AlienOnTheRun
10/15/2013 21:57 EST
Hi everyone! I'm an Asian Canadian male, who has spent most of his adult life and has worked only in the US, thus my retirement accounts are also only in the US. I'm in my middle age and considering to move overseas mainly for the financial reason. I used to work as a sub teacher for public schools in California and, looking long-term, my retirement funds are simply too skimpy to allow me to live in North America.
I've been researching lately and learned Panama is one of the best destinations for retirement overseas. Of course, I'm also interested in learning Latin culture. Since money is the main (despite not only) reason I'm considering this option, I'd like to know just how much it will cost to live there.
Below is the cost of living in Panama City Please advise how accurate they are.
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Panama&city=Panama+City
It appears it’s not cheap in this city. I’m wondering if there are any other options that may fit the bill.
My main concerns are:
1) rent / real estate prices
2) how easy / difficult to get a tourist / PR visa?
3) Is it possible for expat to get jobs there since I still need to work. Unless I can afford a piece of real estate and rent out rooms, but I prefer to work.
4) Are they tax / expat friendly?
5) Low crime
6) Affordable and good quality medical care.
7) I'm an Asian from English-speaking countries. I'm wondering how well-received I'll be there ?
A few other concerns:
(in random order)
Warm weather (80 degree F is the optimum temperature to me, and I'd rather hot than cold, ideally not too humid)
Easy access to beach and mountains,
Has affordable gyms with at least doable equipments,
Clean, with good infrastructure
English-friendly is a plus, but not a must
I know these are a lot of questions. Please feel free to respond to any of them. Much obliged !
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patf12
10/15/2013 23:22 EST
Hi, we retired in Panama almost 9 years ago. We still manage to live here cheaper than in the US, but there has been a lot of inflation here because of the President, Martinelli, spending and borrowing too much money. Prices haven risen dramatically over the past 4 years. We grow a lot of stuff on our property, so we can keep our costs down, but I don't like this inflationary trend. Panama is most definitely not cheap anymore. Also, I would not plan to work here. Even if you could get hired, which I doubt, you would make unbelievably low wages. The services here are so so here, depending on where you live, not great. I am sorry I can't be more positive about Panama, but I want to be honest with you. On the bright side, the people are friendly, but the crime is increasing everywhere in Panama.
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sueg
10/15/2013 23:23 EST
hi and welcome !! if you will check the previous discussions by topic, you can find most of the info here . your best bet is to visit panama and decide for yourself if this will work for you . best of luck !!
sue
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snyderman
10/17/2013 13:07 EST
Welcome-food is not cheap here except chicken and beer(local beer $.50 - chick 1.95/lb.You should learn to speak spanish as I am trying to do.Things get a little cheaper about 2 hours from Panama City.For work here the pay scale is low(house keeper $20.00/day and laborers about the same) Just some stuff off the top of my head-my view of things after living here 1 year.
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panamajames
10/17/2013 19:45 EST
Food is cheap here. Local beer is 38 cents, chicken $1.49 a pound or less. Sometimes a lot less. House keepers and gardeners are $12 to $15 or less. Chiriqui is cheaper to live......Things get a lot cheaper 6 hours away from Panama City. We do the growing up here........the farther you ship, the more expensive it gets.......
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