Retire in Boquete Panama

Boquete is rapidly becoming famous for several reasons. Its natural beauty is breathtaking; the coffee grown there rivals other top coffee producing nations; and its proximity to sightseeing and recreational activities is second to none. It is cooler, temperature wise than is Panama City and is cooled by the fresh mountain breezes. And now, there is a booming real estate market in Boquete as well. You have to come to Boquete to really appreciate how special it is. It’s a wonderful choice of location for retirement in Panama.

Boquete is a small town situated in the highlands of Panama’s western-most province of Chiriqui. But, don’t let its size fool you; it has a lot to offer if you are looking for real estate in Boquete.

Boquete is a safe place, as is the entire country, generally speaking. It boasts a democratic form of government that is more stable than most Latin American countries and in fact, since 1989 there has been a constitutional prohibition on having a military.

In general, Panama has low real estate taxes and has many incentives for foreign investors to invest in properties in the country. In fact, if the registered value of your property is below a certain low threshold you do not pay any property tax at all. One such incentive offers a property tax exemption that may entitle you to be exempt for up 20 years. This also includes building permits for improvements or renovations to your property. For details, confirm with the local Government’s municipal office in Boquete, Panama.

Also, Panama benefits from nearly 100 years of American presence in offering an infrastructure that you are familiar with. English is the second language in Panama and is widely spoken. Not only will you find restaurants and professional services including TV, Internet and cell phone networks, you will have access to medical facilities that are on par with North American standards.

There are a wide variety of real estate properties in Boquete available and the equally accessible price points that they have, make Boquete a desirable setting for your retirement that you can really believe in.

Among the many properties available you will find in Boquete include: quiet private residential communities, single-family homes, retirement communities, gated and resort communities, condominiums and there are many vacant lots that are available for development. And as labour costs are low, you can build your dream house in Boquete.

Property ownership in Boquete is easy to achieve and has few restrictions for foreigners. Be sure to consult a qualified Panamanian lawyer regarding any technical aspects of property ownership. Also, you will find that their rates are a fraction of what you would pay a lawyer where you live now.

Panama’s real estate market has proven to be a solid venture through the years and has been appreciating quite steadily and as interest and growth increases so do the real estate values. Property real estate prices have increased and the time is now to invest in the real estate market now. Panama’s whole economy is growing and with the expansion of the Panama Canal to be completed in a few years, prices will climb higher and higher because of its booming economy.

The influx of international real estate firms such as Century 21 and Coldwell Banker attests to the growth. Also, major financial institutions have followed suit such as HSBC, Lloyds and Citibank in order to provide financial services for all the growth that has been occurring.

You will find the house you are seeking for your retirement in Panama in charming Boquete with quality construction offering North American and European finishes. You can find a retirement property in Boquete with mountain, valley or volcano views. Can you imagine?

So, come join the growing ex-pat community in Boquete and benefit from the comfortable climate, clean water, fresh air, low cost of living and the tranquility that is Boquete, Panama, the place to retire in Panama.

Girl with the Panama Hat

I've got lots of time on my retirement in Panama to rummage through things. I've gone to some private sales, what you might call "yard sales" and come up with some interesting finds. Kind of like antique shopping. I came upon this photograph that kinda held my attention for a while so I thought I'd share it with you.

It's a photograph of a girl in one of those famous Panama Hats. I don't know anything about the girl or how old the photo is, but it kinda looks old because it's clearly not in the best of condition. It kind of drew me to it. An unknown woman, I don't even know who she is or who owned the photograph but I thought I should put it on my blog. She might of been a woman from Panama or maybe not. It's just a kind of weird photo. Made me think of Panama in the old days.

When one thinks of Panama, one of the first things that come to mind are, besides beaches, besides My Panama retirement (LOL! of course!), besides hunting for real estate, you would probably get an image of a Panama hat.

Something I know is that Panama hats aren't even made in Panama. I heard they're made in Ecuador actually. I know the best Panama hats are woven so fine that they can even hold water. Correct me if I am wrong.

Just something I found on my search for curiosities in Panama, this interesting photo of the girl in the Panama hat. I might get a frame for it. It's just a very interesting photograph of Panama.

A View for My Panama Retirement

For all of those who are interested in retirement in Panama, I came up with a good question for you.

Take a look at this photo of mine. Beach front. Mountains in the background. A view of the sea. The sun shimmers on the water. You can almost hear the water which gently laps against the white sand. The palm trees offer you their calm shade from the hot sun. You hear a few of the tropical birds singing. You watch the sun rise and the sun set on a daily basis.

Perhaps you own one clock or watch, but you rarely stare at it. You shop at the local markets just down the road, food is fresh, organic, tastes much better than the meals you ate in your previous life in that cold northern city. And somewhat cheaper too.

You might just own an old car. It doesn't matter. It gets you over the rough roads, from point A to point B. To the beaches, to town, to your friends, to your local bar, to Panama City when you need to hear some roaring and other such noise, visit the restaurants and bars, meet people, walk around the old city.

I never said I wanted a condo for my retirement in Panama. I don't want to be stuck in some skyscraper. Am aiming for simplicity. I wanted a beach front property in Panama.

Okay, so like I said. Take a look at the picture. Now tell me how long it will take you to get bored of this scene?

If I actually retire here. This is my Paradise for my retirement in Panama. Will not get bored. What about you?

