Emerald Monkey Residences

Panama is a beautiful country and despite popular belief is very safe and has an excellent infrastructure, a modern capital city and some of the friendliest people on earth. In the last few years Panama has been called the “New Florida” because many people are choosing to retire there due to low costs for a high quality of life.

According to Business Week Magazine, Panama is the place to look for professionals who want to retire on a moderate budget. If you are one of the people considering doing that there is good reason to act fast right now. As of January 2013 a new law will take effect that requires foreign banks to withhold 30% of funds leaving the United States. So the time to take your money out and buy is now.

Many Americans certainly consider the shock value that will come with living in a foreign country for the first time. However with Panama having very similar services, business sector and infrastructure to the United States this shock value is minimal.

Another concern is how you will be treated by the people. Panamanians are very global people and have an attitude that we are all one family. They are peaceful, friendly and love to have fun. You also will find a lot of foreign nationals in Panama including European, American, Chinese, Jews and Arabs. It really is a melting pot culture where anyone can assimilate easily.

Living in Panama also make it easy to get back to the United States to visit family, do business or spend extended holidays. There are daily non-stop flights from Panama to top US destinations such as Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, Washington DC, Orlando and Ft Lauderdale. Average flights are about 3-5 hours depending on where you are going.

Cars are optional in Panama since they have an extensive and inexpensive public transportation system. You can get just about anywhere in Panama for under $7 you can even go all the way to other side of the country for less than $15.

Another huge factor with why retirees are moving to Panama is their health care system. Unlike in the United States getting sick does not mean losing your life savings. Health care is plentiful, high quality and inexpensive. Most doctors and dentists also speak perfect English so communicating with your doctor is not a problem.

The amenities you are accustomed to are also plentiful in Panama. They have world renowned shopping and your US dollar goes a long way in their stores. The restaurant scene is great you can choose from so many types of cuisine and if you are homesick there are plenty of US chains available as options such as TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, Subway, McDonalds and many others.

Another important aspect you are covered with is high speed internet access which is better than what you will find in the US. Phone services and other utilities are also very reliable. So you don’t have to worry that you won’t have instant communication with your loved ones.

If you are looking for a retirement destination or even just a change of pace living in Panama could be great option for you. You will get affordability, high standard of living and all the services you are used to.