All nationalities are welcome, FYI
The American Society of Panama
"Americans and Friends United Abroad"
american.society.panama@gmail.com
www.amsoc.org
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Panama U.S. Navy League future meetings (2014)
From the Panama U.S. Navy League:
We are pleased to announce the following dinner speakers for the next two months, and our Christmas dinner in December.
This month, on the 14th, we have the pleasure of welcoming Nicolás Liakópulos Falcon for a talk in Spanish about the Historia de la Moneda Panameña -- The history of Panamanian Coins. You may know him as Niko of Niko's Cafe fame. And yes, you read correctly. It will be in Spanish.
We are also happy to inform that Hernan Arauz indicated he will join us with some of his coins.
In November, we are happy to announce our speaker will be Julian Fernandez, General Manager
Business Development Latin America of APM Terminals, for an inside look at terminal operations and a little insight on the Nicaraguan Canal.
Business Development Latin America of APM Terminals, for an inside look at terminal operations and a little insight on the Nicaraguan Canal.
For December, we are looking forward to another Silent Auction for our scholarship fund. If you are able to donate gift certificates, prizes, etc., please do let us know soon so we can start promoting same.
For this month's dinner, please RSVP by noon next Monday the 13th.
Time: 7pm
Place: Le Meridien
Dress: Business casual
Dinner: $30 per person inc. glass of wine
Place: Le Meridien
Dress: Business casual
Dinner: $30 per person inc. glass of wine
Please send you confirmation to this address.
Kind regards,
Hunter schultz
President
Navy League Panama
navy.league.panama@gmail.com
President
Navy League Panama
navy.league.panama@gmail.com
TOWN HALL MEETING – AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
TOWN HALL MEETING – AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
The following questions were addressed during the Town Hall Meeting held at the Ambassador’s Residence on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. In addition to these general Q&A, a few audience members raised personal topics of concern that the Embassy will address privately.
Question 1) What is the likelihood that Medicare will be available to U.S. citizens residing in Panama, due to the large population of U.S. citizens here?
Answer: Medicare is only available to individuals who are residing in the United States. This is a world-wide policy; therefore it is unlikely that there will be any change to this policy.
Question 2) I have heard that I will need to take a written test (in Spanish) to transfer my United States pilot’s license to a Panamanian pilot’s license. Do we have a treaty with Panama that allows us to obtain a Panamanian pilot’s license just by presenting the U.S. license?
Answer: An audience member responded that holders of U.S. pilot’s licenses should be able to bring their license to the 2nd floor of the Aeronautica Civil Office and get the Panamanian license without having to take the exam in Spanish.
Question 3) I am a dual-national and I require a certification to keep my U.S. pilot’s license valid. I need a Certified Flight Instructor to process my pilot’s license.
Answer: An audience member indicated that he is a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) and would be willing to assist the individual. He also indicated that there is only one U.S. AI (Authorized Inspector) for aircraft in Albrook.
Question 4) What is the status of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) implementation in Panama? What impact is it having on U.S. citizens?
Answer: The United States and Panama reached an agreement on FATCA, but it has not yet been signed. However, Panama is currently operating as if the document were in effect and already signed. Anecdotally, we have heard of several cases from U.S. citizens where they indicated that opening a bank account or running a business overseas has become more difficult due to FATCA, and Panama is no exception.
Question 5) How do I get information on how to comply with FATCA?
Answer: You can visit the following IRS website to learn more about FATCA: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Corporations/Summary-of-FATCA-Reporting-for-U.S.-Taxpayers. If you have additional questions, you can also send an e-mail to the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Panama at: Panama-ACS@state.gov and we will do our best to provide the requested information or direct you to the appropriate office. From time to time, local non-profit groups may offer information sessions and we will also direct these to the attention of U.S. citizens.
Question 6) I have had my credit/debit cards cloned in Panama on two separate occasions. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this common in Panama?
Answer: If this happens to you, we understand that the normal procedure is to go to your bank first and file a complaint. If you do not receive a reply in 30 days or if you are not satisfied with this initial response, you can go to the Customer Service office of the Superintendencia de Bancos located on the first floor of the old HSBC Bank in Obarrio across from Mercurio Jewelry. Please be suspicious of any online requests for money from individuals unknown to you.
Question 7) When you are admitted to Panama as a tourist, you are generally given permission to remain for 6-months. The length of time that tourists are allowed to drive in Panama on their foreign driver’s license is 3-months. Can you please bring awareness of the discrepancy to the Panamanian Authorities to have the driver’s license validity for tourists who hold foreign licenses extended to 6-months?
