One of the most frequent concerns expressed by new retirees moving to Panama is how they will get their possessions from their old home to their new one in Panama. There are several answers, but the most commonly used method is to put everything into one big box.

You have probably seen pictures of massive container ships with stacks of metal boxes perched precariously on deck. Well, this is how the world moves. The boxes you see on deck are called cargo containers. They are about 40 feet long and they hold a lot of stuff.

When it is time for you to move, a shipping company will drop one a cargo container right in your drive way. Just drive your car right on in then pack everything else around it. When you done, call your shipper to let them know that your box is ready for pick up. A few weeks later, the your container will be sitting in your driveway in Panama.

There’s more good news. Unlike many nations in the region, when you move to Panama your personal possessions can be imported free from taxes or tariffs. Some exceptions apply, just ask your Panamanian attorney. You will pay a small tax to import your car. These dollars help Panama to improve its infrastructure, including roads.

The idea of an offshore move to Panama can be daunting and a little bit scary, but it is important to note that millions of others have made this journey. They will tell you that the effort involved was less than imagined, and well worth it in the end.

If you are thinking about retiring in Panama or just visiting to develop an asset protection, business, banking, investment strategy, make sure to begin by building a strong relationship with a local attorney. There are many third party sources able to help you select the best one for your needs. These groups provide unbiased reviews of providers in Panama’s professional community speeding you to a successful pairing.

For more information on retirement, banking, estate management, taxation, employment, forming a Panamanian foundation or corporation, real estate, trade policy, corporations, tax benefits, local economics, vessel registration, obtaining legal counsel, or any other topic related to doing business in Panama… click here

The Panama Club is your first stop for friendly, knowledgeable and efficient relocation services in Panama. We will assist you and guide you throughout the relocation process, becoming the single, centralized supplier for all your needs. From moving services, to housing and payments, we strive to provide you with everything necessary to make yourself at home in Panama.

Please tell us what you need:

Residential Relocation Service List

Additional Services:

    Concierge
    Corporate relocation
    Business set up
    Investment opportunities
    City and neighborhood orientation tours
    Cultural orientation and integration guide
    Networking events and introductions
    Social and business clubs
    Medical orientation and health provider referral
    Assistance with purchasing a car
    Transportation
    Setting up utility connections
    Payments (utilities, rent, domestic or general services)
    Hourly or daily translators or assistants
    Contracting a cel phone plan
    Hiring service (domestic, driver or gardeners)
    Interior decoration for your home (furniture, art, electronics, etc)
    Shopping recommendations
    Guide services
    Call center  (507-211-1466)

Contact us:

+ 507-211-1466

info@thepanamaclub.com

ursula@thepanamaclub.com

More people than ever are considering retiring to Panama – and it’s already one of the top destinations for adventure and eco-tourism – and it’s now becoming a top retirement destination.

In the USA 78 million Baby Boomers will reach retirement age in the next 10 years – and they’ll be looking to maintain their standard of living by retiring abroad, where their pensions will go much further. Many of these future retirees are already considering retiring to Panama to get more for their money.

Panama comes of Age

Panama’s status as a retirement destination has come of age – as a recent poll on Modern Maturity Magazine shows. The magazine concluded that retiring in Panama was the fourth best retirement destination in the world – and International Living rates put Panama at number 1.

Should you consider retiring in Panama? Let’s look at the advantages:

1. Panama has a stable democratic government, and a strong economy.

2. Residents and people retiring to Panama pay no tax on income from overseas.

3. Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama, with the same rights as Panamanian citizens.

4. An incentive program for retiring to panama is available – and it’s one of the best in the world.

5. Property tax exemptions apply to all new construction on a reducing scale – according to the value of the property.

6. The US presence In Panama has always been strong, due to the canal – and this has led to the availability of a lot of products and services that make Americans feel at home.

7. The Panamanians are some of the friendliest people in the world – and the expat community is growing – so the social life is lively.

8. Panama has excellent communications and it also a good infrastructure that reflects the growing prosperity of the country.

9. Property is affordable – less than half the price of similar properties in Florida or Arizona. Panama also has easy access, being just a few hours flying time from the southern states of the USA.

10. Panama is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with something for everyone.

There’s much more to Panama than the canal bounded by the Caribbean and by the Pacific – it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. Panama has everything from stunning beaches to mountains, as well as rainforest and an abundance of wildlife.

