Life in Boquete from a Newbie Perspective-- Canadian Trevor Beck shares his experiences/impressions

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  • Опубліковано 1 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @zedmorris1371
    @zedmorris1371 7 років тому +68

    A description of Boquete after a one week visit is sort of like one of the guys in the "Seeing the elephant" story. Trevor honestly described things as he saw and experienced them, but, as my high school sociology teacher kept telling us, "Your experience is limited." We bought our house here over eleven years ago, and, though some of our description of Boquete would have similarities to the one Trevor gave, there would be a lot of differences. That is because we know and have experienced a lot more For instance, there are two nice supermarkets in Boquete, whereas Trevor said there are none. I very rarely see fruit and vegetable stands at the bus stops, though fruits and vegetables are available in most of the grocery stores (along with meats, poultry and fish). We live in Alto Boquete, and there are grocery stores 1/2, 1 and 4 kilometers from our house. Possibly the most important thing is to learn Spanish. It takes longer when you're old, but it's very much worth it. It is also important to realize that you cannot move to a small part of a small country and expect to have everything as convenient and well-organized and cheap as you tend to remember the place from which you came. ( Have you ever heard the saying: "Things aren't the way they used to be, and they never were"?)
    I have heard people complain that the local police don't solve many property crimes (which, by the way, went up in large part because of all the gringos with money but have come down again), But I moved here after living in a metropolitan city with an area population of around a million people. There were plenty of burglaries, and very, very few of them were ever solved by the police. There are government hassles and SNAFU's aplenty in North America, so there is no reason to expect perfection here or anywhere I have lived in four other countries, enjoyed all of them, but never found anything near perfection.
    Life in Boquete is as busy or as quiet as you want it to be. If you don't like rain, you won't like the rainy season. If you don't like wind and little rain, you won't like the dry season. If a store is sold out of something you want, you'll be pissed off. If you look at the big picture of how beautiful it is and how it's rarely below 65 degrees F. at night and rarely above 80 degrees in the day, and that most of the people are friendly and nice, and that you can have a housekeeper for around $20 per day and a gardener for even less, and that your combined garbage and water bills are around $100 per year and that you can have discounts on bus fare, air fare, restaurants, movies, lawyer bills, medical bills and a ton of other stuff, you will either decide you like life in Boquete, or you will move back to where you came from or on to somewhere else where you will find other things you like or don't like.

    • @pieterbezuidenhout2741
      @pieterbezuidenhout2741 6 років тому +3

      Thanks for your input Zed as l'm seriously considering leaving South Africa for a calmer and better place as we're 66yrs old and finally realise our country is down the drain (litterary) due to current government and no hope of ever reaching turnaround point in future.
      Hoping to see Panama soon.

    • @innit1407
      @innit1407 5 років тому +1

      @@pieterbezuidenhout2741 Hi Pieter, I live near Durban and we are also seriously considering the move to Panama. We have 2 kids so it wouldn't be an easy move but i don't see much of a future here for our girls. Sad that our beautiful country has been so badly run by this govt. So many people I know have left or are planning to leave. The tax base is shrinking and the govt grant base is growing. It's just not sustainable and I think it's only going to get worse before it gets better.

    • @geoffamdrews9264
      @geoffamdrews9264 5 років тому

      Zed Morris thanks for your comments - I’m sure that after many years there you know a little ! I’m English - I have worked and lived in South Africa - England - and Australia - Once you move - it’s easy - it’s your next adventure - I’m recently divorced and after reading about Panama - I’m impressed - my question is - I am fit - of good health - would you recommend it to someone who is 70 years old - regards Geoff Andrews ( ps I live in Adelaide South Australia )

    • @eldiablo8019
      @eldiablo8019 5 років тому

      Agree completely, I don"t want to make a decision on whether or not I should move somewhere based on advice from someone that has been there for a week. I also don"t take advice from someone that has cut half their ears off.

    • @marilynnarnold811
      @marilynnarnold811 4 роки тому +1

      Hold on! First thing the interviewer said was that Trevor was a Newbie. Hello!!!!

  • @unklb7161
    @unklb7161 3 роки тому +1

    @22:48 forward...I love the idea of supporting local grocers vs. big chains! Thanks for all this great information, Trevor!

  • @sirreesegould6465
    @sirreesegould6465 6 років тому +5

    Thank you BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO RETIRE. This made me feel like the information I have is real and true.

  • @albanialainezcoleman2268
    @albanialainezcoleman2268 2 роки тому

    I’m from Honduras and had the opportunity to live in Costa Rica and Panama as well. I got to know that nice place Boquete! Actually Im living in the States.So I feel really blessed I had the opportunity to visit those places. Hope you have a good experience living there!

