Vacation Rental

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Member since 15 July 2013

janmastonMember16 July 2013 17:22:14

My husband and I are coming to Panama in September for a week to see how we like the country and the possibility of moving there.

The rental lease I received is asking for our passport number. Is this common? My husband is a little hesitant about giving out the information. Is there reason to worry?

Jan

SawMan Serial expat

Member since 19 March 2012

SawManSerial expat16 July 2013 23:05:09

577

I believe it is unlawful for anyone to rent residential premises for less than 90 days unless registered as a hotel. This law is intended to prevent circumvention of hotel taxes and protect hotels in general. I'm sure it happens, but you might already be dealing a bit with someone operating in the gray market. That said, even hotels expect a copy of your passport.

jonoyakker Active member

Member since 10 July 2008

jonoyakkerActive member22 July 2013 08:47:39

I wouldn't worry-it's not linked to your $ records. I wouldn't worry necessarily about someone in the gray.

jorisvdb New member

Member since 18 June 2013

jorisvdbNew member22 July 2013 13:09:39

Hi Jan,

I'm also visiting Panama(City) in Sept (until the 10th) for the same reasons as you. My wife, 2 kids and myself are planning a move sometime next year. Maybe you (and other future expats) and I can meet up some place in Panama, have a drink, and exchange experiences.

Cheers,
Joris

El_Vikingo Member

Member since 20 July 2013

El_VikingoMember22 July 2013 18:34:38

Good luck here when you arrive! I hope you and your family look around ALOT ...I have been here 32 years...and know the country quite well..as well as being tri-lingual...One should really know Spanish if you are going to live here! As I said....I am on the "way out"...and actually quite happy to be leaving. If we don't ever meet( I will be here until early Sept.)...I would just leave you with this advice when moving/traveling/staying anywhere around this country now-a-days....that advice would be:
"Watch your Six..!)

janmaston Member

Member since 15 July 2013

janmastonMember22 July 2013 20:40:04

What are your reasons for leaving after so long? I don't know what "Watch Your Six" means. We will actually be spending most of our time around Coronado and not so much in Panama City. I seem to be getting conflicting opinions. Some people seem to love Panama and others not so much.

jonoyakker Active member

Member since 10 July 2008

jonoyakkerActive member23 July 2013 00:02:15

Just like anything else-some people love it, some don't. That's why you have to come and see for yourself...

Watch your six means watch your back...

janmaston Member

Member since 15 July 2013

janmastonMember23 July 2013 12:02:03

Thanks. I learned something new today.

CatnotintheHat New member

Member since 31 July 2013

CatnotintheHatNew member01 August 2013 17:02:12

It is very common and the 90 day rule is in Panama City not in the beaches area. You will want to make a copy of your passport and the page that is stamped when you enter Panama and keep it with you especially if you are driving.

I now know what watch your six means too!

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