The Pros and Cons of Moving to Panama

When you are moving to Panama, there is one international mover to do the job right – IntlMOVE.

IntlMOVE will ship all of your household goods and furniture to your new home in Panama to help you get settled.

If you are still in the process of making a decision on whether or not to move Panama, IntlMOVE has put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide on your international move.

There are many benefits to making an international move, so get ready for a great experience.

Pros

When you are planning a move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will likely be moving to a city located near the water.

Moving to Panama for the weather and the beautiful beaches is one reason your decision to move to Panama will be easy.

The weather in Panama rarely varies outside of a 10 degree range, so most days will be 75 – 85 degrees during the day.

Many people moving to Central America are worried about the drinking water.

This is a concern that you do not need to have when moving to Panama.

Most of the water, intended for consumption, is safe to drink.

Make sure you check with the locals before drinking the water, but in most cases, you will be just fine.

If botany or gardening is one of your hobbies, you will love the tropical foliage in Panama.

The warm weather allows for a wide variety of tropical and exotic plants to thrive.

There are a number of beautiful creatures that thrive in this warm weather as well.

There are colorful birds, exotic animals and even some pretty wild looking insects.

Although the cost of living in Panama is probably one of the most expensive in Central America, it is still quite moderate compared to the United States.

Most expats are able to afford very comfortable living accommodations as well as household help.

IntlMOVE can take care of shipping your household goods to Panama, so you don’t have to worry about furnishing your new home in your new country.

Cons

If you have not yet mastered the Spanish language, you will have a problem finding ample reading material if that is a hobby you pursue.

Pack a lot of books along with your household goods and have IntlMOVE ship these with the rest of your personal belongings.

When you have friends or family come down for a visit, ask them to bring along English reading materials.

Keeping in touch with loved ones can be difficult.

International calls can get a little expensive.

However, Skype makes it easy for you to call your loved ones for free.

You can even see each other while making the calls online, so this actually helps with any homesickness you might experience.

If you are used to living in a fast-paced world, be prepared to take it down a notch.

Everything in Panama goes at a slower pace.

Over time, this will be a positive benefit to moving to Panama.

However, many expats find it difficult to deal with the laid back attitude of most Panamanians.

The best advice is to realize this laid back attitude can save you a lot of headaches and a lot of stress, so relax.

If you are shipping your car to Panama with IntlMOVE, be aware of the driving conditions.

They will take some time to get used to!

Traffic can be an issue because of the lack of signs and the erratic ways that Panamanians are used to driving.

However, many people have survived the driving conditions in Panama so don’t let this dissuade you from moving to the tropical paradise.

When you are moving to Panama, log onto the IntlMOVE website for your free international shipping quote.

Move from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl to Panama City, Panama

From: Giampiero Riccio [mailto:giampieroriccio@]
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:21 PM
To: Frank
Subject: Re: Move from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl to Panama City, Panama 10-01-014-18

Hi Frank.
All is fine so far.
I will be referrring you to some friends that are thinking in moving to Panama, if they eventually make up their mind.

Regards,
Giampiero

IntlMOVE – Moving to Panama and the Amador Causeway

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, the Panama Canal and the Amador Causeway should be two of the top things on your to do list.

The Amador Causeway attracts visitors from all over the world and is located at the Southern entrance of the Panama Canal.

If you are moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to live within close proximity of the Panama Canal and all the attractions that make this unique landmark.

The Amador Causeway is made from rocks excavated from the Panama Canal.

It is lined with palm trees to give it a very tropical feel, which just confirms you have moved to paradise.

The Causeway connects four small islands – Flamenco, Perico, Culebra and Naos.

These islands are filled restaurants, a marina, an aquarium and many more attractions.

At one time the Amador Causeway was part of a military base, but it has since been turned into a tourist haven.

The Causeway could only be visited by U.S. military and civilian personnel of the Panama Canal.

Even though it was located in Panama, people from Panama could not visit this area.

When Panama took back control of the Panama Canal, the people of Panama turned the Amador Causeway into a place that everyone could enjoy.

When you are moving to Panama City, Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit this area of the city for many different adventures.

When choosing from one of the many restaurants on these four islands, you will likely find a restaurant with a beautiful view.

You can see the ocean, the Panama City skyline or even the Panama Canal.

There are even some restaurants, like Café Barko, where you can see the skyline and the canal.

If you are in the mood for dinner at a restaurant from back home, you can at TGIF’s.

This restaurant has some of the best views of the Panama Canal.