  • @randallthrift1249
    @randallthrift1249 7 років тому +4

    There are two theatres in David, plus anything you need that you can't get in Boquete. Pricesmart (Costco), Do It Center etc etc.
    Best to go to movies in daytime as fewer people and less cell phones to deal with. They don't turn them off.

  • @mariocooke5463
    @mariocooke5463 7 років тому +4

    Thanks. This was really helpful. Going to Chiriqui and Veraguas at the end of the year to find a place to settle.

    • @alvacarcache6759
      @alvacarcache6759 7 років тому +3

      Mario Cooke you may want to check el valle in Cocle Penonome also Chica in Capira... see for yourself you will love it!!!

    • @mariocooke5463
      @mariocooke5463 7 років тому +5

      Alva,you mean El Valle de Anton? I was there 2 years ago,. Went to Altos de Maria, too, that has a road connecting to El Valle. it is very nice. This will be my third exploratory trip, although this time I intend to make it the final decision trip, before coming back to Philadelphia to close out my affairs and move permanently.

    • @martinettenes1789
      @martinettenes1789 7 років тому +1

      Make sure you pay a visit to "Boquete Canyon Village". You can google it too. Good luck ...

    • @mariocooke5463
      @mariocooke5463 7 років тому +1

      yes, thanks Martin, been planning to. I will send a car to Colon, pick it up there, and spend a cpuple of months finding the ideal place

  • @notthesamecc1927
    @notthesamecc1927 2 роки тому +1

    was there ever a follow up?

  • @luismelgar3943
    @luismelgar3943 5 років тому

    Thanks Mr Beck,for sharing your thoughts and insights of your short in Boquete; it does make a difference regardless where you are from(I'm from Central America but I'm living in California for 30 years now).

  • @geoffamdrews9264
    @geoffamdrews9264 5 років тому

    Thank you for sharing - - I enjoyed how you found things in Boquete

  • @marilynnarnold811
    @marilynnarnold811 4 роки тому +2

    Why can you not just fly from Dallas to Enrique Malek International Airport in/near David???

  • @majorrn1
    @majorrn1 8 років тому +3

    There is a fairly large grocery market in Boquete.

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  8 років тому

      Thanks, Patti, for letting everyone know.

    • @martinettenes1789
      @martinettenes1789 7 років тому

      One is called Baru, the other is Romero. They differ in size but they do have all the necessities. You want more, 40 minutes cool drive via one new road to David for larger supermarkets and many stores ...

  • @randallthrift1249
    @randallthrift1249 7 років тому +2

    It's called Bajareque and the winds are just brutal for too many months. It is a beautiful area though

  • @cgvmdnurses1
    @cgvmdnurses1 6 років тому +2

    Wow very useful solid information thank you

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  6 років тому

      Thanks for writing, May. On behalf of Trevor Beck (the one talking in the video), we're glad you could use it.

  • @montetown5741
    @montetown5741 8 років тому +9

    I had rooster neighours once and drove me insane to point of selling house. Roosters crow endlessly.

    • @TrevorBeck
      @TrevorBeck 7 років тому +1

      Yeah, the place we stayed at had roosters and dogs. Chickens are very common.

    • @clintrichardsonclintfromny203
      @clintrichardsonclintfromny203 7 років тому +1

      The good news is you do eventually get used to it once you move here.

    • @michaelchristophergutierre7244
      @michaelchristophergutierre7244 5 років тому

      Haha I hate roosters we had one in the Caribbean...oooh I wanted to shoot that rooster! 🐓 lol😂😂😂

  • @cgvmdnurses1
    @cgvmdnurses1 6 років тому +3

    I am thinking on moving to Mexico but I would have to take my job with me and my job requires fast and reliable WIFI internet 5 days per week 8 hours per day. Is this possible??

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  6 років тому +1

      Hi, May.
      I apologize for my tarde response. I just saw this now.
      The answer to your question depends on several factors:
      1. Where in Mexico you live. Generally, newer areas are better than older areas and urban areas are better than rural ones. (Our Internet barely worked in a fishing village in Baja California Sur, but in Akumal, in a planned development, it was better than I had in the US.
      2. Does the electricity stay on? As in #1, there are variances.
      There are techniques to use for #1. For example, I currently have 2 ISPs providing service to my home-- one DSL (10 down and .6 up) and one cable (5 down, 2.5 up). I have a Cisco router that very effectively combines the signals. This does two things: increases my speed and performance; and, 2, if one goes out, I still have the other one. That said, we're getting a third system in town over the next few months that is fiber optic, which I'm told will provide me with 50+ download speed.
      Net result: check the speed yourself or have someone else do it for you.
      Find information on Internet quality here: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/3152-how-s-the-internet-in-mexico
      Find information on cost here: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/3037-what%E2%80%99s-the-cost-of-the-internet-in-mexico
      All that said, there are incredible tax advantages for some people in the US who have a virtual business while living in Mexico or other place abroad. Check out: www.thestreet.com/story/13519656/1/expats-may-be-able-to-avoid-paying-u-s-income-taxes-say-experts.html

