Benefits of retiring in Panama.
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- I found a list of some of the benefits to retiring in Panama. I believe there are even more than is listed here, so you may still want to do some searching around.
50% off entertainment including movies, concerts, theater etc. (a regular movie ticket costs $4 - the retiree price is $2.)
• 25% off restaurants
• 50% off hotel accommodations from Monday-Thursday
• 30% off bus, boat and train fares
• 25% off domestic and international airline tickets
• 10% off prescription medicines (much cheaper than US prices to begin with)
• 15% off dental and eye exams
• 50% off closing costs for home loans
But beware of the many blogs who paint Panama as a perfect trouble free place to live. Like any country it has it's pros and cons. A few months ago some people walked out of the jungle piled up rocks and sticks and caused millions of dollars of damage to Panama's economy. They kept some people hostage for weeks behind road blocks. Come and spend a lot of time visiting before you decide to make the plunge.
Boquete is consistently listed in the top 5 places for North Americans to retire. I'm not quiet sure yet, but I'll probably end up living there full time one day.
Thanks for sharing this video and your knowledge of retiring in Panama. The bumpy bike ride was making me feel sick. LOL Nobody takes into consideration how the retirement discounts hurt a place like a small restaurant. It was good advice to be more thoughtful when eating at a place you like. A lot of prices have jumped up because of competition and because Panama has turned into a commercial tourist place that can get the money from the foreigners. Because the prices have gone up, even though it's still cheap to most foreigners, it has made it so most locals can't afford to eat at their favorite restaurants anymore. I haven't been back for a visit in 8 years but, I am going sometime this year. I know for a fact it's going to be different than it was 8 years ago because when I was there most of those tall buildings in downtown were just being built. The traffic was heavy back then but, I hear it's worse now. I will see what everyone is talking about about the prices of things and the horrible traffic when I get there. I know the place will never be the same when the Canal Zone was around. It got more dangerous after Operation Just Cause. People used to just get robbed by grab and run. Now people get shot and killed over their possessions. A lot of looting and guns were stolen back then during Operation Just Cause. That is how a lot of those guns ended up on the street. My parents say they never want to go back because they want to remember Panama how it once was and don't want to see the new Panama. My heart still beats for the place where I was born. My mind still remembers the feeling of being there for vacations and taking in as much as I could and it makes me feel as if I am there when I think of it. Most people that live there all the time don't take it all in and they don't know what I am talking about when I say take it all in. That is because they slowly grow with the place and it becomes part of them. Sites, sounds, and smells would be more what I am talking about. You don't notice it until you leave and then come back.
Your videos remind me so much of my trips to Costa Rica. I love it down that way. Looks like I really should check out Panama next time. Thanks for the info!
I don't ride a bike (way to old and brittle) but I love watching your adventures. The fact that you share so much information about retiring there is a great benefit too. Most of what I read on the web is pretty hyped up stuff that I'm not real trusting about but you always present the pros and cons and aren't selling anything. So just a BIG THANKS for sharing. Maybe you'll run across a none sales type gringo in Boquete one day who would field a bunch of questions for us old folks.
Big Thanks
When I was stationed there (Panama) I noticed the people there were very true and open. I had the privilege of knowing some great people and we hit it off real fast. I picked up some Spanish as I went along. It seems the cuss words always came first. My wife is an RN she was my nurse at Gorgas. We been married now for 28 years. We are thinking of retirement plans in Panama. Especially with all of the corrupt people here in The USA. While I will always love my country I will always love Panama as well
I came because I was interesting in retiring in Panama, but as a rider this was the perfect video for me! Thanks mate.
I totally enjoyed the rugged tour of miniature streams and rocks. in the countryside. Thought a few times, that he'd crash. Brave adventurous soul. Looking forward to visiting Panama early Jan. 2013.
