Retiring in Boquete

[Michael]

Is it possible to retire in Boquete on $,1600 fixed income. Would that rent me a nice apartment or home and could I get by without an auto to cut expenses and have money left over. I am male62yrs old

[jim seltzer]

Hi
Do you have a dog that you are wanting to bring to Boquete?
Bringing a dog takes some detailed planning due to the 10 day time period that is allowed to acomplish a list of requirements in order to bring a dog into Panama. We have the name of a dog broker that is very helpful if you are flying here with one.
Also, if the dog is not traveling in the plane with you, it must go as cargo and there is a set temperature maximum allowed by the airlines that will take dogs.

I think that you might find buying a used car would be more condusive to seeing things, going shopping in David, or visiting friends. People living in Boquete can be up in the mountains, out in a subdivision or in town ,etc. making them spread out quite a distance.

Also, you will probably want to consider getting a lawyer to help you with obtaining your retirement visa. Going to immigrations can be a challenge, especially until you learn some Spanish.

There are quite few people living here that are in your age group, us included.
It is so beautiful here, I think you will love it! Just be prepared to do some good planning to get the things done that are required to move here.
Hope this helps you!
Best wishes
OLIVIA

[Lee Zeltzer]

Michael a few items
First to get and idea of rents I suggest you contact a local real estate person like Vicky Wilson on this site. If you do not live either in the town of Boquete or along the road to David you will most likely find a car important. I always suggest six months visiting and renting before you consider a move, Boquete is not for everyone and everyone is not for Boquete so you might find it's not for you.
Tourist Visas are back to 90 days if you are from the the US or Canada and can be redone with a short trip to Costa Rica.

[Roger]

You've asked a plethora of questions, which I'll try to answer from my perspective, having lived here for 2.5 years.
The resident visa will cost you about $1000 + the cost of bringing a dog. Many people come to check it out (as I did), then return and 'get their life in order'. You'll need a police report, letter detailing your passive income (such as Social Security or pension) and your passport. You DON'T need plane reservations out to visit, the visitors visa is good for 30 days, renewable for another 60.
There are gringos here without cars and they get around fine. You will have to learn Spanish. It is the utmost arrogance and disrespect to move to a country and not learn their language.
There's a great sense of community here, both by the foreigners and the boquetaños.
There are many opportunities to contribute. I help with Little League baseball and animal sterilization. Go to www.boquete.org and check it out, as well as this site.
When are you thinking of coming? We're just coming out of the dry period and going into the rainy period, which should peak in Oct-Nov.
Depending on where you want to live will determine the rental price. Most rentals run $700-1200/month. The highlands are higher, the lower areas, lower. The climate is slightly different - Boquete has 5 distinct microclimates.

[Michael]

Roger, From what Ive been able to find ou you must apply for a permanent visa if you intend on retiring in panama which from what i see costs about $900 and you must apply before going otherwise you have to have reservations on a flight out of the country to renew your temp visa.From what you say I would be able to retire comfortably in Boquete without an auto and have plenty left over. Are these style cabanas currently available in Boquete, are they furnished and can you have a pet such as a dog. How would I go about securing a cabana of this type ahead of time and could I see pictures. Im loaded with questions. Is plenty of English spoken in Boquette and is their a sense of community. Thank you for responding, deeply appreciated. I would also like to be involved in some charitable work while living there such as helping the indigent poor.

[Roger]

Yes, you can live quite comfortably here for that. For instance, I have a studio cabana for $300/month. Local taxis are $0.50 and there are buses to David ($1.50) and Panama City ($15). Once you get your jubilado visa, there are discounts mandated by law for you. You can eat 3 meals/day out for about $15-20, depending upon your tastes and preferences.