Panama: The Ultimate Expat Haven
Date: 05/20/2005Dear International Living Reader,
Aimee moved to Panama six months ago from New York City.
'I lived in New York City, and I loved it... except I hated the weather... especially winter. Panama City is like a tropical New York City. I have everything I want here--shopping, nightlife, culture, and more. I love it!'
Today, you'll get to hear from a few attendees at the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar, being held in this week Panama City.
Aimee isn't a retiree or a Baby Boomer. She's much younger, but I'm not going to try to guess her age. I get in enough trouble. Aimee wanted a change, visited Panama, found a job working for a developer here. Then made the move. Now...she loves her new life in Panama.
Aimee is not alone.
At the conference today, I talked to all of the attendees who live in Panama I could find. I think that hearing the experiences of these International Living readers is the best possible way for you to discover what Panama offers you. And why we here at International Living consider it the Ultimate Expat Haven.
'International Living is the Reason I Have A New Life In Panama'
Donna never really wanted to leave her home in Minneapolis. But her husband, Jim, had always dreamed of moving to a warm, sunny overseas destination. He read about Panama in International Living. Jim told Donna he was going to Panama to look at property. She said, 'Panama? Are you crazy?'
But by the time he was about to leave, she decided to book a flight and join him. When these Baby Boomers returned to Minnesota, they were the owners of TWO homes in Panama; one an apartment in a Panama City high-rise, the other in a golf community near the beach about an hour-and-a-half from the capital.
They shut down their wholesale optical business and moved to Panama. Donna was quickly able to qualify for the generous Panamanian pensionado program.
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for the pensionado in Panama. All you need is a guaranteed pension income of only $500 per month ($600 per month for a couple). It must be a pension from a government agency (e.g. social security, disability, armed forces, etc.) or from a company.
As a qualified pensionado/retiree, you are entitled to significant discounts off the already mercifully low costs of living in Panama:
* 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country
* 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
* 25% off airline tickets; 50% off hotel stays (Monday through Thursday)
* 25% off restaurants
* 10% off prescription medicines
* 20% off doctor's consultations
* 15% off dental and eye exams
* 20% off professional and technical services
* 50% off closing costs for home loans and more...
It's the best retirement deal in the world.
However, Jim and Donna aren't retired... and they aren't rich. But they do have a fantastic new life... that they love. 'It's an adventure, unlike any thing that I ever thought I would do,' Donna explained.
Year-round Golf Weather...and No Greens Fees
To purchase both their panoramic bay view apartment in the center of cosmopolitan Panama City and their 2,000-square-foot townhouse on an 18-hole golf course, they spent only about $340,000. Donna plays more golf than ever now that she doesn't have to pay greens fees and lives where there's golf weather 12 months a year.
Panama Needs Americans With Business Skills And Experience
'What do you tell you friends about your new life here?' I asked.
'Come on down. It's a total adventure. There's such a need for people with North American business experience. More Boomers and investors are coming, and people who know how to do business with Americans here are in great demand.'
Donna's husband quickly found a job managing a luxury resort on the Pearl Islands, Hacienda del Mar. The resort consists of 14 cabanas, each with breathtaking views to the beach, the sea, and the triple canopy forest of the island. It's his dream job.
(The Pearl Islands--Hacienda Del Mar)
And Donna quickly found a job with Empresas Bern selling condos to Americans.
'I like waking up looking at the water. I like living here. It's like a small town,' she told me.
Donna is a go-getter. She started a t-shirt business and used a contest inviting Panama school kids to draw pictures of native animals and tourist attractions to promote it. She used the winning pictures as the designs on her t-shirts. $2,000 in prize money was distributed to the 20 winners. She also gave winners and their families a day trip across the country on the Panamanian railway and a day at a resort. Those prizes were donated and generated a lot of publicity.
'I'm so surprised how many friends I've made in such a short time,' Donna declared.
I'm not surprised at all. I've heard how friendly Panamanians are from every person living here. But it's easy to believe that Donna makes friends--she's a very likable girl.