  • @barnmonster888
    @barnmonster888 5 років тому +2

    no answers to my questions thank you

  • @garlandetheridge9902
    @garlandetheridge9902 4 роки тому

    I've lived in Central and So America the better part of the last 12 years. I LOL when Trevor mentioned the Rooster arguments. Most people get used to it over time. Great info.

  • @Onlinesully
    @Onlinesully 5 років тому

    Trevor hi
    What do you do to assist the locals in the community that you have come into ?

  • @irisotterson5055
    @irisotterson5055 4 роки тому

    Which town on Vancouver Island were you referring to?

  • @cklingemann
    @cklingemann 4 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing

  • @donnawoodford6641
    @donnawoodford6641 5 років тому +1

    Maybe interview again in one year after the honeymoon phase has worn out. TY.

  • @montetown5741
    @montetown5741 8 років тому +1

    Are there any places to swim? Large enough to swim 50m laps.

    • @billp4
      @billp4 2 роки тому

      @roy mcintosh And there are sharks to keep you moving!

  • @olgagonzalez628
    @olgagonzalez628 5 років тому

    Thank you much :) what is the munispal water quality

    • @miar.4507
      @miar.4507 5 років тому

      The best water in the world believe me.

    • @olgagonzalez628
      @olgagonzalez628 5 років тому +1

      @@miar.4507 gracias

    • @jaimecosta4512
      @jaimecosta4512 5 років тому

      Wow! Most if not all doctors here say don't drink it unless boiled (fact). I don't do that. Only passed out once a decade ago. PS: there are multiple water sources here, mine is the principal one.

  • @bananapatch9118
    @bananapatch9118 5 років тому

    I appreciate the video.
    I was going to subscribe but almost all of the content so far is about Mexico ?

  • @tonylogan4092
    @tonylogan4092 5 років тому +5

    Boquete is beautiful and I thoroughly loved the week I spent there with my young daughter when I visited. However Panama is not it, as it is small and culturally lacking. Mexico and Colombia both have a zillion and one more options than Panama has for foreigners to explore. Visit Boquete for a small period of time (3 months say....), and then move on. That is, unless you really like SLOW....

    • @Jen-po3wz
      @Jen-po3wz 2 роки тому

      Agreed. Had high hopes because it is a beautiful country but you are correct. It is lacking on almost every level.

  • @michaeljohannes5996
    @michaeljohannes5996 5 років тому

    Hello, I am from Edmonton too 😊

  • @ElenaCarvajal
    @ElenaCarvajal 5 років тому +7

    If you're going to move to a different country you should learn the language.

  • @barnmonster888
    @barnmonster888 5 років тому

    WE NEED A UPDATE ON PRICES FOR 2020 CAN YOU GIVE ME THOSE PLEASE, IM 67 VETERAN 2,000 A MONTH RETIREMENT WHAT CAN I DO DOWN THERE

    • @standelasanantone2180
      @standelasanantone2180 5 років тому

      Following...!!!

    • @wadecampbell7727
      @wadecampbell7727 4 роки тому

      CAPS = SHOUTING

    • @solonyetski
      @solonyetski 7 місяців тому

      You’d be living somewhat comfortably if you own your property. If you rent, then yeah, you’ll be living paycheck to paycheck depending on your lifestyle.

  • @TOMMYSURIA
    @TOMMYSURIA 8 років тому +9

    No bugs? I'm packing already....

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  8 років тому

      Here's more on the subject: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/612-how-bad-are-the-mosquitoes-and-other-bugs-and-insects-in-boquete-panama

    • @NoMoreInfo4You
      @NoMoreInfo4You 4 роки тому

      People who think they are being bit by mosquitoes are probably mistaking them for no-see-ums or biting flies.

  • @AlexP396
    @AlexP396 5 років тому

    A Higher Density than Co . Police may be an Issue ( as well as Police) But Weather And Fishing is Great ,Perhaps 3 months per year ? I have no neighbors for 2 miles in CO

  • @8AlisaInez9
    @8AlisaInez9 5 років тому +2

    💕Thank you!

