Panama is described as one of the best kept secrets in the Americas that is becoming a top destination for business, pleasure, and living. It ranks highly for retirements and has affordable costs of living compared to North America and Europe. The document lists various reasons from A to Z for why Panama is an attractive place, such as its beaches, climate, infrastructure, and proximity to North America. Real estate is also described as a good investment opportunity with advantages like no property taxes on new construction.

1. A to Z on Investing in Panama
Panama is one of the best kept secrets of the Americas
and is quickly becoming a world class destination for
business, pleasure and living! Panama has ranked #1 in
International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index...
for five consecutive years! So if you love
uncommercialized beaches, mountains and nature there
is no place like Panama.
There are so many reasons to choose Panama. Keep
clicking to see just a short list from A to Z as to why
Panama is so incredible and why we have chosen to
make the Azuero Peninsula our home.

2. Affordable and exotic destination.
Panama is just starting to promote itself as a
tourist destination so its prices are some of
the best on the market. The cost of living -
rent, homes, utilities, transportation, food and
services are well below North American and
European prices.

3. Beaches!
Panama has a wide selection of beaches and
island venues. With two coasts, the
Caribbean and Pacific, and more than 1000
islands, Panama has so much to choose
from. The Azuero Peninsula boasts some of
the best beaches in Panama - literally
stretching for miles.

4. Climate
With temperatures ranging between 75-85 degrees
year round (25-30C) and it cooling down nicely in
the evening, you will be comfortable year round in
Panama.
The dry season runs from December thru mid-May
and the green season is the remainder of the year.
Despite more rainfall in these months the sun
usually shines every day in Panama.

5. Driving
Driving in Panama is like no other Latin American
country. With one of the best infrastructures in Latin
America, the Panamanian highway is excellent as
are the main highways to a variety of popular
destinations, including Pedasi in the Azuero
Peninsula.

6. Eco Tourism is hot!
Panama is the best place for Eco Tourism with the most
accessible pristine rainforests in the world. Panama
boasts over 10.000 plant species, 1,000 types of tress
and 1,500 butterflies. Panama's biodiversity is
outstanding. National parks cover 5,000,000 acres and
have over a 1,000 recorded bird species - more than
Canada and the U.S. combined. Panama has one of the
most wonderful ecosystems in the world with national
parks that cover of the entire country. A visit to Isla
Iguana and Isla Canas in the Azuero Peninsula is a
must!

7. Financial Sector is Strong!
ATM machines give access to US account with many
locations in Panama City and throughout the country.
Sophisticated banking sector comprised of 90 different
banks. In fact, Panama is home to the second largest
international banking centre in the world next to
Switzerland. Panama has the most modern and
successful international banking center in Latin America.
It also is the second largest home to offshore
Corporations in the world, with only Hong Kong having
more. Panama has over 400,000 corporations and
foundations registered, and offers favorable and flexible
incorporation laws.

8. Geographical position of Panama is
unique.
Panama has no hurricanes or major earthquakes and is
the only country in Central America that is hurricane
free. Your investment is safe in Panama.

9. Health
Your health is in good hands in Panama. It is one of the
best places for world class medical treatments at
affordable prices. You can get medical treatment
utilizing the same techniques, facilities and medications
as in the U.S. and many doctors and dentists speak
English. Health insurance policies are very reasonably
priced. Johns Hopkins International Medical Center only
location in Latin America is in Panama. In fact, the only
other country in the world outside the U.S. to house a
Johns Hopkins is in Singapore. You can even drink the
tap water in Panama, which is a rarity in Latin America.

10. Infrastructure of a First class nation!
Cosmopolitan capital city with high speed internet and
sophisticated banking sector. Panama has first rate
hotels and excellent restaurants offering a wide variety
of cuisines. The highways, infrastructure, medical care
and business services are all excellent. Panama has the
highest level of communications and infrastructure for
phone, fax, internet and cellular communications in all of
Central and South America and the Caribbean.

11. Jackets, Shoes, Skirts!
Panama is a Shoppers Paradise! Whether you are
looking for fashion, electronics or automobiles, panama
has it all! Not only will you find a great selection but
usually with better prices than you will often find at
home. Panama has 4 Costco's and large "El Rey"
grocery stores where you can find most everything.

12. Kids?
If you are looking for a school for your kids, Panama has
many excellent private schools to choose from. Panama
also has 3 American accredited schools; International
School, Oxford International and Balboa Academy
Language.

13. Language
Spanish is the official language however English is
widely spoken throughout the country.

14. Mountains
Mountains, exotic rainforests, beaches, Indian cultures,
historic sites, golf, rafting and more. Panama has many
attractions in close proximity.

15. Near North America
Panama is only 4-5 hours from the U.S with daily flights
from LA, NY, Newark, Miami, Houston and Orlando.
Canada has weekly flights from Toronto and Montreal
and more flights continue to be added.

16. Ownership
Ownership of a home in Panama is at unbeatable
prices! Foreigners can buy and sell Panamanian
property legally and easily and are protected by exactly
the same rights as Panamanian citizens.

17. Panamanians
Panamanians are amongst the friendliest people you will
ever meet! Peaceful and fun loving, Panama is home to
immigrants from all over the world. English is widely
spoken as a second language.

18. Quality Construction
Homes are well built and tastefully designed.
Panamanian architects attend U.S. construction and
industry conventions to keep current and up-to-date with
the latest construction styles.

19. Retiree Incentives
Panama's retiree incentives are one of the best in the
world. It includes discount air travel, eye exams, movies,
restaurants, hotels and MORE! Retirees can even bring
down all household goods to Panama tax free!

20. Safety
Panama has a very low crime rate in general and has
the highest rating for tourist safety from the prestigious
Pinkerton Intelligence Agency.

21. Taxes
There are NO property taxes on new construction in
Panama.

22. USD$
The US dollar is the national currency. This is a great
convenience as there is no need to change dollars.
Officially the currency is the Balboa however it exists
only in coinage and is identical in size to the U.S.
coinage. Panama does not print Balboa bills but instead
uses American paper currency. The currency also helps
explain why Panama has such a low inflation rate and is
the most stable economy in Latin America. Panama
experienced less than 2% inflation increase over the
past 40 years; some of the lowest known.

23. Variety
Panama City offers plenty of it! A cosmopolitan city with
a combination of historic and ultra modern it is known for
its lively nightlife with a wide variety of discos, pubs,
nightclubs and casinos.

24. World Class Sport Fishing
Pinas Bay alone holds 250 world fishing records and
there is excellent sport fishing in the Azuero Peninsula.

25. Xtreme Diving
Panama boasts excellent diving, with 7 fantastic diving
spots including Coiba National Park, Pearl Islands, Isla
Iguana, Bocas del Toro Archipelago and the Panama
Canal.

26. Yachting Destination
Panama is ideal!

27. Zone
Panama has the second largest free trade zone in the
world. The Colon Free Zone is a gigantic entity at the
Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal. It is dedicated to
re-export a huge variety of merchandise.

28. About the Author
Shelley Moore is the co-Founder of TropilandPanama,
specializing in properties in the Azuero Peninsula,
Panama. Being a real estate investor and living in
Panama she co-founded TropilandPanama to help
individuals and businesses alike find customized real
estate solutions.
To learn more visit TropilandPanama's website at
www.tropilandpanama.com .