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.
Showing posts with label retirement in Panama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retirement in Panama. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
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?
Friday, July 17, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
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 dri
ve 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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, January 26, 2009
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:
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.
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.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Panama Retirement The Perfect Destination
More and more people getting on in life prefer retirement in Panama. The low cost of living and the wonderful scenery are among the contributing factors for this trend. High cost of retirement in places such as the United States of America and Europe is driving a large number of people to look for other foreign destinations. While there are many places which can rival Panama when it comes to natural splendor, the country has comparatively got some other advantages, making it a favorite with retirees.
The popularity of the country can be gauged from the fact that the country has been voted the number one destination for retirement for the last seven consecutive years. For many, the clinching factors, apart from the low cost of living, are the endless miles of beautiful beaches that the country has. This apart, the landscape of Panama also boasts of many mountainous regions too. The weather too is just about perfect, with year round sunshine on offer. There is a rainy season, but you will find even in the rainy season, it will perhaps just rain for a few hours in the morning.
Although there are other places with similar weather in Central and South America, what makes Panama different is that it offers a unique combination of excellent infrastructure, safety and solitude. For those wanting to spend the last years of their lives in a peaceful paradise, there could not be a better place to choose than Panama.
All said and done, most people flock to Panama because of its low cost of living. A comparison of the real estate prices in Panama in relation to some parts of the United States and Europe would give you a good idea about how cheap this country really is. For example, a house with your own private swimming pool would cost you around $100,000 - $200,000. This is something that is next to impossible in many European countries or in the United States. Similarly, you can watch a movie in a modern cinema complex for just $4 and an average ride in a taxi would only set you back by $2, things which you can’t even imagine in many other countries, offering so many facilities.
Panama boasts of world-class health care facilities which are another reason for the country being a preferred choice of retirees. The infrastructure is modern with many beautiful shopping malls dotting the skyline in the capital, Panama City. The country is also one of the most important banking centers around the world. With the Panama Canal being of high economic and strategic value, the country’s economy is only predicted to become even better in the near future. To put it in a nutshell, a Panama retirement is something that you cannot find in any other place on the planet.
The popularity of the country can be gauged from the fact that the country has been voted the number one destination for retirement for the last seven consecutive years. For many, the clinching factors, apart from the low cost of living, are the endless miles of beautiful beaches that the country has. This apart, the landscape of Panama also boasts of many mountainous regions too. The weather too is just about perfect, with year round sunshine on offer. There is a rainy season, but you will find even in the rainy season, it will perhaps just rain for a few hours in the morning.
Although there are other places with similar weather in Central and South America, what makes Panama different is that it offers a unique combination of excellent infrastructure, safety and solitude. For those wanting to spend the last years of their lives in a peaceful paradise, there could not be a better place to choose than Panama.
All said and done, most people flock to Panama because of its low cost of living. A comparison of the real estate prices in Panama in relation to some parts of the United States and Europe would give you a good idea about how cheap this country really is. For example, a house with your own private swimming pool would cost you around $100,000 - $200,000. This is something that is next to impossible in many European countries or in the United States. Similarly, you can watch a movie in a modern cinema complex for just $4 and an average ride in a taxi would only set you back by $2, things which you can’t even imagine in many other countries, offering so many facilities.
Panama boasts of world-class health care facilities which are another reason for the country being a preferred choice of retirees. The infrastructure is modern with many beautiful shopping malls dotting the skyline in the capital, Panama City. The country is also one of the most important banking centers around the world. With the Panama Canal being of high economic and strategic value, the country’s economy is only predicted to become even better in the near future. To put it in a nutshell, a Panama retirement is something that you cannot find in any other place on the planet.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas From Panama
Just wanted to greet my readers from Panama with the Spanish greeting “Feliz Navidad”. My kids have all come down from cold cities in North America on flights to Panama, many of which are direct and range from 3 – 5 hours long in duration.
The Christmas season in Panama starts on December 8th, with a parade down the main street celebrating the Immaculate Conception. Young girls with wings on their dresses, dressed like angels, participate in the parade with a Statue of the Blessed Virgin. The children take their first communion this day.