Your videos are always very Informstive...it started out as watching because I like moto vlogging now I have just enjoyed every video you put out. Thanks. Anthony. Toronto, Canada
I love watching your travels and hearing you chatter! Thank you so much, happy travels forever
I love being able to listen to your information while watching the scenery and checking out the place from your bike. Genius idea and perfect for someone with with zero patience and a short attention spam (like me).
Keep em coming! My favorite was the walk around on the GS ! That was hilarious !!
You can ride anything on the streets here. 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, Rhino's, Razers. You can get license plates for all those off road vehicles.
NICE countryside!!!
You and your bike really got a work out.
Thank you SO much for these vids!! Great job.
those trails look like a blast, hope to see more from you in the future!
You've isolated sound very well. What's your mic setup? Forgive me if you've answered this somewhere else. Very informative vid, thank you.
My husband was stationed with the Army in Panama just after we were first married in 1987 and we loved it down there. We were fortunate enough to live on the Atlantic side. Our dream is to retire down there some day. He retires from the military in 3 years but won't quite be 50 yet so there's still a lot of money we have to save. Any recommendations on where the best place to move would be? We especially loved El Valle for the temperate weather.
My Mother in Law went there to visit. She hated it, she just got back and said it was hot, humid and dirty.
She did however, like the beer and the prices. :-)
There are certain areas of Panama that I would only recommend living in, if the person has a large family living in it or know the area very well and their neighbors. Chepo is one of them. Police in Chepo tend be tougher because they deal in a daily base with delincuent people who enters the country ilegally through "Darien" (Jungle Zone border with Colombia) If that was his only option when retiring, I don't blame him.
To get these discounts you need the jubilee visa and be over 55 for females and over 60 for males.
You must show proof of a lifetime retirement income such as social security or your companies pension plan.
It’s the visa I’ll get if I like Panama. We are coming down for 6 months starting in March.
I wonder if these sorts of programs will be around in 25 years or so...I'm interested. Good video.
I bought mine for $2000, then paid another $1500 getting it imported to the country, it was a process that took about 7 months to complete. Buying a brand new KLR in Panama will cost you about $8000.
One important thing they hate arrogant people be respectful as you can be and don not try to attract attention be humble live life with love and respect , respect the land the land is holy for Panamanians.
When Gary said "A lot of nice meadows down here", you were thinking "I haven't looked up from the front of my tire for the last 9 minutes!!!!". Rough riding on that KLR vs. the DT!
Expensive tires defeats the 20% discount on food. But the riding does look very good!
Nice fresh - cool weather. (Close to the capital) Nice place to live!
Other places to take into consideration: Coronado, Punta Barco, El Valle de Anton, Chiriqui, etc, etc, etc, etc. It depends on what you are looking. Beach or Forest areas. The climate varies. Good luck!
Tourist visas are good for 6 months, and easily renewable at the border of Costa Rica. So staying here for a year is pretty easy.
Aw, come on! I wanna see the whole ride. Looks great out there.
It dead ended at a little farm. You can always ship the tires in but that gets expensive.
I have been waiting to see how that turned out. What are you riding there?
Looked liked a fun road to ride and I hope I get to visit one day!
Have a question, Im a new viewer, so you have probably explained this in another video, but,,what do you do for a living that allows you to do things like this?? Is this your job? Nice vids
There are a lot of those old Toyota's putting around down here. Tough little trucks.
THAT THE HELL DOES BIKING DOWN A BORING DIRT ROAD HAVE TO DO WITH RETIRING IN PANAMA???
Keeping your U.S. bank account and withdrawing money is no problem at all. You will be charged probably $5 in ATM fees anytime you use one though.
I don't have one of those little cards no. I'm here on a tourist visa, that I renew by leaving the country every 3 months.
Question: What kind of internet connectivity do you have out there? Especially in the Boquete area? Concerning speed, and quality?
You need to meet certain requirements to get one of those cards. You may be able to get one then go back to work in the states. idk.
Hey, nice video. Just wondering what card are you talking about? Do the Panamanian government give you are card for discounts?
