Moving to Panama – The Best Places to Retire in Panama

Panama is a very desirable place to retire. The Panamanian government makes it relatively easy to retire in Panama with a retirement visa. You just have to maintain a modest income to support yourself and the rest is easy. You even get a tax break on shipping your household goods to Panama and shipping a car to Panama. If you love saving money, retirees in Panama also enjoy discounts on some meals, services and entertainment. When you make the exciting decision to retire in Panama, IntlMOVE Panama will handle the details to ship your household goods to your new home.

IntlMOVE Panama has put together information on different areas of Panama perfect for retirement.

Panama City

You are moving to Panama to enjoy life, not live out the rest of your life. The hustle and bustle of Panama City will allow you continue to think and act young well into your golden years. If you want to live close to the city, but still enjoy some peace and quiet, check out Ancon, Clayton or Costa del Este. These suburbs are located close enough to the city to enjoy the amenities, but far enough away so you can enjoy some quiet time. Choosing to move to Panama City will allow you to find an apartment in the heart of the city or a single family home. There are ocean views, city views and Panama Canal views, so choose what appeals to you.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a laid-back town with lots of funky little restaurants, bars and plenty of beautiful beaches. It’s located on the Caribbean Coast, so the blue of the ocean is reason enough to check out this amazing little city.

Coronado

Coronado has it all. Enjoy beaches, golf courses, shopping and a variety of outdoor markets. There are beautiful places to take a leisurely walk or ride a bike. It is located about one hour outside of Panama City, so if you want to take a direct flight to the United States, you can do so with ease.

Boquette

Panama is also well-known for its panoramic mountain views. Boquette is a mountain town with a tropical flair. There are rain forests, coffee plantations and tropical foliage that make this a picturesque place to live. It is only a one hour flight from Panama City, so you can still enjoy the big city splendor. There are even some golf courses if you plan on improving your game during your retirement.

Los Santos

Los Santos province has many beaches, parks, museums and culture. You will learn much about the history and culture of Panama living here.

Las Tablas, located in the province of Los Santos, is a lively place known for its carnivals. Some of the festivals include: the National Festival of Pollera, the Festival of the Patron Santa Librada, the Festival Nacional de la Mejorana and many more. Carnival, which takes place in February, is a great time of celebration in Las Tablas. People come from all over Panama for the parties, events, food and performances. The city is also home to Santa Librada, which is a Christian church that is also a national monument.

Moving to Panama to retire is a decision you will be thrilled you made. Living in Panama is like living in Paradise.

 

Moving to Panama: The Best Neighborhoods in Panama City

When you first start the planning process for moving to Panama, one of the first things you have to think about is finding a place to live. IntlMOVE Panama has put together a short guide on the neighborhoods in Panama City to help you determine a nice and safe place to live.

Amador Causeway

The Amador Causeway is home to many restaurants, bars and other fun activities. It is also a wonderful place to go for a bike ride or enjoy views of the Panama Canal. The Amador Causeway is located on the southern entrance of the Panama Canal and has many luxury residences available for rent.

Area Bancaria

Area Bancaria, or the banking area, is a posh place to live in the center of Panama City with plenty of hotels and restaurants. This area of town is perfect if you love to live a fast-paced lifestyle. However, if you are looking for a relaxing family atmosphere, you might want to look elsewhere.

Obarrio

Obarrio, located close to Area Bancaria, is one of the most luxurious places to live in the heart of the city. In addition to its well-kept trees and green areas, this part of town is also a convenient place to live. You will never run out of things to do with plenty of bars, restaurants, malls and stores located nearby.

El Cangrejo

Also located close Area Bancaria, El Cagrejo is a great and upscale place to live. Your residence will be within walking distance to restaurants, bars, banks and places to shop. El Cangrejo has its own charming qualities that are unparalleled to other neighborhoods in Panama City.

Marbella

Marbella, an upscale area, is located near the center of Panama City, Panama. It is within walking distance to theaters, parks, shopping and restaurants. It is also close to some of Panama City’s hottest clubs if you enjoy an active nightlife.

Costa del Este

Costa del Este is located east of the center of Panama City, close to the airport. It’s a newer area of the city with lots of newly built residential buildings, communities and amenities. Homes with ocean views in this area of town are abundant, but you can expect to pay a pretty penny for them in comparison to other neighborhoods. When you moving to this area of Panama City, you can enjoy convenient shopping, banks, parks and easy access to major highways. Everything is not necessarily in walking distance, but IntlMOVE Panama can ship your car to Panama with your household goods.

