Job Discussion Forums

crm769 · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

Hi,

I have a question or two that I thought someone out there might be able to answer regarding apartment/housing in Panama.
What is the routine for getting a place on a tourist visa? Do I need references? Is it legal with only a tourist visa? Is it simply like getting a place here in Canada? Right now, I am thinking I could stay at a hostel and expect to have a place by the end of one week. Is that a reasonable expectation?
I appreciate anyone's thoughts on this matter.

pirateinpanama · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Panama City, Panama

Although I heard there may be a hostel or two somewhere in the banking area, the best bet is to go to one of the hotels and make a deal with them. Las Vegas apt/hotels or Costa del Sol are two.
There are single rooms in the center of the city that may cost about $150-$200 per month.
Your first apartment will probably have to be furnished, which is more expensive. My first place with furniture cost about $600 per month. This unfurnished place has cost me $550. for the past few years.
Unfurnished apartments are just that---unfurnished! Kitchen appliances are up to you to find. Many times unfurnished apartment leases hinge on your receipts from your previous rental.
Another idea: take a walk around the U of Panama and you may see advertisements for roommates or rooms for rent.
Just show 'em "the green" and no one will ask about any tourist visas.
Rents are not cheap here.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

crm769 · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

Hi,

Thanks for your replies. The room-mate option is always a good one; though I would prefer a place by myself.
$500-600 a month for rent seems awfully high, but better to find that out here rather than there.
I had been casting around thinking (hoping) that rents would be in the more managable $200-300 range, which it seems to be in other regions.
Anyway, thanks for your help.

CM