PANAMA REOPENING FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM ON OCTOBER 12th

Panama has officially released their reopening plan, which was approved this Tuesday by the cabinet, and has international aviation and tourism activities set to restart on October 12, 2020.

The government has suspended international commercial flights since March 22, but come October 12 after almost 6 months of lockdown, they could see a resurgence in international tourism once again.

Source: Travel Off Path

Transgender and Trapped in Sex-Based Social Distancing.

The day Yineth Layevska was finally able to change the name on her identity card, she felt reborn. When the 38-year-old indigenous transgender woman went out with her friends on the weekends in Panama City, dressed up in high heels, she looked forward to being asked by the security guard at the nightclub door to pull out her national ID card, with her new female name freshly printed on it.

But all of that changed with the pandemic. “Now,” the transgender activist said, “I’m afraid to go out.”

Source: Foreign Policy

International Cover-Up Fear As Panama Drawn Into Wakashio Oil Spill Ship Controversy In Mauritius.

The front half of the large Panama-flagged, Japanese vessel responsible for the worst oil spill in the Indian Ocean, the Wakashio, that has brought heartache to islanders on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius since its arrival 28 days ago, has gone missing in the Indian Ocean.

There has not been an official statement from the Government of Mauritius on the exact location of the vessel – which is the size of an aircraft carrier and in the largest 1% of vessels ever built – and the Governments of France, Japan who have Ministers and Advisers on the ground have remained silent on its precise location.

Source: Forbes

How to find the best healthcare coverage in Panama!

Finding good healthcare, and taking care of you and your family’s health and well-being are critical to relocating to a foreign country, and Panama’s no different. Finding the right doctor, insurance, medication, and emergency services can seem like a daunting task in a country you don’t know much about.

Luckily, Panama has some of the best quality healthcare in the Americas, and at a cost that is more often than not, reasonable and fair. For a country of its size, Panama’s high quality hospitals, doctors, and physical rehabilitation centers are well known in the region. So much so, that many people come to Panama as tourists, just for medical procedures. Here’s why:

Source: POLS Blog

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World-Class Hospitals

The best hospitals in Panama, as you may expect, are in the capital. Panama City has some great facilities, staffed by many of the world’s top doctors and medical students. The best, by far, is Hospital Punta Pacifica, which serves as a partner institution to Johns Hopkins Medical Center in the US. Because of this, most doctors have international experience and training, and the facilities are similar to those in a top private hospital in the US.

Just down the road are Centro Medico Paitilla and Hospital Nacional, which also boast an internationally experienced staff, and top of the line facilities. Both are often sought out for major surgeries and procedures by both locals and tourists alike, and are nearly unmatched elsewhere in Central America.

These hospitals are private, and because of that, are much more expensive than the publicly funded hospitals and healthcare facilities. However, when compared to similar institutions in the US, are often 5-10 times cheaper, while maintaining a similar level of service and care. Sadly, despite having dedicated staff, most public hospitals do not offer high-quality facilities. The upside is that the cost to most people is nothing, if not pennies on the dollar of what a private hospital would cost.

Healthcare Costs/Insurance

With healthcare costs rising drastically in the US, it’s not surprising that many expats are attracted to the cost of healthcare in Panama. Major operations, such as a hip replacement, can be performed at nearly a tenth of the cost, and basic procedures will cost from 3-4 less than it would in the US. And the same goes for medication. While the rules for obtaining prescription medicine are rather strict, the costs are adjusted for the local market, which makes them much more affordable, even without insurance. Even a simple routine checkup in Panama, without insurance, will not be that much more expensive than your copay would be in the States.

Health insurance in Panama is also really affordable. There are plans that range from basic coverage to full, advanced medical care, to cover a variety of needs and budgets. For basic coverage, you can get a plan as low as $30-$40 a month, and it goes up from there, depending on what procedures it covers. Many insurance companies offer 80%-100% coverage for their more advanced plans.
Unlike the US, the risk of not having health insurance is much lower, as uninsured procedural costs are very low when you compare it to a typical expat’s budget or fixed income.

Another great benefit provided by the Panamanian government is that all tourists that enter the country are automatically granted 30-days of basic coverage, in case something comes up during their stay. When you enter the country, all of this information is provided to you at customs, and is applicable throughout the country at its hospitals and medical centers.

Remember to always check with your current healthcare provider to find out if you can transfer your plan before moving, or if it even applies here in Panama. Knowing your health will be taken care will give you piece of mind, and help ease the transition of moving to a foreign country. With all that Panama has to offer, it’s just one less thing to worry about as you plan on your next life adventure.