The iPad is the only device that can do video so well. You spend as much time watching the book as you do reading it.
will have to check it out on my way down the coast
My pet peeves for living in Panama
and
Pet peeves for living in Panama (Part 2)
I'm bad about keeping track of specifics like that. I rent a 2 bed 1 bath house for $250/month. Hope that helps.
You've come to the right place amigo. I made a load of videos exploring Panama on my KLR650.
Gary found a good road there. Did it go anywhere neat?
I'd love to move there and retire and ride motorcycles, but not being able to get good tires sort of ruins it for me. I don't want to be riding the mud and baby head rocks on street tires like you do.
Where did you guys pick your dirt bikes up at? Thanks for the video
Yeah I looked at a few websites when I was editing this video. I couldn't believe how much they hype everything up.
Good questions, I would like to know as well.
Panama should have a special one year "I'm Thinking About Retiring Here" Visa ;-)
Be safe, don't let your guard down.
I make a little money from my video work, my wife also works.
I don't get any of the discounts I mention in this video, I'm here on a tourist visa. I don't believe there is any discount on internet service. I have 4 megas down and 1 up.
I have several videos where I discuss my pet peeves of living in Panama. You should check those out.
Thanks for sharing this info, but also the video. good comercial for Drift Stealth.
Locally - Second hand bike from $500.00 to $1,000.00 - To import a bike from other country only took the time that takes the ship to get to Panama and a maximun of one week to take it out of custom.
Costa Rica is about 45 minutes from where I live, they are bound to look similar. They border each other.
Where do you get those retirement cards? Or how to get one?
I think I missed a video! Did you get the GS repaired?
Buy a Panama guide book, pick some places that look interesting. Water is safe to drink in Panama. If it looks tasty, eat it. Guide book will warn you of dangerous places to stay away from.
yeah it got fixed, but I haven't made any new videos since then.
your bike is to highly geard tray to drop 2 teth of front sproket or 6 teeth on rear but its better to chang the front it will be more worn eny way
Gary and I rode up Volcan Baru. I wrote a book about that ride, you should check it out. "The Volcan Baru Adventure." The book has over 70 minutes of video in it.
That looked like a pretty rough ride! Hey, does Gary need me to send him some clothes?! It seems that he only has one outfit and I feel bad for the guy.
I would love a small dirt bike for these sorts of days.
Nice vid. I'd love to retire to Panama. I have a ways to go.
If someone wanted a real experience and just explore with no idea of anything not like a tourist booked vacation just a random vist what would be the best way to do that and what would be wise to avoid is the water safe to drink which foods should be avoided how is the crime rate that sorta thing
Hey HT, did our conversation inspire this video topic? I'll have to call you and tell you about a conversation I with a gal here that has property there. I'm learning.
I think the Ghost of Halfthrottle has retired in Panama,because Ive seen it my self.The odds of this are surreal.HTs KLR and jacket,same place same time,2 klicks from my front door? yeah,imagine that.Because I still cant.we lived 262 miles from each other,Ive never met the kid that got HTs bike,WOW
And I suggest you learn the language, they would appreciate it.
@Fernando Palomo
Agreed. Especially, hispanics in the USA should learn ENGLISH.
Seriously? This is the most uneducated country on the planet when it comes to a majority of citizens who can speak more than one language. There is no requirement for US citizens to speak English. Why should there be a requirement? This is land of the free (so speak any language you choose), home of the brave (unless you are confronted with someone who does not speak your language.) Get real! Oh.... and your bigotry is showing!
@@conniehannah2440 I think you don't know your US history very well, Connie.
Another nice video with explanations live.
Gary never falls .... I know 'that the one's you ..... LOL
But do not worry, I once took a tree,
you guys blow!
I'm 'thinking for a while' time to come to Panama to live and if you have the opportunity 'to invest in a property does not pay taxes for 20 years.
Then the rent and live there.
Not 'so sure' simple, but I think you can do ....
For now I enjoy your videos
and I dream ....! Hello and thanks for the info!