Retired In An Island Paradise
Tonight International Living and Sovereign Society VIPs were invited to a private reception at Casa Remon, a French-style colonial building dating from the early 1700s (that, now renovated, houses International Living's Local Office operation in this city). The building is situated just off the corner of the central Casco Viejo plaza. From the apartment's balconies, you have views of the square and the stunning cathedral. In the opposite direction sits the harbor and the Panama City skyline. Members of IL's Roundtable and Lifetime Society and The Sovereign Society's Platinum Members enjoyed cocktails, hors doeuvres, traditional Panamanian dancers, and lively conversation at IL's offices and apartments in this building last night. It was quite a fiesta.
I met a charming couple, John and Sherry Pasey. These retirees from San Francisco own a villa at Contadora. They spend plenty of time there each year. 'We thought that we were buying a vacation home, but what we really got was a new big family of fellow island dwellers,' they told me. John said, 'When someone catches some fish, it turns into a social dinner with the other residents.
'Back in California, I'm allowed to keep only two fish, and sometimes I don't catch any. For me, the fishing here is unbelievable! I always catch fish, every time I go out... and it usually turns into a dinner party when I bring home the catch. I was going to buy a boat, but I don't need to here. I joined the marina, and some one is always ready to go fishing with me,' John continued.
John and Sherry's enthusiasm for their new island life is palpable.
Sherry told me, 'We walk to the beach, and we usually have it to ourselves. But when we see someone, they're always friendly. On this little island, we're all friends.'
The Best Of Both Worlds!
John and Sherry are looking to buy a condo in the city, too, because they've come to relish the cultural life of the capital. 'It's like San Francisco, but with better weather, Sherry stated matter of factly. 'We stay at a great little hotel that's only $45 a night. When our daughter visits we get a suite for $60! But we like it here so much we're going to buy a place of our own. That way we can have the peace and quiet of the island and the great restaurants and nightlife of the city.'
It really is the best of both worlds for the Paceys.
To give you an idea of how gorgeous this place is, when the Shah of Iran was exiled, he chose Contadora as his home. This exclusive island has been a secret destination of the super-rich for decades. The crew from Survivor stayed here while they were shooting Survivor: Pearl Islands.
Even though the rich and famous live and visit here, Contadora isn't pretentious. John extolled Contadora's virtues: 'We were accepted here immediately. We feel like we fit right in.'
'We Could Have Retired Anywhere In The World, But We Chose Panama'
In 2005, International Living investigated 30 countries for our Annual Retirement Index. We weighed the cost of living, special benefit programs, property costs, safety, infrastructure, climate, culture--and Panama came out Number One.
The Paceys confirm Panama's supremacy for retirees.
John was an engineer with a waste management business. That work took him to more than 50 countries. He knows the world. In 1999, he sold the business and retired.
Panama was his destination of choice, because it offers the best options of any place in the world. This happy couple still returns to San Francisco often, but they consider Panama their home now.
'Now we're able to rent out our villa when we are away. That just started by word of mouth,' Sherry admitted. 'We didn't plan it, but our friends want to enjoy the life we're telling them about, and when we're not here, we rent it out. Not long ago we rented the place to some Italian tourists. They loved it and stayed even longer. It's working out great for us.'
By the way, there are still a couple of villas available for sale at Contadora. You can get more information by sending an email to rfordi@worldnet.att.net.
Caribbean Real Estate Expert Chooses Panama
For 23 years, John has lived outside the U.S. First he bought and sold raw land in the Bahamas near Atlantis. He moved into the Mexico market around Cancun in the mid-80s. Then he did the same thing for several years in Costa Rica in the late 80s and into the 90s. A few years ago, he came to Panama. 'This is my home now,' he announced proudly. 'I'm not leaving. Panama is the best place I've ever lived. It's got everything.'
John is going away this weekend for a pre-marriage retreat with his Panamanian bride-to-be. His partner Greg, a developer from Austin, Texas, will be working on their island development while John, a life-long bachelor, is preparing to take plunge into nuptial bliss.
The pair went off on a tangent in their conversation with me extolling the exquisite beauty of Panamanian women. 'If you come down here for a week or two, you'll never want to go back to Baltimore,' they warned me (that's where I'm living now, by the way...Baltimore). I understand that the 2002 Miss Universe, Justine Pasek, was apparently no fluke. The mixture of European, Native American, African, and Asian genes have created an exotic array of attractive people in Panama. But I've wandered off my point.