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In true Panama style, this boom has been accompanied by an “all-or-nothing” attitude that’s pushing bigger and better hotels. Luxury and large is the trend, and there are some great new hotels/resorts that embody this to a tee. Here’s a quick review of some of Panama’s best:

1. Hard Rock Hotel Megapolis

Though it has only been around for 7-8 years, this over 60-story hotel has already become an iconic part of Panama City’s skyline, and cultural fabric. The hotel has over 500 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, bars, a popular nightclub, and a rooftop disco that overlooks the bay. Each room is decorated in true Hard Rock style, with music memorabilia adorning nearly every wall in the building. It’s also attached to a shopping mall, and casino, making it a one-stop vacation destination for tourists and music lovers alike.

2. Hilton Panama

This is one of Panama City’s newer iconic buildings, built on the famed towering skyline on Ave. Balboa. The Hilton, like many that share its namesake, is a complete luxury experience. There are around 300 guest rooms, with nearly everyone having an unobstructed ocean view. They also have one of Panama’s newest casinos right in the building, and the country’s first Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. And since they are one of Panama’s newest luxury hotels, they are offering some great rates on rooms as an introduction.

3. JW Marriott Golf and Beach Resort (Buenaventura)

The JW Marriot, formerly known as the Buenaventura, is probably Panama’s most luxurious beach resort. Set in the popular Pacific beach town of Rio Hato, the JW Marriot does not disappoint on any level. It’s set on a massive plot of land that includes a full golf course, botanical gardens, and even a man-made river that has gondola tours around the grounds. The resort itself is so luxurious and expansive; you may even forget you’re on a private white sand beach, which adorns the resort on the southern side.

4. The Waldorf Astoria

The hotel chain made famous by its flagship hotel in New York is now quickly becoming a Panama icon. From a design point, the Waldorf epitomizes sophisticated elegance. It has a stern, dark brown and gold façade, and goes for elegance over gaudiness as it weaves it’s way into the skyline in Bella Vista, near Ave. Balboa. Each room is designed as a suite of sorts, with a wide living-room area and elegant open-front bathroom, and stunning ocean and city views. They also have one of the most stunning pool areas in the city, and two 4-star restaurants within the complex.

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Chinese challenge in Panama.

The Panama Canal, built by the United States more than a century ago, has long been a linchpin of projecting influence and defending America’s interests in the Western Hemisphere. Now, the People’s Republic of China has its eyes on undermining the U.S.Panama relationship. Beijing’s chosen weapon for that assault is the “debt-trap diplomacy” of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The BRI is a top priority of Chinese Communist Party Secretary-General Xi Jinping, who designed it to extend Chinese influence around the world. The Oxford Business Group reports BRI projects are currently underway in 18 Latin American and Caribbean countries. And Panama has been a focal point of that activity.
In 2018, Panama became the first Latin American country to sign a BRI compact. Even before that, as far back as the 1990s, China had begun positioning itself at either end of the Panama Canal by winning contracts to establish container ports run by Chinese state-owned companies.

Source: The Washington Times

First 2020 pineapples from Panama arriving in China soon.

Pineapples from Panama will arrive in China in the coming days and officially start their sales in this market. Fruit is an important export product of Panama, and their pineapples, the second-largest export fruit after bananas from this country, are world-renowned.

In fact, as early as the end of 2018, China and Panama had signed the “Protocol of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture Development of the Republic of Panama on Plant Quarantine Requirements for the Export of Fresh Pineapples from Panama to China”. With this, pineapples became the first fruit to gain access after being showcased at the Expo. In the second half of 2019, the first volumes were showcased at the Shanghai International Import Expo, leaving a good impression on the general public.

Source: Fresh Plaza

Panama Resumes Reopening of Businesses and Places of Worship Amid COVID-19 Outbreak.

Panama is resuming the gradual reopening of businesses and places of worship after five months of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An elderly parishioner at the Iglesia del Carmen, in Panama City told the French News Press that she was overjoyed to have mass in person for the first time in five months.

On Monday, churches, hair salons, retail shops and car lots also reopened.

The hair salons and barbershops will operate with appointments only and at 50% of their capacity, as the country tries to reenergize the sluggish economy.

Source: VOA News

Check out these can’t-miss famous sites in Panama City!

Panama City has plenty of must-see landmarks and things to do, but getting to visit them all in one trip can be a challenge.

Whether it’s a taste of old world Panama in Casco, or a day spent at the majestic Miraflores Locks, there truly is something for every taste and every budget. So, when you plan your next trip to Panama City, it’s important to know what’s in store for you, and where you should go to get the most out of your time spent there. Here’s a quick list of five of the best must-see landmarks in and around Panama City:

Source: POLS Blog

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Why Volcan?

