Panama Expat Experience: Doug & Gisela on life in Boquete, Panama

Doug & Gisela joined us on a Panama Relocation Tour in 2017. In October 2018 they moved from San Diego, California to Boquete, Panama. In this video they describe the weather & lifestyle they are enjoying as well as how much lower their cost of living is.
** Correction: In the video Doug says there is no sales tax. This is incorrect. There is a 7% sales tax.
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Since 2010, Panama Relocation Tours has been offering monthly 6-day 7-night all-inclusive relocation tours of Panama. We've completed over 100 tours! During a tour you'll see a variety of different areas, meet expats and learn all the things you need to know to make a super easy transition to living in Panama. Learn more at:
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[@PanamaRelocationTours]

** Correction: In the video Doug says there is no sales tax. This is incorrect. There is a 7% sales tax.

[@fanfare100]

He might have meant to say that there is no property tax. Depending on the age of the house when purchase, there might not be any property tax for the first 20 years of ownership. After which the normal tax of 0.05% may kick in if the property is below, I forget what amount, and more for the portion above which it would be over another certain amount. But you can look into this as I am no tax expert. This is just from off the top of my head.

[@truestory923]

I think this couple did a very nice job of explaining their journey to Panama. I enjoyed the way he presented the details of their move and life.

[@j.777hemi2]

As nice as it is to view the couple, I would like more video of their surroundings with their conversation in the background. The few shots of their home and views are very informative about their new lifestyle. Thank you for the vids.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Watch this video -- a different couple who lives in the same neighborhood. Has more video of what the community looks like -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZW7npSIr9WHkK8

[@MariaRodriguez-wz6qm]

You are very welcome in Panamá😍Thank you to share the video about your experience in my country!! God bless both of you😘😘🌹

[@raymogg841]

Maria Rodriguez Hello Maria my name is Raymond I live in Canada I’ve just come across these videos Panamá is a very beautiful place I too would like to move to Panama with my wife and retire as I am 65 , I the covid 19 effecting Panamá now it’s bad in Canada but it’s worse elsewhere are there lots of places to rent we’re you are and how much please let me know and I hope that you and everyone around you are healthy

[@tracymorgan5386]

He looks in much better shape than he did 2 years ago and i love her accent.

[@Shipwreck8l8]

That home is gorgeous inside. Love it!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

It really is!

[@clearlake3492]

At the risk of stating the obvious, the people who stand the best chance of relocating happily to another country are those who have decent savings and a regular income. So as Doug and Gisela are financially secure, they do not feel under pressure and can relax while adjusting to their new environment. Which is why I only moved to Malta (I'm a Brit) after I retired. Worrying where the next penny is coming from is not a recipe for a happy expat life.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You should check out our videos of people who are living very well on less than $1000 a month in Panama. An affordable lifestyle is available or a high end lifestyle is available in Panama. There's something for everyone!

[@gailhitson6722]

It sounds wonderful living in Boquette, Panama! Beautiful home!

[@SuperEmilioc]

i am exciting listening those senior citizen speaking on that way about my homeland. I agree with them Panama is a wonderful place to be. Valle Escondido present awesome landscapes and panamanians are excellents hostes.

[@tonyglen33]

I love Doug!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Doug is a sweetheart!

[@divingchicago]

Good for you!!!!

[@billhennessey6374]

Have you had the chocolate at Perfect Pair? The chocolate there is extraordinary!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

I'm sure they have. The chocolate there is A M A Z I N G!

[@billhennessey6374]

@@PanamaRelocationTours , the best!

[@EarthAngel504]

Ohhh is that an Old weather house on the wall? my mom have one exactly like that, with the Witch and kids, passed down from my great great aunt. lol

[@caryjohnson8936]

Retired teacher in California. Can one move to Boquete first to rent, then later to buy a home with birds? African Grey species.

[@miar.4507]

You are rirght!! I grew up in Panama and we don't have Taxes in Panama!! No property taxes. Living in Texas 😲 property Taxer are outrages.

[@WayneDome-dm8iu]

if Panama was so Wonderful why would you move to a hot, dry,tax-based Texas? I ask with respect and am wondering.

[@miar.4507]

@@WayneDome-dm8iu Cause my hisband is in the Army dear.

[@WayneDome-dm8iu]

@@miar.4507 Thank you.

[@Scott.Mariani]

I love my medium rare ribeye too, good info. Thank you!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

There are many great restaurants where you can get that medium rare ribeye

[@Scott.Mariani]

@@PanamaRelocationTours do most people use propane barbecues or is that not a "thing" in Panama?

[@geraldbutler7124]

Well done... Looking to take the tour next year. I'm physically not retired but mentally I'm your next door neighbor there.. 😁

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Gerard, better sign up for a 2020 tour FAST. The seats are filling up. We're already sold out through April 2020. You only need to make a $500 per person deposit to reserve your seat. We still have space available on the May 1-8th tour. See details at panamarelocationtours.com/tours

[@geraldbutler7124]

@@PanamaRelocationTours Trust me.. we are sitting down planning and plotting as we speak. So looking forward to meeting you.

[@allenericson8038]

Where and what do you fly fish for? I noticed your fly tying desk....

