Why Panama?

This is one of Panama's Best Kept Secrets!

• Beautiful, unspoiled tropical landscapes and coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts

• Interior highlands known for pristine natural settings and a cool climate

• No [active] volcanoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes

• Biological diversity.

• Close proximity to the United States

• A unbelievably low cost of living

• An attractive program of special benefits, discounts, and incentives for foreign retirees

• A thriving business economy that welcomes foreign residents and investors

• Major infrastructure development taking place in Panama City and throughout the country

• A stable government and currency matched on a 1:1 basis with the US Dollar

• Offshore tax advantages

General Information

Telephone: Country code: 507. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 00.

Fax: Main post offices and hotels have facilities.

Internet/email: Internet cafes are very common and inexpensive, normally less than $1 per hour. Some restaurants and coffee shops are now providing wireless hot spots.

Mail: Mail to North America takes up to one week to arrive. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the flat two-pin American type.

Currency and exchange: The US dollar has been the country’s official currency since 1904. Dollars can be referred to as either dólares or balboas. However, Panama mints its own coinage as well: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavo pieces, which correspond in size and shape with the US coins.

Tipping: A tip of 10 to 15 % is typical in hotels (where it will not be included automatically) and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, and the rates should be decided before the trip.

Climate: The country has a pleasant, tropical climate and an average temperature of 80ºF, which drops comfortably in the evening. Humidity averages 70%. The rainy season lasts from May to December, though it never rains for an entire day. During the dry season, trade winds constantly keep the air fresh. Temperatures on the Pacific side of the country tend to be cooler than the Caribbean side and in the mountains the average temperature is 50ºF to 60ºF.