Top 10 Reasons To Retire In Panama

Panama is only a hop, skip and a jump away from most major airports in the United States. Coming home to visit family and friends is no problem at all and only a few hours!

Panama received the highest safety rating for tourists from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. In Panama, there is no need to be constantly on guard against being a victim of crime as in so many Latin American countries.

Also, Panama is a stable democracy that has a very pro-business atmosphere and a great relationship with the United States. It also boasts the best, most stable ecomony in all of Latin America.

To get a retirement visa in Panama all that is required is:

A clean police report from where you currently live
A health certificate from a Panamanian doctor
And Proof that you have an income of at least $500 a month, $100 for dependents

When you retire in Panama you will have the same property rights as the natural citizens of Panama, unlike in many other Latin American countries.

Medical care is up there as one of the top priorities for retirees and you can't get any better outside the states than in Panama. Hospitals in Panama are state of the art, with U.S. trained and English speaking doctors, like the new fully digital John Hopkins affiliate; Hospital Punta Pacifica in Panama City. Panama's hospitals take most U.S. insurances and are about 50% cheaper, another plus to consider when you retire in Panama.

I actually only thought of the hurricane and natural disaster issue once I was an adult living back in the United States. Why didn't we ever have hurricanes? After researching it I found out unlike many of it's neighbors, Panama is in a totally hurricane-free zone. How awesome is that?! While there have been tremors there has never been any major earthquakes. Another good feature when considering to retire in Panama!

As far as climate, If you are a beach lover yearning for an endless summer there are plenty of places to buy property on both coasts, the Pacific or Atlantic (Caribbean side). What other country can you frolic in 2 oceans in one day with only an hour drive?

If you love the excitement of the city, Panama City is the new Miami with it's gorgeous skyline and attractions such as highrises, malls, shopping, clubs, art galleries and the list goes on. Even the Trumps are building a new luxury condo highrise in Panama. In Panama City you will need to have the air conditioning cranking because of the hot, humid tropical weather. Air conditioning will be everywhere you go so you usually are confortable.

Panama has two seasons: Rainy and Dry. Rainy is from May through November and Dry is from December through April.

And for you who favor spring like weather, the towns in the mountains and valleys of Panama have an all year temp of high 60's to high 70's. The most popular of these mountain towns is Boquete in Chiriqui province which is also home to the extinct volcano, Volcan Baru. No air conditioning needed and because of the cool climate, coffee, vegetables and flowers grow all around and everywhere!

Panama's currency is the U.S. dollar so no getting out the calculator to figure out the taxi ride! Ninety plus years of an American presence and one of the lasting benefits is not having to do business with foreign currency, whether you are going to the movies or buying that new house.

The Panamanian people are warm and helpful and depending in what part of the country you are in many speak English. Many retirees site the wonderful people of Panama as one of the great features of this lovely country that kept them coming back and helped them to decide to retire in Panama.

It's a great idea to learn some Spanish before your trip so here are the

Top 3 Spanish Courses.

Rocket Spanish

Learning Spanish Like Crazy.

Synergy Spanish

50% off entertainment such as concerts, movies, sporting events and theatres

30% train, bus and boat fares

50% off closing costs for home loans

25% off airline tickets

25% off restaurants

15% off fast food

15% off hospital bills (if no insurance covers it)

10% prescription medicines

15% dental and eye exams

20% off all technical and professional services

And the list goes on!

My personal favorite:

NO PROPERTY TAXES FOR 20 YEARS FOR PERSONAL RESIDENCE
NIce!

Of course this one is important to me, I'm writing this on my computer.
You can have your high speed internet everywhere and your satellite T.V. to see all your favorite American T.V. shows. You will never feel far from home!

There is a reason why thousands of Americans who lived there in the past "Canal Zone" in Panama refer to it as their "Lost Paradise".

Come visit and see for yourself the many reasons to retire in Panama!

(boquete panama photo by jackquie.k, computer photo by sage)