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.
Moving to Panama – Quality of Medical Care
Moving to Panama takes a lot of planning and research. However, there are at least there are two things that are easy and you don’t need to worry about. IntlMOVE Panama will handle shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Panama, so put your mind at ease. Another thing people are concerned with when moving to Panama is the quality of the healthcare. This is especially a concern to people retiring in Panama or moving to Panama with a family. This is just one more thing you can rest easy about. Healthcare in Panama City is well-known for its quality.
IntlMOVE Panama has put together some information on the quality of healthcare in Panama.
Hospitals in Panama City
There are more than 14 hospitals in Panama City. There are also public and private clinics to service your healthcare needs. The largest, more prestigious, hospitals in Panama City provide top-notch healthcare and the standards are similar to that of the United States. You can be comfortable in knowing you are receiving quality medical care in Panama’s thriving capital city. In fact, Panama City is known for its medical tourism.
The Hospital Punta Pacifica is associated with Johns Hopkins and is a private hospital in Panama City. This is where most foreigners and Panamanians with private insurance go. It is a really nice hospital where most of the practicing doctors speak English. However, it is also the most expensive.
The Clinica Hospital San Fernando has ties to the three prestigious United States medical facilities including: The Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami’s Baptist Health Center and Tulane University. This is also a private hospital. There are also many doctors who speak English here.
The Hospital Nacional welcomes international health insurance, which is beneficial if you are moving to Panama with one of these healthcare plans. This particular hospital has an amazing nurse to patient ratio. There is one nurse for every 10 patients. This particular hospital is also known for its specialists, with over 100 specialists working at this location.
There are many other hospitals, both public and private, that will provide you with care if medial needs arise.
Doctors in Panama
About 45 percent of all doctors in Panama practice in Panama City. Some doctors are trained in foreign schools, but most doctors in Panama receive their medical training and schooling in Panama. When searching for a doctor, ensure you find one who speaks English if you are not fluent in Spanish. This will reduce any frustrations with language barriers and improve your patient-doctor experience.
Public and Private Healthcare in Panama
There is public and private healthcare available in Panama. Public healthcare in Panama is run by the Caja de Seguro Social. Panamanians receive free healthcare from hospitals and clinics within a specified network. Money is deducted from working Panamanians paychecks to pay for this system.
If you are not eligible for the public healthcare in Panama, you will need to get private health insurance in Panama or secure an international healthcare coverage plan. There are English speaking insurance brokers in Panama who can help you secure a plan that is right for you and your family. There are flexible healthcare plans, which are typically significantly less than you would pay in the United States.
Visit the IntlMOVE Panama website for tips on moving to Panama, a free international shipping quote and lots of other great information.
Moving to Panama: Multinational Companies in Panama City
When you are planning on moving to Panama, one of the first considerations is a steady income. There are many options for finding a job in Panama, which can include: teaching English in Panama, finding a professional job with a Panamanian company or securing employment with a multinational company.
Landing a job with a multinational company may be easier than securing a job with a Panamanian company, due to immigration regulations and work permits. When you work for a a multinational company, it can transfer you to Panama if your skills are needed in its Panama office. In addition, transferring to Panama with a multinational company will help make getting a work permit much easier for you.
Here is a list from IntlMOVE Panama of some of the United States-based companies that also have offices in Panama:
Procter & Gamble International Operations
Procter & Gamble produces consumer goods and is the company behind many of the world’s most well-known brands. This company has a presence in over 160 countries. Its regional headquarters are located in Panama, so there are a variety of jobs available to the people with the right qualifications.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar is a manufacturer of mining and construction machinery. The company has been present in Panama since 2006, when they set up regional offices. In 2009, Caterpillar expanded its presence in Panama by setting up a demonstration and training center at the western entrance to the Panama Canal. The company employs hundreds of people in Panama.
Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard expanded its operations to Panama City in 2007 when it decided to create a presence in Latin America. Panama was chosen as the country for Hewlett-Packard regional offices because of the IT infrastructure, government support and the skilled workers present in Panama City.
Halliburton International, Inc.
Halliburton has a regional offices worldwide, one of which is located in Panama City. This multi-billion dollar company employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. This company provides products and services to the energy industry.
Mars, Inc.
The maker of some of the most delicious candy, such as M & M’s, Snickers, Dove and many more products, is the sixth largest private company in the United States. In 2009, Mars, Inc. opened up regional headquarters in Panama.
3M
3M has a portfolio of many products and services related to technology. The regional headquarters for 3M is also located in Panama.
Other Companies with Regional Headquarters in Panama
Some of the other multinational companies that have located offices to Panama include: Maersk, Sinopec, Western Union, Cemex, Moffatt & Nichol Latin American, Inc., Genzyme, Cargotec and many others.
As you can see, there are many opportunities to secure a job with a multinational company so you can start planning your move to Panama. When you are ready to make your international move from the U.S. to Panama, contact IntlMOVE Panama for all of your international shipping needs.