Time to go check out Bocas del Toro Real Estate

It was time for me to go to Bocas del Toro to check out the real esate in the town. We drove to Almirante and took the ferry. Stayed for a week. You can do this when you retire in Panama. I don’t have a schedule. I refuse to have a schedule for the rest of my retirement. I am not rushing anywhere. I do not have a schedule, that's my rule. I might make it to catch a plane but that's about it.

The Bocas del Toro archipelago, located amidst spectacular scenery in the northwestern part of Panama is a favorite with tourists and people from around the world wanting to retire in Panama. The natural beauty of the place is such that almost anyone would be enticed to settle down here. No wonder Bocas del Toro real estate is among the most sought after in Panama. As a matter of fact, Panama real estate, whatever may be the part of the country, is in great demand these days. Even with the world wide recession. The good news I found is that there are plenty of properties in Bocas del Toro that are still available, including condos and single family dwellings.

Although you can easily find details about properties in Bocas del Toro, you should always make it a point to visit the place in person which I did, before I make a purchase decision. Since a lot of paperwork is involved in the process, I did a bit of online research on Bocas, the construction companies and the real estate firms I might deal with. You should not take any decision in haste. I didn’t. Time is my friend. Shopping around is the key to finding the right Bocas del Toro real estate. Real estate agents are a good source of information but try to have contact with more than just one agent. I do. It’s good to get different information from different sources. Try and have a look at as many properties up for sale, as possible and that’s what I’m doing. This is the best way to clinch the right deal when it comes to Panama real estate.

Life here has the Latin American spirit but English is spoken widely. I still believe if you are going to live here, you should learn Spanish. Bocas del Toro has been growing into a new vacation destination for people looking to escape the cold winters of the north. It offers some of the best priced beach front properties in the world. So we went to take a look.

For a little bit of history for you, it's a diverse place and Bocas is the home for at least two of the indigenous peoples. You can visit their villages by invitation when you go there. See how they have lived for 1000’s of years. The villages are located within Bastimentos National Marine Park, one of Panama’s national parks.

The town of Bocas situated on the south eastern tip of Isla Colon and has a modern infrastructure, with a treated water system, paved streets, a hospital with ambulance service, restaurants, a few new hotels, internet services, cable TV, and even a fire department. How do you get to Bocas? Travel is easy, either by air, land or sea. You can catch one of several flights from Panama City. There is also a water taxi service from Almirante or you can drive your car and take the ferry from Almirante. Like I said, we drove and took the ferry. I wanted to soak in the scenery so I took the scenic root. I am not in the habit of rushing anymore.

On the islands with their beautiful beaches, you can witness the rainforests and all the tropical wildlife and greenery. The birds and mammals (turtles), mangroves, and coral reefs are spectacular. We spent some time there snorkeling close to Cayo Nancy. Watched the surfers at Punch Beach. Walked along the beaches for miles and miles. Visited one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with the strange name of Red Frog Beach. Took pictures. Ate one of the best Panama meals I’ve had at a little restaurant called Guari Guari. Meal was about $20, tons of food. Delicious!

There has been a real estate boom in Bocas, along with a quick growth in tourism to Bocas del Toro. Real estate prices have risen as a result but you can still find some good buys if you are looking to retire in Panama. You have to check out the Bocas del Toro real estate.

My Daily Bread in Panama

I suppose you might be wondering what the food is like down here in Panama. I mostly eat the local food while enjoying my retirement in Panama. Don’t miss much the food from back home because it didn’t seem so healthy when you think about it. When you retire you have to think more about your health and you have the time.

I eat out a lot with friends at restaurants in Panama City. It’s not that expensive. You can dine for about $20 for a full dinner. You will find that people like to go out a lot, celebrate, party, sing, drink, and eat together. It’s quite cheap to eat out in Panama, if you want it to be. I eat a lot of fresh fish, tropical fruits and okay, yes, beer. Add to that, the coffee is fantastic here. It’s grown on the slopes of Volcan Baru, Boquete, hand picked. I suppose you would call it organic coffee but it is delicious. No more Nescafe, on my Panama retirement. It’s so good in the morning as I take my coffee, read the newspaper and then head on over to my computer to check up on things, read emails etc.

Okay, so let’s talk about the Panama cuisine. As I mentioned, there’s a lot of fresh seafood ( a favourite is the exquisite Panama Seviche which is white fish and/or scallops). The fish is marinated with fresh lemon juice overnight, and then you add chopped green chilies, a dash of chili or Tabasco sauce, sliced onions, tomatoes chopped and cup of olive oil garnished with a little chopped pimiento and fresh coriander. It’s so damn good and tasty. Served cold. Cooking generally uses herbs and spices for taste. There’s also heavy Spanish influence to the cooking you will find.

Some of the food I’ve found that’s really popular here in Panama are tortillas which consist of ground maize and then fried. Tamales are a local specialty, the corn is boiled, crushed with spices and then either pork or chicken is added, wrapped in a banana leaf and then boiled. Other things I like to eat are patacones, green fried plaintain. Empanadas are, well, pastry stuffed with cheese, meat or chicken and I try not to eat too many of them because I’m sure they’re responsible for expanding waistlines. Then there’s Tajadas which are plantain sliced length ways and baked with cinnamon. And, I cannot forget Carimañola, made from ground, then boiled yucca, which has minced meat and boiled eggs inside and then fried, Are you hungry yet?

