What's It Like to Live in Playa El Rompio, Panama?

Playa El Rompio is 10-15 minutes from Chitre, Panama, on the eastern Azuero Peninsula. Compared to other beach communities in Panama, the eastern Azuero has very affordable prices.
Jamie shares his experiences, the costs of living at Playa El Rompio, and what it has to offer... including really good fishing!
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[@anniesshenanigans3815]

Love the comment about the Grits!!! As a Southerner we know the value....

[@terryparish7133]

Loved your video I'm heading to panama in January might come there to look around

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@terryparish7133 thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@yojoe5311]

Thank you for explaining the weather.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Es mi placer 😎

[@neritzayelena]

Omg 😊I used to have a beach house growing up there . Miss that . Coming back soon 👍😎🇵🇦🙏👙🍍🤿🏝️🏖️🩴🥥🧉🥑🐒🐠🦞🦀

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

It's a great place to live!

[@ChitownLaura]

Jaimie - how's the internet situation in El Rompio where you're at?? Is fiber optic avail?

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Now THAT'S a place I could enjoy living!

[@mitchellhewett7328]

NC boy here. Hope to hear more about your traveling. Living in the florida keys right now and battling when to head your way.

[@truestory923]

Nice interview. This guy is really down to earth and friendly.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@truestory923 thanks for watching

[@jamesinsley5844]

Yes I am. 😎

[@vincecavedog3219]

Thanks for the information the fishing sounds awesome, I don't fish in America unless I'm in Alaska, be there soon.

[@jamesinsley5844]

I’ve fished in Alaska also. Loved it too. Fished all over America and in 10 or so different countries. Can’t get enough.

[@nicoibzschalin-hr4bj]

Nice. I live in Coronado and surf fish here, and Chame mostly.

[@aveguevara]

Beautiful place. Sounds like it meets all your needs for your dream life.

[@empresstheudas]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SERVICES. My husband has a rental in Limon Largo not far from Colon nd he has a 2/1 nd of course it’s nothing as unique as your rental he pays $150.00 a month his water bill is $12.00 a month water is $8.00 a month nd WI-FI is $36.00 monthly nd his cell phone bill is $5.00 a week. He is originally from RAINBOW CITY which had belonged to the USA MILITARY back in the day’s. Thank you for answering my question without knowing that you did Medicade/Medicare nd Dr.’s.

[@ghilly_one1720]

Perfect. The Azuero peninsula is for us.

[@TheAmberCoco]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Glad it was helpful!

[@douglaskbrown1154]

Thank you for the pleasing presentation...you are very good at doing this, my friend. Doug

[@SlickSydney]

Thx very much. Great video. Considering the Chitre area but for sure want to go fishing. 😜

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Playa El Rompio is near Chitre! You can get that fishing in!

[@jamesinsley5844]

Always looking for more fishing friends to fill the boat.

[@garyfischer4357]

Great video! Thanks for the info.

[@LawrenceMarc-zt9gd]

I agree with you about Las Tablas. Didn't have the opportunity to check out Chitre or where you are.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Chitre has a good steakhouse which is not common here. Named ‘Steak House’ lol. Second floor across from the Merca.

[@neritzayelena]

@@jamesinsley5844 if someone needs info about chitre or the peninsula if azuero I did grow up there will happy to help . 🇵🇦😎

[@richjudy2887]

Jamie ya' got me thinkin' the same thing. Boquete sounds great, BUT I wanna fish 3 X a week. Thank you sir.... ....Jackie, you nailed it on this one. I think Jamie had Panama in him long before he moved there. Excellent Vid. PRT in 5 weeks! Yeehaw!!!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Glad you enjoyed the video about living in Playa El Rompio. If you want a more Panama experience, this is the place.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Very kind of you. Yes, if you like fish then the Azuero is a damn good fit.

[@bhoustonjr]

NC boy here too.... Yes there are no "American style grits".... but, if you look at the M/S or grocery store, find the corn area and you will find all different levels of ground corn. Pick out the finely ground corn and it will work as grits. They just take a little longer to cook and don't forget to add some milk and butter and bam! Your eating some Shrimp and Grits.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Yeah I didn’t add milk. Maybe that’s what mine were missing. I’m used to longer cooking as I used a lot of stone ground grits back home. Trial and error. I haven’t given up. But I did bring some back with me on my last trip home lol.

[@reginapolo3357]

Shrimp and grits sound like Lousiana cooking to me!!!

[@neritzayelena]

We do have grits but only yellow one , the name in Spanish is crema de Maiz . 👍🇵🇦😎

[@kennyroberts2703]

I thought I was going to have to pack an empty suitcase because I love fish/grits.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Thanks but not the same. I’ve tried to cook them but they turn to mush before they get tender. Made for that corn drink chicheme.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Might want to bring a 5 lb bag lol

[@shwangreen5302]

He is correct plus our crema de maíz is designed to be sweet not savory like grits.