Volcan is appealing to expats, especially retirees, for many of the same reasons Boquete is. It’s nestled in the heart of the western sierras of Panama, about 45 minutes from David, and a 7-hour ride from Panama City (40 min flight via David). It’s called “Volcan” (Volcano in Spanish) because it’s located right at the foot of Panama’s biggest volcano, Volcan Baru. The location is remote, and that seems to be the draw for a lot of people. Volcan truly has unique scenery for Panama. It’s cool and dry (68-75 F) with lush green fields, bright colored flowers, and plants covering nearly every open space in the area. It’s visually stunning, and temperate enough not to need A/C or heat. If you’re an outdoors person this truly is your place.

Another great draw to Volcan is its peace and serenity. The town is very small, and the surrounding area very quiet with little traffic, and lots of open air space to hike, drive, or hang out in. In the center of town there is a supermarket, a few banks, and a number of restaurants that cater to both local and expat tastes. Unlike Boquete, the town is fairly spread out, so having a car is crucial. Volcan isn’t the right place if you’re looking for nightlife or big city conveniences, however they have all the basics you need to get you by, and a well maintained road to take you into the city (David) should you need anything from there.

Cost of Living

Another great draw to Volcan for expats, especially retirees, is the cost of living. In general, the cost of living in Chiriqui is very cheap, however in some of the more popular retirement towns, you’ll see small amounts of price inflation geared towards foreigners and tourists. Not in Volcan, at least not at this point. Property is very affordable and land is abundant. Food at restaurants about half of what it costs in Panama City, and basic services and utilities are low. Due to the temperate climate, A/C’s are seldom used, making electricity very cheap.

Simple Country Living at its Finest

If it’s low-cost country living you’re looking for, Volcan truly is one of Panama’s best locations. It’s safe, clean, friendly, and affordable. There’s a great small-town feel to Volcan, and although new residents do not overrun it, the expat community is big enough to give you a support base if you feel a bit homesick, or are new to Panamanian culture. Volcan is right in the middle of the coffee farm region of Panama, and there are many tours, shops, and cafes that specialize in showcasing the riches of the coffee harvest. You can even smell the local produce as you drive through the winding hills and up through the town and its surrounding area.

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1. Casco Viejo:

No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to Casco, and as far as must-see landmarks, this has to top the list. Casco is an old, Spanish Colonial-style neighborhood with some of the most antique and interesting architecture around. It’s also the city’s busiest tourist area with top boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants adorning nearly every street in this quaint, walk-able neighborhood. If you’re not staying there, it’s a quick and inexpensive ride from downtown and the financial district.

2. The Biomuseo (Bio Museum):

Panama’s Biomuseo is one of its newest landmark attractions, and already it’s a must-see. This Frank Gehry-designed museum showcases the natural biodiversity of the region through interactive exhibits and educational tours. The museum is located on the Amador Causway, which is minutes from the center of the city, and a nice area to walk around before and after your museum trip.

3. Ancon Hill:

The iconic Ancon Hill is not only a must-see landmark, but also one of Panama City’s most visible. The hill rests at the eastern edge of the Panama Canal, and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city; especially visible is it’s enormous Panamanian flag that rests at the top. Ancon is also a natural treasure, containing the world’s only rainforest land within the city limits of a national capital. It’s a fun place to hike, observe local wildlife, and get unparalleled views of Panama City’s famous skyline.

4. Miraflores Locks:

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest tourist attraction, and the Miraflores Locks are its most popular, must-see point of interest. This is where you can see the magic of Canal engineering lift megaships up through water lock gates and transport them from ocean to ocean. There is also a great museum and observation deck, which highlight the experience. It’s easy to get to by taxi, or drive if you’ve got a car. This is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a can’t miss when you’re in town.

5. Panama Viejo:

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is actually the oldest settlement in Panama City. It’s a few miles east of downtown, where you will find well-preserved colonial-era ruins, and a walk-able look into the historic site. There are guided tours available and a large area to explore on your own, including a stunning observation tower, which resides in the center of the historical landmark site.

While this list should keep you busy, there are also plenty of other great must-see landmarks in the city. To get a full list of the best tips and activities for visiting or relocating to Panama, check out our FREE downloadable guide!

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Evo Morales to open Panama Social Forum

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales speaks Friday at the opening ceremony of the Panama Social Forum, announced its organizers who assured that almost 500 participants were registered to analyze social, economic and political issues.

Morales will speak on the socio-economic crisis and hegemony: an alternative development model for Latin America and the Caribbean, and then Panamanian academics Guillermo Castro and Juan Jovane will give the keynote speeches ‘Crisis of the transit model: Where is Panama going?’ and ‘Towards an alternative development strategy,’ respectively.

