With the help of several Spanish speakers, we have translated the original document for your convenience and not with the intention of interpreting or enforcing the law. We have also added our own comments in order to make the legal information easier to understand. This translation is not valid for legal purposes.
On the “The Breakfast Show” with my good friend Gerry D this morning! Click “Wednesday show” and listen. I come on around 40 minutes into the show. Good info about the new traffic law, auto insurance and condo coverage!
I get many requests for information about Medicare and Tricare coverage here in Panama. Here is the latest info from the only hospital that seems to be accepting Tricare. Remember, Medicare is not valid in Panama!
Panama does not have the fire fighting capability to deal with a situation like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkt9-Cv63nM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101115/ap_on_re_as/as_china_fire
Here's Don Winner's take on the situation as it may apply to condos in Panama....he has researched this danger for many years:
Here is an article with many valuable resources posted to the LivinginCentralAmerica yahoo group:
Driving any type of vehicle to Central America?
Rainy season over, 'Snowbird' time is here.
Traveling soon to Central America?
Here is current information sent to me by a client about the procedures for an Expat to obtain a drivers license:
As a foreigner, you can drive in Panama legally for up to 90 days with a foreign drivers license. Stay longer than 90 days and you need to have a Panama drivers license. Follow the Procedure below. Expect all of this to take 2 days.
Documents Needed:
Don Winner at www.panama-guide.com has been helping this Canadian citizen after he suffered a terrible tragedy from of a mudslide. He lost his home, family and lies seriously injured in a public hospital hoping for an air evacuation back to Canada. A sad situation..
In Panama, we separate coverage for "Structure" and "Contents". In order to apply for structure coverage we need:
1. $$$ value of structure (not including land). A recent "avaluo" (appraisal) or pics will help.
2. Name of insured (Owner)? Is the policy to be issued in your name or that of a Corp. or Foundation?
In order to issue coverage for the Muli-risk Homeowners contents coverage, we will need:
1. $$$ value of the contents? Furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, artwork, jewelry
2. Exact address of the residence? Name of the insured...should be issued in your name or name of renter.
Another bureaucratic step to obtain insurance coverage here in Panama. According to the new Panama financial regulations, all insurance companies are compelled to maintain basic information in their files about their personal or corporate customers to prevent use of insurance policies to launder $$$.