Panamians clean their houses and prepare such delicious food as turkey (pavo), stuffing (relleno) tamales, arroz, arturo sauce, capers, meats, prunes and additional spices covered in plantain leaves and boiled. Traditional fruitcake is popular for the dessert.
At midnight, the feast is served, there is music, dancing and celebration in the streets as people visit their friends and family. Traditional Christmas music is heard, gaitas and villancicos. Nacimientos are displayed. There are even Christmas trees which were originally bought from Europe. Christmas lights on the houses brighten up the night.
The morning of December 25th, people go to church. Family and friends are visited, eating more traditional Christmas food. On the Epiphany, or the Dia de los Reyes, (King’s Day), the children are given presents. Since the Americans were in Panama, Christmas time has been a blend of Panamanian and American influences. It’s a joyous season here in Panama, this Christmas time, lots of food, music and friendly people.
I just wanted to wish my friends, Feliz Navidad from my retirement in Panama. The weather couldn't be better. For five seconds I wanted to see snow, well, because it's Christmas so I turned on my tv and watched the news stories of the storms in the north east. Every day, I think of how lucky I am to have decided to retire in Panama.
The Christmas season in Panama starts on December 8th, with a parade down the main street celebrating the Immaculate Conception. Young girls with wings on their dresses, dressed like angels, participate in the parade with a Statue of the Blessed Virgin. The children take their first communion this day.
Panamians clean their houses and prepare such delicious food as turkey (pavo), stuffing (relleno) tamales, arroz, arturo sauce, capers, meats, prunes and additional spices covered in plantain leaves and boiled. Traditional fruitcake is popular for the dessert.
At midnight, the feast is served, there is music, dancing and celebration in the streets as people visit their friends and family. Traditional Christmas music is heard, gaitas and villancicos. Nacimientos are displayed. There are even Christmas trees which were originally bought from Europe. Christmas lights on the houses brighten up the night.
The morning of December 25th, people go to church. Family and friends are visited, eating more traditional Christmas food. On the Epiphany, or the Dia de los Reyes, (King’s Day), the children are given presents. Since the Americans were in Panama, Christmas time has been a blend of Panamanian and American influences. It’s a joyous season here in Panama, this Christmas time, lots of food, music and friendly people.
I just wanted to wish my friends, Feliz Navidad from my retirement in Panama. The weather couldn't be better. For five seconds I wanted to see snow, well, because it's Christmas so I turned on my tv and watched the news stories of the storms in the north east. Every day, I think of how lucky I am to have decided to retire in Panama.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Celebrating Your Retirement in Panama
Retirement in Panama is something that an increasing number of people are opting for these days. There are several reasons for this fascination with Panama among those who have recently retired. For one, the country is ranked by many reputable international organizations as one of the best countries to live.
The other biggest attraction for those looking to retire in Panama is the low cost of living. The combination of these factors has led to Panama now becoming the most sought after country for those looking for a retirement haven.
Panama is well known for its abundant natural beauty. The place is every nature lover’s delight. One can find a wide variety of animals as well as birds in Panama. The scenic splendor and the peace that Panama offers is something of an irresistible combination for those looking towards a quiet life in the evening of their life.
You will also find that Panama is considered more foreigner friendly when compared to a lot of other countries, with similar climate and natural conditions. The health care facilities that are available in Panama are comparable with the best that is available anywhere else in the world too. This is one more reason why retirees find Panama such an attractive option to spend their retirement years. The high cost of medical care is something that people find difficult in many other countries and what brings them to Panama.
Panama is a country that boasts of modern infrastructure Whether it is the roads or the buildings, you can find the government here places emphasis on modern infrastructure. The entire real estate scene in Panama is buoyant, with plenty of options available for people when it comes to finding a home.
Panama is a country that enjoys sunny weather throughout the year including the rainy season. Moreover, the occurrence of natural disasters such as major earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes is also very less here. The vast stretches of tropical forests and beaches are another attraction for retirees looking to spend a peaceful life. Being surrounded by the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, the country is home to many picturesque beaches.
The banking facilities available in Panama are world class making it one of the most important financial centers in the world. The country is also well connected by air to most of the major cities of the world. In fact it only takes a few hours to reach most of the major cities in the United States from Panama. With so many advantages, it is not surprising that many people want to retire in Panama nowadays.