Ancon

Ancon is located within Panama City, but it is considered a suburb. This area is safe, close to schools and has many colorful houses. This area of Panama City serves mainly as a residential area, so you may want to have a car if you are thinking about living in this part of town.

Clayton

Clayton is a beautiful area of Panama City that borders a national park and is located in old Canal Zone. Located directly in front of the Miraflores Locks, you will be close to malls, restaurants, schools, the airport and other amenities. The US Embassy headquarters are also located here.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the historic area of Panama City and is easily accessible by public transportation. However, you may still need a car to get around. In addition to the charming qualities of the city, such as cobblestone plazas and historic architecture, there are many restaurants and bars that make this a very fun place to live. This area of town was recently revamped and it is now a hotspot in Panama City. There are pockets of this area where safety may be a question, so visit the area and talk to locals before deciding on a place without seeing it.

After choosing a new place to live in Panama, contact IntlMOVE Panama when shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Panama.

 

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Panama

When you are moving to Panama, there is one international mover to do the job right – IntlMOVE.

IntlMOVE will ship all of your household goods and furniture to your new home in Panama to help you get settled.

If you are still in the process of making a decision on whether or not to move Panama, IntlMOVE has put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide on your international move.

There are many benefits to making an international move, so get ready for a great experience.

Pros

When you are planning a move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will likely be moving to a city located near the water.

Moving to Panama for the weather and the beautiful beaches is one reason your decision to move to Panama will be easy.

The weather in Panama rarely varies outside of a 10 degree range, so most days will be 75 – 85 degrees during the day.

Many people moving to Central America are worried about the drinking water.

This is a concern that you do not need to have when moving to Panama.

Most of the water, intended for consumption, is safe to drink.

Make sure you check with the locals before drinking the water, but in most cases, you will be just fine.

If botany or gardening is one of your hobbies, you will love the tropical foliage in Panama.

The warm weather allows for a wide variety of tropical and exotic plants to thrive.

There are a number of beautiful creatures that thrive in this warm weather as well.

There are colorful birds, exotic animals and even some pretty wild looking insects.

Although the cost of living in Panama is probably one of the most expensive in Central America, it is still quite moderate compared to the United States.

Most expats are able to afford very comfortable living accommodations as well as household help.

IntlMOVE can take care of shipping your household goods to Panama, so you don’t have to worry about furnishing your new home in your new country.

Cons

If you have not yet mastered the Spanish language, you will have a problem finding ample reading material if that is a hobby you pursue.

Pack a lot of books along with your household goods and have IntlMOVE ship these with the rest of your personal belongings.

When you have friends or family come down for a visit, ask them to bring along English reading materials.

Keeping in touch with loved ones can be difficult.

International calls can get a little expensive.

However, Skype makes it easy for you to call your loved ones for free.

You can even see each other while making the calls online, so this actually helps with any homesickness you might experience.

If you are used to living in a fast-paced world, be prepared to take it down a notch.

Everything in Panama goes at a slower pace.

Over time, this will be a positive benefit to moving to Panama.

However, many expats find it difficult to deal with the laid back attitude of most Panamanians.

The best advice is to realize this laid back attitude can save you a lot of headaches and a lot of stress, so relax.

If you are shipping your car to Panama with IntlMOVE, be aware of the driving conditions.

They will take some time to get used to!

Traffic can be an issue because of the lack of signs and the erratic ways that Panamanians are used to driving.

However, many people have survived the driving conditions in Panama so don’t let this dissuade you from moving to the tropical paradise.

When you are moving to Panama, log onto the IntlMOVE website for your free international shipping quote.

Move from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl to Panama City, Panama

From: Giampiero Riccio [mailto:giampieroriccio@]
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:21 PM
To: Frank
Subject: Re: Move from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl to Panama City, Panama 10-01-014-18

Hi Frank.
All is fine so far.
I will be referrring you to some friends that are thinking in moving to Panama, if they eventually make up their mind.

Regards,
Giampiero

IntlMOVE – Moving to Panama and the Amador Causeway

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, the Panama Canal and the Amador Causeway should be two of the top things on your to do list.

The Amador Causeway attracts visitors from all over the world and is located at the Southern entrance of the Panama Canal.

If you are moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to live within close proximity of the Panama Canal and all the attractions that make this unique landmark.

The Amador Causeway is made from rocks excavated from the Panama Canal.

It is lined with palm trees to give it a very tropical feel, which just confirms you have moved to paradise.

The Causeway connects four small islands – Flamenco, Perico, Culebra and Naos.

These islands are filled restaurants, a marina, an aquarium and many more attractions.

At one time the Amador Causeway was part of a military base, but it has since been turned into a tourist haven.