  • @barnmonster888
    @barnmonster888 5 років тому +1

    WANT TO BRING MY CAR DOWN IS THAT OK AND HOW ABOUT GAS PRICES---AND HOUSING AND RENT

  • @wscott1950
    @wscott1950 5 років тому +1

    Is this website still active?

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  5 років тому +1

      Hi, William.
      Yes, the site is still active. Here's the link to the homepage: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/
      And here is the link to the Q & A about Boquete: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/boquete-chiriqui-province

  • @MrRee-rs5dm
    @MrRee-rs5dm 5 років тому

    YOu can rent a 2 bedroom apartment in Cuenca, Ecuador for $400. I'm wondering if Boquete is as reasonable rent-wise as Cuenca? What is the range?

    • @rberding
      @rberding 5 років тому +3

      I am renting a bungalow (unfurnished) 8 minutes drive to the center of Boquete for 450 water included. Large garden. 3 Bedrooms. 1,150 sq. ft.

    • @harbanlutchman6563
      @harbanlutchman6563 4 роки тому

      Mr.Ree
      Living in Montreal, question how much do I need to retire in Boguete.
      What’s the cost to buy a 2 bedroom house?

    • @rberding
      @rberding 4 роки тому

      @@harbanlutchman6563 I live in Alto Boquete since 5 years. We rent a 3 bedroom bungalow (unfurnished) for $ 450 p.m. Water included. Electricity 18 p.m.

  • @Teri_Head
    @Teri_Head 5 років тому +4

    How does this guy know all this stuff after a week? Hard to believe

    • @rebeccagutierrez1401
      @rebeccagutierrez1401 5 років тому

      Exactly that, it's been only a week- it's still fresh in his mind.

    • @TETOYVIENDO
      @TETOYVIENDO 5 років тому +2

      search here on youtube... Panama Relocation Tours testimonials

    • @jaimecosta4512
      @jaimecosta4512 5 років тому

      @@TETOYVIENDO Not a good idea to get all your info from newbies, check with locals, after all they know the place intimately!

  • @funkydave100
    @funkydave100 8 років тому +2

    are u able to buy land where u can build ur own house and then have a few animals?

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  8 років тому +1

      Hi, David. Yes, you can. Lots of people do exactly that. Here's more information on Boquete: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/boquete-chiriqui-province

    • @rberding
      @rberding 8 років тому +2

      Many people have horses, dogs, cats and chicken.

    • @martinettenes1789
      @martinettenes1789 7 років тому

      Yes, I live in Panama 11 years and recently moved to Boquete Canyon Village, very nice. You can buy land and build your house on it. I did the same 5 years ago but you have to be get a good lawyer and builders. If you need more info, I will try to help you ...

    • @tomnelson7474
      @tomnelson7474 5 років тому

      martin ettenes How do you like Boquete Canyon Village? We looked at it last year and are giving it strong consideration for a retirement residence

  • @NadaYoTengo
    @NadaYoTengo 8 років тому +9

    Pretty good review for one week, however as a 12 yr resident some omissions. The crime is increasing. I have had 2 burglaries and an attempted home invasion.
    The legal system is broken, as well as dismal police response times.
    Boquete valley is not large maybe 2x3 km at most.
    Places like this attract bad people and it is getting worse as the population grows.
    I have never been inside a hot house here, find his comments confusing, except if the house has a tin roof and no insulation. the heat is radiating inward, those houses may be warm. Temps above 90f are rare and short duration usually one day.
    The natives are called indigenous, not aborigines.
    Water and light goes out a lot, depending on area, no water sometimes for days depending.
    Aggressive traffic cops that will impound and tow at the drop of a hot, but national police don't respond timely (I know) See broken legal system.

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  8 років тому +3

      Thanks, Jaime, for your very thorough contribution. Regarding the heat, the person making the video is from a very cold place in Canada-- hence, him thinking it was hot.

    • @ih7924
      @ih7924 7 років тому +1

      Jaime Costa How much is a rent for a single person?

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  7 років тому +1

      Hi, Isis. Here's the link to the answer to your question: bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/boquete-panama-renting-a-home-boquete-panama-renting-an-apartment

  • @rodgerfields9406
    @rodgerfields9406 4 роки тому

    He makes such a big deal about the wind.

  • @BigJProductions
    @BigJProductions 7 років тому +4

    just to point out that just because a person does not have a car doesn't mean he/she can't afford one. I invite you to come see europe. For me, happiness is zero responsibility. and a car is a fuckton of responsibility,

    • @BestMexicoMovers
      @BestMexicoMovers 7 років тому

      Good point, Big J (although it could have been made without the clever contraction)

  • @panama-canada
    @panama-canada 3 роки тому

    Good honest review. You began poorly and I downvoted the vid because it seemed you were ignorant but then you started talking business.

