Why Boquete Now!
I waited a long time before writing this page and it is not the usual fluff page selling Panama and Boquete. Neither Panama nor Boquete is perfect and neither is heaven; both have good points worth considering and both have negatives also. I will not dwell on the negatives they come and go and are typical of any country trying to both maintain it’s social hierarchy and develop at the same time.
The positive is more enticing and do depend upon your point of origin. Since most new English speaking immigrants come from the US, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and the UK I will focus on them.
Why Panama
Politics: Panama is a democratic elected republican form of government more stable than most in Latin America. Since 1989 there is a constitutional prohibition on having a military.
Economics: Panama and Costa Rica share the highest per capita income in Central America. Although that income is below $5000US a year it has allowed a development of a middle class. Between the huge investments in the expansion of the Panama Canal, the banking sector and the current real estate boom in the country large sums of funds are pouring into Panama. These are boom years. The currency of Panama is the Balboa which is the US dollar. If you are coming from the US that means no conversion cost and reduced inflation relative to many Latin American countries. If you are coming from Europe it means Panama is a bargain.
Taxes: Panama does not tax income earned outside of Panama. Panama provides a tax exemption on new construction the term varies from five to fifteen years. Panama does not tax land valued under $30,000. More information on real estate taxes is at this link.
Geography: Panama has the canal. The canal is there because this is the narrowest land mass between the Atlantic (Caribbean) and Pacific oceans. There are vast beaches on both coasts, many undeveloped. There are two dormant volcanoes one at El Valle and one near Boquete. These provide climates far more temperate than you would expect near the equator.
The People: Panama has been a cross roads for commerce since long before the canal. Where ever you are from, others from your country preceded you. If you are an English speaker you will find that many people speak some English. One hundred years of US presence in the canal has greatly influenced Panama and you will find the people wonderful and helpful.
Retirement: In summary Panama has a very nice incentive package to encourage you to retire in Panama and spend your retirement here. Retirement does not mean you cannot start a business, you can! There are details at this link.
Why Boquete: Boquete is NOT for everyone. Unless you have a spirit of adventure and want to try something different don’t come here, Boquete is not Kansas.
1. The land of eternal spring? For about eight months a year it rains a little each day and is then cool and partially overcast for the remainder of the day and night. One month usually October is rain followed by rain. Dry season begins with a few days of dry trade winds and then provides a few months of sunshine. I prefer the rainy season.
2. There is no need for air conditioning or heaters although a fireplace can be a nice addition for chilly nights.
3. English is the second most common language in Boquete. There are hundreds if not thousands of expats from all around the world in the hills surrounding Boquete. It is common to go to a party and meet people from the US, Canada, Panama, South Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland etc.
4. Boquete is a small town. Many things you are accustomed to finding at the local shopping center require a trip to David (30 minutes) or Panama City (60 minutes by air from David). Panama City is becoming the shopping center for Central America.
5. Boquete is very social. If you want to be isolated you can be as isolated as you wish but if you are open to meeting people from all social strata and nationalities you can be drawn into a vibrant community that is fluid and open to new people. We are all immigrants here.
6. Boquete has high Speed Internet available and that allows Skype and other communication.
7. Boquete has some of the most beautiful land and best views anyplace.
8. There are both elegant and simple homes available in Boquete and an increasing number of architects and builders who can build to your specifications.
9. The airport in David has flights to Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica. If you want to travel many international flights originate from both of those cities. Copa airlines uses Panama City as it’s hub allowing flights from there to much of North and South America.
10. Cost of living: Not everything is less expensive in Panama. However once you own a home which will cost far less than in north America you can cross these expenses off your list; heating, cooling, property taxes (within limits) and income taxes.
You can add a housekeeper $8 a day, a gardener $8 -$10 a day, a car if you need one as little as $6,000 new. Food is fresh and high quality. Most of the food you get in Panama is from with 50km of Boquete, fresh seafood, beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, fruits etc etc.
If you want to learn more email us or comment and we will provide more information.