When you retire to Panama you get a whole host of discounts promoted by the Government (Pensionado or Retiree) including:

. Tax exemption to import a new car every two years

. 25% discounts on utility bills

. 25% discount on airline tickets, and 30% on other transportation

. 15% discount on loans made in your name

. 20% discount on doctor’s bills, and 15% on hospital services, if no insurance applies

. 10% discount on medicines

. 20% discount on bills for professional and technical services

. 50% discount on entrance to movie theatres, cultural and sporting events

When you’re ready to retire to Panama, contact us to make your move and new life in Panama as easy and affordable as possible.

The Panama Club’s Services as Facilitators include:

• Guiding you with all the necessary steps in your country of residency.
• Coordinating with airport authorities to be expecting your pet’s arrival.
• Assisting with after hour arrivals (see the IMPORTANT note bellow)
• Receiving pets at Panama City’s Airport and completing the necessary  paperwork, for their entrance to Panama.
• Transportation of the pet to your home in or out of Panama City.

Link (from Ocala Florida) living the good life in San Blas Panama

STEPS FOR US RESIDENTS (if you do not live in the US please notify us and we will send you information regarding your country of residency):

We recommend you start this process a month before you move to Panama.

1. Obtain your health certificate: A licensed vet must fill out a state health certificate (every state has one) indicating the dog has:
1)    Had a complete check up and is disease free.
2)    Had a Rabies vaccination. This must be dated to show the vaccination occurred more than 30 days, but less than 180 days prior to the dog’s arrival in Panama.

2. Mail health certificate to USDA: After your vet signs the certificate, it must be “certified” by the USDA. There are offices all over the US, for an office near you please view http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome or ask your vet for guidance.

3.  Send certificate to a Panamanian Embassy or Consulate: for authenticated and stamped accordingly. Costs $30 – takes about 2 weeks, if you need it faster you can pay $70 for same day. You will then bring the Certificate along with yourself and the dog to Panama.

List of Panamanian Embassies and Consulates in the United States:

• Embassy of the Republic of Panama to the United States -  2862 McGill Terrace, NW, Washington DC 20008. Tel: (202) 483-1407 Fax (202) 483-8416.
• General Consulate of Panama in San Diego, USA 402 West Broadway, suite 670  San Diego, CA 92101. (619) 235-4441
• General Consulate of Panama in Atlanta, USA – 260 Peachtree Street, N.W., suite 1760, Atlanta, GA 30303.  (404) 525-2772.
• General Consulate of Panama in Detroit, USA – 29355 Northwestern Highway, suite 200, Southfield, MI 48034. (313) 354-0200
• Consulate General of Panama in Miami, USA- Dupont Plaza Center 300 Viscayne Blvd, suite 914, Miami, FL 33131. (305) 371-7031.
• General Consulate of Panama in New Orleans, USA – 1324 World Trade Center No. 2 Canal Street New Orleans LA 70130. (504) 524-3458.  Fax (504) 524-8960.
• General Consulate of Panama in New York, USA – 1212 Avenue of the Americas 10th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (212)-840-2450 Fax – (212)-840-2469.
• General Consulate of Panama in Tampa, USA – 400 N. Ashley Drive, suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602.  (813) 223-6373.
• General Consulate of Panama in Washington, USA – 2862 McGill Terrace, NW.  Washington DC 20008 (202) 483-1504 Fax- (202)483-8416.
• General Consulate of Panama in Texas, USA – 24 Guenway Plaza, Ste. 1307. Houston, TX 77046 (713) 622-4451 Fax- (713) 622-4468.

4. *Buy your plane tickets to Panama: at least two weeks before the actual travel date. This is recommended for several reasons, first you need to make sure there is space for your pet to travel since there are limits on travel space for animals and second If you want a “home quarantine” (you do) you must also send a letter TWO WEEKS before the animal arrives, to the Panama Dept of Health. This we coordinate as facilitators.

5. Arriving in Panama City: you need to pay $19.00 for inspection fee, $130.00 for home quarantine fee per animal and $50.00 for the vet in the airport if you come after duty hours.  If you have no authenticated certificate the dog must be held at the airport in quarantine for 40 days at $10/day.

* IMPORTANT: The vet at the airport is only on duty Monday thru Friday 9AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM. Saturdays 9AM to Noon. If he isn’t there when you arrive, the dog is impounded at the airport until he returns. Try not to arrive after 5 PM on weekdays or after noon on Saturdays or any time Sundays, if not your pet must spend the night in an un-airconditioned cargo storage area. If your plane lands after hours you must pay the $50 per vet, we can coordinate for the vet to be there when you land, if not you have to wait until they arrive and it is common for them to send 2 vets, raising your cost to $100.

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

Panama is finally starting to catch on as a top-notch destination for expats as people are becoming more interested than ever in moving to Panama. Some people are looking to retire overseas, some are looking for a life on the beach, and some are simply looking to move abroad and start a new life. Nevertheless, Panama has something to offer everybody, and is a very convenient place to move.