  • @justmusic8166
    @justmusic8166 4 роки тому

    I had an uncle that lived in a chicken coop ,we can live anywhere

  • @TheDocNorman
    @TheDocNorman 5 років тому +1

    Mosquitoes don’t like windy places. Creekin.

  • @TOMMYSURIA
    @TOMMYSURIA 8 років тому +10

    Thing to do? Build a permaculture farm; you will have plenty to do then.

    • @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire
      @Bestplacesintheworldtoretire  8 років тому

      ... and there's more to do:
      bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/581-what-are-the-best-things-to-do-in-and-around-boquete-panama

  • @rebeccagutierrez1401
    @rebeccagutierrez1401 5 років тому +2

    Dude looks like he's got horns growing out of his head. Just saying. I'm glad he's happy.

  • @jaimecosta4512
    @jaimecosta4512 5 років тому

    Most objective yet. I have lived in Boquete longer than most, and most newbie impressions are way off the mark. This guy sees things as they are, not as he wants to see them. However, there are things that he wouldn't know on such a short visit. The police protection is very thin and the legal system is a moving target. I visited my dentist here yesterday, and asked him if he knew any good lawyers. His response: "Nope". There is a term that all Panameños know and many practice, it is "juego vivo", basically means pulling a fast one. Lastly, how you perceive it here is directly related to how bad it sucks where you come from. The Latino culture is vastly different, and misinterpreted thru gringo lenses.

  • @noreenperez8666
    @noreenperez8666 7 років тому +2

    Not even the Panamanian are this imform,this guy on point.

  • @michaelchristophergutierre7244
    @michaelchristophergutierre7244 5 років тому

    Great video CHEESY MUSIC. Try some contemporary Spanish music next time lol

  • @marlenemetcalf8498
    @marlenemetcalf8498 4 роки тому

    It would be SO great if people could interspersed their own photos of the I town, their neighborhood, their corner mom + pop store that they like and where they wait for the bus + how often it comes, cost, who is on the bus typically, picture of the buses, picture of their own view of mountains or distant ocean, whatever, instead of just a TALKING HEAD! So wearying; I have to switch to something else.

  • @barnmonster888
    @barnmonster888 5 років тому +1

    U CAN'T BRNG GUNS DOWN THERE

    • @losriosprofundos2113
      @losriosprofundos2113 5 років тому +1

      I’d say that’s an advantage.

    • @judahnanas9772
      @judahnanas9772 4 роки тому

      No need for guns, no mass killing too!

    • @NoMoreInfo4You
      @NoMoreInfo4You 4 роки тому +1

      @@judahnanas9772 No they just use a machete like the two girls that were chopped up some years ago. Only an idiot would blame guns.

  • @deanmartin632
    @deanmartin632 7 років тому +3

    I met a husband and wife in David who both live in Boquete. They have silent motion detectors around their home. One night several months ago they got an alarm. They discovered 3 burglars attempting to burglarize their home. Armed with 2 Base Ball Bats and two 45 Automatics they went outside and surprised all 3 would be burglars. Theyhad all 3 burglars get down on the ground with their hands behind their heads. They proceeded to use their base ball bats on each Panama burglar. After they finished with the 3rd Panama burglar they tied all three Panama burglars to the rear bumper of their 4X4 and pulled their sewer rat asses out into the country side, about 15 miles. then dropped the burglars off along the road and rolled them into a ditch where they gave each burglar one last good beating with each of their base ball bats again in such a way that if any burglar survived, he would never be able to use either of his hands, fingers or arms again. My friends went home and celebrated and are now waiting for the next Boquete burglary attempt on their Safe Secure Home.

    • @patriciabowler
      @patriciabowler 7 років тому +11

      that's disturbing

    • @henrivanrooyen4891
      @henrivanrooyen4891 6 років тому +4

      That's way over the top ..........brutal !
      Doesn't sit well with me at all...... But then again if you have to play policeman yourself then yes this might be the right remedy......... In my home country I would receive a 20 year sentence for this action against the burglars , especially because it would be White on black violence ( South Africa )

    • @gabisdad
      @gabisdad 6 років тому +9

      What BS!

    • @MrJx4000
      @MrJx4000 5 років тому +1

      Dean's having a wet dream.

    • @NoMoreInfo4You
      @NoMoreInfo4You 4 роки тому

      @@henrivanrooyen4891 Soon to be coming to the US. Time to go.