Paradise Services

Q. Is Panama really a tropical paradise?

A. Like so many questions about Panama, the answer is, it depends. Mostly on where in Panama you are, and how much money you have. If you can afford to build a nice home and have enough money for your needs and wants, Cerro Punta will seem a paradise to you. If you have to work on the mountainside to scratch a living out of the soil, it will more likely seem like a cool place to dig yourself an early grave.

There are places in Panama of incredible beauty, and the cost of living is low. Most of the conveniences you are used to are available, and living here, for those who have resources, can be very comfortable, but be wary of those who claim 'paradise' status for all of Panama. And yes, we are aware of the seeming contradiction in calling ourselves 'Paradise Services' while pointing out that Panama isn't really a paradise, but we like the sound of it.

Q. Is it true that you can live on $1000.00 per month in Panama?

A. Of course. Many, indeed most, Panamanians live on less. You cannot live lavishly on $1000.00 per month, though. At that level, you will have to forego some of the comforts you are accustomed to, but by shopping carefully and taking advantge of special offers, you should be able to live in reasonable comfort in Panama City on $1000.00 per month. You can live very well on $2000.00 per month.

Q. Can I work in Panama as a pensionado(a)?

A. Probably not. As a foreigner, you will need a work permit to work in Panama. Work permits are neither easy to get nor inexpensive. Also, as a pensionado, you have certified to the government that you have sufficient income to live on. If you need to work to cover expenses, we don't recommend emigrating to Panama.

Q. Are snakes a problem in Panama?

A. It all depends on where you live. If you live in a high rise in the city, you will probably never see one. The closer you get to nature, the more likely you are to see a snake. Only two species, the Bushmaster and the Fer de Lance are considered dangerous to humans, although there are at least 7 venomous species in Panama. You are unlikely to see a Bushmaster unless you go into the jungle, but Fer de Lances are fairly common where people live near the bush. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I refer you to this PanamaNews article for more information.

Q. Where can I find more information about emigrating to Panama.

A. If you've read everything on this website, try the Yahoo groups. They are an excellent source of information about Panama. Two of the best are RETIREnPANAMA, and Panama Forum. Our own Forum also has some good discussions.