retiring in Panama Archives | Page 6 of 9

Last Updated Jun 10, 2019 - by Jackie Lange

EXPERIENCE is Why Panama Relocation Tours Is the Best

We did the very first Panama Relocation Tour in 2010 with 8 tour clients. So, now in 2019, we have ten years of experience educating people about relocating to and living in Panama. We exclusively do relocation tours.

Every day during the tour, we’re joined by a 49 year old Panamanian who was born in Panama and who has lived in Panama his whole life. He’s been working with Panama Relocation Tours for 8 years. He will will share his tips about what you need to do to be well respected by Panamanians and what you should not do too.

So, combined we have 59 years of experience living and working in Panama!

The May 31st 2019 tour was our 102nd Panama Relocation Tour.

We’ve had thousands of relocation tour clients from all over the world. About 60% relocate to Panama and we hold their hand throughout the entire process of relocating to Panama after the tour.

We get weekly updates from Panamanian lawyers and other experts so I can pass the information on Panama Relocation Tour clients.

In the 10 years that we’ve been doing Panama Relocation Tours, we’ve been asked every question there is about relocating to and living in Panama. We know all the answers to your questions! And if a question should come up that we don’t know the answer to, we know exactly who to call (or whatsapp) for the answer. We have friends and contacts throughout Panama.

No one has more experience about relocating to and living in Panama
than Panama Relocation Tours!

During a Panama Relocation Tour, I will share my first-hand experience about:

* I bought 3 cars and a big bus in Panama & and got insurance
* Rented a house in Panama (and you should too) you’ll learn what to watch out for when renting
* Got a Pensionado Visa then renounced the Pensionado Visa
* Got a Friendly Nations Visa and a work permit
* In 2012, I bought my first house in Panama
* I bought land and had a greenhouse built so I could grow food all year
* I have bought and sold several properties in Panama
* Dentist and doctor appointments
* I own and manage rental properties in Panama
* Experience with being a long distance landlord
* Learned why it is usually better not to take title to a property in your own name
* I’ve lived in 4 countries and visited 26 countries!
* Got electric, water, internet, cable tv and trash collection set up
* Bought houses without using bank financing or very much cash & teach you how too
* I’ve opened bank accounts in Panama
* Got a Will in Panama
* Got bribed by a cop in Panama & paid it.. you’ll learn why you might do this too!
* Bought furniture and had furniture custom made in Panama
* Set up several businesses in Panama
* Paying taxes in Panama
* Got a traffic ticket for making a U-turn (I did not really make a u-turn)
* Wired money in to and out of Panama
* Completely remodeled my kitchen – finding contractors
* Building experience – Built an addition to my house
* I’ve set up several corporations in Panama
* Bought existing corporations to save $
* Purchased health insurance in Panama after investigating options
* Discovered how to save 40% when buying health insurance
* Brought a pet with me to Panama
* Order things from Amazon to get shipped to Panama
* Set up cell phone service in Panama for less than $20 a month
* Learned how to keep my US number and receive calls with no monthly fee
* Had two surgeries and a hospital emergency room visit in Panama
* Hired gardeners, a maid, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors
* Learned what not to do in Panama too!
* Learned it is better NOT to buy some things at a grocery store
* And much much more… [Read more…]

Last Updated Sep 10, 2019 - by Jackie Lange

Funky Beach Communities in Panama

About half the people who come on a Panama Relocation Tour want to live near a beach. The other half prefer the cooler mountain weather which we visit also. During a Panama Relocation Tour, we visit several beach communities which offer a variety of different prices.

We focus on the beach communities which offer the most amenities without driving more than 10-20 minutes to buy groceries, see a doctor, banks, hospitals with emergency rooms, restaurants and shopping opportunities like clothes or hardware stores. Of course, reliable electricity, water and internet are top priorities too. A good road to get to the communities and houses is important too.

There are plenty of other beach communities in Panama, but unfortunately, they do not have very many amenities close by, so we don’t usually visit those areas. Most people, especially retirees, do not want to drive an 30-60 minutes to go to a nice grocery store, restaurant, doctor or a hospital.

When selecting a place to live in Panama, it’s important to think 5 or 15 years ahead and whether you will still be comfortable making a one-hour drive to see a doctor or buy groceries. If you have pre-existing medical conditions it is especially important to select an area that is close to doctors and a hospital.

Most people who come on a Panama Relocation Tours are also looking for ways they can reduce their living expenses. What’s affordable for one person may be cost prohibitive for others. Driving an hour to buy groceries adds to your living expenses not to mention the hassles involved.

The three most affordable beach communities on the Pacific side of Panama, which also have plenty of amenities, are (1) near the Coronado area, (2) the Azuero Peninsula near Chitre and Las Tablas and (3) in far western Panama in Puerto Armuelles.

NEAR CORONADO

Coronado has every amenity you could possibly want or need but it is also one of the most expensive areas to live outside of Panama City. However, if you drive just a few miles east or west of Coronado there are more affordable options like:

Gorgona is more affordable than Coronado yet you are only a few miles away from all the amenities in Coronado. In Gorgona, there are a few small grocery stores, some restaurants and bars plus a nice beach where you can swim and buy fresh fish every day. In addition to houses to rent, there are several ocean front condo complexes in Gorgona.

