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Panama’s Pensionado discounts are one of the many ways you can live better for less in Panama. These discounts are available to all Panamanians who meet certain age restrictions. If they are female, they must be 55, and if they are male, they must be 60. Pensionado discounts are also called Jubilado discounts.
Once you have a permanent Pensionado visa, foreigners can take advantage of the discounts listed below regardless of their age.
If you have any other Visa, you must have a permanent visa and meet the age requirements to get the Pensionado (Jubilado) discounts.
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Panama’s Pensionado Discounts
The discounts and advantages of the pensioner’s visa are quite numerous. Look at all the ways you can save money:
- 50% off on recreation and entertainment such as movies, theaters, sports, etc.
- 50% off hotels Monday through Thursday (30% off on weekends)
- 50% off passports
- 30% off public transportation like buses, trains, and boats
- 25% off airfare to anywhere in the world!
- 20% off restaurants (15% off fast food)
- 25% off electrical, telephone, and water service
- 20% off doctors and specialists
- 20% off prosthetics and other personal assistance devices
- 15% off hospitals and private clinics
- 15% off dental and optometry services
- 10% off prescription medications
- tax-free importation of household goods, up to $10,000
There are many reasons to consider Panama as a place to relocate to. The Pensionado discounts are certainly one of them!
How to Qualify for the Discounts
To qualify for the Pensionado discounts, you must have a permanent residency visa. To get the Pensionado Visa, you will need $1000 per month in lifetime income, like a pension, or $1250 if you are married and applying for a visa together.
If you get one of the other visas, like the Friendly Nations Visa, but you will need to meet the age requirements and have a permanent visa to qualify for the Pensionado discounts.
You qualify for the discounts only after you get your permanent Visa.
However, if you have grey or no hair, you are usually given the Pensionado discount without asking at pharmacies.
At other places, you may need to ask for a discount, or they will ask to see your permanent Visa card or Cedula (national ID card) to verify your age and qualifications.
To get the 25% discount on utility bills, the utility will need to be in your name, and you will need to show your Visa card when you apply for service. Remember that your water bill is only $100 a YEAR, which is probably much less than what you pay now. I get 25% off my electric bill too. Because I live in an area where I don’t need air conditioning, my electric bill is usually less than $25 per month. If you live near the coast where you need air conditioning, the savings can really add up.
I save about $600 annually on airfare using my Pensionado discount. You can get a discount on any airfare originating in Panama. It’s easier to work with a Panama travel agent than to contact the airline. The travel agent will request a copy of your permanent Visa. You cannot get the Pensionado discounts with just a temporary Visa.
Within a few years, the Pensionado discounts could basically pay for the cost of getting a Visa!
How to Get a Pensionado Visa?
The process of applying for and obtaining a Visa is relatively easy. You will need a Panamanian attorney to guide you through the whole process. Â You will need a national criminal report and proof of lifetime income if applying for the Pensionado Visa. Â You must be in Panama for about 5 business days to get your temporary visa; then, about six months later, your permanent visa will be ready.
Immigration lawyers charge between $1200 to $2000 to get a Pensionado visa, depending on which lawyer you use. During the Panama Relocation Tours, you will meet reliable and affordable Panamanian lawyers who have helped many of our tour clients get their visas quickly and easily.
IT ADDS UP – A LITTLE SAVINGS HERE AND A LITTLE SAVINGS THERE
Occasionally, I have had trouble getting a discount at hotels. But being persistent will usually get me a discount.
Be aware that some restaurants play tricks by advertising their regular price and then their special price next to it to avoid giving the Pensionado discount. The discount does not apply to specials. Other restaurants honor the Pensionado discounts. There are many different restaurants to decide who you want to give your business to. Restaurants are only required to offer a Pensionado discount on your entree, not on your entire bill.
Who Pays for the Discounts?
These discounts come right off the profits for these businesses. They are not reimbursed by the government or anyone else. So, be selective when asking for Pensionado discounts.
I never ask for a Pensionado discount when I go to a Mom & Pop-type restaurant where the whole meal is only $5.00. The meal is so affordable already. Be selective about asking for the Pensionado discount.
WatchDog
ACODECO is Panama’s Consumer Advocate organization. If any establishment refuses to give a Pensionado discount to someone qualified and can prove it, then you can report them to ACODECO, who will fine the company.
Just mentioning ACODECO will usually get you the discount you are eligible for.
Live Better for Less in Panama!
Come see how amazing life is in Panama!
Even without the Pensionado discounts, the cost of living in Panama is lower.
Join us for an all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night Panama Relocation Tour to discover the perfect place to live in Panama. You’ll learn how to move to Panama the RIGHT WAY! S Since 2010, Panama Relocation Tours has helped thousands of people discover how they can live better for less in Panama. We have the experience you can trust!
Or, check out the Online Panama Relocation Guide! It has all the information you need for a smooth, hassle-free move to Panama. The Online Guide has a list of affordable immigration lawyers, honest real estate agents, fantastic insurance brokers, car brokers and everything else you need to know to move to Panama.