Jeff purports that John has 'spotted every major real estate investment boom in this part of the world for over two decades. When John tells me that 'the Pearl Islands are the Jewel of the World' and are about to be discovered, I believe him.'
John hasn't left Panama in four years. 'Why go anywhere else? Panama has everything. This county is so much better than Costa Rica, there's no comparison. If you want rain forests, beaches, or natural beauty, it's all here. Plus, Costa Rica has no city to compare to Panama City. Plus it's so much safer and friendlier here. Panama is the best.
John is quite convincing.
Panama Is Unique In This Part Of The World
You can drink the water. Eat a salad without worries. Health care is first rate. Doctors even make house calls. Panama is a retirement haven--the best in the world. It's a privacy and banking have -- the Switzerland of Central America. Panama City is like NYC or SF-- but with a perfect tropical climate and 12 hours of sunshine every day. Every day the sun rises and sets at the same time. You can set your body clock by the sun!
Because of Panama's history, strategic location, culture, commerce, and the century of U.S. influence--not to mention the world-famous canal --Panama consistently surpasses expectations.
Panama offers state-of-the-art benefits usually available only in industrialized countries. But at a fraction of the cost!
Retiring in Panama is not an expense. It's an investment. Panama is about to boom.
Get On The Crest Of This Next Powerful Wave
Imagine if you got into one of the leading tech companies that burst on to scene in the wave of high tech and the internet... with a great package of stock options... and you cashed in and retired... right before the NASDAQ crashed.
It doesn't get much better than that.
What would you do?
Gary Elmore found himself in that spot not long ago. He was in the right place at the right time. In about 1998, he retired from Dell. Gary would never have to work again. And I had the pleasure of eating lunch with his son, Broc, today.
'Dad is 62 now, and he's having the best time of his life.' Broc said. When Dad retired, the first thing he did build his 7,000-square-foot dream home in Austin, Texas.'
'Is that where you grew up?' I asked
'That's a difficult question. I lived everywhere. My dad worked all over for Dell: Europe, Asia, the Americas... one of our favorite places was Malaysia.
'We have been IL subscribers for a long time. Because we lived an international life. After retirement, Dad read about Panama and decided to check it out.
'Panama reminded him of the beauty of Malaysia. He loved it. Next thing you know, he bought a big ranch on the beach. It was for fun... really... and for our family to enjoy.'
A Beautiful Dream Comes True... Owning A Gorgeous Beach Property
This remote part of the Pacific coast of Panama is unspoiled nature at her best--long stretches of white-sand beach...clear water for swimming...horseback riding...hiking... Tranquil, tropical, and pretty much untouched. The nearby Coiba Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in Panama.
It's in the mountainous Chiriqui province. David is the region's capital and biggest city, with more than 100,000 people. It's about an hour-and-15-minute flight from Panama City. Boquete, the fastest-growing expat community in this part of the world, is also in Chiriqui. The property is remote--about an hour-and-a-half drive from David.
Gary bought 2 square miles on the coast on a peninsula with water on two sides... and a river offering a natural marina. From the white-sand beach, you can see Boca Chica, a fishing village of a few hundred people. On a clear day you can see Coiba Island to one side and Isla Parida on the other. There's a smaller island, Isla Venado, where you can swim and fish for lobsters.
A New Family Dream In Panama...
Gary is only 62. He's got a lot of life ahead. He and his wife Doris decided to take on a family project and develop the property into something really special. Broc and his wife, Susannah, joined in the project, as did his older brother Bret. Rincon Beach Estates and Istana Plantations have become a family adventure. Broc says, 'This isn't work for Dad. It's the most fun he's ever had... building something we all be a part of.'
The Elmores are developing 'Rincon Beach Estates,' a 250-acre gated community with beautiful custom home sites, and the adjacent 'Istana Plantations,' an additional 1,000 acres breathtaking countryside. In total, the property boasts several kilometers of Pacific coastline, many acres of reforestation, rolling hills with panoramic views, and a river.