Answer: We can raise this issue with the relevant Panamanian authorities, but there is no guarantee that it will have an impact on their current policy. Each country and even each state in the U.S. makes their own rules relative to obtaining a driver’s license.
Question 8) I was told that if I don’t travel to the United States at least once a year to have a medical check-up, I will lose my Medicare benefits. I was told this by Blue Cross/ Blue Shield.
Answer: Medicare benefits should be valid in the United States unless the individual writes directly to Social Security indicating that they no longer wish to receive Medicare benefits. The length of time spent outside of the United States or the frequency of medical exams in the United States should have no impact on Medicare in the United States. However, an audience member answered that, if you have Blue Cross or another secondary insurance provider, they are free to institute their own standards and often do require that you be seen yearly by an approved Physician in their network.
Question 9) I noticed that you have a list of Panamanian physicians on your website. Do you have a list of Panamanian attorneys and accountants as well?
Answer: Yes—we have a list of Panamanian attorneys on our website at the following link:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/panama/11567/americancitizens/attorneys.pdf.
Some of the attorneys listed specialize in tax law—please review the information below their names. In addition, we understand that Accountants are listed in the Panamanian yellow pages under “Consultores de Impuestos or Contadores”. Note: if any of the Physicians or lawyers on the list does not provide adequate service, please alert the U.S. Embassy so we can remove them.
Question 10) I was told by a friend that the DHL office in David, Panama requested a U.S. citizen pay double the required fee to send a pre-paid envelope to the Embassy.
Answer: We will contact the DHL office in David to ensure that U.S. citizens are charged the correct fee for this service. In general, passport applicants are required to mail a pre-paid envelope to the Embassy and include the following items in that envelope: their old passport (so we can cancel it), the cashier’s receipt from the Embassy showing their passport payment, and only one DHL way-bill so we can return the items to DHL in David. We do not require individuals to mail us the payment receipt that they receive from DHL.
In cases where there is no old passport to mail to us (replacement of a lost/stolen passport, adding pages, etc.), the applicant can contact DHL to arrange the payment and e-mail us the DHL account number to Panama-ACS@state.gov with a note indicating that we should return their passport to the DHL office in David in that pre-paid envelope.
Question 11) Why do checks from U.S. banks take so long to process in Panama?
Answer: An audience member mentioned that Panama’s Superintendencia de Bancos has recently passed a regulation minimizing the credit of money for personal checks from Panamanian Banks to T+1 (day of deposit plus one day) so, service should speed up. In addition, banks will standardize check sizes and will also include routing as well as account numbers in a standard format as in the U.S. Both of these processes should be implemented by March 31, 2015. U.S. checks deposited in local banks are not affected by this new procedure since they have to be processed through clearing houses in the U.S.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
The following questions were addressed during the Town Hall Meeting held at the Ambassador’s Residence on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. In addition to these general Q&A, a few audience members raised personal topics of concern that the Embassy will address privately.
Question 1) What is the likelihood that Medicare will be available to U.S. citizens residing in Panama, due to the large population of U.S. citizens here?
Answer: Medicare is only available to individuals who are residing in the United States. This is a world-wide policy; therefore it is unlikely that there will be any change to this policy.
Question 2) I have heard that I will need to take a written test (in Spanish) to transfer my United States pilot’s license to a Panamanian pilot’s license. Do we have a treaty with Panama that allows us to obtain a Panamanian pilot’s license just by presenting the U.S. license?
Answer: An audience member responded that holders of U.S. pilot’s licenses should be able to bring their license to the 2nd floor of the Aeronautica Civil Office and get the Panamanian license without having to take the exam in Spanish.
Question 3) I am a dual-national and I require a certification to keep my U.S. pilot’s license valid. I need a Certified Flight Instructor to process my pilot’s license.
Answer: An audience member indicated that he is a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) and would be willing to assist the individual. He also indicated that there is only one U.S. AI (Authorized Inspector) for aircraft in Albrook.
Question 4) What is the status of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) implementation in Panama? What impact is it having on U.S. citizens?
Answer: The United States and Panama reached an agreement on FATCA, but it has not yet been signed. However, Panama is currently operating as if the document were in effect and already signed. Anecdotally, we have heard of several cases from U.S. citizens where they indicated that opening a bank account or running a business overseas has become more difficult due to FATCA, and Panama is no exception.
