In Panama, you will never feel too far from home.

When you stay for extended periods of time in another country, you want to feel away from it all, but not totally. Its important to have the familiar services and comforts of home within easy reach- no other country in the world fits that bill better than Panama. Why? Because the ninety year American presence gave Panama a modern American-style

Panama is Safe

Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from Pinkerton Intelligence Services and a low crime rate in general. One of the first things foreigners who live in Panama will tell you is how safe they feel. In Panama City- petty street crimes that hinder tourists in other countries are uncommon. Panama City, like every big city has some neighborhoods best to avoid, but in general you can go about Panama City day and night without worrying. This is true for most of the country with few exceptions.

American-Style Infrastructure, by-product of an Historical Relationship

One of the best things about living in Panama is the American-style infrastructure. 50,000 Americans made their home in Panama until 1999 when Panama took control of the Panama Canal. Those Americans call Panama their “Paradise Lost”. Panama has a distinct, delightful Latin-Caribbean culture, but you will feel at home because American influences abound.

A Foreign Investor and Retiree-Friendly Government

Good news for investors and foreigners buying property is that Panama has an investor-friendly, anti-corruption, more corporate- style government. President Martin Torrijos and his top officials in the Finance and Economy ministries are like Torrijos himself, American-educated corporate- types. Recognizing that tourism and foreign retirees will create the jobs the country badly needs, they are implementing plans to make Panama one of the most investor and retiree-friendly governments anywhere. They are also implementing important programs of government transparency and changes in the judicial system to control corruption.

The Panamanian People-“Globalized”, Peaceful, Friendly and Fun-Loving

Another reason why Panama is a great place to live is because of the Panamanian people themselves. To begin with there is a saying that Panama was “born globalized”. As a historical crossroads, Panama is home to immigrants the world over. The different communities comprised of different nationalities have grown and gotten along amicably over the years. Most common are “mestizo” or European and Indian populations typical in Latin American countries. Blacks who originally came to help with the construction of the Canal makes up the large Antillean population. European, American, Chinese, Jewish, Hindu and Arabic communities also have a strong presence.Remarkedly, in Panama all these different peoples know how to get along.You will find that Panamananians are friendly and fun loving. Of special note is their predilection for beauty and elegance. This sense of beauty is visible in many ways- from the delicacy of their Indian handicrafts, to their beautifully groomed women and in the Panama City’s many well appointed neighborhoods.

Panama is Close

Located in Central America,Panama is easy to get to. It is just 4-5 hours by plane from the States, there are non-stop daily flights to Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando served by Delta, Continental, American and Copa Airlines. From Canada, AirTransat has a weekly Charter flight out of Toronto.

The Dollar as the Currency: A Great Convenience

Panama has the US dollar as its currency- a great convenience. It makes daily life that that more hassle free for visitors and foreign residents. No need to constantly figure out how much things cost. And the dollar as currency is a major contributing factor to the fact that Panama has the lowest inflation rate and the most stable economy in Latin America.

Dependable Travel in Panama-Roads, Highways and Public Transportation

Travel within Panama is dependable and inexpensive. Taxis in Panama City are cheap and reliable. You can go just about anywhere for less than $5. The highway system and the feeder roads off the main highways are excellent. For $12 you can travel across the country on a luxury bus from Panama City to Chiriqui province in West Panama. If you are renting a car, the Interamerican highway that goes from the border of Costa Rica to Panama City is a four-lane highway most of the way.

First Class Health Services and Medical care

More than any place in Latin America, you can readily find English speaking trained doctors and dentists. There are hospitals with the latest in diagnoses testing and services. Prescription and over- the- counter medication is available at low prices. Full coverage health insurance policies ate reasonably priced.

Another big health plus is that you can drink the tap water- a rarity in Latin America.

Sanitation is good… the “ Montezumas revenge” illnesses that tourists are prone to in other countries of Latin America are almost unheard of.

The Hospital Nacional in Panama City has an excellent International Office offering services to tourists and foreign residents, as well as the comprehensive list of English speaking and American trained Doctors on their staff.

Shopping

For shopping everyone loves the fact there are 4 Price Costcos- three in Panama City and one in David in West Panama. The fabulous El Rey supermarkets make grocery shopping a joy- spotless and well organized, they stock just about everything you could find in an American supermarket but with better prices!

Shopping malls include Los Pueblos, a giant shopping center with 150 stores and low prices and Multicentro, a beautiful new enclosed mall in downtown Panama City. Large electronic, appliance, computer and furniture stores have familiar brands with prices the same or better than the USA.

High Speed Internet and Services

Panama is a so-called developing country but high speed internet access is more available than in the USA. Phone service and other basic services are also excellent - unusual for Latin America.

Great Restaurants

Another thing people love about Panama is the restaurant scene. As an international crossroads, Panama City has many fine, reasonably priced restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. It’s fun just trying to decide where you are going to dine. And if you’re homesick, American restaurants and fast food joints are everywhere including TGIF, Bennigans, Wendys, Pizza Hut, Subway McDonalds, Burger King etc.

Banking Conveniences and a Strong Financial Services Sector

ATM machines providing access to your USA bank account are located throughout Panama City and in many locations outside Panama City as well. Panama has a sophisticated banking sector compromised in ninety different banks, including Citibank and Scotia Bank of Canada. If you are looking for offshore activities there are specialists who can provide personal or corporate services with strong financial privacy laws and no taxes on offshore profits.

Schools

Families with children will find a number of excellent private schools to choose from. Most foreign capitals have just one American accredited school, but Panama has three: The International School of Panama, Balboa Academy and the Oxford International School.

Variety of Venues to Choose From

This is an exciting time to shop property in Panama. Beginning to develop as a retirement and vacation destination of choice, panama offers attractice buys with a wide range of prices.

The three most popular places for homes are in Panama City, the beache areas and highlands outside Panama City. Panama City is popular for reasonably priced luxury apartments many with ocean views. On the beaches, choose from beachfront lots, homes and condos on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Panama’s highlands offer perfect all-year-round spring weather.

Quality Construction

You will be pleasantly surprised by the high quality of Panamanian construction. Homes are well built and tastefully designed. Panamanian architects attend US construction industry conventions to keep up-to date on the latest in construction styles, floor plans and quality living. Another surprise is the refreshing variety of architecture styles. While in the rest of Latin America, Spanish colonial dominates, in Panama modern architecture abounds without losing their other more traditional styles such as French and English

The Best Retiree Benefit Program in the World

The Panamanian government actually encourages retirees to retire here. Retirees receive many benefits and discounts. To qualify for a retiree visa the only requirements are a proven monthly income of $500, a health certificate, and a police report.

Some of the Benefits for Retirees

50% off entertainment including movies, concerts, theater etc. ( a regular movie ticket costs $4 - the retiree price is $2.00.)

25% off restaurants

50% off hotel accomodations Monday- Thursday

30% off bus, boat and train fares

25% off domestic airline tickets

10% off prescription medicines (much cheaper than US prices to begin with)

15% off dental and eye exams

50% off closing costs for home loans

Foreigners who purchase property in Panama enjoy all the same rights as Panamanians

Unlike other countries, in Panama foreigners who buy property enjoy all the same rights and protections as Panamanians