This project isn't about making a lot of money. Dell took care of that already. The development has brought the family together. They all love it in Panama.
Doris is a country girl at heart and loves getting out there and working at the Equestrian center. Gary is overseeing the nearly completed infrastucture. It's high tech, of course, with satellite TV and Internet connections. Broc and his wife are in sales.
The master plan calls for renovating and expanding the original hacienda on the property overlooking the ocean into a guest house/clubhouse. Existing stables have already been renovated, and there is a boat launch, from which it's less than 30 minutes by boat to the David marina. It's about an hour by car.
The Elmores are offering ocean-view, oceanfront, and true beachfront lots at good prices. And if you don't want to build your own home, they are also offering turnkey villas that are an excellent bargain. Prices for a 1,300-square-foot two-bedroom villa start at only $109,900. That's $85 per square foot of interior construction. Or you could buy a lot and build a custom home yourself.
Lief Simon, editor of Global Real Estate Investor and International Living's resident international property guru, said, 'Frankly, I don't believe that you could build these yourself at that price, even without factoring in the land value.' Plus, each unit comes equipped with a refrigerator, a stove, and air conditioning in the bedrooms. (If you would like more information about the project email panama@internationalliving.com.
There's opportunity in Panama for anyone and everyone--from Dot com millionaires to young singles looking for a new life. Entrepreneurs find Panama an inviting land of opportunity. Retirees can't find a better deal. Investors see good things ahead. And tourists are dazzled by the natural beauty and vibrant culture. The Boomers are coming! All kinds of them--singles, couples, and entire extended families. Panama offers something for every one of them...and maybe you, too.
A Chorus of Praises for Life In Panama
An article in Harper's Bazaar claimed that: 'Panama is the most beautiful retreat in the world and almost undiscovered.'
The Boston Globe called it '...an undiscovered tourist paradise.'
The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and National Geographic have also published long travel articles praising the undiscovered delights Panama has to offer.
Praises for Panama from various agencies around the world:
** Political Risk Services named Panama one of the top three countries in the hemisphere for best-risk investments.
The Best Possible Value On Everything You Need To Know About The World's
Ultimate Expat Haven... AND MORE!
The 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar is being held in Panama City, because Panama offers the ultimate in EXPAT ADVANTAGES.
Investments, Citizenship, And Land Development
In this report from the scene, you've been introduced to a few American expats in Panama. I decided to do that instead of giving you today's seminar highlights because I think it's important to show you how the insights available at this meeting (and others like it) have been used to change people's lives for the better. I could go on... but I won't.
Because you can hear every speaker from the entire conference on our conference recordings that can be yours FREE with this special during-the-conference offer.
Today, Bob Bauman explained how Tax Havens Are Under Attack around the world... and where the safest spots are today. (Panama is one of them.) There was a session explaining how to get Citizenship in Panama by investing here... and you don't' have to invest a fortune!
Juan Pardini explained how to go about becoming a real estate developer in Panama. We heard from private banking experts, currency trading experts, and investment experts. It's a shame that you couldn't be with us. It's a real eye-opener attending an event like the Offshore Advantage Seminar.
These Unique Experts Can't Be Heard Anywhere Else!
The entire Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar is being recorded. And you can have full access to the recordings online.
The complete seminar recordings can be yours FREE if you take advantage of this offer to discover the world of offshore investing, asset protection, and the unique opportunities that Panama offers you now.
But this special offer is something even better than just getting these unique recordings free.
A Complete Offshore Package, Never Before Offered--And Never Again To Be Offered--Can Be Yours Now
The Sovereign Society has just released a brand-new three-part report, authored by Sovereign Society director Bob Bauman, called 'Panama Money Secrets.' It's barely off the presses. There's nothing more up-to-date on offshore opportunities in Panama.
At the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar, Panama Money Secrets is being officially introduced to our members. It's so new that there are no promotional brochures or materials for it prepared yet, but I have seen one of the very first proof copies.
Panama Money Secrets is Bob's most recent report (he's written about 20 books) and the first full-length treatment of offshore investing strategies and insights exclusively focusing on Panama.
