One of the biggest challenges you will face in your indoctrination into Panama is “getting hooked up”; We are talking about your Utilities of course.
 In a country where the cellular penetration 70%+ is greater than home phone lines , because it is easier and cheaper to get a pre-paid phone card than hooking up your home line, credit check, pay deposits, wait for weeks, pay a basic fee every month, etc.
It is all about Planning and Execution. This article you will find handy for your process of turning on your water, light, phone, cable, and internet service providers. As a recommendation you can put a clause in your promise to purchase agreement that one condition for you to buy is for the developer or the real estate agent to commit providing you with “turnkey” these services of “INSTALLED UTILITIES” and they will.
Keep in mind that if you purchased your property as a Corporation or Foundation you will be required to follow the “connection process” as a Corporation.
At ThinkPanama.com we do provide this service for our clients that purchase property with ThinkPanama.com as a courtesy and added value.
… and then, there was light. Requesting electrical services
These requests are handled by different companies through out the country of Panama, it depends mainly where you reside. These requests are handled by Union Fenosa, Elektra Noreste, or Etesa to name a few. Here’s what you need to know about getting “hooked up” in Panama:
If Applicant is an Individual:
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Copy of ID cedula or passport or immigration card Carnet .
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Copy of the title deed, or Rental agreement.
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In case that you cannot attend personally to sign the Service contract, you can provide a limited power of attorney or a written statement authorizing a third party to sign on your behalf.
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A deposit will be required , est. $100 - $150. This deposit is refundable.
If Applicant is a Legal Entity Corporations etc. :
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Copy of the companies pacto social. This are the Incorporation docs.
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Copy of the title deed of the property, or Rental agreement.
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In case the “legal representative” of the company is unable to attend personally to sign the Service contract. One should provide a written statement authorizing a third party to sign on their behalf.
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As above, a deposit may be required. $100- $150.
H2O is life. Requesting Water
 Unlike most other countries in the Caribbean or in South America for that matter, the tap water in Panama is perfectly safe to drink and has the highest standards of purification and filtration in the region. These services are provided by the Government Institution IDAAN Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales . In most cases where you may be buying into a condominium or urban development, the developer will have already requested and installed the water connection, and this is normally covered by your monthly maintenance fees. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to order the water connection yourself, you will need to provide the following:
If Applicant is an Individual:
Residences Urban Developments, Condominiums and Individual Homes :
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Copy of the Title Deed for the Property, or Lease agreement.
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Notarized Authorization letter issued by the property owner if the request is being made by a contractor .
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Copy of ID cedula , passport or Immigration Card of the proprietor.
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Make payment for the connection and/or any manual labor which may include installing a new water meter.
If Applicant is a Legal Entity Corporations etc.
In addition to providing the requirements for a Individual Person listed above, you must also present the “Pacto Social” constitution of the company.
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Name of the Corporation or Legal Entity.
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The Entity’s R.U.C Registration and Tax ID number.
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ID number of the Legal Representative of the Entity.
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Complete address and telephone number.
Keeping in touch with loved ones. Requesting a telephone line for your residence.
 In recent years new laws have opened up the market to various companies to provide these services in the country of Panama, whereas in the past, companies like Cable & Wireless held a monopoly on Fixed-line Phone Services. Some companies like Cable Onda offer bundled packages which include telephone, internet and digital cable. To acquire these services you must provide the following:
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Copy of your ID, Passport, or Immigration Card.
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Copy of one months recent invoice of either electricity, or water.
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2 Personal references.
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Copy of Title Deed, or Lease/Rental Agreement.
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A major Credit card
NOTE: Temporary Option: You can PURCHASE a $39.99 cel phone at Cable & Wireless and a prepaid calling card for $5.00 and have instant cel phone service after charging your new phone.
At
ThinkPanama.com we do provide this service for our clients that purchase property with
ThinkPanama.com as a courtesy and added value.
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