You can also visit the Amador Causeway to go shopping at one of the many available shopping areas.

If you want to get a little exercise, you can go jogging on the paths provided or ride your bike through the small islands.

IntlMOVE will ship your bike and running shoes to Panama with the rest of your household goods.

If you are moving to Panama for a new job, you might visit the Causeway for an event at the convention center.

This location is perfect for tradeshows or conferences.

In the evenings, there are many places to entertain clients and get down to business.

If you have an interest in the marine life that surrounds Panama, there is a great place for you to see.

The Marine Exhibition Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is a great place to learn and explore.

You can get up close and personal with the tropical marine life and the ecosystems that support these exotic creatures.

When moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to enjoy many warm sunny days.

The Amador Causeway is home to many locations perfect for catching some rays or taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean to cool down from the tropical Panamanian weather.

The Amador Causeway is still being developed, so you will continually have new adventures when visiting this landmark.

When you are moving to Panama, choose the international movers you can trust.

IntlMOVE will help plan and execute your move to Panama.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE and the Chiriqui Province

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will likely be moving to Panama City.

However, there is a lot more to see in this beautiful country.

The Chiriqui Province is located in western Panama has beaches and highlands, which make it a beautiful place to live.

If you are moving to Panama and do not live close to the Chiriqui Province, it is still very easy to visit.

You will definitely want to make the trek to see the wide variety of natural attractions.

There are also Indian cultures, retirement communities and adventure sports.

Whether you are moving to retire, for a job, to teach English or just to have fun, the Chiriqui Province has it all!

Adventure Sports

IntlMOVE can ship all of your sporting equipment to Panama with your household goods when you are moving to your new country.

If you are living in the Chiriqui Province, you can go white water rafting, kayaking or hiking.

The Chiriqui Province is well-known for its rafting and if you are an experienced rafter, there are even Class 5 rapids for you to experience.

Many people travel to the Chiriqui Province to experience hiking in a cloud forest.

If you are a hiker, make sure IntlMOVE ships all of the gear you will need for these hikes in Panama.

Other Activities

Bird watching is a favorite pastime of Panamanian locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are living in Panama by yourself or with your family, there is a lot to see in the Chiriqui Province.

You can visit the Dracula Orchid Botanical Garden, which is home to more than 1,200 different species of the flower.

Horseback riding is another activity that will allow you to explore this region of Panama.

Canoe trips are also very popular for locals, tourists and expats.

Fishing for rainbow trout is another leisurely activity to enjoy when moving to Panama and the Chiriqui Province.

The Capital City of David

If you are traveling to the Chiriqui Province from Panama City, you can find a great place to spend your vacation in David.

If you are moving to the Chiriqui Province in Panama, this city is also a great place to live.

David is located right off the Panamerican Highway and it is about 45 minutes from the border Costa Rica.

It is just under seven hours away from Panama City, Panama by car and only one hour by plane.

If you are into shopping, you will find the best shopping in David in the Chiriqui Province.

There is a mall, grocery stores, furniture stores and hardware stores.

Boquete

Boquete is a great place in the Chiriqui Province to get in touch with nature.

This valley lies at the foot of an extinct volcano that reaches 10,500 feet.

The small town is filled with flowers and locals who are warm and inviting.

In Boquete, you can enjoy traditional Panamanian food with Costa Rican flair!

There are waterfalls and great hiking areas.

There are also coffee farms, which are very aromatic when the beans are being harvested.

Many magazines have chosen this picturesque city as one of the top places in the world to retire.

Although David and Boquete are the two most popular cities to move to and to visit, there are plenty of small villages for you to see.

Moving to Panama will provide you with an experience to explore another part of the country with unique customs and a unique culture.

When you want to move to Panama and the Chiriqui Province, contact IntlMOVE for your international shipping.

Moving to Panama and Activities near Panama City

Most people who move to Panama with IntlMOVE end up living in Panama City.

There are unlimited amounts of activities and the excitement never seems to stop.

Panama City is very similar to many big cities in the United States in terms of the restaurants, nightlife and career opportunities.

One thing that makes Panama City very unique is the activities you can do outside of the bustling city.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of some different places to explore and unique things to do outside of Panama City.

Embera Indian Village Tour

When you move to Panama City, Panama, you will not be living too far from a group of people with history deeply embedded in Panama.

The Embera Indian Village will offer you a glimpse into what life was like for the native people of Panama.

The village is located in the rainforest in Panama about 1.5 hours outside of Panama City.

You can see how their homes are still built on stilts from the palms of the jungle.