Moving to Panama for the Perfect Retirement
A large portion of the expats moving to Panama has chosen this tropical paradise as a destination for retirement. Panama offers an incredible pension program for retirees, which, combined with a high quality of living and the affordability of everything from real estate to health care, creates what International Living considers to be one of the top retirement destinations in the world.

Moving to Panama for Its Gorgeous Beaches
One of Panama’s primary attractions for everyone from retirees to young surfers is its many miles of beautiful coastline. A move to Panama is almost like

moving to an island due to the tremendous amount of beachfront, both Pacific and Atlantic.

Panama Is a Convenient, Modern Destination
Many Americans favor Panama as a destination because it is so close to the United States. There are dozens of quick, direct flights going to and from the U.S. daily. Moving to Panama, therefore, does not greatly separate you from friends and family. In fact, from New York, a move to Panama is little different than a move to California.

Panama is also far more developed and modern than most people anticipate. The idea that moving to Panama means a move away from the First World could not be farther from the truth. People who move to Panama can typically find the same luxuries and amenities that they would hope for anywhere else, and can even afford more of them due to Panama’s low cost of living.

Panama encourages retirees and other expats to move to Panama by offering a very straightforward visa program. For people who have decided to move to Panama, there are a variety of available visas, including the Tourist Pensioner Visa, the Private Income Retiree Visa, the Person of Means Visa, the Small Business Investor Visa, and the Forestry Investor Visa.

If you are considering moving to Panama with your family, then you will be pleased to know that Panama is an excellent place for kids of all ages. Panama offers a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities that will ensure that your children will never be bored. Looking back, your kids will undoubtedly appreciate that their move to Panama was an incredible, childhood-enriching experience.

It is also easy to take your pets with you when you move to Panama. There are some basic requirements, including an in-home quarantine requirement, but overall, the process is quite simple. Moving to Panama with your household goods, on the other hand, is slightly more complicated and expensive, so we typically recommend that you buy furniture and other household goods in Panama. Besides, it is doubtful your furniture will be suitable to your new tropical environment. Start fresh when you move to Panama.

Once the Decision Has Been Made…
Once you have decided to move to Panama, there are a few final tasks that should be on your checklist. The first is to learn a little bit of Spanish. There is a lot of English spoken in Panama, so don’t allow a lack of Spanish fluency to keep you from moving here. But do familiarize yourself with some of the most basic and essential Spanish phrases.

Second, you should figure out how you will be paying credit card bills and taking care of other similar responsibilities. The advent of the Internet has, thankfully, made moving abroad much simpler in recent years. Most responsibilities, like paying bills, can be managed online and are exponentially easier than they once were. Modern technology makes your move to Panama easier than you ever dreamed.

Finally, be prepared that moving to Panama, or any other country for that matter, can seem a little hectic and overwhelming at first. So just take your time and make sure that when making important decisions—like buying real estate—you are proceeding cautiously and finding the best deals possible. There is no question that you will be in the swing of things, enjoying your new life in Panama, even more quickly than you had anticipated.

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

Panama is the ideal place for relaxation and pleasure, with pristine beaches and beautiful scenery. And there are many reasons why travelers choose Panama as a tourist and retirement destination.

Affordable Living
One thing that makes Panama attractive to foreigners is the low cost of living. For rental or purchase of property, Panama offers many attractive living quarters at very affordable rates. The Colon Free Trade Zone in Panama is the largest distribution center in South America and as a result, products sold there generally have very low costs and are subject to an average inflation of just 1% to 2% annually.

Enchanting Nature and Lifestyle
Nature-lovers will be thrilled by the diversity of landscapes in Panama. You can spend an afternoon lazing on the quiet beaches or venture into the mysterious mountains and tropical rainforests. Or perhaps a day in the capital city shopping for exotic items and visiting museums. For night entertainment, you can join the wild partying downtown or have a romantic dinner at an exclusive restaurant.

Investment in Real Estate
Panama is also an ideal place for investment, especially in real estate. It is a much undiscovered destination for real estate investors and the value of property there is still very low. And speculations have it that real estate in Panama will skyrocket in the coming years.

No Major Natural Disasters
While most South American countries are prone to natural disasters, Panama is strangely not in the track of hurricanes and earthquakes. Its unique climatic and geographical conditions protect it from natural disasters.

Comfortable Weather
Along the coastline, the temperature is mostly warm all year round. But if you wish for a change sometimes, you can go to the mountainous areas where the temperature is much cooler.