Other food we eat in Panama, which very popular recipes are things like Escabeche of corvine, Ceviche de pollo, Ceviche de corvina al curry, Ceviche de garbanzos, Arroz con pollo, Carimañolas and for dessert, there is my favourite Panamanian dessert Flan de caramelo, which is like a crème caramel custard. Also for dessert, I favour the Pie de limon which you might have already figured out is Lemon Pie.

I’ve tried a little cooking myself and have become somewhat of a skilled Panamanian chef. It’s a hobby you could try taking up if you decide to retire to Panama. Thought I’d write about the food in Panama because it’s a part of my retirement. A big part of daily life, in fact, for me and for you if you decide to retire in Panama. I guess later, I could write about some of the restaurants in Panama where you can eat some of this delicious food. Gotta go, dinner is served!

Is it Cheap Living in Panama

Is it cheap living in Panama? I am often asked this question by people who are thinking of retiring in Panama or they are just plain curious about my life in Panama. People such as tourists I meet or else people back home ask the question.

So what’s my answer to the question of the cost of living in Panama? My answer is yes and no. It depends where you are, depends where you rent or buy. Panama City and probably Boquete I would have to warn you are expensive places (those quite pretty) for buying property in Panama. The prices are high for real estate but they have come down a bit due to the world wide recession. There are cheaper places to buy in besides Panama City and Boquete. For instance, you could try looking in the Azero peninsula, Las Tablas, Pedasi or Chitre. Look for property inland and Panama and you can still find some bargains. I mean, if you are looking for a cheap house, not in the expensive expat retirement areas, you can still find new houses with two bedrooms and bathrooms for about $50,000 to $60,000 US, if you look hard enough. It helps to have a good real estate agent in Panama and, of course, get yourself a lawyer. But with all the investment in Panama and people snatching up property, the prices will naturally rise and rise they have.

Basic necessities of life are quite cheap in Panama. Groceries cost me about $45 to $50 a week. Beer, a basic necessity in life is about 50 cents when you’re not drinking at the Ritz. Healthcare in Panama is reasonable and of a high quality. If you have health issues, best to have health insurance. For the retired person in Panama, the pensionade benefits from the government helps make things cheaper. Like cheaper public transportation, restaurant discounts, theater tickets and discounts like that. I wrote about the government benefits for retired people in Panama in that article.

Restaurants in Panama City are where you can get a good deal – prices, I’d say on average, for a meal is about $15. A dinner date with my girlfriend might cost me about $18 to $20. Do you tip here? Yes, definitely. These wonderful people all have a hard time making ends meet.

Furniture, clothes and electronics, in other words, stuff you need to buy are all had for lower prices because of the Panama Canal and low tariffs. So life is not that expensive but electricity is. Damn the power bill.

I live in an apartment in El Cangrejo Panama city. It’s not the Ritz, don’t get me wrong and I’m paying just under $500 a month. I’m satisfied. I don’t need all the luxuries. Eventually, I want to buy a small beach house in Panama. Location and price are important to me. I don’t own a car here but I use taxis all the time which is pretty cheap – about $2.00 to $5.00 to get around the city. Taxi drivers are mostly honest and sometimes they might pick up someone else at the same time to make some more money. Sometimes I rent a car for times when I need to go to the beach or travel around anywhere long distance.

Sometimes things don’t run as smoothly and as efficiently as you’d like them, like they were back home. There’s no rush, life is more relaxed here. Who needs the frantic life style anyway? I’m retired in Panama and I’m not rushing for anything. Well, maybe for a plane trip to somewhere, I’ll get to the airport as necessary.

The average wages of a Panamanian is about $250 - $300 a month. If you are a retiree in Panama, they don’t let you move down here unless you can prove you have $1,000 a month of income. That’s the last I heard of it. You can check this out with your local Panamanian Consulate if you are thinking of retiring in Panama. If you need to hire labour in Panama to do some work for you – it’s cheaper than back home. Just as efficient, as in turning up when required, well, not quite. You have to get used to life here. What's the rush?

How much do you need to survive a month to live in Panama city? Well, you can make it on $1000 a month, but just live like the locals and you might get by on less. Eat the local food, live like a native. Can you live cheap in Panama? Yes, would be my answer. Can you work here? I hate thinking about work, but I’ll answer the question. That’s for another article I’ll sit down and write some time.

Til next time. I’m heading out to the balcony with my beer to watch the traffic craziness at rush hour in Panama.

Retirement on the Beach in Panama

You must wonder what I do on a day to day basis during my retirement in Panama. As you know I’ve been looking for a small beach house, maybe one or two bedrooms on a nice beach. Do I have fun in Panama apart from beach house hunting. You can bet I do.

Besides improving my Spanish, meeting the friendly people of Panama, dining out and enjoying the cheap beer, my social life which includes eating in some great restaurants and sometime visiting some of the nightclubs of Panama where everyone is eating, drinking, laughing and having fun. It’s becoming a habit, to have fun. I only wish I could have retired here earlier. Besides this, I like to spend a lot of time on the beach.

