Thread: Poll: Why are you moving to Panama?

What prompted me to start this topic was a part of one post I read in the "weather" topic.

In other words, the weather sucks, at least for those of us who are used to cooler climates. But then again, most people are not here for the weather.

So I'm curious about the majority of reasons the folks here are moving to Panama.

For me, it would mainly be price level and climate. That being said, I'm fairly accustomed to Thailand's lowland heat by now, although the coastal regions are more temperate and seem to be a bit les humid .. sometimes.

I almost checked "none" because one of our reasons is not up there. We want to get out of this country (USA). We are frustrated with this government and all the money that is wasted. We fell in love with Costa Rica and planned to move there, but then discovered Panama. We are planning a 10 day trip to Panama in early 2009 and will probably buy a home at that time in Boquete.

Hi Joannie,

Sorry I didn't add that as an option. I tried to edit my OP and it appears that I can't edit the poll portion .. maybe a nice moderator can add it.

I hear you about the US. I left in '96 because of so many things.

What is it that you like better in Panama than Costa Rica? I haven't yet visited either.

Thailand is getting ever more expensive and requiring 3 month reporting even for a retirement visa .. or a $60 fine. I like the Thais, but ..

I also like Panama for tax reasons... both property and capital gains tax on investments like Securites, not to mention the banking secrecy and security...

Ditto on what BEL-AIR said.

I also like how Panama is half-way between South & North America.

South America for future travel (I've been only through Buenos Aires & Uruguay so far).

North America for proximity for the occasional trip home. It's "only" 6-7 hrs of flight home.

You like Panama "for tax reasons"? You might be interested in this:
http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama...-tax-reso.html

I chose itchy feet, but it was a tie between that and socia life. I have a very filled social life here in Chicago, I just enjoy the on in Panama ten times better. Living is so much easier down there.

the people are generally shifting to Panama cause of it cool climate...and it has very less populated...the climate there is very silent and people love living there

We moved to Panama in 2005. We purchased land in 2002 and built in 2004-2005.

We came down here because we can live very nicely on Matt's social security. Everything is paid for so we only have our daily living expenses. We also have pensionado status and thus no taxes for 18 more years. Matt had worked for a company almost 30 years and they didn't have any retirement plans so we saved on our own. I am not eligible for social security for another 12 years.

Also the ease to get back to the U.S. incase of an emergency - which I did last year and was in Nebraska in 8 hours. It used to take me that long to drive from Chicago.

Matt & Mary

Originally Posted by soltero

You like Panama "for tax reasons"? You might be interested in this:
http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama...-tax-reso.html

Is this your site, Soltero?

Is this your site, Soltero?

I don't really understand the question... but I do not own nor work for *any* site.

Originally Posted by soltero

I don't really understand the question... but I do not own or work for *any* site.

It obviously is not your site then..

What is "it"? This Panama Forum? Or the blog site I referenced? Just curious as to why you're curious... :-)

Originally Posted by soltero

What is "it"? This Panama Forum? Or the blog site I referenced? Just curious as to why you're curious... :-)

The blog site you referenced.

Why curious?

Well, the little while I've been on this blog I've read you live in Panama and you've shown you're knowledgeable about several Panama-related topics. I'm not a big reader of the Thorn Tree Forum, but I see you post over there as well.

As such, I figured the Panama Investor blog might be yours.

But it isn't

No big deal

Cheers

Thanks, but that site and blog belongs to Sam Taliaferro, who is far more knowledgeable about Panama (and far more important to ex-pats' future here) than I will ever be.

i have chosen to live in panama because i am retired and money is no problem i just like the weather there...i have visited couple of times...and the best thing i like is the weather...it rains quite often and it is cool here...

http://www1.eur.nl/fsw/happiness/hap...a.php?cntry=86

Cheers

Mike

Originally Posted by modivilla2

the people are generally shifting to Panama cause of it cool climate...and it has very less populated...the climate there is very silent and people love living there

Surely you jest...

I was born in Panama, but currently live in San Francisco. I came to what we referred to in Panama as "the land of opportunity." Upon retirement, we (my wife - who was also born in Panama - and I) plan to come full circle by returning to Panama permanently for economic and nostalgic reasons.

I`m intrigued and fascinated with the history of Panama. Panama is a melting pot of creed and races with a distinctive cosmopolitan flair

Start looking, contact Guillermo, Century 21 Panama.

1) Real Estate is still a bargain in the most beautiful out of the way places
2) In Western Panama the vegetables and fruits are inexpensive and fantastic
3) You can choose your climate Boquete 70 degrees F year round; Bocas 80 - 90 is more typical
4) Beaches and mountains close together and easy to get to
5) The roads are so much better than Costa Rica or many other Central and South American countries
6) The pace is leisurely and the people are nice you are forced to slowdown - you cannot hurry Panama. "Manana" does not mean tomorrow. It just means some time in the future........
7) With a little money you can start a small business without the restrictions you find in the US for example
8) In much of the country the infrastructure is good and many expats just live "off the grid"
9) It's peaceful; Panama has no standing army
10) Life is simple and the government really is not all in your day to day lives

If you are going to Travel to Panama we can help.
For real estate in Panama

Nice summary Linda. Did you end up living in Boquete then?

Gordon & Randy
We ended up in Boquete part time and I would happily recommend it to anyone who wants any kind of social life - the people here are so varied and wonderful! We just returned form Guari Guari Cafe and had a great time singing and socializing.
We are in Boquete and love it for a 2nd home - being from Florida I need it a little warmer for full time.
We are also building our eco adventure and canopy tour on property we have in Punta Pena, Bocas del Toro mainland (we don't have a house there yet - so ended up in Boquete for now) and we are looking for some investors to help our business dreams come true.
We love it here and will not be planning to go back to the US.
How about you?
Anyone else have a good Panama story?

Guillermo, Century 21 Panama:

Real Estate is still a bargain in the most beautiful out of the way places

In Western Panama the vegetables and fruits are inexpensive and fantastic

-------------
O.K.

How much is it to live in a Condo or House?
Monthly?

And how much is it to buy a big
Beef - Steak in a Supermarket?

Cheers
Mike

I have not decided yet. I am looking to setup a farmland/ranch some where in Latin America. Costa Rica is my first preference. But I am still looking for better offers and actively considering Panama.

I want have very peaceful and wonderful retirement life with my sweet heart so I moved to Panama. I am really lucky to visit Panama. I am enjoying every moment in Panama with my sweet heart.

I've said itchy feet but it's more of a combination, also the weather and the beaches are a big part of it. I'm not sure of the cost thou... monthly bills seem like they are not so big but rent it's a whole other issue. I guess the way to go it's buying an apartment.

I agree with Joannie for reason to move. The USA is fast becoming a major disappointment to myself and many others. With the outcome of the election, the USA will most definatley hit "rock bottom" within' the next 4 years.

I really don't want to be part of or even associated with what's going to happen in the USA anymore. pretty disgusting to put it mildly.

Originally Posted by Butch

I agree with Joannie for reason to move. The USA is fast becoming a major disappointment to myself and many others. With the outcome of the election, the USA will most definatley hit "rock bottom" within' the next 4 years.

I really don't want to be part of or even associated with what's going to happen in the USA anymore. pretty disgusting to put it mildly.

I beg to differ. The USA will hit rock bottom within the next two months; on January 20, 2009, the only direction left will be up...