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I wrote this article in 2014. I still get asked, “where is Panama” so added additional information, which will be a real eye-opener about the many benefits of living in Panama.
A few weeks ago, I returned to the United States for the first time since I moved to Panama. It was a weird experience. Within 12 hours, I was completely homesick FOR PANAMA. I attended a 3-day conference and then got back to Panama as fast as I could. Surprisingly, many seminar attendees asked, “Where is Panama?”
Traveling to Panama from the US takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. The distance covered is 2074.8 miles or 1801.7 nautical miles if you travel from the US capital, Washington DC to Panama City. Panama is located in Central America, making it an accessible destination for US tourists, ex-pats and retirees.
Panama borders two countries, Costa Rica and Columbia, and two bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Panama has attracted many retirees worldwide because of its booming economy, natural beauty, and low cost of living.
Panama is considered one of the best places to live in the world.
Panama is a country where you can literally pick your ideal temperature based on the elevation. At the coast (1500 miles of coastline), it is 90F (32C). For every 1000-foot increase in elevation, the temperature drops 4 degrees. I live in the highlands (mountains), where it’s Spring weather all year, and you never need an air conditioner or a heater. Where is Panama? Paradise!
Where is Panama? Looking at a world map, you will see that Panama is exactly between 7 and 10 degrees north latitude, and between 77 and 83 degrees west longitude. It is right on the Isthmus of Panama, an S-shaped isthmus that connects North America and South America. People living in Panama often travel to Costa Rica because it is found on the west of Panama. Columbia, on the other hand, is a neighboring country on the southeast.
Since Panama is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal has been created to make international maritime trade and business easier. The canal connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Caribbean Sea. This famous canal contributes significantly to Panama’s positive growth and development. It is slated for a billion-project expansion, offering more opportunities for Panama and its people.
It would be interesting to note that people nowadays have varied responses to the question, “where is Panama?” While most would reply to the country’s geographical location, some would say, “Panama is where many American and European expats find happiness and good health”
Tourism in Panama is growing at a fast pace because it has opened its doors to the world. The country offers a pensioners visa that allows expats worldwide to retire in Panama. With valid proof of monthly pension of at least $ 1000 USD per month from a reputable source, a foreigner is allowed to retire in Panama and live there for good.
Panama is the country with the best retirement benefits. The discounts and advantages of the pensioner’s visa are quite numerous. Here they are in a nutshell:
- 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
- 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
Another interesting response to the question, “where is Panama?” would be, “it’s a place where you can get quality medical treatment at a low cost. Unknown to many, Panama is quite famous for its medical tourism. Many US citizens go to Panama for quality and state-of-the-art medical and dental treatments because the standards are comparable to that in the US or Canada. Most Panamanian doctors are US-trained specialists who can give you the best medical treatments available. You can receive top-quality medical treatments at a far lesser cost than what you’d have to spend in America.
Panama is where affordable health care and health insurance are available for everyone! Panama is where you can see a doctor for less than $20 without insurance. If you go to a public hospital, it’s only $2 for a doctor’s visit. In Panama, doctors still make house calls!
Panama is much safer than other Latin American countries!
Lastly, a growing response to the question, “where is Panama?” would be, “it’s a place where one can truly LIVE BETTER for LESS!” A couple with retirement funds of $1500 – $2000 a month can live a comfortable, enjoyable life in Panama. Panama uses the US dollar. It’s a country where the basic necessities are very cheap, allowing you to have extra money for savings or fun adventures.
To answer the question, “where is Panama?” It is also home to many foreigners and Panamanians who have a fun and happy life.
Panama is diverse. You can live at the beach, in the mountains, or a large metropolitan Panama City.
Panama is one of the best places to live in the world!
Come see how you can LiVE BETTER for LESS in Panama!
Learn more about Panama during our ALL-INCLUSIVE 6-day 7-night Panama Relocation Tour.