One of my favourite beaches is the beach at Santa Clara, not far from Panama – about an hour and half drive away. I go here with my Panamanian girlfriend pretty much on the regular basis. There are miles and miles of white hot sand, shimmering blue water and hardly any people. Not too crowded, these are my favourite beaches to go to. The sunsets are magnificent and it’s excellent for swimming. The sun’s pounding down hot. I have my sunscreen, oh and I gotta tell you this, I actually have a Panama hat to protect the old head. Yeah, I bought one for a great price down here. I figured I ought to have one since I became retired and reborn as Panama Joe.

Spending a day at the Santa Clara beach is totally relaxing. We rent a little cabana also known as a palapa for three dollars for the day with hammocks included. There’s nothing like snoozing in a hammock or reading, the noise of the surf in the background. We swim, walk, snooze and buy a nice meal of grilled corvine and patacones which go down nicely with a cold beer. Sometimes, we eat a meal of fresh fish and fried yucca. It’s whatever we please. You can walk for miles on this beach and we do. Picking up the odd shell we might find here and there.

They’re building real estate here, beach front properties and condos around Santa Clara and you can’t blame people for wanting to purchase their own retirement property here. You’ve got the beach and then one is so close to Panama city if you are hankering for the fast life in the city and lots of people.

I’m looking for a small house on the beach in Panama. I’m still looking but don’t feel the rush. Out here on the beach at Santa Clara in my hammock, there’s no rush to do anything. The sun’s setting, a brilliant pink purple red sky over the ocean, am thinking, retirement in Panama, what could be better? If you are thinking of retiring in Panama and you haven't even been here for a vacation yet, you'd better get packing your bags, pronto! You won't wanna leave.

Retirement Life in Panama

It was not a hard decision, the decision to retire in Panama. I guess I got sick of the cold weather like I’ve already mentioned and wanted something really different. Something tropical. Good weather, I don’t mind the rain when it rains. Life in Panama, I am addicted to it.

I first visited Panama City and it was may the friendly people, the smells, the bustling streets, the music, the tropical, Latin American, Spanish, Miami Beach feeling you get when you’re here. This beautiful mix of the city on the ocean bay, the high rises of the banking district, the old world charm of Casco Viejo.

The beer is cheap here, the women are proud to be women. Everybody dresses nicely, clean clothes, ironed shirts, shoes polished. It’s laid back in that Caribbean kinda way, but the city hustles and bustles. The food in Panama is good, from fish to fusion, open air bistros, street vendors. The entertainment scene is always evolving. The night life is jam packed with locals, in the bars, in the streets, tourists, businessmen and women drinking up and having fun. The music never ends, the nights go on forever or so it seems.

In the bay, yachts, boats, fisherman, cruise liners, freight ships lining up to pass through the Panama Canal. Mountains in the distance. Music in the air. The beeping horns of taxis and crazy drivers.

Most of all I don’t have many complaints. Yes, the electricity is expensive, but the food, the beer, the entertainment and health care is reasonable and cheap. My rent is cheap. And life is good, very good.

I’ve been thinking that I’ll write soon about the night life in Panama, the food. Gotta get to it. I’ve not been posting on my blog as often as I wanted to. Just been lazy I guess.

I’m just loving my life from my little apartment in Panama. My Spanish is improving. The air is sweet and humid. I’ve met so many people here, I could never go back to the cold north. Living the life – that’s my retirement in Panama. I’m an ex-pat now.

The Future of Panama Retirement

I suppose you’ve been wondering what I’ve been up to lately, enjoying my Panama retirement and reading the news of the long cold winter north of here (feeling just a little of that "schadenfreude" - just a little), specifically in North America and the global economic crisis. I’m sipping my coffee, a coffee grown in Panama, on the slopes of Volcan Baru. It’s organic coffee here. They don’t use chemical pesticides for the coffee, all the weeding is done by hand. It’s a delicious, smooth coffee with a slightly nutty flavour. Mornings in Panama.

If you’re wondering about the effects of the global financial crisis in Panama, the country is actually not doing badly. I’ve been reading that the government expects economic growth and a budget surplus this year. Not like everywhere else. During the last five years in Panama, the economic growth in Panama has been positive. This prospering in Panama was assisted by the booming Panama real estate market, the profits of the Panama Canal, tourism and the booming banking business here in Panama City. However, it is expected there will be a drop in tourism to Panama as tourists cut back on their vacation spending.

The unemployment rate might be soaring in other countries such as the United States, but here in Panama, the unemployment rate was 6.5% last year. In 2004, the unemployment rate sat at 14%. So things look relatively good for Panama. The government here is experiencing a surplus for the third year consecutively – not like the other governments of other countries around the globe. I’ve been reading about this in the newspapers.

However, obviously, Panama real estate is experiencing a slump. Panama real estate was fuelled by North American and European buyers, but lately, they are not coming to Panama to purchase property because of their own declining economies. As a result, prices of real estate properties in Panama is declining. As recently as a year and a half ago, people were buying properties in Panama for $200,000 and then selling them six to 12 months later for double the price. There is now a bounty of high priced condominiums which can’t be sold because the numbers of buyers looking for Panama property is just not there currently.

There has been a decline in the number of ships passing through the Panama Canal. The Panamanian government collects tolls from the shipping that pass through. But because of the world wide recession, there are less cargo ships these days travelling through the Canal. In the meantime, Panama has been expanding the Panama Canal locks to allow larger ships to pass through. This mega project has created thousands of new jobs for Panamanians and is an investment in the future of Panama.