[@neritzayelena]

@@jamesinsley5844 is not the one for make chicheme , is the one call crema de maiz. I just left PTY today after spending 3 marvelous week there. Coming back Oct or Nov. 😎🇵🇦👍👙🤿🐒🦀🥑🍍🏝️🐠

[@BeachGirl-ud6tg]

Hi Jackie. I just heard about translation earbuds. I think these are great idea for those of us moving to Panama that are learning Spanish. You put the earbuds in your ear. You hit your speaker on your phone and whatever you say immediately transfer to Spanish. When they talk back to you, it immediately transfers in your earbuds to English. I guess he’s been around for a while, but I’ve never heard of them. I just stumbled across them. Amazon sells them. What a awesome thing to have! Some of them have 64 languages. I am definitely getting them before I move there.😁

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

I have heard of the earbuds. But they don't help you reply to the person. Better to use google translate until you can learn some Spanish

[@terryashley4674]

Did you bring your fishing gear with you from North Carolina or did you buy it in Panama?

[@worldofwonder456]

Meant for us to see this! We're in Eastern NC and are really considering Panama!

[@jamesinsley5844]

Bought here. In Pedasi there’s a decent shop in a chino that has a large selection. Other pieces I ship in on Amazon which is why I keep paying the yearly prime fee. One rod/reel I found in a hardware store lol. Penn Pursuit III on a Pursuit medium heavy 8’ rod. It’s all I use for day to day. The charters have their own gear but you are welcome to use yours. It only set me back $130 which I think is grand lol. 😎🎣

[@jamesinsley5844]

Come on down cuz! Lol.

[@jamesinsley5844]

I left Whiteville for here but Wilmington was my home.

[@DarrellMilton-g2s]

Jamie I would love to get you advise on surf fishing on the peninsula. I live in the city but will down your way in a week or so. not sure if you will see this or not ?

[@ilani9873]

Nice video, How did you find this rental?

[@jamesinsley5844]

Word of mouth and a good friend (Vijay/Douglas) checked it out for me. Another friend lives here in the compound already (Sandy) and kindly videotaped the apartment for me. I was hooked instantly and begged the owners (Bill/Maria) to let me pay the rent while I was in the states on business. These folks are all on previous PRT videos and KZbin.

[@yanikshaberkeley7918]

Go to Riba Smith in Chitre they do carry Grits it's a little expensive.

[@jamesinsley5844]

I’ve not seen them. I’ll ask again. Where do they hide them? lol

[@jamesinsley5844]

Went again today. Didn’t see any grits. I asked. Everyone thought I was from Mars. 😎

[@kh2water]

May I ask wich health care advantages is best or do you have to be covered and reimbursed

[@jindandy7826]

Why does Ernest Hemingway come to mind? ☺ Great info, thank u!

[@ilani9873]

I will be visiting Playa El Rompio and like to meet you in January when I visit

[@johncaddo8992]

Hi Jamie. How is the surf fishing there?

[@kenhill7098]

What does it cost to go fishing there? Do you go with a panga or something larger? Good video!

[@jamesinsley5844]

Pangas yes. 20-28’ normally. And usually three persons fishing plus the captain who is also the first mate, fish cleaner and chief cook and bottle washer lol. Old navy reference there. For $350-$400 normally. Plus tip. I hear there are locals who will take you out for $80 but I’d rather spend a little more and enjoy new and existing fishing partners. It’s an excellent time to meet new folks. Regardless of their other views and likes or dislikes, on the water it’s all about fishing and enjoying the sea. We all have a lil salt in us.

[@MichaelRice-o3r]

@@jamesinsley5844 I enjoyed your video. I'm looking to retire and move within a year or two. This is the first video I saw about fishing in your area. As far as the cost, is the $350-$400 for the 3 of you?

[@vanfoster7596]

try Riba Smith supermarket for grits. I think there's on in Chitre

[@mikeschmidt9595]

I also live (6 months a year) in Playa El Rompio. I'd like to meet, is that possible?

[@jamesinsley5844]

Sure Mike. Nerys? Cantina?

[@below5287]

Hey, me too🌺 ​@@jamesinsley5844

[@mikeschmidt9595]

Beer at the cantina saturday around 4 pm? @@jamesinsley5844

[@dr12evil]

how much is your monthly expenses rent,electricity,telephone,cable,water?what is it like at night? street lamps, does public transportation run.. are there any bears,wolves or lions over there?

[@sharonlewis1182]

There's no bears or lions in Panama. Panama is not in Africa.