A visit to the village will also include a chance to participate and witness native dancing, authentic body painting and a meal.

If you want to take home a treasure from this visit, you can purchase one of the many handmade pieces of jewelry or handicrafts.

Monkey Island

When you live in the United States, there are very few places you can see monkeys living in the wild.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit an island that has so many monkeys that it was named after the mammal.

To get to Monkey Island, you will need to take a boat through the Panama Canal, which will lead you through the Panamanian rainforest.

By the time you reach the island, you will likely have had a monkey visit you in your boat!

Other wildlife you might see while on this excursion includes crocodiles and birds.

Tour groups that take you to the island will also serve you an authentic Panamanian lunch.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

If you want to get up close and personal with the wildlife and exotic plants in the Panamanian rainforest, take a tour of Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Gamboa is home to a variety of different ecological experiences.

You can take a ride on the tram that take you through the rainforest or you can even eat a meal outside on a terrace surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest.

There are nature exhibits, learning experiences and exploration opportunities galore!

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort even offers you some fantastic views of the Panama Canal.

Summit Point Golf Club

Have IntlMOVE ship your golf clubs to Panama along with the rest of your household goods.

Summit Golf Club is a stunning golf course surrounded by lush tropical foliage and jungle.

The 18-hole course is located 30 minutes outside of Panama City, so you get the tropical experience that makes you feel like you are on vacation.

There are many international tournaments that take place at Summit Point Golf Club, so it is a world-class course.

Afterwards, if you get hungry, you will want to check out their famous restaurant in the club house.

When you move to Panama City, you will find that that untouched tropical wilderness is a lot closer than you think.

Let IntlMOVE help make your move to Panama easy by letting them handle all of your international shipping needs.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE and Obtaining a Visa

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will need a visa to stay in your new country.

There are many different kinds of visas that are available to foreigners in Panama.

IntlMOVE has put together a brief description of the visas to help make your move to Panama easier.

You will want to visit your consulate or embassy to get more details if you are interested in applying for any of these visas.

New Business Visa

Getting a new job in Panama can be difficult if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident.

However, if you want to start a business in Panama, you can get an investors visa.

If you want to apply for a new business visa, you will need to have the capital to start a business in your new country.

Panama requires that you deposit a minimum of $160,000 in a Panamanian bank to show that you have the liquid capital available to you to start a business.

You must also hire a minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees.

Small Business Investor Visa

The small business investor visa is a provisional visa that requires a minimum of a $40,000 investment.

Like the new business visa, you will have to hire 3 permanent Panamanian employees.

This visa has to be renewed each year.

Private Income Retiree Visa

Retirement visas are probably the easiest to get if you want to move to Panama permanently.

You can get a retirement visa regardless of your age as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

You need to prove that you earn a minimum of $1,000 per month.

Person of Means Visa

If you want to live in Panama on your own means, there is a visa available to you.

You have to deposit $200,000 or more into a Panamanian bank.

If you are purchasing a home, $80,000 of the $200,000 can be used towards a home.

If you do decide to apply for this visa and you need to ship your household goods to Panama, make sure you contact IntlMOVE to help you ship your personal belongings to your new country.

Reforestation Visa

If you have an interest in reforestation, you can not only pursue your environmental endeavors, but you can also get a visa in Panama.

This requires a $40,000 investment in a Panamanian reforestation project.

When you are offered a job in Panama, your new employer will help you get the visa you need to work in your new country.

Many people choose to teach English in Panama if they do not have the financial means to support themselves.

You can also visit Panama as a United States citizen for 90 days without a visa.

If you want to go to Panama and search for a job, you can use this option available to you.

When you have applied for your visa and you are ready to move to Panama, contact IntlMOVE to help you with your international shipping needs.

Moving to Panama and Square Watermelons

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE provides a grand opportunity to join the country in its endeavor to supply niche markets across the globe with square watermelons.

There are over 1,200 types of watermelons, yet none are as uniquely shaped as certain watermelons grown in Panama.

The cubing technique has been around for a few years and the shape is thought to have been invented for reasons such as making the product fit precisely into refrigerators, allotting more space when shipping and distributing or because it seems that square melons are easier to slice.

Panama Fruit Producers, Inc. expects that it will export about 3,000 of the molded melons this year.It grows the square crops on about 75 acres, using cost-effective methods for fertilization and transportation.

High care is taken in regards to sanitary conditions, which eliminates pests and pathogens.  Plans for further expansion and market testing are already underway.

