Product Description

Panama is a desireable and affordable retirement option for the 76,000,000 people in he U.S. who will be retireing in the next five years. Choose Panama gives details on visiting Panama (transportation, lodging, places to visit, immigration, recreation, cost of living, currency, housing, etc.) - as well as details on customs, people, andaffordable housing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48609 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 172 pages

Customer Reviews

Useful Book on a Pleasant Country
First a disclaimer, I lived in Panama, went to high school and college in the old Canal Zone. I have nothing but pleasant memories. In part because I left before Noriega came to power. His dictatorship was a horrible period for both countries. This well-written, up to date book points out what so many Zonians knew for generations: Panama is a lovely place to live. It has beaches, hot steamy rain forests, cool valley's, historical sites and even very chilly coffee producing mountains. Its two large major cities at both ends of the canal are very cosmopolitan. They are modern, have good medical facilities, etc. A tourist mecca for sure.
As the book points out, what is new -- since Noriega, is that the government is trying hard to entice foreigners to live there, to work there and most assuredly to retire there. It's a smart move on their part. This book carefully points out the benefits and the pitfalls. It should help those seeking a retirement haven. Nevertheless, visit before you move.

Choose Panama, I liked it!
My wife and I are going to retire in Altos del Maria, Panama in the next few years. I bought this book to add to the library and see what the author had to say. It is a great first book or an add-on to a collection. With nearly four years of research and visits to Panama, I found few things I would disagree with and a few new items which I didn't know. The hotel and resturants section is nice although guessing prices is a moving target. At times, the author seems to become a cheerleader and promoter, but, that may be because the subject is truly exciting. I would recommend this purchase to anyone for pre-visit/dreaming of retirement fare. Pay attention to the social and cultural sections; they are right on. And, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, take his advice on getting a lawyer for any official business regarding property purchase or obtaining a Visa.

A very entertaining read and retirement planning tool
A very entertaining read. The author persuades that Panama is an inviting place to retire -- even on Social Security income alone. He describes the possible retirement addresses: an island off Panama's Caribbean or Pacific coasts, or a mountain village like Bouquete, or a city like Panama City. Homesickness not a problem, with the meetings and potlucks the American expatriate communities afford. And Miami is, after all, only a short flight away.

Recent personal interviews of Americans now living in Panama were valuable, adding authenticity. A couple can rent a small two bedroom house, furnished, with water and gardener included in the rent, for $295.00 a month. Hutchings shares the "inside skinny" on government stability (rated "safe" by Pinkerton Global Protection Agency), neighborhoods to avoid, cultural missteps to avoid, etc. The cover photos hint at Panama's many facets--its lovely shoreline, its pastoral country roads, and its exciting cityscapes. He gives straight talk on cost of living, housing, medical care, and the U.S. dollar as the currency. Panama has never had a hurricane. Panama is not a jungle filled with crocodiles. Hutchings' book reveals Panama, instead, as a very enticing retirement possibility.