You have to have an iPad to experience the book.
I knew that... Just forgot. I remember the last renewal, you sped it up a bit.
LOL Yeah I noticed it looked like that when editing. He was trying to keep the dogs from chasing us.
In Panama, you don't need a prescription for a lot of drugs, like in the States.
Panama City, Coronado, San Carlos, Punta Barco, Playa Blanca, El Valle de Anton (My uncle is the actual Alcalde of this area :), Chiriqui, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc............... Good Luck!
For your information: the benefits you are refering to are the same as the ones that local retired people benefit of.
what kind of cam gear were you using??
Dude by the looks your life is my dream life.
hi there, i do like your videos. I live in miami but 2 months ago i traveled to panama to do my research. like you said there is a lot of information that you cannot find not even there. At the embassy of panama, in miami, they have no knowlege of many cuestions that i made then. the real answer is that just other people can give to you. i really donot know how to contact you personaly and talk about many things that i need to clear in my mind about moving there. thanks
I lived in David and had 4 MB/s down and 2 MB/s up. Don't know about Boquete.
I am 52 and if I retired I want to go shopping and have a bakery, do you think Panama is ok
Are you an idiot? You are asking complete strangers on UA-cam if you will be ok in Panama. No. You will not. Stay home. You ARE an idiot. Keep it in the U.S. where it belongs.
He's retired and bought a house in Boquete.
It's the mic on the Drift Stealth.
Panama welcome all ethnicitys. So who ever is visiting the country with "Divine Breed ideas" better forget about it. They tend to be "magnets" to "really tough individuals" and would have very hard / bad time very frecuently. They will absorve your spirit!
Where do you live now? Why did you move from Panama?
Do you ever consider buying a small dirtbike for pure offroading?
Good advice thx
The KLR must be a lot of machine to muscle around in that crud!
Yeah that seems to be his riding shirt.
really nice,panama is really cheap....and 2014 panama will be open in the city subway..
Do you know a place called Cerro Azul. Thinking of moving there.
After a 20% discount, why not a twenty % tip?
Panama internet is unstable. You might have average nice speed but you should always be prepared for a net shutdown or high latency, its still viable tho.
If you have a vet account with U.S. Bank they waive ATM fees.
Yeah certain things are cheaper, and some things are more expensive. It's a tradeoff.
LOL, I think you just opened up a pandoras box man. It's a beautiful country as are many areas of central America. Ha, I like to work, probably until I die. If I moved there I would have to be doing something productive if they would let me LOL. Get ready to field a lot of questions hehehehe. Peace! Oh! And riding and talking is easy as long as you hold your tongue right hahaha!
I really enjoyed the information and thought it clever to just do a info-vid while riding. Please, if you do another video like this one, a LOT less whining about talking and riding. Just talk and enjoy the ride ..... I heard good talk, whine, good info, whine good talk, etc.
I don't live in Panama anymore, so won't be making another video like this. But I did make many other videos about my life in Panama you might want to check out. Might be some whining in them I can't remember.
Panama also uses the US dollar as it's currency, so you won't have to exchange your money in their currency, because they don't have one.
I am a vet on disability in the us.I need info on what to do to move there and still keep my bank account and use my atm down there.please let me know.
Panama is a retirement haven, but I'm not retired.
Crime is "almost" limited to ghetto areas. If you avoid them, is a high percentage that you never experience something bad.
Thought the guy at the first water crossing was gona wack you with the shovel
what is Gary's story for being in Panama?
question,since panama still uses us currency is the cost of living cheaper down there,and are there any job opportunities for skilled americans living there?
I urge everyone considering retiring in a foreign culture to go and spend at least 6 months RENTING in the area of your choice before just pulling up sticks and selling everything. I have lived in Boquete, Panama for the past 8 years and see many people come and go. Expat life is challenging and can be great but it is not for everyone.
Dianne Heidke
The Boquete (Not for Tourists!) Handbook - An Insider's guide to Surviving Life in Boquete, Panama"