Best Place in the World to Retire Archives

Last Updated Sep 7, 2016 - by Panama Relocation Tours

Coiba Island National Marine Park – A Dark Past with a Bright Future

By Debbie Fishell

Frommer’s calls Coiba Island “one of the 500 places to see before they disappear”.The uninhabited Coiba National Park (Nacional Parque Coiba) is 80% ocean and contains the largest coral reef in the eastern Pacific. The park is made up of 38 islands 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Chiriqui Bay, including Coiba Island, the largest island in Central America with 503 square kilometers (194 square miles). Snorkeling is popular here with crystal clear water where you will see hundreds of brightly colored fish flitting among the coral. It is also known as one of the best diving spots in the world to see big fish, including huge plankton-eating whale sharks, tuna, manta rays and the rare pan-tropical spotted dolphin.

Scarlet Macaw Panama Coiba Island — Scarlet Macaw on Coiba

For landlubbers, Coiba Island is sometimes compared to Galapagos. The flora is lush and abundant. There are a few hiking trails and navigable rivers, but most of the interior remains unexplored. The island is home to 147 species of birds and 36 species of mammals. You will probably hear howler monkeys and see a good variety of birds and animals during your visit. Sea turtles are frequently observed and certain beaches are used as nesting areas from April through August. This island is also one of the few remaining places where you can see a “Guacamaya,”, or scarlet macaw, now endangered in mainland Panama. The island even has its own resident crocodile known as ‘Tito’, who is sometimes seen hanging out in the mangroves behind the ranger station!

Now, time to reveal the dark past I referred to above. From 1919 to 2005, there was a penal colony on Isla Coiba. Appropriate location since it is difficult to get to and from the isolated island. It is said that this is where former military dictator Manuel Noriega interrogated prisoners. Many Panamanians have memories of torture and death associated with Isla Coiba. Locals sometimes refer to the place as “la isla del diablo” which translates as Devil Island. The ruins of the prison are in Damas Bay and there is an eerie feeling when you visit the remains of the prison today. It is slowly being reclaimed by the jungle and is dilapidated, with no roof, old concrete bunks and rusty jail bars. In 2005, when the last convict was released, the site became a Unesco World Heritage Site.

How did a penal colony lead to a bright future? Fear of the prison resulted in preservation of the largest untouched rain forests in the Americas!

For more information, visit the park’s their website at Coiba National Park.

Last Updated Jan 31, 2019 - by Panama Relocation Tours

Panama Is For You

“We have everything God needed to make paradise. Great farming, beaches, mountains, wildlife you wouldn’t believe, people so beautiful you could cry.” – John Le Carré (The Tailor of Panama)

A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL, PANAMA!

Panama epitomizes everything an idyllic destination should be. It is a mystery thriller if only for the fact that everything your mind imagines and dreams you will see, hear, feel and enjoy when you visit Panama are actually reality with more twists and turns than your favorite roller coaster ride.

Where is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic? Where can you swim the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean the same day? Where in the world can you find a capital city that has a rain forest within city limits? Where can you find the 8th wonder of the world? Your guess is as good as ours. Panama! However, the fun and adventure don’t stop there. Panama wants to be explored, cuddled, loved and remembered by all who come to visit. In fact, many came to visit and never left and call it their new home, enthralled and mesmerized not only by its intrinsic beauty but by the overall quality of life living in Panama can offer them.

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK, O’ PANAMA?

Panama Beach — Super Affordable Beach Town — Secret Location

Panama reduces stress and promotes health and wellness. From fishing, diving, bird-watching to real-world living indigenous cultures and exotic wildlife adventures, Panama is a true haven for tourists and retirees. You can take an ocean-to-ocean hike across the Isthmus through dense jungle, live with ancient Indian tribes experiencing their culture or surf on the world famous Santa Catalina beach. Its national parks cover 5 million acres alone. Did we mention that you can do kayaking and rafting thru 20 sets of rapids in one afternoon?

After all that adventure, you can re-energize your weary body by indulging in the capital city’s vibrant nightlife, knowing full well that you are in one of the ten least expensive cities in the world and one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists. Panamanians are considered among the friendliest and most cheerful people you’ll ever meet in your travels and most of them speak a little English if not fluently, so go ahead and enjoy their company.