With over 150 pages, this is a complete course that teaches you--step-by-step--how to protect your assets, invest profitably, buy real estate, retire, or start a business in Panama.
** Learn how to use Panama as an Offshore Money Haven. Open a truly private bank account...set up an offshore corporation, trust, or private foundation and take advantage of privacy, tax, and asset protection benefits...You'll get the names and full contact details of banks, advisors, lawyers...
** Rake in tax-free profits in any tourism-related business. It's an undiscovered adventure wonderland...with almost limitless possibilities. You could start an eco- or adventure-tour company...a charter dive operation...a bed and breakfast...develop commercial property, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels...and the government will give you benefits to boot...
** Find out the best attorneys, banks, professional services, and more available to you in Panama.
These are just the briefest highlights. This powerful report gives you insights into the history and culture of Panama... its laws and heritage and culture... and it will show you the best ways to take advantage of this beautiful haven.
This three-part report will retail for $249 when the conference is over. I have a deal that will let you own a copy for a small fraction of that price... but only if you act right now...while the Panama conference is under way!
And that's not all...
You Also Get 'Panama: The Owner's Manual'
For many years, International Living's Owner's Manuals have been among our most popular publications... and the most popular of all has been 'Panama: The Owner's Manual.'
You'll find no other product like it anywhere in the world...
** You'll be introduced to Panama in a way that the average tourist or travel reader could never be. You'll find out hundreds of important and valuable bits of information that you simply couldn't find in any other publication and that would be almost impossible to collect on your own.
Everything you need to retire...obtain a residence or investment visa...even a Panamanian passport is in the Owner's Manual...
** How to apply for Panama's first-class and increasingly popular pensionado visa program. And even if you don't qualify under the pensionado visa program, don't worry (though most people could qualify easily). The Panama Owner's Manual for 2005 will introduce you to many other extremely affordable and attractive programs you may qualify under. For instance, with an investment of as little as $150,000, you could start up your own business and within five years be eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship. (By world standards this is an incredible opportunity.) Or you could invest $40,000 in a government-approved and potentially very lucrative reforestation project. These are just some of the great ways in which you can qualify to live, retire, or do business in this beautiful country.
** Discover Panama's Secret Shangri-La. This hidden valley sits in Panama's lush and beautiful highland region. You take a 10-minute walk from the nearby picture perfect riverside town...and as you pass through a narrow passage and beyond you'll gasp with amazement as you enter a real, secret Shangri-La... with its own microclimate... where spring reigns eternal. The valley sits in an area Modern Maturity Magazine named the 'number one retirement destination in the Western Hemisphere.' Property is still incredibly cheap. We saw a property recently advertised for as little as $1,000 an acre. But the secret's out...and property prices have already begun to rise. Now is the time to get in.
** Discover Panama's Next Great Highland Utopias, including the five-million-year-old ancient crater that's now become a retirement fantasyland.
** Find out the best area to buy property in Panama City right now. You can pick up a four-bedroom home in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods for $200,000. It's adjacent to the rain forest, and is very lush, green, and tropical.
** Reap tax-free profits in Colonial Casco Viejo. This is the neighborhood where IL's office are located, in the Casa Remon building that I told you about. Because of the enormous investment incentives (and, of course, the charm and history of the area), we chose to buy here. You could cash in on the same benefits if you buy property in Panama City's Casco Viejo. This forgotten treasure of a neighborhood was once the cultural and political center of Panama City. UNESCO has recently declared it a World Heritage Site. It sits out on the bay and is currently undergoing a great new renaissance. We'll show you ways to profit from this neighborhood poised to boom. It's an urban investor's dream!
Panama: The Owner's Manual regularly sells for $69. Quite a value when you consider that this information is not available anywhere else... at any price... whatsoever. It's totally unique.
When you put this whole package together--Panama's Money Secrets, Panama: The Owner's Manual, and the conference recordings from this 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar--you have a remarkable, incomparable package of offshore information.
A One-time Only Chance For You To Have It All...
As part of our May Madness Silver Anniversary celebrations, we're making a special offer for those of you unable to hop a plane and discover the best retirement haven in the world for yourself and your family.
