The Elusive Panamanian Taxi
If you’ve ever taken a taxi in Panama City you have probably heard the words “no voy“. These are two words I dread when trying to get around town. “No voy” basically means, “nope, not gonna take you there”, when uttered from the lips of a Panamanian taxi driver.

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on August 25th, 2008 | 4 Comments »

Casita Margarita in Pedasi, Panama
“The house is PERFECT! 6 months, 40 grand and we’ll be open.” — Idiot (me)
These are famous last words that may rank up there with General Custer’s, “We’ll be home by dinner.”
It’s been twelve months now since I sold my retired parents on the idea of going into business with me. [...]

Filed under: Business, Living & Retirement on August 21st, 2008 | 11 Comments »

Non-Stop Building In Panama City
The government of Panama is issuing building permits at a record pace. In the first six months of this year $829.8 million dollars worth of permits were issued, which is a 54% increase over the same period last year. The statistics appeared in today’s La Prensa newspaper.

Filed under: Living & Retirement, News, Real Estate on August 20th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

The US Embassy In Clayton, Panama
The US Embassy in Panama has earned a LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. The embassy in Panama is just the second US embassy to receive the certification. This is a great example to set in Panama, since the country is a little behind on some environmental practices.

Filed under: Living & Retirement, News on August 7th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Do You Have A Plan In Place Should The Worst Happen While You Are Living In Panama?
Moving to a country far from your roots presents many challenges. There will no doubt be cultural differences, language barriers and the occasional bout of homesickness. No matter how much you enjoy your adopted country, these issues are sometimes [...]

Filed under: Living & Retirement, News on August 5th, 2008 | No Comments »

Should Foreign And Local Retirees Be Eligible For The Same Discounts in Panama?
Panamanians and foreigners who have pensionado status in Panama are entitled to numerous discounts on everything from entertainment to medications. This visa option has lured thousands of retirees to Panama from countries around the world. This program is great for those taking advantage of the discounts, but [...]

Filed under: Business, Living & Retirement, News on August 1st, 2008 | 7 Comments »

Albert Einstein’s Head in El Cangrejo
Panama is known for having a rich blend of people from many countries, religions and backgrounds. Much of this diversity can be attributed to the construction of the Panama Canal. The Jewish community in Panama is quite large and the population has had a very distinct impact on the country.

Filed under: Culture, History, Living & Retirement, News on July 31st, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Panama Has Some Important Choices To Make
Panama is currently dealing with a number of issues that will determine whether or not the country will continue to be a top destination for tourists and retirees. Much of the future will depend on who is elected to run the country next year.

Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement, News, Politics, Real Estate on July 29th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

A Sunset Over The Pacific Ocean in Panama’s Interior
People often refer to themselves as country folks or city folks. I don’t think you could take someone who is used to living in Manhattan and move them to Volcan. I am sure someone used to living in small town Ohio would have to adjust to living [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture, Living & Retirement, News on July 25th, 2008 | No Comments »

Panama City’s Ever Expanding Skyline
Panama has once again been chosen to top another list of great places to invest. This time it made the top spot for long-term investment along with - Albania. For a number of years now Panama has made the top spot in many lists including safety and investment.

Filed under: Living & Retirement, News, Real Estate on July 21st, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Help Out A Neighbor In Panama
All too often foreigners forget they are guests in their new home. I think we are all guilty of that at some time or another. We feel free to take advantage of all of the great things Panama has to offer, but I think many of us could stand to [...]

Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement, News on July 1st, 2008 | No Comments »

Panama Has Two Seasons - Rainy and Dry
These two seasons are often referred to as green season and brown season. Rain is an absolute necessity for this country to function properly.

Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement, News on June 30th, 2008 | No Comments »

Here’s a guide to help any Joe look like money when entering a club in Panama, being treated like a rock star, and winning the best seat in the house.

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement on June 25th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Panama City is the capital of Latin America’s fastest growing economy
While being a resident in Panama City, Panama over the last few years has had its ups and downs, of late I’ve had a newfound love for living and working here in Panama.  Here are a few of the reasons:
1. Yuk Yuks
Unlike some other Latin [...]

Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement on June 24th, 2008 | 1 Comment »