Panama is not your ordinary Latin American country. Aside from having a US-style capital city, it has first world infrastructure when it comes to highway infrastructure, medical care, telecommunications and business services. From banking to hotel services to emergency needs to high-speed internet connectivity, you can be assured that these services will be delivered efficiently and seamlessly.

Since Panama offers low cost of living, North Americans who have made the move to Panama find that they are able to do more for less. Having that extra money saved from low-cost living enables expats to afford some of life’s luxuries like a maid or gardener or extra vacations. When you can relax more, you can alleviate stress and achieve a sound mind and body.

LEFT YOUR HEART IN PANAMA

You know you’ll never get bored in Panama. From endless fun and adventure to first world infrastructure to meeting some of the friendliest people in the planet on one of the safest countries in Latin America if not the world, sounds kind of utopian don’t you think? But what if you decide to leave your heart in Panama?

Among the benefits of relocating to Panama:

You can live comfortably on $1,500-$2,000 a month, with the US dollar as currency (outside of Panama City and Coronado)
Retirees who plan to relocate enjoy from 10% – 50% discount on entertainment like movies and concerts, bus, boat and train fares, restaurants and domestic and international airfares and prescription medicines to name a few.
100% tropical climate so forget about hurricanes because they don’t occur in Panama. No snow shovels needed in Panama. No heater needed in Panama.
The economy is constantly growing on top of very generous tax breaks.
Affordable healthcare and insurance costs.
Good private schools.
Foreigners who buy property enjoy the same rights and protections as Panamanians.
For those intending to start a business, labor cost is low and taxes are low
Did we mention you can drink the tap water too?

Panama is a really beautiful country with equally wonderful and beautiful people that we’re sure you’d fall in love with whether you’re just visiting or planning to call it home.

Don’t just take our word for it. Live it. See it. Feel it. Enjoy it…. during a 6-day all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tour. Come see how you can live better for less in Panama. Once you see Panama, you will understand why it is consistently ranked the #1 place to retire in the world!

Last Updated Apr 3, 2019 - by Panama Relocation Tours

Panama Answers That Need For a Better Life

Why do people move to a different country? Is it because of comfort? Financial security? A sense of fulfillment?

Several articles I’ve read suggests that migration is brought about by 4 factors: economic, social, political and environmental. A person may want to move because of a new job or a career opportunity. He may find the weather in one place better and safer than in the country where he currently resides. Or a certain place may offer economic and political stability, two important factors to consider when thinking about migration.

Some are concerned about an economic collapse and/or increased violence in their home country so they are looking for a safer place to live with less drama.

Many people who come on the Panama Relocation Tours are looking for more affordable health insurance and health care which are both readily available in Panama. Health insurance costs and deductibles have gone through the roof in the United States and many other countries.

Whatever a person’s reason for moving, I think that it all boils down to the fact that he/she wants something better, if not, the best. That dream of a better life prompts people to pack their bags and move permanently to a country that can help them realize their dreams.

Panama is a place that offers wonderful, amazing opportunities for people who wish to migrate. It fulfills many needs and wants that people usually have. My tour guests often tell me that they’ve found what they’ve always been looking for in Panama. Let me tell you the top reasons why many people choose to migrate. Ironically, these are the exact same reasons why Panama has become the retirement destination of choice or the second home of many people from all walks of life.

Economic concern – It isn’t surprising anymore to talk with someone and discover that his reason for moving would be an economic concern. Not all of us are born in a country that is economically stable. Many people are trapped in a place where they constantly worry about losing their jobs and being unable to provide food for their families. Many people migrate to escape poverty, to take advantage of a career opportunity, to seek better and improved healthcare, and most importantly, to have a financially secure future. A country that is economically stable can provide all of these.

According to Wikipedia, Panama has the second largest economy in Central America; hence, many people move to Panama because it is economically stable. Panama has fresh food 365 days a year without the need for importation. Food includes fish that is harvested from 2 oceans. A large part of the country’s income comes from the Panama Canal. With the newly expanded Canal to open in June, it is expected to double its capacity; thus, further increase its contribution to the country’s GDP. It is perfectly safe to say that Panama has a very strong economy.