Question 5) How do I get information on how to comply with FATCA?
Answer: You can visit the following IRS website to learn more about FATCA: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Corporations/Summary-of-FATCA-Reporting-for-U.S.-Taxpayers. If you have additional questions, you can also send an e-mail to the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Panama at: Panama-ACS@state.gov and we will do our best to provide the requested information or direct you to the appropriate office. From time to time, local non-profit groups may offer information sessions and we will also direct these to the attention of U.S. citizens.
Question 6) I have had my credit/debit cards cloned in Panama on two separate occasions. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this common in Panama?
Answer: If this happens to you, we understand that the normal procedure is to go to your bank first and file a complaint. If you do not receive a reply in 30 days or if you are not satisfied with this initial response, you can go to the Customer Service office of the Superintendencia de Bancos located on the first floor of the old HSBC Bank in Obarrio across from Mercurio Jewelry. Please be suspicious of any online requests for money from individuals unknown to you.
Question 7) When you are admitted to Panama as a tourist, you are generally given permission to remain for 6-months. The length of time that tourists are allowed to drive in Panama on their foreign driver’s license is 3-months. Can you please bring awareness of the discrepancy to the Panamanian Authorities to have the driver’s license validity for tourists who hold foreign licenses extended to 6-months?
Answer: We can raise this issue with the relevant Panamanian authorities, but there is no guarantee that it will have an impact on their current policy. Each country and even each state in the U.S. makes their own rules relative to obtaining a driver’s license.
Question 8) I was told that if I don’t travel to the United States at least once a year to have a medical check-up, I will lose my Medicare benefits. I was told this by Blue Cross/ Blue Shield.
Answer: Medicare benefits should be valid in the United States unless the individual writes directly to Social Security indicating that they no longer wish to receive Medicare benefits. The length of time spent outside of the United States or the frequency of medical exams in the United States should have no impact on Medicare in the United States. However, an audience member answered that, if you have Blue Cross or another secondary insurance provider, they are free to institute their own standards and often do require that you be seen yearly by an approved Physician in their network.
Question 9) I noticed that you have a list of Panamanian physicians on your website. Do you have a list of Panamanian attorneys and accountants as well?
Answer: Yes—we have a list of Panamanian attorneys on our website at the following link:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/panama/11567/americancitizens/attorneys.pdf.
Some of the attorneys listed specialize in tax law—please review the information below their names. In addition, we understand that Accountants are listed in the Panamanian yellow pages under “Consultores de Impuestos or Contadores”. Note: if any of the Physicians or lawyers on the list does not provide adequate service, please alert the U.S. Embassy so we can remove them.
Question 10) I was told by a friend that the DHL office in David, Panama requested a U.S. citizen pay double the required fee to send a pre-paid envelope to the Embassy.
Answer: We will contact the DHL office in David to ensure that U.S. citizens are charged the correct fee for this service. In general, passport applicants are required to mail a pre-paid envelope to the Embassy and include the following items in that envelope: their old passport (so we can cancel it), the cashier’s receipt from the Embassy showing their passport payment, and only one DHL way-bill so we can return the items to DHL in David. We do not require individuals to mail us the payment receipt that they receive from DHL.
In cases where there is no old passport to mail to us (replacement of a lost/stolen passport, adding pages, etc.), the applicant can contact DHL to arrange the payment and e-mail us the DHL account number to Panama-ACS@state.gov with a note indicating that we should return their passport to the DHL office in David in that pre-paid envelope.
Question 11) Why do checks from U.S. banks take so long to process in Panama?
Answer: An audience member mentioned that Panama’s Superintendencia de Bancos has recently passed a regulation minimizing the credit of money for personal checks from Panamanian Banks to T+1 (day of deposit plus one day) so, service should speed up. In addition, banks will standardize check sizes and will also include routing as well as account numbers in a standard format as in the U.S. Both of these processes should be implemented by March 31, 2015. U.S. checks deposited in local banks are not affected by this new procedure since they have to be processed through clearing houses in the U.S.
