Panama in general, Boquete in particular

[Gary R. Bennett]

We are retired and currently living in Northern California. We will be visiting Boquete in April or May 2009 with the idea of possibly relocating. Initially we are looking at opening a CD account with a reputable Panamanian bank and any input or suggestions would be appreciated. We may be flying a small aircraft to Panama & we would love to hear from anyone with information regarding small aircraft facilities at David. We will also be looking at property in the Boquete area and would appreciate any suggestions as to who to contact. Any other general comments about Panama in general and Boquete in particular is welcomed.

[Bob Wolfe]

Hi Gary,

Welcome to Panama. As to the banks, all of the local banks are reputable, some are multi-national. All can help you with the issues you raised. You will need a letter of reference from your local bank, and perhaps a local reference to open an account here. You may be able to fill out the paperwork here so they will have it, then do a transfer when you go back to the states. You are not supposed to travel with more than 10K. Transfers can be expensive, but you might be able to have your bank courier a guaranteed check in order to open the account. In any event, there are multiple ways to do it.
Regarding money, to save yourself a lot of time, it is best not to bring large demonination bills. Anything over a twenty may involve 20-30 additional minutes in line, showing ID, signing registers, making copies of the bills, etc.

Regarding the small plane, David has services and facilities for your aircraft. Moises Turner is the primary Air Traffic Controller there, and he can be reached at 6538-7266 (Panamanian cell, 011 access then 507 area code). He speaks perfect english, if that is a consideration. Just as a heads up, he also sells insurance and offers newcomer services. I will let that rest where it may fall, but ATC is his primary function.

There has been, and may continue to be, a shakeout with real realtors versus non-realtors, and it can still be a "wild west" experience when dealing with realtors. Be aware that real estate representation laws are different here versus the states, so it may well be a very different experience. My dentist once told me that "All of Panama is for sale, and everyone is a realtor." That is a true statement. I have bought and sold one house here, rented, purchased lots, and purchased another home. This is nothing against anyone else out there but Ulises Guerra of Boquete Higlands Real Estate has helped me with multiple transactions, as well as assisted with 'where to go, who to call' issues for me for about five years. He is fair, honest, and again, speaks perfect English if that will help. I am sure you will get other posts with other recommendations. The best rule of thumb here is to talk to multiple people and get multiple recommendations. Remember, it is the wild west in some ways, usually the ways that have a cost attached. Many people have something to sell, even if it isn't readily apparent at first.

Another general comment is that it is difficult to find a good, honest, competent attorney that doesn't want to buy a new SUV with their next fee. All seem to be "experts" at immigration law, property tranfers, and setting up corporations. Just what every gringo needs. I have met cab drivers and seamstresses who were also attorneys. I have been through five attorneys before finding one who is good, honest, competent, and already has a nice house and SUV, reasonable fee structure, understands the expat, and has a practice set up to the expectations of people like you coming into the country.

Best regards,

Bob Wolfe

[Gary R. Bennett]

Bob, Your input is much needed and appreciated, Your attorney sounds good, if you don't mind we would appreciate a referal ([e-mail]). We were initially thinking of contacting several attorneys in Panama City to make a selection and set up a Corporation and bank account, but maybe a local attorney would be a better choice. I will contact Moses if we decide to fly ourselves out. Thanks again, Gary & Suzy

[Gary R. Bennett]

Thanks for the input, good information. We will give Joy a call to set up an appointment when we get our arrival time nailed down. Lloyds website and "helloboquete.com" both have great information, thanks for the referral. Regards, Gary & Suzy

[Allan]

Hi Gary,

Like you mentioned you are planning to do, I also flew a small aircraft into Panama recently, from Canada. It was a very interesting trip in our Cherokee 6 and went very smoothly aside from dodging storms along our route the USA. We elected to go the Miami - Grand Cayman - Panama route rather than through Central America, as it is shorter, keeps you away from some countries you might not be interested in visiting and keeps you away from the mountains. We did land in Bocas first to clear customs and immigration and then flew on to Chame, near Coronado where our aircraft is based. There is no 100 LL fuel in Bocas so we carried extra from Grand Cayman and transferred it to the tanks in Bocas. To fly a N numbered aircraft in Panama, you will need a circulation permit, which is good for 90 days and costs $10. I'll also check with my aircraft partner to see what other documentation you might need unless you have that info already. I flew over to David last weekend and had a good experience there. There is a small FBO (Mapiex) but no 100 LL fuel on the field which might be a problem if you don't feel like flying to Panama City to fill up all the time. I believe Allbrook is the only airport in the country with 100 LL and the current price is $5.19/gallon which is a little steep with oil prices there they are today. Their jet fuel is between $2 and $3 so hopefully the 100LL price comes down eventually or perhaps your aircraft is STCed for auto gas. David has a telecommunication room where you go to fill out a flight plan before each flight. I am told that a flight plan is a requirement down here. For the uncontrolled airports like our home base - Chame, you just call up Panama Radio on 126.9 once airborne and air-file your flight plan. Radio coverage in Panama appears to be good and I have never had trouble for my flights between Panama City, Bocas, David and Colon. Controllers are all bilingual although some more so than others.

So where are you flying from and what are you driving?

Allan

[Gary R. Bennett]

Thanks for the contact we appreciate it. As far as aircraft we may be flying a Vans RV8A if we complete it in time or my Cessna 172XP. Either way our route would be 09CL (our homebase near Auburn, Ca.) to Prescott, Arizona to visit relatives & then along the Southern border of Texas into Mexico. From Mexico to Tical, Guatemala, over flying El Salvador and Nicaragua to Costa Rica and on to David. There is a good chance we will end up flying commerical into Panama City & drive a rental car to Boquete, depends upon weather and how much time we can take. I have to contact the Panamanian equivalent of the FAA for information on the required paperwork & regulations. I suppose the circulation permit allows you to fly around Panama for 90 days? My E-Mail is [e-mail] if you want to talk direct. Regards, Gary & Suzy Bennett