Because of its economic stability, Panama takes pride in its high quality yet affordable healthcare, low cost of living, the best retiree discounts available in the world and many more perks. The crime rate is low in Panama. Moving to Panama means that you’re able to maintain a quality life or achieve an even better lifestyle because it offers modern conveniences at inexpensive prices. Many of us who have made the move to Panama, love the fact that it is easy to meet one’s needs and still have money left over for some of life’s luxuries. A nice meal out for two would cost less than $20. You can buy fresh produce for $5 a bag. Have a haircut, visit a doctor, watch a movie, go to the spa- trust me, these things won’t cost much when you’re in Panama. The country uses the US dollar currency and has a history of low inflation.

Social culture – Social acceptance is another key factor for moving. This includes a nourishing social environment for children as well as escaping a place that is constantly afflicted by war, religious or racial tension and violence. People have that inherent desire to be accepted and live harmoniously with others. Panamanians are an innately friendly group of people and they treat foreigners with respect. Panama also has a large community of expats. It is easy to start a new life in Panama because making new friends won’t be a problem. I have come to know many expats and locals alike and consider these people as my friends for life.

Politics – People have no desire to live in a place that experiences constant chaos in the political arena. People want the freedom of speech and the freedom of choice. Since the US invasion of Panama in 1989 to dispose of then dictator, Manuel Noriega, the country has experienced peaceful transitions of power over the years. It currently has a representative democratic form of government where national elections take place every 5 years. Panama has favorable trade relations with many countries.

Environmental concern – There are places that are affected by typhoons, hurricanes, and other natural disasters on a yearly basis. These are hazards that people, and even their government, have no control of. While disaster response measures may be present in some countries, people get tired of moving out of their homes for safety. You cannot blame them. It is never easy to be stressed out every time it rains or be overcome with worry when there’s an impending storm.

In Texas, where I came from, the summers were so hot it was uncomfortable to go outside. The winter months were cold and icy. Both extreme temperatures made it necessary to run an air conditioner or heater most of the year. This is expensive. And I could rarely have my windows open for fresh air. Now, where I live in Panama, I have don’t need an air conditioner and I can have my windows and doors open all year.

Panama’s perfect weather has been a determining factor for me when I decided to move here. There is no snow or ice in Panama which I just love. I don’t need to shovel my driveway or be bothered by winter preparedness measures. Panama also doesn’t experience typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. There are no active volcanoes in Panama. Though it rains in Panama, the country does not experience much flooding. I particularly love Boquete, Panama’s spring-like weather all year – the kind of weather that suits me best.

Since Panama has a great weather, they grow their own crops and have no need for importation of food. Food is sold inexpensively because of this. Panamanians and expats who live here have access to the freshest fruits and vegetables year round, grown by local farmers. I, for one, love Panama’s mangoes, pineapples, and coffee. They’re the best!

Panama also has a rainforest that is home to thousands of species, some of which are unique to the country. There are a lot of activities in store for outdoor enthusiasts. One can go anytime to the beach or go hiking, kayaking, swimming and much more. And, of course, Panama’s natural beauty is just amazing!

When people move to a different country, it is usually brought about by a combination of the factors I just mentioned. Some might even have a special reason like finding a soulmate or wanting to settle down with someone. Others may want to reunite with a loved one or family member. Some are looking for a place to start a business with less regulation and taxes. Some may simply want an escape. It is safe to say that whatever that need would be, people would always want something better. They want that chance for a better life. A better prospect. An improvement of their current state. I believe that Panama is the best option. It offers perfect weather, a healthy social culture, economic and political stability and a natural beauty that is uniquely Panama. It offers wonderful opportunities for people who want something better for themselves.

Yet again, Panama is not for everyone. Don’t take my word for it and discover Panama yourself. Do take time to visit and explore the country, walk on its streets, taste its food, experience the weather, chat with the local Panamanians and expats who call Panama home. Panama may just be what you’re looking for, to get a taste of a better life.

You don’t have to explore Panama alone! Panama Relocation Tours is here to help you discover if Panama is right for you. During our 6-day, 7-night all-inclusive tour, you’ll get to see the areas which are most popular, meet with expats, learn about visa options, and see how you can live better for less in Panama.