A couple of recent moves by the Panamanian government will ensure that Panama will not only have a stable economy, but hopefully a growing one in the coming months and years. A good, stable national government will be more appealing to investors and to people relocating to the country.
Panama recently signed a free trade agreement with Canada - enabling Canadian firms to help in the 5.2 billion dollar canal expansion. Panama also recevies tons (literally) of Canadian exports so this is beneficial on both parts. Canada still get to have a steady export partner and the canal will allow container ships of at up to 12,000 containers go through the canal.
Also, the Latin Business Council stated that Panama is the best country to be doing business in and with in the region. That rank is important because some regional countries are growing, some are not.
On an economical level we support Panama working with other countries in the region and worldwide. These actions make great trade partners, allow Panama to grow, and create local jobs as well.
We also support any action taken by the government that will make the country more appealing to others. We believe this country to be paradise, why not share it with others to build a strong community and a strong country. 

In the past, we have discussed advantages of moving or visiting Panama. Please feel free to look under any categories to the left such as buying land, Azuero, Panama, investing, suggestions for moving to Panama, tips or even updates on our very own properties and you will find a wealth of information regarding Panama, our area and the paradise you could share with others here in Panama. Other people write about Panama quite often and here is a blog about business travel, that may be of interest to many people. The article discusses the regular topics for why Panama is a great place to do business - the canal, the growth opportunities, a large workforce - plus all the reasons why people would want to be here in Panama - weather, outdoor activities of adventure, outdoor activities for the relaxed, and the dramatic and beautiful landscape that Panama offers.
All of these reasons provide a gold mine of opportunities for business investors, business travelers, families and tourists alike.

Pensioners can rest assured they can live comfortably and laugh off many consumptive expenses in Panama because they are not expensive at all ($10 for a day at a spa).
 After one applies for residency (easy) and is on the pensionado plan, these are some of the perks that one can access.

• 50% off entertainment like movies, museums, concerts, and sporting events
• 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
• 25% off airline tickets
• 50% off hotel stays (30% on weekends)
• 20% off restaurant meals
• 15% off hospital bills
• 10% off prescription medicines
• 20% off doctor visits
• 15% off dental and eye exams
• 20% off professional services
• 50% closing costs for home loans
• 25% off your electricity bill

Also, here are some benefits of living in Panama.

• Close to the U.S. (just a 2 ½ hour flight from Miami )
• Political stability and very low crime rates
• Excellent weather, with a climate for everyone, from tropical beaches to temperate mountains
• Top-quality health care—the gleaming new Punta Pacifica Hospital is the only Latin American facility affiliated with Baltimore's renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital
• No income taxes on foreign-earned income

Here are some aspects of Panama that you might not know:

• You can drink the tap water
• No property taxes on homes or condos constructed in the last 20 years
• The U.S. dollar is the official currency
• A built-in community of English-speaking locals and expats
• No hurricanes...ever
• The world's best retirement incentive program, and...
• It's affordable, affordable, affordable—live well on as little as $979 a month! 

Add all this with the weather, the local hospitality and of course the adventure of living in a foreign country and Panama can be the paradise you have always been looking for in your life.

Information is from many sites - Panama gov't websites and International Living's website.

Here is a great concise article describing what the situation is like when opening a bank account in Panama.


It is quite useful, so check it out and hope you enjoy.




http://finance.businessvn.net/2010/04/opening-bank-account-in-panama-as-a-foreigner/

Numero Tres on our useful suggestions or tips list would have to deal with transportation.
If you are living in a city, please learn the public transit - there are buses, taxis, you can walk and even ride a bicycle is most cities in Panama. In some cases those may be the safest and funnest ways to travel (debatable). If you live out in the country, there are still buses that run to most cities, along with buses between cities. These are inexpensive, have storage space and will most likely run in any type of weather.
The pluses about riding public transportation, definitely in the city, is that it cuts down traffic and its inherent pollution, allows the traveler less stress, keeps cars off the road, saves the traveler money, and challenges the traveler to think (which can be a really good thing).
Yes, public transportation may have some unreliable tendencies, and it may be difficult to learn, but one can really experience the culture when utilizing the public transportation. While on public transportation, you will see and recognize more about your area, you will have the opportunity to meet more locals and you will undoubtedly put yourself in little adventures daily.
The public transportation here does not include cool subways or elevated trains, but does include several types of buses and taxis that will get you anywhere you need to go. With more expats and people visiting Panama, maybe even the signs of the times will change and trains and subways will be the next infrastructure that is built for this country....