medical conditions it is especially important to select an area that is close to doctors and a hospital.

Most people who come on a Panama Relocation Tours are also looking for ways they can reduce their living expenses. What’s affordable for one person may be cost prohibitive for others. Driving an hour to buy groceries adds to your living expenses not to mention the hassles involved.

The three most affordable beach communities on the Pacific side of Panama, which also have plenty of amenities, are (1) near the Coronado area, (2) the Azuero Peninsula near Chitre and Las Tablas and (3) in far western Panama in Puerto Armuelles.

NEAR CORONADO

Coronado has every amenity you could possibly want or need but it is also one of the most expensive areas to live outside of Panama City. However, if you drive just a few miles east or west of Coronado there are more affordable options like:

Gorgona is more affordable than Coronado yet you are only a few miles away from all the amenities in Coronado. In Gorgona, there are a few small grocery stores, some restaurants and bars plus a nice beach where you can swim and buy fresh fish every day. In addition to houses to rent, there are several ocean front condo complexes in Gorgona.

[Read more…]

Last Updated Jun 23, 2017 - by Jackie Lange

What’s The Customer Service Like in Panama?

You may have heard that customer service is not so good in Panama. I’ve actually had great experience with customer service. But, it’s because I read a lot about Latin culture to know what to expect and not expect. Some examples, if you go to a restaurant they usually will not bring your check until you ask for it. If you’re in a department store, a sales clerk will follow you around. He/she is not watching you to see if you’re going to steal anything; they are actually waiting for you to ask for help so they can come over to assist you. They just do things a little differently in Panama.

Chuck Kent came on my tour several years ago. He wrote me today to share a customer service experience he had. I knew you’d enjoy reading about it so I got permission to share.

Chuck wrote, Please share, without sharing, I would not be here today. Your Tour and your Group of Associates have helped us immensely. As you already know I am not easily impressed but I must say you have done a very impressive job with and through Panama Relocation Tours. Thank you.

I want to add some positive feed back on service in Panama.

I had a problem with water pooling close to the road. The City admitted it was their problem and they would fix it. That was last year. So after we purchased the house, we had too transfer the billing to our name. While there we asked when they would be around to fix the water leak. Well don’t they show up early the next day with a work crew. They dug down and found a broken sewer pipe. Not surprising seeing the house was built in 1939. (see 360 view of the house below)

They worked on trying to clear the house line to the main line at the street, after about 4 hours they approached me and said the damage was not worth fixing. I could make due until they hook up the new sewer lines just installed through out the City or I they could connect me the next day.

Remember I am responsible for the line from the house to the main line on the street. I am thinking in thousands of dollars. They told me I could have it done privately or I can pay them too do it. I thought about it for one second and decided they should do it. This way any problems are their responsibility. I don’t have too deal with them blaming my contractor if something goes wrong. I asked them for a quote. I fixed my self a stiff drink in preparation for the news.

1 Backhoe
1 Backhoe Operator
1 Backhoe Manager
1 Chainsaw and Operator.
3 Labours
1 Supervisor
1 Manager
5 hours labour to complete.
$250.00.

I had too supply the the hardware.

4 inch pipe approx 60 feet and all the couplings.

$63.00 with tax. I ask for my Jubilado Discount for household goods and got it.

I am now hooked too the new sewer system. 1 less chore to do later.

Happy campers in Puerto Armuelles
Chuck & Mary

See a 360 view of the house Chuck and Mary purchased in Puerto Armuelles which is on the far western side of Panama, close to the Costa Rica border.

SEE VIEW HERE

Chuck says, “ It is 1260 Sq Foot raised Tropical Style, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms. Lower section is open air to help with air circulation and cooling. We have Air Conditioners but have not needed to use them. We sit on 2 one acre lots, with approximately 25 to 30 mature Fruit Trees. I can’t say how much we paid for this, but let’s put it this way I couldn’t put a down payment on the condo we live in, in Toronto for the price of this Property.”

Puerto has a population of about 25,000 and has some of the best beaches in Panama. It has a hospital, grocery stores, and some restaurants. It’s also one of the most affordable beach towns in Panama.

Previously, Chiquita Banana was in full operation there but they left in early 2000 over labor disputes. Since then, Puerto has gone in to disrepair. It’s a very Panamanian town. There are very few expats.

Recently, Del Monte signed a 10 year agreement to start up banana operations in the Puerto area again and they have committed to spending $100 million dollars in Puerto Armuelles over the next ten years. So, things are looking up for Puerto!

After the Panama Relocation Tours we make arrangements for those who are interested to meet with people who live in Puerto who know the area very well. There are a lot of hidden gems that very few people even know about there. We’ll show you where they are!

Join us for a Panama Relocation Tour to learn about many other hidden gems throughout Panama!

See this video that some tourist took of a drive through Puerto Armuelles