IL Postcard

Panama's Got the Green Light

Date: 11/01/2006

What do you like most about Panama? When reading a Panama First Alert, or the latest issue of Panama Insider, or any literature on this fascinating country-what exactly is it that draws your attention and makes you think: "I could live there."

For me, there are a host of reasons to stay. As some of you may know, I lived in Mexico before coming to Panama. I really enjoyed the first-rate service in Mexico, as well as the easy-going atmosphere, the beaches and the fun. I knew if I were going to move somewhere else, it needed to rank high (not just any country can compete against Mexico).

In researching and traveling around Panama, I soon discovered just how great it is here. The country's tiny size is an advantage, as it only takes an hour and a half (less outside of rush hour) to drive from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Flying? It'll only take you 15 minutes

I'm a real beach bum at heart, and the allure of having such easy access to both the Atlantic and the Pacific is hard to beat. On any given weekend, I can pick up and go to nearby Gorgona, a popular Pacific beach that (besides being beautiful) is great for soaking up some rays or tossing around the football. Or I can drive two and a half hours to Isla Grande, the Caribbean enclave where Congos (escaped slave descendents) still perform their ancient African dances and the pearl-white sand and bluer-than-blue water attract many a foreign visitor.

And for those who seek low-cost living with a high-standard of quality, Panama is tough to beat. The capital, Panama City, is by all standards a First-World city…you'd be hard pressed to find anything lacking. From the infrastructure (no power outages or dirt roads here) to the nightlife (Theater? Dinner? Cabaret? Take your pick, because they're all available), there is much to appreciate. North American expats here can easily lead lives similar to (or better than) the lives they led at home.

And did I mention that I have a cleaning lady? And that a taxi anywhere in town is no more than $1.75? (Do you hate me already?) That's not all…I can go out for a nice dinner, with wine and appetizer, and spend $20 a person (sometimes even less). A movie ticket is under $4 (unless you go to Extreme Planet's VIP theater, where you luxuriate in recliners and order food and drinks from waiters…all for the price of a $6 ticket).

I could go on and on about just how much Panama has to offer, but I'm sure you have your very own special reasons for wanting to know more about this Central American nation. Whether you are considering retiring here, starting a business, or just moving your family and starting anew, there are loads of factors you need to consider, technical matters you should study, and experts you should talk to.

Once all is said and done, unless you actually come down here and see what I am going on about, all that research doesn't do you much good. Especially if you miss the chance to seize the opportunity while it's hot.

So I propose that you set a date. Decide once and for all that it is time to visit. See the extraordinary real estate, the wonderful people and the long-established business sector. Meet with other expats who, like you, struggled with their decision and ultimately made a choice. Experience for yourself the nation that must be experienced to be understood. And, if you don't already have a date in mind, I'm going to make just one more suggestion…one that I hope will inspire you to act.

January 30, 2007

Put it on your calendar and call your travel agent today. Because from January 30 to February 1, 2007, International Living's Live & Prosper in Panama Seminar is going to change lives. And you really should be a part of it.

You've read article after article, trying to gain insight as to what Panama is really like. But our publications can only take you so far along the road to discovery…ultimately, it is up to you to take it one step further, and move from imagining to living.

For those of you who have been watching Panama for months, now is the time to move forward. The Panama Canal referendum, held just over a week ago, is on the record books now…the green light has been given to the Panama Canal Authority and you know as well as we do…green means go. We've heard from not just a few developers who were hinging their future plans on this month's vote. Now that the people of Panama have said "yes," many more projects will see the light of day.

Another point to ponder: in case you haven't noticed, the cat is out of the bag. Panama used to be a secret…a hideaway where Canadians, Americans, Europeans and so many others discovered they could live well, benefit from a U.S. dollar-economy and avail of the large English-speaking population.

That is no longer true. In recent years the media has put Panama on the map as more than just the site of the all-important Canal. Today, myriad publications (including International Living) rate Panama among the top retirement destinations. Extreme adventure mags plug water and mountain sports and long-time Costa Rica fans are being turned on to the Ticos' (Costa Ricans') less-explored neighbor to the south.

For now, the economy is booming and real estate prices and variety are unparalleled…but how long do you think it will last? Just how much time do you have to get in on the best deals? I'd argue that sooner is better than later…I'm sure Panama will remain a hot retirement and business destination for years to come…but if you want to get the absolute best value then you can't afford to wait forever.

The Live & Prosper in Panama Seminar will give you Panama in a nutshell. In one fabulous location (the beautiful Miramar Intercontinental Hotel in the heart of Panama's business district) we'll bring together the absolute cream of the crop in terms of Panama experts, speakers, legal and immigration specialists, and expats who've already made the move here.

Imagine making the kind of contacts it normally takes years to cultivate-in just three days. And though our seminars are chock-full of information and sessions, we somehow always manage to have a whole lot of fun.

Loads of information plus a good time…sounds almost too good to be true. Take it from Lyssa de Loja, of Armagansett, NY, who was in our last group of attendees:

"Everyone was informative and got the message across, and helps those in the audience to put a face, personality, and ambience to first impressions. For me the seminar was a great help pulling together the whole picture. The conference has been a remarkable overview of the excitement and challenges facing someone who plans to invest or live in this country. Seats us on the fast track. Most informative and most enjoyable. Muchas Gracias!"

Don't wait any longer. Act soon and take advantage of serious savings (for early birds only). Contact Events@InternationalLiving.com for the whole scoop, or click here to register now.

Best Regards,

Brandon Clogston
International Living, Panama

P.S. I haven't shared the best part with you…you really need to schedule a few extra days in Panama after the conference. Why? For our dedicated real estate tour. Contact our events staff ( Events@InternationalLiving.com) for the lowdown (limited space available for these very special activities).