| tion_start --> | | | | 10. Panama is one of the most beautiful countries |
| More people than ever are considering retiring to | | | | in the world, with something for everyone. |
| Panama - and it's already one of the top | | | | There's much more to Panama than the canal |
| destinations foradventure and eco-tourism - and | | | | bounded by the Caribbean and by the Pacific - it's |
| it's now becoming a top retirement destination. | | | | one of the most beautiful countries in Central |
| In the USA 78 million Baby Boomers will reach | | | | America. Panama has everything from stunning |
| retirement age in the next 10 years - and they'll | | | | beaches to mountains, as well as rainforest and |
| be looking to maintain their standard of living by | | | | an abundance of wildlife. |
| retiring abroad, where their pensions will go much | | | | When you retire to Panama you get a whole host |
| further. Many of these future retirees are already | | | | of discounts promoted by the Government |
| considering retiring to Panama to get more for | | | | (Pensionado or Retiree) including: |
| their money. | | | | . Tax exemption to import a new car every two |
| Panama comes of Age | | | | years |
| Panama's status as a retirement destination has | | | | . 25% discounts on utility bills |
| come of age - as a recent poll on Modern | | | | . 25% discount on airline tickets, and 30% on |
| Maturity Magazine shows. The magazine concluded | | | | other transportation |
| that retiring in Panama was the fourth best | | | | . 15% discount on loans made in your name |
| retirement destination in the world - and | | | | . 20% discount on doctor's bills, and 15% on |
| International Living rates put Panama at number 1. | | | | hospital services, if no insurance applies |
| Should you consider retiring in Panama? Let's look | | | | . 10% discount on medicines |
| at the advantages: | | | | . 20% discount on bills for professional and |
| 1. Panama has a stable democratic government, | | | | technical services |
| and a strong economy. | | | | . 50% discount on entrance to movie theatres, |
| 2. Residents and people retiring to Panama pay no | | | | cultural and sporting events |
| tax on income from overseas. | | | | Is Panama the best place to retire to in Central |
| 3. Foreigners can buy and own property in | | | | America? |
| Panama, with the same rights as Panamanian | | | | In terms of living standards and stability, the only |
| citizens. | | | | real rival to Panama is Costa Rica. While Panama |
| 4. An incentive program for retiring to panama is | | | | was cheap like Mexico it's no longer an |
| available - and it's one of the best in the world. | | | | undiscovered location - in fact there's keen |
| 5. Property tax exemptions apply to all new | | | | interest in retiring to Panama due to the many |
| construction on a reducing scale - according to the | | | | benefits - and this has pushed up prices. |
| value of the property. | | | | Panama has the same problems as many of the |
| 6. The US presence In Panama has always been | | | | new emerging Central American property hot |
| strong, due to the canal - and this has led to the | | | | spots - namely, the government has budget |
| availability of a lot of products and services that | | | | problems - and a need to expand employment, |
| make Americans feel at home. | | | | and improve social services. |
| 7. The Panamanians are some of the friendliest | | | | Panama is still a relatively young nation, and it's still |
| people in the world - and the expat community is | | | | in transition - but great strides are being made - |
| growing - so the social life is lively. | | | | andthe expat community is largely unaffected by |
| 8. Panama has excellent communications and it | | | | these problems. |
| also a good infrastructure that reflects the | | | | However, as an alternative to retiring in Panama, |
| growing prosperity of the country. | | | | you should also consider Costa Rica - you get a |
| 9. Property is affordable - less than half the price | | | | great standard of living, as costs are low. While |
| of similar properties in Florida or Arizona. Panama | | | | property prices in Costa Rica are not cheap, |
| also has easy access, being just a few hours | | | | they're very affordable - and there are bargains |
| flying time from the southern states of the USA. | | | | available in the right locations. |