The other biggest attraction for those looking to retire in Panama is the low cost of living. The combination of these factors has led to Panama now becoming the most sought after country for those looking for a retirement haven.
Panama is well known for its abundant natural beauty. The place is every nature lover’s delight. One can find a wide variety of animals as well as birds in Panama. The scenic splendor and the peace that Panama offers is something of an irresistible combination for those looking towards a quiet life in the evening of their life.
You will also find that Panama is considered more foreigner friendly when compared to a lot of other countries, with similar climate and natural conditions. The health care facilities that are available in Panama are comparable with the best that is available anywhere else in the world too. This is one more reason why retirees find Panama such an attractive option to spend their retirement years. The high cost of medical care is something that people find difficult in many other countries and what brings them to Panama.
Panama is a country that boasts of modern infrastructure Whether it is the roads or the buildings, you can find the government here places emphasis on modern infrastructure. The entire real estate scene in Panama is buoyant, with plenty of options available for people when it comes to finding a home.
Panama is a country that enjoys sunny weather throughout the year including the rainy season. Moreover, the occurrence of natural disasters such as major earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes is also very less here. The vast stretches of tropical forests and beaches are another attraction for retirees looking to spend a peaceful life. Being surrounded by the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, the country is home to many picturesque beaches.
The banking facilities available in Panama are world class making it one of the most important financial centers in the world. The country is also well connected by air to most of the major cities of the world. In fact it only takes a few hours to reach most of the major cities in the United States from Panama. With so many advantages, it is not surprising that many people want to retire in Panama nowadays.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Panama Retirement
This is Panama Joe. I’m starting this site because it’s all about retirement in Panama, my chief interest at the current time.
I got sick of living in the rat race of the big city in North America. Got sick of the cold winter, I figured that out one winter three years ago. It was a cold, frosty morning and I’m not into “frosty” by the way. I was outside ready to go work for another day in the rat race. It was bloody cold. The first thing that happened was my car door was frozen shut. Finally got that open. I turn the ignition on. Damn engine stutters before it finally chokes on. Turn on the heater full blast. It’s blasting more of that frosty cold air. Get the window scraper out. All the windows are covered with that Jack Frost nonsense. Start scraping and scraping and scraping the windows. Nothing but a stupid struggle. It’s all seeming more and more pointless. Takes me 15 minutes to get the damn car ready just so I can make it to work on time. I’m tired of this shit. Don’t get to work on time.
I’m 54 years old. A guy that’s getting fed up with it all. Sick of my job. Sick of this winter weather and all this damn frosty stuff. During that mind numbing 9 – 5 shtick, I open up the internet and mindlessly search for winter getaway vacations. Obviously, I needed a break from the winter. Don’t know how much longer I can put up with this and winter’s only just started. We’ve got another five or six months of this shit. So I’m browsing through this winter escape website. All the usual destinations, Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba, Barbados, Jamaica… And then I see it. Panama. Something cool about that. I hadn’t heard of anyone going there before. Must not be a common vacation destination. I click on the link. Prices just about the same as everywhere else. I open up another web browsing tab and search for pictures of Panama. I find other sites with information about Panama. I start passing the hours at work, surfing sites about Panama. Suddenly I find myself back at the vacation destination site for Panama. My fingers are doing the clicking. Suddenly, I’m booking a vacation for one week in Panama at an all inclusive resort in Panama. My credit card is being entered by my fingers which are doing the walking all by themselves. The submit button is pressed. An online receipt is before my eyes. I’m printing the online receipt. I’m walking over to the printer like a zombie. Picking up my online receipt from the printer. My vacation is booked.
Approximately two weeks later, I’m on an airline Panama bound. Leaving the frosty winter behind and landing in the hot humidity of the international airport of Panama City.
That was how it all began. I spent a week in Panama at an all inclusive resort and besides laying around the pool and the beach, I spent a lot of time in the City of Panama during that week, falling in love with everything that Panama had to offer. The Casinos, the nightclubs, the food, the people… A few trips later, one even in the hot humid rainy summers of Panama, I’m thinking to myself, what the hell am I doing, continuing to slave away at some stupid mindless job that I hate, waiting for retirement to kick in so I can bundle up indoors when winter comes with the heat turned up high and thinking of when I can plan my next escape to Panama.