Another good fact is that since end of the Noriega regime in 1989, Panama has experienced peace. Peace and stability are great forces when it comes to a country prospering economically. I’ve got no time for dictators. That’s why I chose to retire in Panama.

There are still people who are suffering economically though, selling fruit on the roadside or stealing scrap metal to resell because economic prosperity has not trickled down to enough to the people who need it. Like many parts of the rest of the world, wealth sometimes remains concentrated in a few hands. The cost of food is going up as well, but this is an international problem.

Problem for all the baby boomers who had hoped to cash in their retirement funds and sell their houses is that most of their retirement funds were invested in the stock market and they lost a lot of their cash. Also, selling houses in North America is not worth it right now because you couldn’t get the price you want for your house. Most of the baby boomers have decided to put off their decision to pack up and leave and buy a house or condo in Panama till they get a better return on their investments. Getting a loan from the bank is almost out of the question.

Looks like a lot of people are waiting for the recovery.

I’m glad I decided to retire to Panama when I did. I’ve been here a few years now, speaking Spanish like a native, living in an apartment in Panama City. I’ve looked around for some Panama properties to purchase, but I’m holding out till I find the perfect spot. I want a house on the beach for my retirement in Panama and with the prices declining for Panama properties because of the lack of buyers, I’m ready.

Different Areas to Retire To Panama

If you are thinking of retiring to Panama, it is an obvious statement to say that you have visited the country several times, travelled around and, perhaps found a location where you are thinking of purchasing property. You, like me, love the country you have visited. On the other hand, you might have visited a couple of resorts and just want to find out what’s out there in the way of real estate for retirement in Panama.

What you need are companies which offer real estate tours of Panama. These companies (and there are quite a few of them – all you have to do is search on the Internet) provide a service to those interested in either retiring in Panama or want to buy a second home or a vacation home or are interested in investing in Panama. They know the country and they know what’s available. Included in the price of a real estate tour in Panama is that you will see some of the hotels and resorts in Panama, some of the beautiful beaches, and then visit the mountainous regions of Panama and get to experience the varied landscapes of Panama. You will be taken to the popular retirement properties in Panama and get a vacation – all in one. These real estate tours in Panama are customized to fit the needs of you, the client.

These companies are not selling property to you but are providing you with a personalized trip which combines business with leisure. On your real estate tour, you will meet people who can assist you with questions regarding residency in Panama, investing in Panama, real estate in Panama or any other question about moving to this country.

Your real estate tour will begin with your arrival in Panama City where you will be put up in a hotel in Panama City to unwind and refresh yourself. They usually have a welcoming session where you will be given your itinerary and they will explain the finer details of the tour.

For your first day in Panama City, they will take you around to various retirement properties in Panama City. These will include some land projects and some retirement condos, some already constructed and others to be built. You will also learn about such subjects as banking in Panama, investing in Panama, laws in Panama such as laws regarding retiring to Panama, residency and the ins and outs of real estate transactions.

Your transportation will be provided on the tour by this company. Your next day might be spent at the beach at a resort such as the Coronado Beach Resort. It is 83 km from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean where you can experience the beautiful location surrounded by the forest, with a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, spa services, great restaurants and bar etc. You will relax and meet new people. There is a neighbourhood about five minutes from Coronado, you will see the weekend homes on small streets. There are condos planned to be built here, a park with tennis courts, two pools. This is in the future. Me, I’m looking for something that is already built.

Next on your real estate tour might be a tour of the real estate projects nearby, beachside lots for sale, hotels for sale and homes situated on cliffs with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Other places you will be shown are the mountainous regions of Panama. You could visit Sora, a popular retirement choice – one hour from Panama City and about 20 minutes from the beach. The climate is cooler here because of its location in the mountains and some of the properties actually have a view of the ocean. The cool mountain air is fresh. You could then drive further up the highway and visit Penonome in the province of Cocle and then on further to El Valle or the Anton Valley. The climate is cooler and it is popular as a weekend escape for the rich among Panamanian society. Stay the night at the Casa de Lourdes Hotel in the Anton Valley, a luxury boutique hotel designed in the style of a villa in Tuscany. Absolutely marvellous setting, sunsets, spectacular views and very romantic.

Try checking out the properties in Boquete in the Chiriqui Highlands which is a popular area among people who want to retire to Panama. You could stay at the Panamonte Inn and Spa located in the valley of Boquete. It’s a small hotel, much like a European pensione. Have a drink and relax by their fireplace in the bar. The gardens are beautiful and the window open up with views of the coffee plantations and the Baru Volcano. There are properties for sale for investors and retirees, vacant lots, pre-existing homes, some with large lots of land and some on smaller parcels of land.

On these tours you get to experience some of the Panamanian culture, folkloric dance, song and, of course, the food. The price which ranges in the $2,000 to $3,000 range includes all taxes, transportation in Panama, the tours and hotel accommodations. You’ll get to meet some people with the same interests as you, retiring to Panama, the friendly people of Panama and experience the life in Panama and its varied landscapes.

Questions about Retiring in Panama

What is so wonderful about Panama?