The Causeway could only be visited by U.S. military and civilian personnel of the Panama Canal.

Even though it was located in Panama, people from Panama could not visit this area.

When Panama took back control of the Panama Canal, the people of Panama turned the Amador Causeway into a place that everyone could enjoy.

When you are moving to Panama City, Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit this area of the city for many different adventures.

When choosing from one of the many restaurants on these four islands, you will likely find a restaurant with a beautiful view.

You can see the ocean, the Panama City skyline or even the Panama Canal.

There are even some restaurants, like Café Barko, where you can see the skyline and the canal.

If you are in the mood for dinner at a restaurant from back home, you can at TGIF’s.

This restaurant has some of the best views of the Panama Canal.

You can also visit the Amador Causeway to go shopping at one of the many available shopping areas.

If you want to get a little exercise, you can go jogging on the paths provided or ride your bike through the small islands.

IntlMOVE will ship your bike and running shoes to Panama with the rest of your household goods.

If you are moving to Panama for a new job, you might visit the Causeway for an event at the convention center.

This location is perfect for tradeshows or conferences.

In the evenings, there are many places to entertain clients and get down to business.

If you have an interest in the marine life that surrounds Panama, there is a great place for you to see.

The Marine Exhibition Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is a great place to learn and explore.

You can get up close and personal with the tropical marine life and the ecosystems that support these exotic creatures.

When moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to enjoy many warm sunny days.

The Amador Causeway is home to many locations perfect for catching some rays or taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean to cool down from the tropical Panamanian weather.

The Amador Causeway is still being developed, so you will continually have new adventures when visiting this landmark.

When you are moving to Panama, choose the international movers you can trust.

IntlMOVE will help plan and execute your move to Panama.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE and the Chiriqui Province

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will likely be moving to Panama City.

However, there is a lot more to see in this beautiful country.

The Chiriqui Province is located in western Panama has beaches and highlands, which make it a beautiful place to live.

If you are moving to Panama and do not live close to the Chiriqui Province, it is still very easy to visit.

You will definitely want to make the trek to see the wide variety of natural attractions.

There are also Indian cultures, retirement communities and adventure sports.

Whether you are moving to retire, for a job, to teach English or just to have fun, the Chiriqui Province has it all!

Adventure Sports

IntlMOVE can ship all of your sporting equipment to Panama with your household goods when you are moving to your new country.

If you are living in the Chiriqui Province, you can go white water rafting, kayaking or hiking.

The Chiriqui Province is well-known for its rafting and if you are an experienced rafter, there are even Class 5 rapids for you to experience.

Many people travel to the Chiriqui Province to experience hiking in a cloud forest.

If you are a hiker, make sure IntlMOVE ships all of the gear you will need for these hikes in Panama.

Other Activities

Bird watching is a favorite pastime of Panamanian locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are living in Panama by yourself or with your family, there is a lot to see in the Chiriqui Province.

You can visit the Dracula Orchid Botanical Garden, which is home to more than 1,200 different species of the flower.

Horseback riding is another activity that will allow you to explore this region of Panama.

Canoe trips are also very popular for locals, tourists and expats.

Fishing for rainbow trout is another leisurely activity to enjoy when moving to Panama and the Chiriqui Province.

The Capital City of David

If you are traveling to the Chiriqui Province from Panama City, you can find a great place to spend your vacation in David.

If you are moving to the Chiriqui Province in Panama, this city is also a great place to live.

David is located right off the Panamerican Highway and it is about 45 minutes from the border Costa Rica.

It is just under seven hours away from Panama City, Panama by car and only one hour by plane.

If you are into shopping, you will find the best shopping in David in the Chiriqui Province.

There is a mall, grocery stores, furniture stores and hardware stores.

Boquete

Boquete is a great place in the Chiriqui Province to get in touch with nature.

This valley lies at the foot of an extinct volcano that reaches 10,500 feet.

The small town is filled with flowers and locals who are warm and inviting.

In Boquete, you can enjoy traditional Panamanian food with Costa Rican flair!

There are waterfalls and great hiking areas.

There are also coffee farms, which are very aromatic when the beans are being harvested.

Many magazines have chosen this picturesque city as one of the top places in the world to retire.

Although David and Boquete are the two most popular cities to move to and to visit, there are plenty of small villages for you to see.

Moving to Panama will provide you with an experience to explore another part of the country with unique customs and a unique culture.

When you want to move to Panama and the Chiriqui Province, contact IntlMOVE for your international shipping.

Moving to Panama and Activities near Panama City

Most people who move to Panama with IntlMOVE end up living in Panama City.

There are unlimited amounts of activities and the excitement never seems to stop.