Moving to Panama and Clearing Shipping Containers at Customs
When you are moving to Panama with IntlMOVE Panama, we will help you with normal customs clearance in Panama with door-to-door international shipping services. IntlMOVE Panama works with reputable professionals all over the world, so we will work with a customs broker in Panama to get your household goods through customs safely and as quickly as possible. If you only need door-to-port services, you can choose to hire your own customs broker for this needed step for your international move.
IntlMOVE Panama has put together some basic information for clearing customs in Panama. Please check with your local embassy or consulate as information can change at any time.
Arriving in Panama
When arriving in Panama, you will have to have some necessary documents. First, you will need to have a residence visa and a work permit. You will also need your original passport, Certificate of Change of Residence, letter confirming employment and a detailed inventory list.
Importing Household Goods and Clearing Customs in Panama
IntlMOVE Panama makes international moves a breeze. You will need to be in Panama when your household goods arrive. IntlMOVE Panama will work with you to put together the needed paperwork for you to clear customs. Some of the forms needed include: imported goods waybills, packing list, invoice and the import goods declaration.
Tariffs and Fees in Panama
Household goods and personal effects are duty free for foreigners with a residence visa and Panamanians who are returning to Panama after two years abroad. Charges will be assessed for new items, alcohol, jewelry and coins.
There may be tariffs assessed when arriving in Panama. IntlMOVE Panama can give you an estimate of the charges, but the customers is responsible for all tariffs incurred.
Most of the time, household goods and personal effects are cleared through customs without issues. However, there may be circumstances where customs must store incoming goods. These instances will result in storage fees assessed by the port.
All customs charges and customs broker charges have to be paid by the customer at the time of clearance in Panama.
Shipping a car to Panama may result in a high duty, payable by customer. The duty is approximately between 27 and 30 percent. If you are retiring in Panama, and moving to Panama with a retirement visa, you may be able to ship a car duty-free. Check with your consulate for restrictions.
Clearing Household Goods through Customs in Panama
When moving to Panama, household goods shipments from the USA to Panama must arrive in Panama within six month of the customer’s arrival. All shipments will be inspected.
There are prohibited items, which you should not pack in your shipment. These items include: firearms, weapons, ammunition, narcotics, drugs, foodstuff and plants. Adding straw or hay in lift-vans is also prohibited.
When moving to Panama, contact IntlMOVE Panama for a trustworthy international shipping company.
*Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, IntlMOVE cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
Moving to Panama City, Panama and the Annual Climate
The beautiful weather in Panama is only one of the many reason moving to Panama City, Panama with IntlMOVE Panama is a great decision. There are not typical seasons, which you might be used to. The tropical climate provides the wet season and the dry season, but the temperature remains comfortable throughout the year. Summer, or the dry season, takes place between the months of December and April. Winter, or the wet season makes up the remaining months.
The warm weather will provide you with an amazing opportunity to participate in outdoor activities near Panama City. IntlMOVE Panama will carefully pack, ship and deliver your golf clubs, surfboards and other outdoor gear along with your household goods to Panama.
Temperature in Panama City
The average temperature in Panama City is 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). January and February are the coolest months, but you will still enjoy an average temperature of about 72 degrees. April and May are the warmest months, with temperatures reaching as high as the mid 90s, but typically staying at a comfortable level in the 80s. The humidity in Panama City can be quite intense, so just make sure to stay hydrated.
Even though the days are warm, make sure you are shipping warm weather clothes to Panama City with IntlMOVE. The evenings can get a little chilly, so you will want to have sweaters, pants and light jackets. If you are visiting the surrounding mountains, you might even want to consider shipping your winter coats to Panama with the rest of your household goods. Temperatures in the mountains have been known to dip below freezing in the evenings.
Precipitation in Panama City
In Panama City, it rains an average of almost 75 inches per year. The rainy season lasts from the end of April to the first part of December. October is the wettest month, so make sure to have your umbrellas and rain coats ready. During the rainy season, it will not rain nonstop. The days are mostly filled with sunshine, but there are quick bursts of heavy downpours, which usually occur in the afternoon. They typically do not last very long, but they can put a damper on outdoor activities.
The dry season in Panama lasts from mid-December to mid-April. Hiking trails just outside of Panama City are beautiful this time of year. This is also the best time to get in a round of golf or go kayaking at one of the many beautiful surrounding areas. If you are an avid surfer, surfing in Panama is truly exhilarating. There are swells all year, but the dry season is known to have some of the best waves.
When you are ready to move to Panama City to enjoy the awesome weather, contact IntlMOVE Panama for your international shipping needs.
Retiring in Panama – Panama Retirement Visa Requirements
When moving to Panama with IntlMOVE Panama, you will need to obtain a Panamanian visa. For an easy, breezy life in your retirement years, consider moving to Panama with IntlMOVE Panama. The warm weather, beautiful surroundings and friendly people make this the perfect place to spend your golden years.
The standard of living in Panama is the closest you will find to the U.S. in Central America. However, there are some added benefits. Panama is one of the safest countries in the world. You can enjoy a charming small city or the hustle and bustle of city living in Panama City. Panama has it all.