Low Crime and Disorder
Compared to many countries in the world, the crime rate in Panama is very low because the local culture encourages peace and amiability. It is also one of the most politically stable democratic republics in South America, and there are no political disorders there.

Central Location
The central location of Panama makes it the point of transit for many airlines traveling to countries in South America. By flight, Panama City is only 2 hours from Miami and direct flights to other major cities in the United States are also available.

World-Class Medical Facilities
Medical facilities in Panama are highly advanced and there are English-speaking doctors to attend to the needs of foreigners. Medication and consultation fees are also very affordable.

First World Infrastructure
Panama has a cosmopolitan capital city with well established communications infrastructure. Top-class hotels, restaurants and shopping malls are representations of its great affluence.

Welcome to Panama
The government of Panama is constantly making efforts to promote tourism and establish the country as the favorite tourist destination in South America.

With so many points of attraction, no wonder Panama is fast becoming a popular destination for both tourists and retirees. Experience the great promise of Panama and discover the enchantment that awaits you.

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

The decision to retire overseas is a big one, but it can also be rewarding. Many international retirees decide to retire abroad because they can enjoy a much lower cost-of-living, fully explore a country and culture that they’ve always loved to visit and escape the hustle and bustle of life back home.

Whatever your reasons for retiring abroad, you follow in the footsteps of many other expatriates. Panama is a top-notch destination for expatriates. People are becoming more interested than ever in moving to Panama. Some people are looking to retire overseas, some are looking for a life on the beach, and some are simply looking to move abroad and start a new life. Panama has something to offer everybody, and is a very convenient place to move.

Many expatriates moving to Panama have chosen this tropical paradise as a destination for retirement because Panama offers an incredible pension program for retirees. The high quality of living and the affordability of everything from real estate to health care, make this country one of the top retirement destinations in the world.

For example, many Americans favor Panama as a destination because it is very close to the United States. There are dozens of quick, direct flights going to and from the U.S. daily. Moving to Panama, therefore, does not greatly separate you from friends and family.

For more information click here

One of the most important factors driving Panamanian real estate is its affordability. What other first world city offers an ocean view condo unit in a luxury high rise for under $200,000?

Impressed by how far their money goes in this Central American paradise, Ex-Pats from around the world head for Panama when its time to retire. The special visa the Panamanian Government has created for retirees, the pensionado (retirement) visa, provides retirees with discounts in airlines, hotels, food, utilities, entertainment

A key strategy for retirees is to sell their home in their native country, then replace it in Panama for a fraction of the price. This leaves equity in the bank to fund a life in paradise.

Domestic labor is also very affordable in Panama. $300 a month will garner a full time domestic to handle cleaning, cooking, and other household chores.

The list of essentials that cost less in Panama is a long one. In broad strokes, American and Canadian Ex-Pats find that they can improve their lifestyle in Panama for about half of the costs back home. Europeans and Pacific rim immigrants find an even bigger improvement.

At retirement time, stretch your money, as you stretch your legs, discovering the wonders of the gem of Central America; Panama.

For more information, contact us.

Your Panama retirement means more than Palm trees and a low cost of living. It means you will be a big contributor to this thriving growing economy which may emerge as one of the strongest in the world.

“Panama’s economy is set to surge over the coming years, according to economists and US officials, owing in large part to the recent decision to expand the canal. US Ambassador William Eaton spoke of the country’s ‘bright future’ during a speech given at a recent meeting with Panama officials, celebrating the October 22 referendum in which voters overwhelmingly approved the $5.2 billion canal expansion plan.

When you Retire in Panama you want to make sure inflation is the furthest thing from your mind and your Panama retirement savings. If that is one of your concerns Eaton’s additional comments should set your mind at ease.

“Panama has had one of Latin America’s fastest growing economies and low rates of inflation,” he pointed out, adding the country also held one of the region’s highest per capital levels of GDP.

“It’s no wonder that Panama continues to grow as a regional financial center and a hub for civil aviation and global commerce.”

In addition to the decision to modernize the 92-year-old canal, Ambassador Eaton pointed to a number of other positive indicators that signaled economic growth for the tiny Central American country.

“… I’m even more excited this year about Panama’s prospects,” enthused the American diplomat to the assembly. “And, it’s not simply because Panamanians have just taken a huge step forward by deciding to modernize the Panama Canal.”

Continuing low inflation, a stable dollar based economy and the potential for a trade agreement with the United States bolster the economic picture in Panama, he stressed.

Your Panama Retirement does mean so much more than a pleasant place to spend your winters. You can lie back in the sun with that warm feeling of contribution as you watch the country grow and the people prosper.

Source: Ezine Article

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.