Panama City is very similar to many big cities in the United States in terms of the restaurants, nightlife and career opportunities.

One thing that makes Panama City very unique is the activities you can do outside of the bustling city.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of some different places to explore and unique things to do outside of Panama City.

Embera Indian Village Tour

When you move to Panama City, Panama, you will not be living too far from a group of people with history deeply embedded in Panama.

The Embera Indian Village will offer you a glimpse into what life was like for the native people of Panama.

The village is located in the rainforest in Panama about 1.5 hours outside of Panama City.

You can see how their homes are still built on stilts from the palms of the jungle.

A visit to the village will also include a chance to participate and witness native dancing, authentic body painting and a meal.

If you want to take home a treasure from this visit, you can purchase one of the many handmade pieces of jewelry or handicrafts.

Monkey Island

When you live in the United States, there are very few places you can see monkeys living in the wild.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit an island that has so many monkeys that it was named after the mammal.

To get to Monkey Island, you will need to take a boat through the Panama Canal, which will lead you through the Panamanian rainforest.

By the time you reach the island, you will likely have had a monkey visit you in your boat!

Other wildlife you might see while on this excursion includes crocodiles and birds.

Tour groups that take you to the island will also serve you an authentic Panamanian lunch.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

If you want to get up close and personal with the wildlife and exotic plants in the Panamanian rainforest, take a tour of Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Gamboa is home to a variety of different ecological experiences.

You can take a ride on the tram that take you through the rainforest or you can even eat a meal outside on a terrace surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest.

There are nature exhibits, learning experiences and exploration opportunities galore!

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort even offers you some fantastic views of the Panama Canal.

Summit Point Golf Club

Have IntlMOVE ship your golf clubs to Panama along with the rest of your household goods.

Summit Golf Club is a stunning golf course surrounded by lush tropical foliage and jungle.

The 18-hole course is located 30 minutes outside of Panama City, so you get the tropical experience that makes you feel like you are on vacation.

There are many international tournaments that take place at Summit Point Golf Club, so it is a world-class course.

Afterwards, if you get hungry, you will want to check out their famous restaurant in the club house.

When you move to Panama City, you will find that that untouched tropical wilderness is a lot closer than you think.

Let IntlMOVE help make your move to Panama easy by letting them handle all of your international shipping needs.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE and Obtaining a Visa

When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will need a visa to stay in your new country.

There are many different kinds of visas that are available to foreigners in Panama.

IntlMOVE has put together a brief description of the visas to help make your move to Panama easier.

You will want to visit your consulate or embassy to get more details if you are interested in applying for any of these visas.

New Business Visa

Getting a new job in Panama can be difficult if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident.

However, if you want to start a business in Panama, you can get an investors visa.

If you want to apply for a new business visa, you will need to have the capital to start a business in your new country.

Panama requires that you deposit a minimum of $160,000 in a Panamanian bank to show that you have the liquid capital available to you to start a business.

You must also hire a minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees.

Small Business Investor Visa

The small business investor visa is a provisional visa that requires a minimum of a $40,000 investment.

Like the new business visa, you will have to hire 3 permanent Panamanian employees.

This visa has to be renewed each year.

Private Income Retiree Visa

Retirement visas are probably the easiest to get if you want to move to Panama permanently.

You can get a retirement visa regardless of your age as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

You need to prove that you earn a minimum of $1,000 per month.

Person of Means Visa

If you want to live in Panama on your own means, there is a visa available to you.

You have to deposit $200,000 or more into a Panamanian bank.

If you are purchasing a home, $80,000 of the $200,000 can be used towards a home.

If you do decide to apply for this visa and you need to ship your household goods to Panama, make sure you contact IntlMOVE to help you ship your personal belongings to your new country.

Reforestation Visa

If you have an interest in reforestation, you can not only pursue your environmental endeavors, but you can also get a visa in Panama.

This requires a $40,000 investment in a Panamanian reforestation project.

When you are offered a job in Panama, your new employer will help you get the visa you need to work in your new country.

Many people choose to teach English in Panama if they do not have the financial means to support themselves.

You can also visit Panama as a United States citizen for 90 days without a visa.

If you want to go to Panama and search for a job, you can use this option available to you.

When you have applied for your visa and you are ready to move to Panama, contact IntlMOVE to help you with your international shipping needs.

Moving to Panama and Square Watermelons

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE provides a grand opportunity to join the country in its endeavor to supply niche markets across the globe with square watermelons.

There are over 1,200 types of watermelons, yet none are as uniquely shaped as certain watermelons grown in Panama.