All of the information...all of the secret tactics... all of the unique strategies... all of the hard-earned experience... will be delivered to your door right away--if you take advantage of the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar Special Offer now.
Here's what you'll get:
Panama Money Secrets (value $249)
Panama: The Owners Manual (value $69)
The complete 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar recordings online (value $149)
Total Value: $467!
If you order today--and today only--you'll save $238! You can have the whole package for the low price of $229. But this discount price expires at midnight tonight.
If you have read this far, I know that you are interested Panama. Since we're agreed on that, I urge you to place your order now. If you miss the deadline, you miss this deal.
Click here to get your $238 discount and reserve your copy now.
Here's The Deal!
* Order today for the lowest price available, only $229! Offer expires at midnight tonight.
* If you wait until the last day of the event, you can order this special package, and you'll pay $249. This is still a great deal. You'll save $218 off retail prices. That offer will expire at midnight on Sunday, May 22. If you procrastinate and then forget to order before the final deadline, the only way to get all three items that make up this special kit will be to pay full price for each...a total of $467 all combined.
If you think that you might want to take advantage of this very special offer and unique opportunity, I strongly suggest that you order right now and lock in your savings of $238. We'll happily sell this package to you later for up to $249, but why pay more?
Take advantage of this early-bird special while you can. If this kit were selling at retail price, $467, it'd be worth every penny. You could easily save or make 10 times that amount--or even 100 times that amount--by putting these valuable strategies to work for you.
But the only time you can get it at the $229 price is now. And the only way is by responding to this invitation.
Remember, when you order this package, you'll receive the tapes of this 20th Annual Offshore Advantage Conference going on right now here in Panama City. On these, you'll get investment insights and recommendations that are otherwise available only live on site in Panama. If you order today, you will get all of the speakers featured over the full three-day conference (not only the ones I've mentioned today). You'll get access to investment guru Eric Roseman's investment recommendations, to Lief Simon's global real estate advice, and much more...
PLUS, of course... you have our money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. If you aren't completely satisfied--for any reason--simply return the package to us within 60 days, and we'll promptly send you a refund.
This deal rewards people who act quickly... the go-getters. So I suggest that if the opportunity interests you, you act now.
The people who order earliest get the best price... I hope that you are one of them.
The Inside Scoop Is Yours Every Day In My Free Reports
Even if you choose not to take advantage of this offer today, I'll continue to file my daily reports, and you can have access to the seminar insights free.
If what I've told you about Panama appeals to you...if you want to find out why some many different kinds of people are choosing Panama for so many different reasons...you owe to yourself to invest in this offer now.
If you have investments or if you are concerned about the loss of personal privacy... you need to get your hands on this special package.
It's hard for me to imagine that any reader who cares about investing at all couldn't benefit by owning this powerful collection of information.
There's no better time to learn about your options offshore--and The World's Ultimate Expat Haven, Panama--than right now during this 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar Special Offer.
Click here to reserve your copy of this special package now.
Sincerely,
Thom Hickling
Your Seminar Insider
P.S. Please Read My Seminar Report Tomorrow! Everyone has left this evening's fiesta at Casa Remon. Many went out on the town for gourmet dinners at the many top restaurants in Panama City. Thanks to the Canal, this is one of the most international cities in the world. So you can enjoy any kind of food your heart desires. And I hear that on the weekends the clubs and discos go all night. But I'm still sitting on the balcony at Casa Remon overlooking Plaza Independencia in historic Casco Viejo writing to you. It's a lovely place to work. I can't complain. Still, I wish I were out on the town with the attendees. But I'm working to keep you informed. Tomorrow, I'll bring you my final report from Panama City. If I couldn't be here, I'd want someone to fill me in and to introduce me to the opportunities being offered here... and I'm honored to have the chance to do that for you. Really, it's hard to help you understand what you're missing...but I'm doing my best.
And I urge you... don't procrastinate. Learn about the exciting offshore opportunities in The World's Ultimate Expat Haven, Panama! And save a bundle of cash today. Your Offshore Advantage experience starts now. Grab this 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar special before the price goes up--as it will tomorrow!
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