The company says that it is eager to test consumers in markets hit hard by the financial crisis to see if they are willing to pay a high price for the fruit even though it does not keep its shape for extended periods of time.

Some have questioned whether the cube-shaped melons are a result of a genetic transformation but the fact is that as the fruit grows it becomes molded inside its square enclosure.

Fruit producers make the molds from a costly glass structure but hobbyists and enthusiast alike have indicated that just about any square object can form the melon.

Also, other produce like tomatoes can be molded— and not only into squares.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE allows the opportunity to enjoy square watermelons at prices significantly lower than the typical market price, which is near $75 for a medium size fruit. Those who live in Panama do not have to pay the additional prices associated with exportation.

Additional fruit producers and distributors in Panama:

Chiriqui Land Company

A holding of Chiquita, Chiriqui Land Company produces much more than bananas.

Its parent company has been in business for more than a century and has partaken in numerous green initiates and social projects such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and Rainforest Alliance. Its smaller branches play a huge part in helping the community in which they are located and assist Chiquita in its global sustainably goals and outreach.

Conservas Panamena Selectas

Conservas Panamena Selectas, located in Panama City, began in 1958.

Since then, it has conquered new markets while meeting demands of the local specialty markets as well as expanding internationally.

The company specializes in tomato products, jams, marmalades, fruit juices, fruit nectars.  New lines designed to meet new consumer demands include sugar-free nectar, juices of high purity and fine selections of canned juices.

Conservas Panamena Selectas is proud to be a local company with the ability and strength to compete even with top brands in international markets.

Del Monte De Panama

Located in El Dorado, Del Monte De Panama specializes in tomato, fruit and vegetable products as well as soups, baby food and snacks.

It produces a variety of traditional watermelons and specialty melons, which were introduced to meet the different tastes and expectations of customers from different regions.

Mr. Agro

Mr. Agro, also located in El Dorado, has been engaged in the agribusiness since the early 1980s. Now, supplying quality products to the demanding markets across the globe, they harvest melons such as Mikey Lee, Quetzalí, Sangria and Seedless.

Mr. Agro brands include Tropical Delights, Don Manuel and Lyly’s treasure.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will learn to appreciate the unique cuisine, even if it is square watermelons!

How to Use Social Media to Ease Overseas Moving Experience

When you are ready to move overseas, IntlMOVE can help ship all of your household good to your new country.

However, there is a lot more to international moves than just shipping your household goods.

You need to find a place to live, find a job, find friends and find things to do in your free time.

There are many social media tools online that can help you get acclimated to life overseas.

After you have been offered a new job and you are ready to move overseas, it is time to begin your research phase.

The first thing you will want to do is research a good expat organization online.

A good expat organization offers forums, places for rent, groups and contacts to other expats who are living in your new country.

You can utilize these websites to find out where to live, where to eat, what to do and basically how to live in your new country.

Twitter is another great resource.

Twitter users constantly post articles and tips.

You can create your own list of people you follow who use Twitter to share information on your new country.

These tweets might give you some great insights into your new home overseas.

When you are moving overseas, you may want to ask your current contacts if they know anybody living in your new city or country.

If so, you may be able to connect with these people who are living overseas through email or Facebook.

You can use your friends’ acquaintances as resources for anything you need to know about moving overseas.

Facebook also touts excellent expat groups that you can join to learn and share information.

Learn as much as you can about your new country before you move overseas so you can get settled in your new home as quickly as possible.

Through these resources you can learn a lot.

When you have information to share, you can also help other expats by given them valuable lessons to make their international moves easier.

Through these networks, you can learn about schools for your children.

You can also find out what areas of town fit your needs when you looking for your new home.

Expat communities can help you find daycare, household help, career resources and just about anything you can imagine.

People you meet through these groups might even have meet-up groups, so you will have an instant group of acquaintances once you arrive overseas.

You do have to take precautions when using  these social networking website to meet new people online.

Don’t’ share too much information about your personal life or your children.

If you do decide to meet with any of these people you are meeting online when you move overseas, be sure to meet in public places.

When move overseas, contact IntlMOVE to help you ship your household goods to your home.

Social networking websites can help you learn about your new country, but IntlMOVE LLC can help you get there!

Moving to Panama City with IntlMOVE, Panama and Restaurants

When you make an international move with IntlMOVE LLC, you will be making many new options and enjoying many new experiences.

When you move to Panama City, Panama, there will be many choices you have to make in regards to dining.

There are a number of great restaurants that are favorites among locals and tourists, so IntlMOVE has put together a list of restaurants that you might want to try.