[Read more…]

Last Updated Jan 16, 2020 - by Jackie Lange

Why Retire in Panama?

Panama offers a lower cost of living than North America or Europe. The lower cost means your pension will go much further in Panama and you will not need to dip in to your savings during retirement. A couple can live well on $2000 per month in most areas in Panama including rent.

My average monthly expenses are only about $1000 a month, including international health insurance. I purchased my house, so I don’t pay rent. Because my house purchase price was only $120,000, I will never have any property taxes. My house insurance is less than $150 a year. And my average electric bill is about $20 a month. My water bill is only $100 a year!

Even if you pay rent, you should be able to keep your monthly living expenses well under $2000 for a couple. In many areas in Panama, you can get a nice furnished 2-bedroom 2-bath rental house for about $700 a month. That price includes all utilities and a weekly gardener. Some areas are even more affordable but some areas will cost more. During a Panama Relocation Tour, I show you a variety of different areas, in a variety of different price points to help you find the ideal place to live in Panama.

Many say, including me, that it is a better quality of life in Panama too. Fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available at very affordable prices. It’s quite possible that your health will improve when you move to Panama. Some people have been able to get off all medications after moving to Panama.

There’s so much to do in Panama too! Because you’re retired, you’ll finally have time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. There are hiking groups, cooking classes, gardening groups, birding, live music and dancing… the list goes on and on of things you can do in Panama. If you live at the beach, you may decide to spend a day in the mountains for a change of scenery – it’s only a 1 hour drive. If you live in the mountains it is a 1 hour drive to the Pacific Ocean or a 3 hour drive to the Caribbean Sea.

When you retire in Panama, you’ll meet some very interesting people who come from all over the world to live in beautiful Panama. Your life in Panama will be a totally new experience and adventure.

Every day will be a new and interesting day with places to go, things to do, and people to meet. Or, you can just sit back and relax while enjoying the spectacular views in Panama.

Compared to many other countries, Panama has better roads and infrastructure like internet,water and electricity.

Panama is known for it’s excellent health care and hospitals including the Cleveland Clinic affiliate Hospital Paitilla and the Johns Hopkins affiliate Punta Pacifica Hospital. Panama’s doctors are well trained and many speak excellent English. A doctor visit is only $12 in Boquete or $40 for a specialist (these prices are not co-pays).

Panama’s Retiree Discounts

A big bonus for retirees in Panama is the world famous Pensionado Visa. This residency Visa will allow you to live in Panama indefinitely if you want to. And it also entitles you to many discounts like

• 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
• 25% 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

These retiree discounts add up to BIG SAVINGS for you.

There’s even a special line at the bank for retirees so you don’t need to wait in long lines ever again.

Now that you can see the many benefits if you retire in Panama, let’s talk about HOW you actually do it!

How to Retire in Panama?

A Panama Relocation Tours is the fastest and easiest way to explore Panama and determine where you’d want to live while also learning about Visa options, affordable health insurance, how to find a rental, how to get your pet to Panama, how to buy a car in Panama, and much more. This is a 6-day, 7-night, all-inclusive tour which will take you all over Panama to help you find the city where you want to live. We’ll also introduce you to expat retirees in each area. Most of our tour clients retire in Panama within 6 months of taking a Panama Relocation Tour!

Why Panama Relocation Tours?

This is NOT a touristy tour. It’s not about zip lines or visiting museums or a rum factory.

Since 2010, our ONLY focus with Panama Relocation Tours, is to teach people what they need to know to relocate and retire in Panama the EASY and most AFFORDABLE way. Because I’m retirement age too, and semi-retired, I fully understand what your needs and concerns are. During a Panama Relocation Tour, you’ll even learn about the unique customs in Panama so you never have an awkward moment.

Panama Relocation Tours has hundreds of testimonials from satisfied customers. You can see the the testimonials on my website HERE, on Facebook HERE and on Youtube HERE. We’ve helped hundreds of people retire in Panama. We’re absolutely confident that we can help you retire in Panama the easy way too. We’ll take all the guesswork out of how to retire in Panama.

No one knows more about how to retire in Panama than we do!

The owner of Panama Relocation Tours, Jackie Lange, moved to Panama in 2010. But before that, she lived in three other counties including the United States, Germany and Puerto Rico. Plus, she spent time in 26 other countries. All this, plus 60+ years of life experiences, helped her compare Panama with the pros and cons of retiring in other countries. Panama won hands down!

Come see how you can live BETTER for LESS in Panama. You will be amazed!

To Life in Paradise,
Jackie Lange

P.S. We do a Panama Relocation Tour every month. SEE THE TOUR DATES HERE We only require a $500 deposit per person to reserve your tour. Book your Tour early because we sell our months in advance

No one has more experience about relocating to and living in Panama than Panama Relocation Tours!

No one has more experience about relocating to and living in Panama
than Panama Relocation Tours!