Take Me Down to Panama

The road to an ideal retirement abroad may lead somewhere you don’t expect.

Photograph courtesy of Instituto Panameño de Turismo

When contemplating great vacation and retirement locations, the same locales always spring to mind. The Eastern Shore, the Carolinas, and of course Florida. Some might also look abroad, enjoying the cultural enrichments of Italy, perhaps, or Spain. Surprisingly, one of the best places of all may escape mention.

At first, the concept of life in the Republic of Panama might be met with curious apprehension. Many Americans balk at the thought of leaving the U.S., but even those who have pondered a retirement or lengthy vacation abroad don’t often set their sights on Central America.

Whatever your thoughts, a glimpse of Panama warrants another look, because it is a place where the luxuries of life abroad and the conveniences of life at home are feasible and affordable.

By Land and Sea

Panama’s countryside is breathtaking. Its northern coast is lined with the clear waters of the Caribbean, and the waves of the Pacific brush it on the south. Mountains garbed in lush greenery stand tall in the heart of the land. Visitors will find accommodations for almost any lifestyle.

Within Panama City, experience Casco Viejo, the oldest true city on the coast of the Americas. Reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter, it blends French and Spanish Colonial architecture as seamlessly as salt and water. The styles would seem to conflict, and neighboring buildings can have as many as 300 years separating their first stones, but the whole effect gives the place a charming, romantic quality.

If city life won’t suit, there’s no need to worry. Cool mountainside properties in places like Boquete offer clean air and serenity. Tranquil beach hideaways abound. Panama offers all of this, and the weather is never anything but pleasant. The temperature almost always ranges in the 70s to 80s.

Keep Holding On

A major concern for those considering life abroad is being far away from friends and family. However, a destination like Panama can give the people you love many reasons to visit.

There are plenty of attractions to keep guests busy. You and yours can enjoy shopping in one of the largest free-trade zones in the world, second only to Hong Kong. Sportsmen will love the world-famous fishing, which many say is even better than Costa Rica. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Parque Nacional Soberania, where you can hike through a tropical rainforest and witness its exotic cast of plants and animals first-hand. Beachcombers can explore the secluded beaches of one of many deserted islands in the San Blas archipelago, or don a snorkel and experience wildlife of a different sort in the underwater environs of the nearby reef.

At night, travel into Panama City to indulge in food and drink at one of many five-star restaurants, and then enjoy the rest of the city’s charms. In the end, the bigger concern might be getting your loved ones to leave you in peace. Who knows—their visit may even convince them to make their stay permanent.

Surrender Nothing

You can take advantage of Panama and its beautiful surroundings without sacrificing many of the stateside conveniences to which you’ve grown accustomed. Contrary to what you might think, traveling to Panama only takes 90 minutes longer than a trip to southern Florida. Direct daily flights are now offered from Dulles International. The U.S. dollar is the foremost legal tender in Panama, as the economy has been officially “dollarized” since 1904. English is the Republic’s second language after Spanish.

Your health is in good hands here, too. Hospitals in this country adhere to the standards of U.S. health facilities. Most doctors speak English, and health care insurance is modern and inexpensive. These similarities to the U.S. are only the beginning of Panama’s comforts. In fact, Panama surpasses our country’s standard of living in many ways.

On the whole, Panama is actually a much safer place to live than the U.S., and violent crime is relatively unheard of. Perhaps most surprisingly, the cost of living in Panama is extremely low in comparison to the U.S. Running water costs about $7 a month, a cup of coffee goes for 30 cents, and hired help around the house runs about $200 a month. As if that weren’t enough, there are no taxes on foreign income.

Like the services, real estate is inexpensive, available, and desirable. Panama is a fantastic place to invest, and the country’s visionary Pensionado plan makes it perfect for seniors. The plan offers a slew of incentives for retirees, such as 50 percent discounts on weeknight hotel stays, sporting events, and movies, along with 15 to 25 percent discounts for utilities, airline tickets, professional service bills, and restaurant meals.

Any decision to invest calls for thorough examination from every angle, and Panama subjects to that willingly. When compared to standard North American resorts, Panama shines. Aside from the minor language barrier, Panama feels more comfortable than home, a place that epitomizes the ideal of a happy, easy life. Isn’t that what vacation—and retirement—are all about?

—Ian Black

For more information about travelling to Panama, visit www.PanamaBravo.com