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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 Panama more than any other country in the region has a modern American-style infrastructure,business sector and an American-friendly populace.

Panama is Safe
Panama has the lowest rate for crimes against tourists in the region. In Panama City, the petty street crimes that hinder tourists in other countries are uncommon. Like every big city — there are some neighborhoods to avoid, but in general you can go about Panama City without worrying. This is true for the rest of the country with a few exceptions.
Many top US and international companies are now making their regional headquarters in Panama because it is safest country in the region.

An 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 region and they left their mark. 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
Panama has the best retiree benefits plan in the world and also an investor-friendly government. Panama has always been about business. It is a "can-do" country for business. Most of Panama's entrepreneurial class are US-educated and readily understand and know how to work with foreigners.

The Panamanian People are "Globalized", Peaceful, Friendly and Fun-Loving
Another reason why Panama is a great place to live is because of the Panamanian people -they just may be the friendliest people in the world. Due to Panama's position as a world business crossroads Panamanians have a long history of living and working with foreigners. Different from most countries they actually enjoy foreigners. There's a saying that Panama was "born globalized". Historically a crossroads, Panama is home to immigrants the world over. The different communities comprised of different nationalities and races have get along amicably Like most Latin American countries most common are "mestizos" or persons who are a combination of European and Indian origin. But there is a large black population, descendents of people that originally came to help with the construction of the Canal. European, American, Chinese, Jewish, Hindu and Arabic communities also have a strong presence. And in Panama all these different peoples know how to get along.

You will find that Panamananians are also fun loving. Parties are a national pastime. They also have a 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 3-5 hours by plane from the States, there are non-stop daily flights to Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Newark, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Orlando and Fort Lauderdale served by Delta, Continental, American,Copa and Spirit Airlines. From Europe, KLM has 3 directly weekly flights. 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. This makes daily life much more hassle free for visitors and foreign residents. No need to constantly figure out how much things cost. The dollar as currency is also 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 $15 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.

Inexpensive First Class Health Services and Medical care
One of the main reasons many Americans of retirement age are deciding to live in Panama is because both health insurance and health care very inexpensive in Panama and also in general excellent.
More than any place in Latin America, you can readily find English speaking trained doctors and dentists. There are several hospitals with the latest in diagnostic testing and services. Prescription and over, the, counter medication is available at low prices. Full coverage health insurance policies are very reasonably priced for any age.

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.

Shopping
Panama has the best shopping in Latin America. Starting with the supermarkets- Riba Smith, El Rey and Super 99 stock just about everything you would find in an American supermarket but the prices are lower. There are 4 Price Costcos, three in Panama City and one in David in Chiriqui.
There are three great shopping malls: Multiplaza in Punta Pacifica, Albrook Mall and Multicentro on Balboa Ave. There are large electronic, appliance, computer and furniture stores with familiar brands and 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 better than in the USA. Phone service and other basic services are also reliable - unusual for Latin America.

Great Restaurants
Foreign residents really enjoy 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. If you’re homesick, American restaurants and fast food joints are everywhere including TGIF, Bennigans, Wendys, Pizza Hut, KFC, 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. Panama has a sophisticated banking sector compromised in ninety different banks, including 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
The three most popular places for homes are Panama City, the beach areas and mountains. With the worldwide economic crisis prices are coming down especially in Panama City. Prices for prime beach and mountain venues may not decline much because Panama is a small country becoming a regional business hub and there are only so many prime locations. On the beaches, choose from beachfront lots, homes and condos on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Panama’s mountain areas like Boquete, Volcan, Sora and El Valle offer perfect all-year-round spring weather.

Quality Construction and Architectural Variety
When buying property, especially condos it is important that you ask about the reputation of the builder. Homes are generally 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 there's a refreshing variety of modern, Spanish colonial, French and English style.

The Best Retiree Benefit Program in the World
The Panamanian government actually encourages retirees to retire here with a program with 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.)
• 25% off restaurants
• 50% off hotel accomodations Monday, Thursday
• 30% off bus, boat and train fares
• 25% off domestic and international 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.