The idea then dawned on me to take my early retirement package and head on down to Panama to spend my retirement in comfort.
And this is what this blog is all about – my retirement in Panama and how you too can retire in Panama. And when I’m feeling a little too warm in Panama, I just think back to that frosty winter morning when I had to scrape the Jack Frost stuff off the windows of my car. The thought gives me a little chill as I suddenly recall reality and look along the beach I find myself laying on as I am living the life of my retirement in Panama.
I got sick of living in the rat race of the big city in North America. Got sick of the cold winter, I figured that out one winter three years ago. It was a cold, frosty morning and I’m not into “frosty” by the way. I was outside ready to go work for another day in the rat race. It was bloody cold. The first thing that happened was my car door was frozen shut. Finally got that open. I turn the ignition on. Damn engine stutters before it finally chokes on. Turn on the heater full blast. It’s blasting more of that frosty cold air. Get the window scraper out. All the windows are covered with that Jack Frost nonsense. Start scraping and scraping and scraping the windows. Nothing but a stupid struggle. It’s all seeming more and more pointless. Takes me 15 minutes to get the damn car ready just so I can make it to work on time. I’m tired of this shit. Don’t get to work on time.
I’m 54 years old. A guy that’s getting fed up with it all. Sick of my job. Sick of this winter weather and all this damn frosty stuff. During that mind numbing 9 – 5 shtick, I open up the internet and mindlessly search for winter getaway vacations. Obviously, I needed a break from the winter. Don’t know how much longer I can put up with this and winter’s only just started. We’ve got another five or six months of this shit. So I’m browsing through this winter escape website. All the usual destinations, Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba, Barbados, Jamaica… And then I see it. Panama. Something cool about that. I hadn’t heard of anyone going there before. Must not be a common vacation destination. I click on the link. Prices just about the same as everywhere else. I open up another web browsing tab and search for pictures of Panama. I find other sites with information about Panama. I start passing the hours at work, surfing sites about Panama. Suddenly I find myself back at the vacation destination site for Panama. My fingers are doing the clicking. Suddenly, I’m booking a vacation for one week in Panama at an all inclusive resort in Panama. My credit card is being entered by my fingers which are doing the walking all by themselves. The submit button is pressed. An online receipt is before my eyes. I’m printing the online receipt. I’m walking over to the printer like a zombie. Picking up my online receipt from the printer. My vacation is booked.
Approximately two weeks later, I’m on an airline Panama bound. Leaving the frosty winter behind and landing in the hot humidity of the international airport of Panama City.
That was how it all began. I spent a week in Panama at an all inclusive resort and besides laying around the pool and the beach, I spent a lot of time in the City of Panama during that week, falling in love with everything that Panama had to offer. The Casinos, the nightclubs, the food, the people… A few trips later, one even in the hot humid rainy summers of Panama, I’m thinking to myself, what the hell am I doing, continuing to slave away at some stupid mindless job that I hate, waiting for retirement to kick in so I can bundle up indoors when winter comes with the heat turned up high and thinking of when I can plan my next escape to Panama.
The idea then dawned on me to take my early retirement package and head on down to Panama to spend my retirement in comfort.
And this is what this blog is all about – my retirement in Panama and how you too can retire in Panama. And when I’m feeling a little too warm in Panama, I just think back to that frosty winter morning when I had to scrape the Jack Frost stuff off the windows of my car. The thought gives me a little chill as I suddenly recall reality and look along the beach I find myself laying on as I am living the life of my retirement in Panama.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Panama Joe's Retirement
Hola! And welcome to Panama Joe's Retirement Site.
Am hoping to provide my readers information about retirement in Panama. Enjoy the reading and enjoy the visit. Hopefully I can provide you some good ideas about retirement in Panama.
Am hoping to provide my readers information about retirement in Panama. Enjoy the reading and enjoy the visit. Hopefully I can provide you some good ideas about retirement in Panama.
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