Country Archive

Panama Properties for under $100,000

Many years ago, I was editor of a publication called Pocket Money Real Estate. The idea was simple: Great properties, low prices. The readers favored big city apartments and lush mountain retreats, and hated to spend more than $100,000. So, that's what we found for them.

It was a great publication and a lot of fun to run. But frankly, it was tough to find a constant supply of high-quality properties with a tiny price tag…week after week.

Back then, I didn’t know Jessica Ramesch…some people call her the "Panama Insider." Jessica lives and works in Panama City. She speaks Spanish—the kind that can open doors in Panama—fluently. And has the kind of contacts on speed dial that most businessmen and expats would pay handsomely for.

If I had known Jessica in my Pocket Money Real Estate days, she could have filled up the Panama pages easily every time. In fact, that was the theme of a presentation she made a few weeks ago to a group of IL readers: Properties for under $100,000. I asked her to share a few of her secrets with us today. She kindly agreed.

Jessica, take it away…

Mandated by Law—High Quality, Low Cost Health Care

You don’t have to be a conservative, a liberal, or anything at all to understand that the health care system in the United States is in trouble.

It doesn't matter which figures you like the sound of—the health system in the U.S. is about numbers…big numbers. Like $2.5 trillion—that's how much will be spent on health care this year. That's more than $8,000 for every man, woman, and child living in the U.S. right now…almost twice what Canada spends.

Despite the big numbers being pumped into U.S. healthcare (more than any other country), the World Health Organization says 36 other countries are ahead of the U.S. in the rankings for "best health system".

Whether you use Medicare or Medicaid…whatever your plan…whoever is your private insurance provider…your healthcare is ultimately run by an accountant, not a doctor. We're all part of the numbers game.

Nothing against accountants…but if my sink leaks, I call a plumber. If I see smoke, I call the fire department. And if I get sick, I want decisions about my care to be made exclusively by a doctor or some other health care professional.

These days, that can be a challenge, no matter what health plan you have. Unless you use "Law No. 9"...

The Ultimate Overseas Retirement Plan (For Health Care, Airfares, and More)

Over the past 30 years, we've compiled hundreds of charts, lists, and indices (like the Quality of Life Index and the Retirement Index), seeking to rank the world's best destinations. We've dedicated scores of editors, researchers, and statisticians to the task. Probably spent hundreds of thousands of dollars…maybe more…teasing out the secret of the numbers. Each time, without fail, we're surprised…by a new entry…a surprise winner…or a falling favorite.

But there is one constant—one country which dominates the "retiree benefits" category every time...

Buy Panama Real Estate for $65,500 (or Rent for $350)

When I talk to expats in Panama about living well on less than $1,500 a month, some nod knowingly…usually because they’ve done it. Others scoff and pull out their $4,000-a-month budgets. These typically include rent or mortgage payments on a new luxury apartment in a new luxury high rise in a new luxury neighborhood. And all kinds of other goodies.

"Can I Live in Panama on my $1,059-a-month Social Security Check?"

To me $0.69 is a reasonable price for a pound of potatoes, but my dad has a different idea. “They’re half that at the market,” he says, “we’ll get the produce there.” He knows all about Panama’s best markets, where he can buy a rainbow assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farmers.

Today the air at the market is heavy with the fragrant scent of mango. At $0.35 cents a pound, the colossal papayos are a steal. Another variety that’s much smaller and great for juicing is being sold in bags of 10 for $1…that’s only $0.10 each! The produce markets aren’t obscure or “secret” by any means…every local knows this is a smart way to save. The growing expat population is learning how inexpensive it is to live like a local, too.

Live Large for Less in Panama City

Living for less in Latin America is a hot topic, but what exactly does it cost to have that dream life south of the border? In Panama City, the first step to living the good life for less is finding a home in a location that’s safe and affordable. It’s an easy task if you know where to look...

Panama, Panama City: Buy a Condo for Less Than $80,000

Every day, Gretchen and Jon awake to the intense blue of the Pacific Ocean. It glistens outside their massive bayside windows. They take their coffee on the balcony, where they enjoy the cool breeze and soft morning sunlight.

They didn’t have to move to the boondocks to get this lifestyle. This couple found their haven right in Panama City.

Business Ideas for Expats in Panama

Dear International Living Reader,

The sun is shining as we drive around Coronado, taking in the town on Panama's Pacific coast. The houses are impressive, and it seems all of them--from the mansions to the sweet beach cottages--are surrounded by exotic red palms and delightfully bright flowers.

We roll by someone in a golf cart and he gives us a friendly nod. There are couples holding hands, kids on bicycles, even joggers with their designer dogs trotting alongside them. The overall impression is one of a sleepy resort town that's awakening, a place where a world of possibilities is open to the potential expat or entrepreneur.