Panama is one of the
best kept secrets of the Americas and is quickly becoming a world class
destination for business, pleasure and living! Panama has ranked #1 in
International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index… for five
consecutive years! So if you love uncommercialized beaches, mountains
and nature there is no place like Panama.
There are so many reasons to choose Panama. Below is just a short list
from A to Z as to why Panama is so incredible and why more and more
people choose to live there or start their business in Panama.
Affordable and exotic destination. Panama is just starting to promote
itself as a tourist destination so its prices are some of the best on
the market. The cost of living – rent, homes, utilities, transportation,
food and services are well below North American and European prices.
Beaches! Panama has a wide selection of beaches and island venues. With
two coasts, the Caribbean and Pacific, and more than 1000 islands,
Panama has so much to choose from. The Azuero Peninsula boasts some of
the best beaches in Panama - literally stretching for miles.
Climate - With temperatures ranging between 75-85 degrees year round
(25-30C) and it cooling down nicely in the evening, you will be
comfortable year round in Panama. The dry season runs from December thru
mid-May and the green season is the remainder of the year. Despite more
rainfall in these months the sun usually shines every day in Panama.
Driving in Panama is like no other Latin American country. With one of
the best infrastructures in Latin America, the Panamanian highway is
excellent as are the main highways to a variety of popular destinations,
including Pedasi in the Azuero Peninsula.
Eco Tourism is hot! Panama is the best place for Eco Tourism with the
most accessible pristine rainforests in the world. Panama boasts over
10.000 plant species, 1,000 types of tress and 1,500 butterflies.
Panama’s biodiversity is outstanding. National parks cover 5,000,000
acres and have over a 1,000 recorded bird species – more than Canada and
the U.S. combined. Panama has one of the most wonderful eco systems in
the world with national parks that cover ¼ of the entire country. A
visit to Isla Iguana and Isla Canas in the Azuero Peninsula is a must!
Financial Sector is Strong! ATM machines give access to US account with
many locations in Panama City and throughout the country. Sophisticated
banking sector comprised of 90 different banks. In fact, Panama is home
to the second largest international banking centre in the world next to
Switzerland. Panama has the most modern and successful international
banking centre in Latin America. It also is the second largest home to
offshore Corporations in the world,
with only Hong Kong having more. Panama has over 400,000 corporations
and foundations registered, and offers favorable and flexible
incorporation laws.
Geographical position of Panama is unique. Panama has no hurricanes or
major earthquakes and is the only country in Central America that is
hurricane free. Your investment is safe in Panama.
Health - Your health is in good hands in Panama. It is one of the best
places for world class medical treatments at affordable prices. You can
get medical treatment utilizing the same techniques, facilities and
medications as in the U.S. and many doctors and dentists speak English.
Health insurance policies are very reasonably priced. Johns Hopkins
International Medical Centre only location in Latin America is in
Panama. In fact, the only other country in the world outside the U.S. to
house a Johns Hopkins is in Singapore. You can even drink the tap water
in Panama, which is a rarity in Latin America.
Infrastructure of a First class nation! Cosmopolitan capital city with
high speed internet and sophisticated banking sector. Panama has first
rate hotels and excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of
cuisines. The highways, infrastructure, medical care and business
services are all excellent. Panama has the highest level of
communications and infrastructure for phone, fax, internet and cellular
communications in all of Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Jackets, Shoes, Skirts! Panama is a Shoppers Paradise! Whether you are
looking for fashion, electronics or automobiles, panama has it all! Not
only will you find a great selection but usually with better prices than
you will often find at home. Panama has 4 Costco’s and large “El Rey”
grocery stores where you can find most everything.
Kids? If you are looking for a school for your kids, Panama has many
excellent private schools to choose from. Panama also has 3 American
accredited schools; International School, Oxford International and
Balboa Academy Language.
Language - Spanish is the official language however English is widely
spoken throughout the country.
Mountains, exotic rainforests, beaches, Indian cultures, historic sites,
golf, rafting and more. Panama has many attractions in close proximity.
Near North America. Panama is only 4-5 hours from the U.S with daily
flights from LA, NY, Newark, Miami, Houston and Orlando. Canada has
weekly flights from Toronto and Montreal and more flights continue to be
added.
Ownership of a home in Panama is at unbeatable prices! Foreigners can
buy and sell Panamanian property legally and easily and are protected by
exactly the same rights as Panamanian citizens.
Panamanians are amongst the friendliest people you will ever meet!
Peaceful and fun loving, Panama is home to immigrants from all over the
world. English is widely spoken as a second language.
Quality Construction. Homes are well built and tastefully designed.
Panamanian architects attend U.S. construction and industry conventions
to keep current and up-to-date with the latest construction styles.
Retiree incentive program is one of the best in the world. It includes
discount air travel, eye exams, movies, restaurants, hotels and MORE!
Retirees can even bring down all household goods to Panama tax free!
Safe – Panama has a very low crime rate in general and has the highest
rating for tourist safety from the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence
Agency.
Taxes. There are NO property taxes on new construction in Panama.
U.S $ is the national currency. This is a great convenience as there is
no need to change dollars. Officially the currency is the Balboa however
it exists only in coinage and is identical in size to the U.S. coinage.
Panama does not print Balboa bills but instead uses American paper
currency. The currency also helps explain why Panama has such a low
inflation rate and is the most stable economy in Latin America. Panama
experienced less than 2% inflation increase over the past 40 years, some
of the lowest known.
Variety – Panama City offers plenty of it! A cosmopolitan city with a
combination of historic and ultra modern it is known for its lively
nightlife with a wide variety of discos, pubs, nightclubs and casinos.
World class Sport fishing – Pinas Bay alone holds 250 world fishing
records and there is excellent sport fishing in the Azuero Peninsula.
Xtreme Diving - Panama boasts excellent diving, with 7 fantastic diving
spots including Coiba National Park, Pearl Islands, Isla Iguana, Bocas
del Toro Archipelago and the Panama Canal.
Yachting destination – Panama is ideal !
Zone – Panama has the second largest free trade zone in the world. The
Colon Free Zone is a gigantic entity at the Atlantic gateway to the
Panama Canal. It is dedicated to re-export a huge variety of
merchandise.