Unlike most places in North America, Panama is very affordable. The country is blessed with year round warm weather and it does not have a winter season- just hot summers sprinkled with a rainy season. The entire country is developed and all social and governmental services available in North America are readily available in most parts of the country. Panama City, the capital of the country, has often been compared to Paris. Panama is just like Europe, but with a North American landscape. On either side of the country are two large oceans connected by the world famous Panama Canal.

Should one stay in the city or countryside?

This is strictly a personal preference. While the city has more of everything, the country side also has its benefits. Most of the property in the Panama country side is large, cheap and exceptionally beautiful. By North American standards, one can have a mansion like house for $150,000. The country side is also peaceful, has beautiful surroundings, less traffic and lots more to see. Food is cheaper and there are plenty of agricultural products.

What is the average cost of living for those retiring in Panama?

Well, most Panamanians live under $1000 per month. However, you can do the same but will have to forego many luxuries. One can definitely live comfortably under $1,000 but like anywhere else, you will have to be careful how you spend your money. Besides cheap food; transport, energy and maid services are also quite cheap. If you have anywhere form $1500-$2000 a month, you can live like royalty here.

Can I work part time in Panama?

Unfortunately no. The rules on working in panama are strict and it is rare for a foreigner to get a working visa. With the downturn in the economy, this issue has been made even more complex. For those who would like to work in order to support themselves in Panama, this is not recommended. The average daily wage in Panama is about $10 - $15 a day.

Is the countryside safe?

Definitely. Crime is very low in this country. However, one should always use caution and have the home secure. One does not even have to worry about snakes. Even though poisonous snakes are found in panama, these are generally only found in the jungles. Just like a rattler is not seen in any American city, a Bushmaster is not seen in the towns and cities in Panama.
Is decent medical care available in Panama?

Yes, infact all retirees, irrespective of citizenship get government discounts for health care. Health care is on par with what is seen in America. Even prescription medications are much cheaper than what one pays for in America. Besides health benefits for the retirees, the government also has special services at banks, restaurants, dentists and air travel agencies.

Should I bring my car from North America to Panama?

This is not recommended. Panama has everything and things are a lot cheaper. Even though one can bring in a car and furniture duty free, in the long run this gets to be expensive. Buying or leasing a car in Panama is generally cheaper.

If you have more questions about retiring in Panama, please email me at PanamaJoe [@] ymail [dot] com and I'll answer your questions in another posting.

'til later, Panama Joe.

Benefits to Retiring in Panama

Many North Americans now have another place to retire. Besides Florida and New Mexico, Panama Central America is now one of the best places to retire. So what is the big deal with Panama?

Economy in Panama:

The North American economy has taken a big downturn and costs of living have risen drastically over the last decade. Not so in Panama. The country’s economy has proven rock stable and with more ships passing through the Panama Canal, foreign trade has never been better. Further, Panama has established a solid infrastructure in its backing and agriculture industries.

The American dollar is widely used all over the country. One does not have to worry about currency conversions and other charges.

Climate in Panama:

The climate of Panama is exceptionally beautiful. All year warm weather along the sea and nice cool air high in the mountains. Of course, there is no snow in this tropical country. For both young and old, Panama has a little of everything.

People in Panama:

The people in Panamaare very friendly and accustomed to foreigners. Having had an American presence in the country for many years has also resulted in the availability of many North American products.

Cost of Living in Panama:

The cost of living in Panama is much lower than most countries in Europe or America. The quality of life is high and the government offers many social services for retirees.

For the retiree in Panama, one can get discounts on shopping, air flights, prescription drugs, dental visits, electric bills, telephone and water bills. In addition, one can bring in all the household goods free of tax and import a new car every 2 years- as long as this is for private use.

Most of Panama is well developed and basic services like hospitals, banking, shopping and postal services can be found in all towns. For those who are interested in buying real estate in Panama, there are some rules and regulations that need to be followed. It is best to get a local lawyer before investing in any property in Panama. While it is not difficult to buy property, one should be well read and knowledgeable about the basics of real estate laws.

The qualifications for a retiree to come to Panama include that he or she be in relatively good health, have a valid passport and have an income of at least $1,000 US per month.

Foreigners who buy property in Panama enjoy the same rights and protection as native Panamanians. Panama has no income tax on whatever you bring from outside the country.

The best advice to all people who want to retire in Panama is to go and see the country first. Take a trip and visit the many towns and cities. Ask questions, go slow and be informed. Panama, unlike many other South American countries has a stable government, and is an inexpensive country and friendly. The best advice can be obtained from retires who already live in Panama. You will see only happy faces!

Retirement Properties in Panama

Lately, I've been looking at properties in Panama. I’m just sitting here on my balcony, reading the paper – La Prensa, practicing my Spanish, drinking my coffee in Panama City, enjoying my retirement in Panama. It’s a Sunday morning, early, about 8:30. It rained for about five minutes earlier this morning but the day is warming up to it’s usual humid, beaming down on your head heat. I like that, much better. Rather have the heat and humidity than the freezing cold wind in your face and trudging over the snow as it squeaks underfoot. Brrrr!

