Pasarex Shipping to Boquete: What Expats Need to Know

Pasarex is Amazon's legitimate international shipping partner for Panama, handling the delivery chain from the US to your door in Boquete through local carrier Multientrega. While most packages arrive within 10-14 days without issues, holiday periods (November-January) can bring delays, and the $15-20 fast track option is worth considering during peak times.

If you've received an email from Pasarex about an Amazon shipment and are wondering what's going on, you're definitely not alone. Many expats in Boquete have had questions about this shipping service when it first appears in their inbox. Here's everything our community has learned about how Pasarex works, what to expect, and how to handle any issues that arise.

What is Pasarex?

Pasarex is the international shipping service that Amazon uses to ship packages to Panama. They're a legitimate company, reportedly based in Colombia, that handles the international leg of Amazon deliveries to our country. They are absolutely not a scam, despite the unfamiliar name causing concern for many newcomers.

The typical delivery chain works like this:

1. You order from Amazon
2. Amazon ships to a Pasarex facility
3. Pasarex handles international shipping to Panama City
4. In Panama, Pasarex hands off to Multientrega for final delivery
5. Multientrega drivers deliver to your door in Boquete

Living in Boquete? Connect with other expats who've navigated the Amazon shipping process and can share real-time updates on delivery experiences.

Why You're Getting Pasarex Emails

When your Amazon package enters Pasarex's system, you'll typically receive emails with tracking updates. These emails may look different from what you're used to with carriers like UPS or FedEx, which understandably raises eyebrows. Rest assured, these communications are legitimate parts of Amazon's Panama delivery process.

Mixed Experiences: What Expats Report

Expat experiences with Pasarex vary considerably, so it's important to set realistic expectations:

Positive Experiences

• Many report great service with courteous drivers who communicate via text or WhatsApp before delivery
• Some have had drivers meet them at stores, restaurants, or other locations when not home - very accommodating
• Packages often arrive without any issues, especially outside of peak holiday season
• The Multientrega drivers who handle final delivery to Boquete are consistently praised as excellent, professional, and communicative
• Delivery to even remote Boquete locations usually succeeds without problems

Challenges Some Have Faced

• Customer service can be difficult to reach when problems arise
• Packages sometimes sit in warehouses for extended periods without apparent movement
• Tracking information doesn't always update accurately or in real-time
• The service is relatively new for Amazon Panama deliveries, leading to some growing pains
• Holiday season (November-January) can bring significant delays
• Occasional packages get stuck in customs requiring additional documentation

What to Do If Your Package is Stuck

If your package shows as sitting in a Pasarex warehouse with no delivery arrangements, don't panic. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Wait about a week: Sometimes tracking doesn't update even when packages are actually moving through the system. Patience is often rewarded.
2. Check multiple tracking sources: The Pasarex website may show different status than email notifications or Amazon's tracking. Check all sources.
3. Contact Pasarex directly: If a package genuinely seems stuck for more than a week, reach out to their customer service. They can sometimes file claims with customs to clear packages that are held up.
4. Document everything: Keep screenshots of tracking information and any communications in case you need to escalate.
5. Contact Amazon: If the package truly seems lost after reasonable efforts, Amazon customer service can help. Many expats have received full refunds for packages that never arrived. Amazon is generally very accommodating.

Tips for Successful Deliveries

• Provide detailed delivery instructions: Include landmarks, gate codes, and your phone number with WhatsApp
• Be available: Drivers often call or text before delivery - respond promptly
• Consider timing: Avoid ordering during peak holiday season if items aren't urgent
• Check import restrictions: Some items (lithium batteries, certain foods, etc.) may face customs issues
• Order from Amazon.com: Items shipped directly through Amazon's international program generally work best

Alternatives to Pasarex

If you prefer more control over your international shipments or have had persistent problems, consider these alternatives:

• Update Amazon preferences: Some expats have specifically requested no DHL after poor experiences, and everything then routes through Pasarex instead. You can experiment with carrier preferences.
• Third-party forwarders: Services like Red N Blue, BoxShop, or Miami Box offer more control over your shipments. You ship to their Miami address, then they forward to Panama.
• Mailboxes Etc. in David: Another forwarding option some expats use
• Buying locally: For some items, purchasing in David or Panama City may be easier than international shipping

Customs Considerations

Occasionally, packages get held in customs. If this happens:

• You may receive a notification requesting documentation (invoice, proof of purchase)
• Items over certain values may incur import duties
• Some categories of items face closer scrutiny (electronics, medications, food items)
• Having your cedula or residency documentation handy can help resolve customs holds

The Bottom Line

Pasarex is legitimate and works well for the majority of expats ordering from Amazon. However, the service is still scaling up its Amazon partnership, and occasional hiccups occur. The Multientrega drivers who handle the final delivery to Boquete are generally excellent - friendly, communicative, and willing to work with your schedule.

If you have a package stuck in their system, patience combined with proactive communication usually resolves the issue. And remember, Amazon's customer service is your ultimate backup - they want you to receive your orders and will make it right if packages genuinely go missing.

Welcome to the world of international shipping in Panama - it's not quite as seamless as Amazon Prime in the States, but with a little patience, you can still get most of what you need delivered to your door in the highlands.

For more Panama expat tips, explore Panama City's expat scene or browse our comprehensive Panama guide. Need general relocation advice? Check out our complete expat resource library.