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.
Panama is Safe
Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety and a low crime rate
in general compared to other countries in the region. In Panama City,
petty street crimes that hinder tourists in other countries are
uncommon. Panama City — like every big city — has some neighborhoods to
avoid, but in general you can go about Panama City without worrying.
This is true for most of the country with a few exceptions.
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. Doing business in Panama is a pleasure
because many in Panama's entrepreneurial class are US-educated starting
with President Martin Torrijos himself and his top officials
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 are the friendliest people in the world. They
have a long history of living and working with foreigners and 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 friendly and fun loving. Of
special note is their 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 4-5
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 $13 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.
First Class Health Services and Medical care
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 reasonably priced.
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
From the American point of view, 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 major 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.