Monday, October 6, 2014
American Overseas Schools Historical Society
Robert L Webster is retired U.S. Army with two tours in Panama, last tour assigned to the BHS ROTC cadre. (Robert's wife is also Panamanian from Chiriqui). Robert lives in Wichita, Kansas & is a staff member of the American Overseas Schools Historical Society. Among other things Robert collects personal history of years people attended DoD schools. Robert can be contacted via facebook at Robert L Webster or email at AOSHSOffice@sbcglobal.net Their website iswww.aoshs.org
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Robert L Webster in front of the AOSHS office in Wichita, Kansas USA
Friday, October 3, 2014
Frank Gehry biomuseum in panama
Frank Gehry biomuseum in panama, See:
http://www.biomuseopanama.org/en
http://www.biomuseopanama.org/en
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Top 10 islands in Central America *** Panama has 5
Top 10 islands in Central America *** Panama has 5: http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama_residential_devel/2014/08/know-what-the-top-10-islands-in-central-america-are.html
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Sunday, September 28, 2014
American Society of Panama Membership Drive
| Special Bulletin: The American Society of Panama Special Membership Drive Campaign & Incentives THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PANAMA 2015 New Member and Membership Renewal The American Society Board of Directors extends an invitation to our community and our former members who would like to reinstate their membership. The Board is renewing the membership drive offering incentives to past members encouraging them to return and making it attractive for new members to join the American Society of Panama. We have developed a very active and attractive calendar of events and want you to be part of these activities. Details of some listed and unlisted events are still in the planning states. 1. Monday, Oct 6th Meet & Mix Hilton Hotel, Balboa Ave., The High Society Restaurant Terrace 2. Sunday, Nov 23rd 12 noon – 3 PM Traditional Family Thanksgiving Dinner at the TRYP Hotel Albrook 3. Monday, Dec 01 - Meet & Mix Fontanella Restaurant – Ramada Plaza Hotel, Via Israel 4. Thursday, Dec 18th: Christmas Dinner/Dance at the SORTIS Hotel. Cocktail hour from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Dinner at 8:00 followed by dance, special program and door prizes. 5. Monday, Jan 5th 2015 Meet & Mix – TRYP Hotel Albrook Bristol Lounge – Welcoming the New Year! 6. Saturday, Jan 17th 2015 11 AM – 3 PM El Valle Day Outing at the Hotel Campestre and Complimentary Membership Appreciation Dinner that evening in El Valle at a private home. 7. Monday, Feb 2nd Meet & Mix - Xuvia Restaurant, Costa del Este 8. Saturday, Feb 14th Tentative moonlight cruise in the Bay of Panama (Full Moon) – or – Partial Panama Canal Transit with lunch at the Gamboa Rainforest Hotel. We are in the planning stages for the following Meet and Mix and monthly events, but below is tentative information: Note: all Meet and Mix events are from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on the first Monday of the month. 9. Monday Mar 2nd March Meet & Mix 10. March – Art Show/Auction 11. Monday, April 6th Meet & Mix 12. April – Election Night Dinner Party 13. Monday, May 4th Meet & Mix 14. May – Installation Dinner Our website www.amsoc.org is up and running and lists many of our past and upcoming events. We need you to help us give back to the community. You the members are the pillars that sustain our organization. Your support helps us meet our social, charitable and scholarship commitments. WE NEED YOU: Our membership fee is the prime source of funding for our scholarship fund and our supported charities. Founded in 1931, and after 83 years of existence, The American Society of Panama now has a membership that includes Americans and Panamanians, as well as citizens of other nations residing in Panama. We are a non-profit organization, and are duly recognized as such by the Panamanian Government. Together we can do more! The American Society of Panama is offering an Amnesty to members who have not paid their 2014 dues and to all past members who would now like to reinstate their membership by paying the regular membership renewal fee of $40. 1. We are waiving the penalty fee of $10 for all returning members. 2. In addition, those past members who return and rejoin between 01 Oct. & by 31 Dec. 2014 will have all arrears forgiven. 3. These returning, rejoining members and all new members as of 01 Sept. 2014 will also have that payment applied towards their 2015 dues. 4. These returning-reinstated members and those that become new members between now and 31 Dec. 2014 will receive a 10% discount in their tickets for the upcoming Membership Drive event in El Valle on Saturday 17 Jan. 2015 and invited to join us at the complimentary Lasagna dinner party that evening at the private home of one of our members in El Valle. 5. There is a new cost differential for our events. Members will receive a $15 discount on all our events. Our New Member fee is $50 and Membership Renewal is $40 and applicable for the calendar year. We encourage potential new members to visit our website www.amsoc.org and to apply electronically for membership. You may also contact us at American.Society.Panama@gmail.com for more information and to obtain your tickets for our upcoming events. Dr. Charles Garcia Membership Chair | |||
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