Living / Retireing in Panama, Anyone ?

[oldsalt_1942]

Re: Pensionado...They had no problems at all getting theirs. They also have bought a home in Balboa.

I'm naturally thinking of the Bocas del Toro area.

[quartersplash]

Hi,
I traveled on my sailboat for 4 years in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and the S. Pacific. I loved Mexico,and I liked Panama, but fell in love with Ecuador and its people. The thing that I didn't like about Panama was that it was so humid and rained for days on end. Grew mold on the walls. Every climate that you could want in the size of the state of Nevada. We have weather here described as Santa Barbara in the spring. It is rated as the number 2 place to retire in the world. Great fresh foods and juices. 5 course lunch for .80 cents to $1.50! Inexpensive and the people still love Americans here(getting hard to find). And it is only 4 hours from Miami. Visit my website for some great info and links.
Ecuador Beachfront Properties

[Southern Star]

Thanks TaoJones for correcting the often held misconception that the canal was taken back from the US. Expat Americans will be treated just fine; its the same throughout Central and South America. In fact, despite the incredible animus between Bush and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela (started by nationalization of the oil industry and then fueled by the CIA backed coup attempt against Chavez in 2002), even in Venezuela most people still like Americans (apart from Bush). And even though the influence of Chavez has increased throughout the region, no matter who is elected next year, relations between the US and South and Central America can and will only improve.

Firstly, the US is still dependant upon Venezuelan oil, so it makes little sense to ruffle feathers now that the last remaining oil company has renegotiated with the Venezuelan government. Secondly, Chavez has already planted the seeds of a better relationship with even the Republican frontrunners - Guilliani's law firm represents Citgo (the Venezuelan national oil company) and Romney was one of the few governors who took up Chavez on his offer of free heating oil for the poor.

Fact is, there are still some incredible bargains to be had in South and Central America and in many places, the infrastructure is much better than you'd expect. And finally, if you exercize the same cautions that you would do at home, you'll find the people incredibly warm and generous.

Brad