To obtain a retirement visa, you must meet a few simple requirements. IntlMOVE Panama has put together some basic information on the retirement visa for your convenience. These benefits and requirements can be updated at any time, so it’s best always best to check with your local embassy or consulate.
Panama Retirement Visa Benefits
- You will not have to pay property taxes if you only own one piece of property.
- Hotel, restaurant, airline and public transportation and other discounts are available throughout Panama for retirement visa holders.
- You may not have to pay any duties on your household goods when shipping them from the U.S. to Panama. You will have a one-time exemption for up to $10,000.
- You can ship a car to Panama every two years for your own use.
- You will not be charged any income tax on your pension or any money earned outside of Panama.
- Taxes will not be assessed for the interest earned from your fixed term deposit.
- The U.S. dollar is used in Panama, so you will not have to convert your money to a foreign currency.
- A permanent residence permit can be granted, which is a valid status for life.
Requirements
- Applicants must have a valid passport from their home country.
- Acquire a health certificate from a certified medical doctor in Panama.
- An HIV test must be conducted and passed.
- Criminal history records must be presented to prove you are not a threat.
- You must have a minimum monthly income of $750invest in at least $100,000 in property. If you do not want to purchase a home for that much money, you must have a minimum income of $1,000 per month. You must have an additional $250 per month for each dependent.
It’s relatively easy to obtain a retirement visa in Panama in comparison to other country’s requirements. If you are looking for an amazing place to live, Panama will provide you with a wide variety of perks. When you have decided that Panama is the place you want to retire, contact IntlMOVE Panama to ship your household goods and personal effects.
Moving to Panama and Reducing International Shipping Costs
IntlMOVE Panama is in the business of providing a full range of international shipping services, so our clients are at ease when shipping their household goods to Panama. IntlMOVE Panama offers packing, pick-up, overseas shipping, normal customs clearance and delivery to your new home in Panama.
Some clients are looking for ways to save money when shipping their household goods to Panama, which is why IntlMOVE Panama has put together some tips to save you money.
Packing
Packing your own household goods will save you money. You will save money on materials and labor when preparing your shipment to Panama. IntlMOVE Panama will still load your household goods on the truck, but you can pack and secure all of your household goods in boxes and protective padding. Keep in mind that household goods packed by the owner are not eligible for all-risk marine insurance. To be insured with all-risk insurance, packing needs to be completed by a professional export company, such as IntlMOVE Panama.
Door-to-Port Service
An international moving quote for door-to-port service will be less than a door-to-door quote. When your international shipment arrives in Panama, you will be responsible for clearing customs and picking up your international shipment at the port. Make sure you have a reliable customs broker and a mover to help you pick up and deliver your shipment to your new home. If this is not an option, IntlMOVE Panama can take care of this for you with its door-to-door services.
Off Season Moves
Summertime is the busiest season for international moves. Try moving during the winter months. You may receive better international moving rates.
Eliminating Unwanted Items
One of the easiest ways to save money is to eliminate items you don’t need. The cost of shipping household goods and personal effects to Panama is calculated by volume. If you get rid of unwanted items, you will reduce your shipment volume. For example, if you are moving from a colder climate, you will not need all of your bulky winter clothes when moving to Panama. If you haven’t worn clothing items for over a year, or if you are holding onto smaller sizes for when you lose weight, get rid of the clothing. You can always purchase what you need in Panama at a later date.
If you are moving into a smaller apartment, do not ship the furniture that will not fit into your new home. Determine whether or not appliances and other electrical items will work with Panama’s electrical systems. Eliminate DVD’s by uploading them to an online library. Avoid shipping canned food overseas. Eat these foods before moving to Panama.
Get rid of items that are not allowed to be shipped to Panama, such as plants, flammable items and firearms. If you are packing items such as planters or sandboxes, empty the sand and dirt. You can pack other household goods inside these items to reduce your shipment volume. You can purchase sand and dirt when you arrive in Panama.
Sell Unwanted Items
After you have eliminated the items you no longer need, have a yard sale or try selling them online. The extra cash can be put towards your international moving costs to save some money. Donate the items you cannot sell to local charities, which may help you during tax time.
Whether you need door-to-door or door-to-port shipping to Panama, contact IntlMOVE 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.
Destinations:
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3M in Panama
Average temperature in Panama
Balboa Academy
Boquette
Casco Viejo
Clearing customs in Panama
climate in panama
door-to-door
door-to-port
Halliburton in Panama
healthcare in Panama
Hewlett-Packard in Panama
Hospital Nacional
Hospital Punta Pacifica
International Movers
International School of Panama
international schools in Panama
Marbella
Move from Ft. Lauderdale to Panama
Moving to Panama
neighborhoods in Panama City
Oxford International School
packing household goods
Panama Canal
Panama Canal Authority
Panamanian curriculum
panama retirement visa
Panamax
reducing shipping costs
retiring in panama
shipping car to Panama
shipping household goods
shipping household goods to panama
Shipping to Panama
surfing in panama
TEU
the National Festival of Pollera