Barandas Restaurant

When you want a taste of authentic Panamanian food, you will want to try Barandas.

This delectable restaurant is located at the Bristol Hotel, so it is easy to find.

The Chef at Barandas is none other than world-renowned chef, Cuquita Arias, who is very famous in Panama.

Arias puts together delicious meals using local ingredients from Panama that give you a true feeling for Panamanian cuisine.

Café Barko

If you want to see some of the most beautiful views of Panama City when you move to Panama, check out Café Barko.

You can see the stunning skyline views while eating seafood and sushi.

There are local favorites on the menu like prawns, King Crab, calamari and octopus.

Tropical and Asian sauces top the favorite meals!

The staff is bilingual, so if you have not mastered Spanish yet, you will be able to communicate your needs.

Eurasia

Asian fusion was versatile enough, so the restaurant creators of Eurasia put a little European flair into their entrees.

This restaurant has earned many awards and astounding reviews from prestigious publications and food reviewing organizations.

The French chef created a unique atmosphere with beautiful art adorning the walls.

There are a wide variety of delicious meals to choose from, so you will want to come back more than once to try them all.

Miraflores Restaurant

When you move to Panama City with IntlMOVE, you will undoubtedly visit the Panama Canal.

When you are taking a break from the tour, you can check out Miraflores Restaurant.

The New York Times and Lonely Planet have both highly recommended this restaurant.

While enjoying your meal, you can watch a lot of ships and vessels pass by through the Panama Canal.

The restaurant offers seafood, international dishes and delicious meals that are made better with the unforgettable views.

Peperoncini

If you want a restaurant where the trendsetters like to be seen, you can visit Peperoncini.

The decor is vibrant and modern, while Italian cuisine will delight all of your senses.

Some of the best dishes are the Marco Pollo tortellini and the Capriccio salad.

When you move to Panama, there will be many evenings when you want to dine in.

IntlMOVE can ship all of your kitchen supplies to make the experience easier and just like home.

However, there will be many nights when you want to dine out which is why IntlMOVE strives to provide international movers with information they can use about their new countries.

When you move to Panama City, Panama, take advantage of the great restaurant scene so you can truly appreciate your new culture.

Moving to Panama and Dining at Las Tinajas

When you move to Panama City, Panama with IntlMOVE, you will have the opportunity to try many different restaurants.

Panama City offers a variety of restaurants with a wide range of different types of cuisines.

Las Tinajas is a very popular dining place for locals that want to enjoy authentic Panamanian cuisine.

The restaurant is named after a traditional clay pot, called a tinaja, which was once used to keep drinking water fresh.

Las Tinajas is located in the financial district and serves lunch and dinner.

You can enjoy sopa borracha, which means drunken soup, which is the house specialty.

There are also tamales, carimanolas and many other traditional Panama dishes.

A carimanola is a meat-filled croquette made from yucca.

The restaurant says its dishes are prepared with fresh native ingredients from different Panamanian recipes.

If you want to try a variety of different appetizers get the picada, which allows you to try a many different items.

Some of the appetizers you will want to try are the Ceviche, the seafood salad or the shrimp cocktail.

The fish sticks served with tartar sauce are also a favorite.

There are also salads that are sure to tempt your taste buds.

The fresh yucca salad is served with a house dressing and shrimp.

In addition to the drunken soup, you can choose to start your meal off with the seafood soup or the pumpkin and pixbae cream soup.

When you are ready for your main course, you can try one of many traditional dishes from Panama.

The rice with chicken is a great choice along with the chicken pot tamale.

The pork chop served with mango chutney sauce is a specialty or you can try the salted hung beef with fresh tomato sauce.

If you are more of a fan of the sea, you should try the Caribbean style red snapper or the squid with roast pepper in coconut sauce.

After you have finished your meals, you have to leave room for dessert!

You will not want to miss out on Las Tinajas homemade custard.

You can also try their tres leches, which is out of this world.

If you want to visit Las Tinajas and enjoy a show, make sure you go the restaurant on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday night at 9 p.m.

There are dancers that dress in traditional Panamanian clothes and put on an unforgettable performance.

You can learn about the traditional folklore, which will help you learn more about your new country.

The restaurant is located in a colonial house, which adds to the unique charm of the local restaurant.

If you need a space for a private business dinner or a celebration, Las Tinajas also has private rooms available.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, try to immerse yourself in the culture of your new country.

Dining at Las Tinajas will give you the experience of eating traditional food while learning about the traditional dances and dress of the Panamanian people.