[@gemerson9216]

Your home is absolutely gorgeous! I grew up In San Diego and as much as I’d love to move back, the cost of living, traffic & lifestyle is prohibitive. Your view reminds me a lot of Balboa Park! Two questions- 1) Did you ship your furniture & household belongings? If so, what was the approximate cost? 2) How are you able to keep Medicare? I thought if one was living outside of the US, it wasn’t possible.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Gail, they bought their house furnished and did not ship anything. You can keep Medicare if you move outside the US but you cannot keep SSDI ( disability)

[@jamescadzow9545]

@@PanamaRelocationTours Thank you for the helpful video I appreciate it. I live in Phoenix, AZ so I love the heat but can't stand humidity and I'm not a big fan of rain at all. Is there a city that is on the ocean (a must being on the beach) in Panama that does't rain that much. I'm used to 30 days of rain a year and I could handle 90 but anything more I wouldn't put up with? How do you keep your Social Security monthly monetary benefits if you move out of the U.S. for a regular basis?

[@mquelquejeu]

Very nice video, and very nice couple. ¿What breed are their dogs? They're so cute!

[@GBU61]

I am going to go out on a limb; they moved into an American expat community , surrounded by those who only speak English. They may be able to make it, but if an expat can not speak the local language it will be tough. Most move back within the first year.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Mr. Pokey, There is a high concentration of expats in the Boquete area - about 4,000. But the majority of the town are Panamanians. The Boquete district has a population of about 60,000 people.

[@VirginieA.981]

Thank you for this video. Panama seems to be very nice but what about the bugs ? I heard about scorpio and big spiders....

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

there are not that many bugs in the highlands. You might see a few scorpions a year.

[@VirginieA.981]

Thank you for your answer. I wonder what my reaction would be to a scorpion or a spider in my house! I also don't want my dog to be hurt... it's really a point to think about

[@joann5157]

How did you transport your dogs? Did you fly them in baggage (cargo) on a plane? This is my #1 concern about relocating to Panama. Thanks!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

This article has information about bring pets into Panama panamarelocationtours.com/bringing-your-pets-to-panama

[@d201120112011]

What is the vendor that offers the frozen meals he talks about at the end of the video? Is it available outside of Boquete.? Are these kinds of items subject to the 7% sales tax?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

no sales tax. Search Dos Hombres Boquete

[@gigii1969]

are mortgagees available in Panama?...or are you required to pay cash for real estate?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, mortgages are available in Panama with 20-30% down.

[@gregoriousgotti5115]

❤🇵🇦🌎

[@mangosgomexico6343]

Is your wife from the Netherlands? I ask because that’s where my mom is from and when I heard chocolate.❤️We are froM Southern California too. We have properties in Rosarito,Mx. so we are not sure if we want to be in Mexico or check out Panama. It sounds wonderful!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Panama is amazing. Mexico is nice too. You should definitely come check out Panama to see how they compare.

[@mangosgomexico6343]

I think we will have too! Thank you. I still have teenagers. I will have to make a family trip of it!

[@nickkobe9729]

Can you use Medicare in Panama?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Unfortunately, no, you cannot use Medicare in Panama.

[@lelandsmith3815]

how much would a home like yours cost

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

their home would be high 200s to low 300s fully furnished.

[@caryjohnson8936]

I am a retired teacher that is interested relocation to Boquete, Panama. Can one first rent, then later buy a home if I have exotic birds. African Grey species that I've raised since chicks.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Panama Relocation Tours highly recommends that you rent for at least 6-12 months before you even think about buying anything. It might even be better to just be a renter while you live in Panama.

[@caryjohnson8936]

@@PanamaRelocationTours Ate you able to rent and have pets, such as exotic birds African Grey species. Interested in the Boquete area.

[@elypevets5633]

Central Americans trying to move north. North Americans wanting to move south.

[@WayneDome-dm8iu]

The grass is always greener on the other side.

[@robjohnson7878]

Way too expensive for the average expat. I would prefer to find an ex pat in Boquette

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Most of the expats in Boquete are spending less than $700 a month rent. Some are spending less than $400 a month rent for a fully furnished house with all utilitles included. But there are big fancy houses in Boquete for those who prefer that lifestyle. Something for everyone!!

[@robjohnson7878]

I agree it does seem affordable..... it’s your tour and info that your promoting that’s just too expensive

[@janitoronfire]

@@robjohnson7878 The tour seems like a bargain to me and I can't wait to take it. I think you are just a troll.

[@dandydon6049]

This video feels like a 19 minute commercial. This couple is not allowed to answer comments?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

We were not even present when the video was shot. They were free to talk about what ever they wanted to talk about. They can certainly answer questions here on youtube.

[@Onlinesully]

ah Dandy that's not really a fair comment

[@janitoronfire]

I think dandy don is a miserable troll. Get a life dandy.

[@deltablue4369]

Mr. Pokey is absolutely WRONG (with all due respect)! Communication is tough anywhere you don't speak the language, however, the human spirit will adapt to whatever environment it choses to be and dwell in! Thank you God for that ability in this temporary realm!

[@tomlarson713]

Expats.... aka immigrants