In your issue this month, we turn our attention to Panama. You may know its economy has grown more than 9% a year for the past six years…and you may have seen pictures of its sky-scraper-filled capital city.
But what you may not realize is that Panama is also home to sunny beach towns and verdant mountain hamlets. You may not know that in this nation you gain the region’s most modern infrastructure—reliable Internet, excellent healthcare, a modern airport. And Panama offers foreign retirees the best benefit program in the world.
This nation is one of the most comfortable, convenient, good-value places we write about. On a budget of $2,500 a month—rent included—you could live with the ocean in your front yard. Try that in California.
Read more about Panama and other countries from around the world in the articles below.
If you’d prefer to read the PDF version of your February 2013 issue, click here.
Banksters…fat cats…one-percenters… there’s no shortage of put-downs for bankers these days. But not all bankers are evil. And not all banks are created equal. One bank that stands apart is Panama-headquartered Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A.—or Bladex, as it is more commonly known.
There are thousands of expats living in Panama: Americans, Canadians, Europeans, and many more from around the globe, who come here for the beautiful weather, the tropical beaches, low cost of living, and because Panama makes it easy to start a business.
"I probably work 30% less than I did in the States,” says Jesse Schoberg. “It’s not that I’m getting less done, I’m just more efficient. Besides, there’s more to life here.” When Jesse and his wife Laura moved to Panama City they were looking for a warm climate, a lower cost of living and the adventure of a new culture.
The plans paid off and today you’ll find Colin, now 51, at the Banana Azul, his beachfront hotel on Playa Negra, just north of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. After six years, he couldn’t be happier.
For many people, the word “Burgundy” usually brings to mind either a deep purple-red color or an excellent bottle of wine. Here’s what comes to my mind… Fairy-tale woods, winding trails, velvety-brown cattle sitting heavily in the grass, nipping at clover. Springtime hills draped in lemon-yellow blossoms…
Flying in one always makes me feel a bit like Indiana Jones heading off for adventure… And Belize is definitely one of my favorite countries for adventure. Here you can climb ancient ruins, wall-dive off the end of the barrier reef, or trek in the jungle. And though you can feel like a Victorian explorer, you’re never really far from civilization…which is the way I like it.
Sunbathers stretch out on the powder-white sand, beyond the reach of the surf. Out to sea, you may spy snorkelers, divers, or the occasional parasail against the sky. With its bright sun, blue waters, and cheerful, busy marina, this place could easily be mistaken for Fort Lauderdale…except for that camel on the beach.
At 129 square feet, this apartment is what real-estate agents call “cozy.” But it’s Paris, city of love and romance. From your fifth-floor balcony you have a view of Place de la République. The square gives its name to the historic neighborhood that surrounds it, where the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements (districts) come together. Le Marais, where some of the oldest buildings in the city line winding, narrow streets, is just a five-minute walk away.
This year find the country that’s right for you…you’re invited to network with the people who can make your move overseas effortless…cut your cost of living in half…and help you avoid the common mistakes made while moving or investing overseas.
Our new friends paused over their meatloaf and mashed potatoes (an expat favorite served by one of the enterprising restaurateurs in our little Ecuadorian town). They had invited my wife, Suzan, and me out to lunch to seek some advice now that they’d been in town for a while.