[@sharonlewis1182]

It's located in central America.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Thank you to Tobias the videographer for doing his best with so little to work with. Lol. 😎✌🏻👍🏻

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Jamie, You did a GREAT job!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences living in Panama.

[@vitreloymusic]

Wow where did you find car rental for $25 a day? I'll be moving there in 11 months, I had a house built but in June I will be coming down with my family there's 12 of us LOL

[@jamesinsley5844]

Cowboy Car Rental just outside Bouquete. He’s in the guide.

[@januszschetyna7752]

Hi,would it be possible to rent an apartment in this complex for just 4 or 5 months per year?

[@jamesinsley5844]

I can’t speak for the owners but I’d imagine that would depend on availability. They are very accommodating and really great people but they also are a business. You know? Contact them far in advance of your wishes and they could advise you more.Not sure how to get you to them though. I don’t want to broadcast their info and I can’t pm you. 😎

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Send an email to [e-mail] Then I can put you in touch with the owner of this complex.

[@januszschetyna7752]

@@PanamaRelocationTours Hi ,My name is Janusz Schetyna.I am retire from Toronto, Canada and I am interested to rent some space for myself for about 4,5 months in winter season at Chitre,Panama area.Could you please help me with this? Thank you in advance.

[@holgermessner851]

The rental house is beautiful. Maria & husband take care of their renters. I really love the wall art they have in and out the house. I wish I had the artists phone number or email. I remember that he was from Colombia. El Rompio is a nice place. I lift a couple miles away for 10 months in Playa Uverito.

[@jamesinsley5844]

It’s amazing rally. They are reliefs. They mounded a concrete/stucco mix in the walks then hand carved the art before the beautifully done painting. . Pretty cool really. I love it. Every morning I wake up to it in the master bedroom and then enjoy this gorgeous porch and all the birds singing with my morning coffee. I haven’t felt this at ease and at home for a very long time.

[@holgermessner851]

@jamesinsley5844 I got stranded in Panama with airports closed in the pandemic. First I was in panic mode. Every week I called the Canadian embassy. "Can I fly home?" - NO! Later I had to apply online. DENIED! So my 5 months planned vacation did get much longer than I thought. After 2 years of hanging out to dry - I just had enough. Losing my permanent residency in Canada, I just sold everything. All debt has been paid off. When the lockdown in Panama City was lifted, I just was on the "run" away from the people. Playa Uverito. 10 months just walking on the beach, relaxing and drinking cool beer. So I got okay with staying in Panama. There was a lady who wasn't happy in Uverito. She moved into your apartment. That's when I did see the art. And this is ART! Trees, animals. Nature. Unbelievable. Maria promised me that she would send me the information about the artist. Didn't happen.

[@susanvalvo625]

Where in nc? I live at lake Norman

[@christopherbrzys8176]

Is there a garbage disposal problem

[@rebecarodriguez1532]

I winder how you found that apartment?? Word of mouth or Real State agent??

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@rebecarodriguez1532 boots on the ground, word of mouth is how he found his apartment.

[@gualbertobecerrap1962]

No grits, LOL..I remember the first time I tasted grits, in Balwin GA. Did not like them too much.

[@jamesinsley5844]

They ain’t for everybody. 😎

[@Jammer411]

I WONDER IF HE CHECKED OUT PEDASI AREA?

[@jamesinsley5844]

Sure I did. I fish there. I’ve looked it over. Not close enough to the water for me. And too many expats who can’t let go of their USA mentality.

[@surf01er66]

Thank you, Panama has been on the radar , Pedesi . That water looks so brown...hopefully you don't fish there

[@jamesinsley5844]

It’s because of the winds currently. They blow very hard at times and that keeps the water churned up with the washtub waves. But, fish still eat. And that brown color is basically sand off the bottom. Nothing wrong with eating anything you manage to catch. I have a friend here who catches her own shrimp, langostinos, octopi, oysters and different fish. Mostly with a cast net and a hammer and chisel for the oysters. I eat there regularly. She runs the restaurant three doors down from me. El Rincón de Mariscos. The other expats here will attest to the quality and freshness of her cooking. 😎 Good question you posed. I’m sure many folks thought the same.

[@jerseyboy1791]

I have never heard of medicare covering you outside the US ..

[@jamesinsley5844]

Medicare Advantage plans usually offer coverage for out of country emergencies. Here in Panama, Jackie has worked very hard to get our biggest hospital systems to accept Medicare Advantage thru another payer so you do not have to pay up front!! You will have to sign up at the hospitals and Jackie gives you instructions on that.

[@timothyknight2236]

Talk about living out in the middle of nowhere...........

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

10 minutes to a big town with shopping, hospitals, restaurants, and an airport.

[@jamesinsley5844]

Nowhere? I’m right where I want to be.

[@alfenito]

RRRRRompEEEEEEEEo. No es Rompayo, amigo.