Currently, I’m renting an apartment in Panama, getting adjusted to life in Panama and perfecting my Spanish. I am searching for a property in Panama, but I’m looking around before I buy because I don’t want to make the wrong choice. I want to buy the right house or condo for me. I actually want beach front property, but that’s just my personal choice. There are real estate agents in Panama who are all leaping up to help me. Tomorrow, I am headed up to Bocas del Toro to look at properties there. There’s plenty of websites available about properties in Panama and if you have a look, you can see there are all prices ranges for property, varying locations all over the country, both beachfront and mountain and city locations. The price ranges I’ve seen go from anywhere like as low as $70,000 and up. Much cheaper to retire in Panama than in the United States and there are deals to be had, for sure. I’ve got an appointment tomorrow with one who is going to show me some of the properties in Panama that are available for me to my exact specifications.

So far, I’ve looked at properties in Panama in Playa Serena, Vista Mar, Santa Clara and Coronado and Tucan Country Club on a real estate tour of Panama. I decided to take to get a good overview of what’s available. I want a beachfront property in Panama, nothing too big, just two bedrooms – that’s all I need. An extra bedroom for an office space and perhaps some of my guests. I could get a three bedroom place, depending on whether I think my kids are going to come down often enough. I’ve already got friends emailing me telling me they are coming down to visit when I get my place.

There are lots of benefits added to retire in Panama and the government of Panama made it pretty easy to do so with the Panama Retired or Pensioner visa – the Visa Pensionado. The Visa Pensionade allows foreigners to get legal residency in Panama if they have a pension or are retired. The minimum age is 18. You have to show that you earn at least $500 US per month with your retirement income and that this income last for life. The complete rules for immigration to Panama for retirees are pretty standard and simple to follow. Sometimes you can get a real estate company in Panama or a Panamanian lawyer to handle all this for you.

The Panama government also allows all kinds of discounts and for retirees in Panama which is an added bonus. I haven’t heard of any other country in the world that makes it this easy for you to retire in their country.

Here’s a list of the discounts you can get if you are a retired pensioner in Panama, age 55 or over:

• 50% off entrance to recreation and entertainment activities, such as theaters, movies, sports and other public productions
• Public transportation
• 25% discount off the price of airfares
• Discounts at hotels and motels
• 25% discount at restaurants
• 15% discount at fast food restaurants
• 20% discount for consultation fees for hospitals and private clinics
• 15% discount for dental services
• 15% discount for optometrists
• 20% discount for technical and professional services
• 50% discount for passports
• 25% discount for electricity
• 25% discount for phone services
• 25% discount for the water bill

So, as far as my decision to retire in Panama goes, I’m one happy guy. The prices for property in Panama are very reasonable, the people are friendly, the weather is great. I can’t complain. It’s safe here and the music is drifting out from somewhere. The sun is starting to beam down hot. Living in Panama is a dream come true.

Retirement in Panama – a Viable Option

For many people, where to retire is an issue. I’m suggesting a retirement in Panama for you to consider because I’m here and assured I have made the correct decision with my life and retirement plans. Most of use would like to retire in sunny Florida or California. However, both these places have become to be very expensive, housing has gone up exorbitantly in cost and the daily cost of living is continuing to increase. Also, Florida is congested with too many tourists, too many retirees and also has many hurricanes- which is okay but one has to have expensive home insurance.

One of the newest places to retire is Panama Central America. If there is paradise, then it has to be this country. With two oceans on either side of the country, this peaceful haven is a much sought after destination for many Americans and Europeans. The country has a heavy Spanish/American influence but has all the amenities of the North America lifestyle. The country is blessed with year around warm weather, a lush countryside, minimal crime and wonderful scenery. Some call Panama City the Paris of South America, others call it “the second Miami”.

For North Americans, there is no difficulty in getting a visa for retirement. The country, in fact, encourages people to buy Panama property and to retire in Panama. Property is much cheaper than most North American real estate. For a first time visitor, buying property is not the first thing to do. One must go and get to know the place first. There are ample real estate agents in Panama City. The laws of buying Panama real estate are similar to North America and there are safe guards to prevent fraud. However, it is wise to conduct all real estate dealings with the help of a Panamanian lawyer. It also helps if you speak a bit of Spanish which isn’t difficult to learn. Any foreigner who purchases a home which is worth more than $200,000 is entitled to a residency visa.

Since the country is situated on the Panama Canal, it has some of the best banking facilities in all of America. There are, at last count, 85 international banks located in Panama City. Money transfers, withdrawals, ATM machine and credits cards are widely used.

Moving to Panama is not a big deal; most airlines fly to Panama City from major cities in North America. For those thinking about retirement in Panama, there are no taxes on household goods up to $ 10,000. Even a car can be shipped. Shopping is very similar to North America and the prices are the lowest because of the lowest tariff rates in all of the Americas. This is because of the free trade zone and the Panama Canal. However, Panama does not have as many furniture stores and not many sales or discount stores. Because some parts of the countryside still have power outages, it is best to buy American products which can withstand the abuse of these power surges.

Living in Panama is easy. Grocery shopping is even better than North America, hey, it’s cheaper! Panama grows a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, locally grown coffee and most North American foods are readily available at a lower cost. One of the other great benefits of retiring in Panama is that the cost of a maid is less than $200 a month.

The country has a solid infrastructure and both transportation and communication are first rate. High speed internet is easily available in the country.

For the retiree, the Panamanian government has created lots of perks, making retirement in Panama simpler, irrespective of citizenship. One is entitled to many discounts on loans, airline tickets, hotel accommodation, dental and prescription medications, health care services, monthly energy and phone bills and so on.