The cubing technique has been around for a few years and the shape is thought to have been invented for reasons such as making the product fit precisely into refrigerators, allotting more space when shipping and distributing or because it seems that square melons are easier to slice.

Panama Fruit Producers, Inc. expects that it will export about 3,000 of the molded melons this year.It grows the square crops on about 75 acres, using cost-effective methods for fertilization and transportation.

High care is taken in regards to sanitary conditions, which eliminates pests and pathogens.  Plans for further expansion and market testing are already underway.

The company says that it is eager to test consumers in markets hit hard by the financial crisis to see if they are willing to pay a high price for the fruit even though it does not keep its shape for extended periods of time.

Some have questioned whether the cube-shaped melons are a result of a genetic transformation but the fact is that as the fruit grows it becomes molded inside its square enclosure.

Fruit producers make the molds from a costly glass structure but hobbyists and enthusiast alike have indicated that just about any square object can form the melon.

Also, other produce like tomatoes can be molded— and not only into squares.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE allows the opportunity to enjoy square watermelons at prices significantly lower than the typical market price, which is near $75 for a medium size fruit. Those who live in Panama do not have to pay the additional prices associated with exportation.

Additional fruit producers and distributors in Panama:

Chiriqui Land Company

A holding of Chiquita, Chiriqui Land Company produces much more than bananas.

Its parent company has been in business for more than a century and has partaken in numerous green initiates and social projects such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and Rainforest Alliance. Its smaller branches play a huge part in helping the community in which they are located and assist Chiquita in its global sustainably goals and outreach.

Conservas Panamena Selectas

Conservas Panamena Selectas, located in Panama City, began in 1958.

Since then, it has conquered new markets while meeting demands of the local specialty markets as well as expanding internationally.

The company specializes in tomato products, jams, marmalades, fruit juices, fruit nectars.  New lines designed to meet new consumer demands include sugar-free nectar, juices of high purity and fine selections of canned juices.

Conservas Panamena Selectas is proud to be a local company with the ability and strength to compete even with top brands in international markets.

Del Monte De Panama

Located in El Dorado, Del Monte De Panama specializes in tomato, fruit and vegetable products as well as soups, baby food and snacks.

It produces a variety of traditional watermelons and specialty melons, which were introduced to meet the different tastes and expectations of customers from different regions.

Mr. Agro

Mr. Agro, also located in El Dorado, has been engaged in the agribusiness since the early 1980s. Now, supplying quality products to the demanding markets across the globe, they harvest melons such as Mikey Lee, Quetzalí, Sangria and Seedless.

Mr. Agro brands include Tropical Delights, Don Manuel and Lyly’s treasure.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will learn to appreciate the unique cuisine, even if it is square watermelons!

How to Use Social Media to Ease Overseas Moving Experience

When you are ready to move overseas, IntlMOVE can help ship all of your household good to your new country.

However, there is a lot more to international moves than just shipping your household goods.

You need to find a place to live, find a job, find friends and find things to do in your free time.

There are many social media tools online that can help you get acclimated to life overseas.

After you have been offered a new job and you are ready to move overseas, it is time to begin your research phase.

The first thing you will want to do is research a good expat organization online.

A good expat organization offers forums, places for rent, groups and contacts to other expats who are living in your new country.

You can utilize these websites to find out where to live, where to eat, what to do and basically how to live in your new country.

Twitter is another great resource.

Twitter users constantly post articles and tips.

You can create your own list of people you follow who use Twitter to share information on your new country.

These tweets might give you some great insights into your new home overseas.

When you are moving overseas, you may want to ask your current contacts if they know anybody living in your new city or country.

If so, you may be able to connect with these people who are living overseas through email or Facebook.

You can use your friends’ acquaintances as resources for anything you need to know about moving overseas.

Facebook also touts excellent expat groups that you can join to learn and share information.

Learn as much as you can about your new country before you move overseas so you can get settled in your new home as quickly as possible.

Through these resources you can learn a lot.

When you have information to share, you can also help other expats by given them valuable lessons to make their international moves easier.

Through these networks, you can learn about schools for your children.

You can also find out what areas of town fit your needs when you looking for your new home.

Expat communities can help you find daycare, household help, career resources and just about anything you can imagine.

People you meet through these groups might even have meet-up groups, so you will have an instant group of acquaintances once you arrive overseas.

You do have to take precautions when using  these social networking website to meet new people online.

Don’t’ share too much information about your personal life or your children.

If you do decide to meet with any of these people you are meeting online when you move overseas, be sure to meet in public places.

When move overseas, contact IntlMOVE to help you ship your household goods to your home.

Social networking websites can help you learn about your new country, but IntlMOVE LLC can help you get there!