Currently there are thousands of North Americans who have made the choice to retire in Panama and they love it. It’s been a warm day, I read some online news about how cold it’ been in Canada and the northeastern United States. It’s been a warm day here, a little on the warm side. I see the beach, serene, always there, with those lush palm trees. The sky is a gorgeous blend of pinks, purples, and blues. It’s early evening, now, and I’m watching the sun set from the verandah, laptop on my table, updating my blog with this article, really, really enjoying my Panama retirement. You couldn’t pay me to miss the snow.

What’s So Great About Retiring in Panama

Well, like I said before in a previous article, one of the first great things about retiring in Panama is the weather. Escaping from the freezing cold of a North American city in the winter has to be one of my main reasons from getting the hell out of there in my old age, if you call 54 years old, old. My bones feel the cold too much now, so that’s why I decided to retire in Panama.

There were other reasons why I decided to retire in Panama. You can get some great deals on property in Panama and the government of Panama makes it relatively easy for foreigners to retire in Panama. Other countries make it kind of difficult to retire or else they’ve got political instability and who the hell needs that when you retire? So I like the hot weather, the beaches and the people of Panama. And, I kinda like a peaceful environment for my retirement and who doesn’t. Your working life is full of struggles and who needs the hassle. Retirement in Panama was an obvious choice.

What’s some more great things about retiring in Panama? Well, it’s got a lot to offer. Business wise – Panama has great business capabilities. There’s the Panama Canal the gateway to the Pacific to the Atlantic. Its got some economic free trade zones, which is good for business and shopping.

It’s got an abundance of luxury resorts, spas and hotels which are open for tourism in Panama and also close to Panama City. The Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa is only 15 minutes away from the capital city of Panama. There are some fantastic rainforest properties and resorts near at hand. There are properties available in the mountains and villages such as Boquete in Chiriqui province. There is thriving and lively cultural scene in Panama and lots of history.

The way of life is a blend of Latin American/American. The people are so friendly and laid back. It might be the fact that they are close to the beaches, they have a sense of enjoyment of life. It might be because of the time when the Americans were here. They love the festivals, the good life. They call Panama City – the “second Miami”. Sounds good to me.

There are plenty of beach front properties available for your retirement in Panama. Many of the best properties are a couple of hours’ drive from Panama City. The beaches are stunning, and if you like sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling or even surfing, you’ve come to the right place. One thing good about the beach front property in Panama is the price – it’s still affordable and you can even find properties for under a $100,000 US. If you’ve got more in the bank, you can afford higher end real estate, townhouses, villas and more luxurious condos in Panama.

You can buy property on the Atlantic coast of Panama and one of the most popular places to buy is in Bocas del Toro but the property prices are climbing and sometimes you will have title issues on some parts of the Atlantic/Caribbean side. There are still some good deals in real estate on this side of Panama, but you’ll have to take your time in finding them. Buying beach front property on the Pacific side is easier and the prices are more reasonable.

Oh, if you’ve stopped by here recently, you’ll notice that I put up a couple of nice photos from Panama which I found on the web. They are taken by a guy named Seracat. I emailed him and he said it was okay to use them. To me, they are the perfect retirement real estate properties in Panama – I guess I like the simple life. A little hut on the beach in Panama, close to the water, fishing, peace and all the modern amenities, a spoiled old guy like me needs is perfect for retiring in Panama.

Retire in Panama | A Dream Come True

To retire in Panama is something that many people around the world dream of these days. The sunny weather, miles of beaches and low cost of living are some of the attractions that is drawing retirees to this beautiful country. A peaceful retirement in Panama coupled with the lure of plenty of ecotourism and adventure is something that you can look forward to in Panama.

For a long time, Panama was overshadowed by some of its Central and South American neighbors. It is not the case anymore with Panama fast becoming the most preferred destination of retirees from various different parts of the world. People can look forward to a peaceful retired life enjoying myriad activities ranging from bird watching to deep sea fishing or long strolls along sandy beaches in Panama.

With so many attractions on offer it is no wonder that Panama is ranked as the top destination for retirement these days. One of the reasons for this popularity is the sheer variety of landscape available in Panama. On the one hand you can find palm fringed beaches stretching for miles together, while on the other hand you can find mountainous areas offering you the best of rainforest experience. Moreover, whatever may be the kind of landscape you are looking for the common factor of affordability is another reason for the immense popularity that Panama enjoys as a retirement destination.

The government of Panama has realized the potential of the country as a perfect place for retirement and has left no stone unturned to tap its potential. Panama City, the capital, for instance boasts of world-class infrastructure, complete with a skyline full of high rises along with huge shopping malls and plazas. The combination of urban infrastructure coupled with natural splendor is something that is the unique selling benefit of Panama. In fact Panama City must be the only place in the world where there is a rainforest right outside the city.

The city offers plenty of beautiful apartments facing the sea with all modern amenities, at a fraction of the price that you would get them in other cities. Most of the modern apartment complexes here come complete with swimming pools, walk ways and even spas. Panama City also has a number of first class hotels, classy restaurants and numerous fast food outlets, making it a dream destination for those looking to lead a peaceful life. To make brief, a Panama retirement allows you to enjoy everything that a modern city has on offer while enjoying abundant nature, miles of unspoiled coastline, without burning a big hole in your pocket.