Saturday’s agenda is made up of talks and exhibitions on neoliberalism and the structural crisis of the economy in Panama, employment problems due to the economic crisis and the pandemic, social security and pension regime, and the pharmaceutical business and the race for the vaccine to fight the virus causing Covid-19, among others.

Source: Prensa Latina

Desperation and violence in Panama migrant camp.

Desperation is palpable in La Penita, an indigenous community in the Panamanian jungle province of Darien where 1,500 migrants have been blocked by the coronavirus pandemic from heading towards the United States.

“I don’t want to live in Panama, I want to go to Costa Rica and continue to Mexico.”

The migrant camp is full of children, babies and pregnant women.

The lucky ones live in crowded tents, but others sleep outside in the humidity and frequent downpours.

The migrants cook and wash in the open air, and almost no one uses a mask despite the pandemic and the camp’s over-crowding.

“This is not a place for humans,” complained Haitian Thomas Saint Louis, who was visibly angry as he showed the bushes that migrants use as toilets.

“These are bad conditions. Come and look, and help us,” he added.

Source: Tico Times

Innovation ecosystem developer BaseCamp to establish tech park in Panama.

During a speech at the CybertechLive Latin America online conference, Panama’s commerce minister said the park is part of a plan to transform the country into the digital hub of the region.

The Panamanian government and Israel’s Innovation BaseCamp company announced Tuesday they will collaborate on a high-tech park project aimed at transforming Panama into one of Latin America’s leading countries in terms of innovation.
The announcement came during the CybertechLive Latin America online conference, a one-day event by Israel’s Cybertech that brought together government officials, industry experts, academics, companies and startups from around the region.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Retiring in Panama: Expectations vs. Reality

Retiring in Panama has been popular with many North Americans and Europeans for quite some time now. Over the years, the country has offered fantastic options for expats to spend their retirement in comfort, at a great price, with many amenities and activities to make it all worth while. Have you been thinking about retiring in Panama?

With so many options for retirees in Panama, it can be tough to gauge where you fit in, and how you’ll feel once you’re here. Don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for. Here are some basics that you can prepare for and expect as a new arrival, once you’ve taken the leap to make Panama your new retirement home.

Source: POLS Blog

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With so many options for retirees in Panama, it can be tough to gauge where you fit in, and how you’ll feel once you’re here. Don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for. Here are some basics that you can prepare for and expect as a new arrival, once you’ve taken the leap to make Panama your new retirement home.

Getting to know your community

As a new arrival to Panama, no matter where you choose to live, one of the most important first steps is to get to know the people and culture of your community. Many retirees choose to live in communities with large expat populations, and other retirees. Others choose to live in more local communities. There’s no wrong choice here (it’s all about preference), but no matter where you choose to live, it’s important to to immerse yourself in your community. Panama is a country that values community and culture, and the best way to smooth out your transition into a new life here is to get to know your neighbors. Go to local events, attend a town (or neighborhood) meeting, volunteer, and introduce yourself!

Adjusting to the climate

It seems like a silly warning if you love the heat, but even the most warm-blooded amongst us can get a bit overwhelmed in the tropics if we’re not careful. Panama has a year-round hot climate with about 8 months of heavy humidity and tropical rain. If you’re an outdoors person, try to do your activities in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid peak heat. Also, from May to December, bring an umbrella with you and expect rain, particularly in the early afternoons. Remember, no matter how much you love the heat, you need to make sure not to overexpose yourself to the sun, drink lots of water, and don’t overexert.

Struggling with the local language is OK!

One thing that many of the retirees face when first arriving to Panama is a bit of a culture shock with the Spanish language. This is very normal for people who are experiencing their first residency somewhere that their native language isn’t spoken. The trick to getting by is to actively try and learn Spanish, practice with locals, and don’t get too hard on yourself if your Spanish isn’t perfect. It takes years to fully master a language, but as long as you put the work in and try to improve, you’ll find your retirement is a lot more enjoyable. Better yet, you’ll also find that people are more endeared to you and respect you as an expat. Learning a new language can be fun, challenging, and a great way to keep yourself motivated during retirement. Don’t miss this opportunity!

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Retiring to Panama is growing in popularity, and many people from all over the world are making the decision to make Panama their permanent home, as they head into retirement age and pensions. One of the most important aspects of planning your retirement to Panama is setting up a budget that will meet your needs and comforts. Luckily, in Panama, there are plenty of options for retirees (whether pensioners or not) on a limited budget, and lots of great outings and activities you can do at a fraction of the cost you would at home. Here is our top five.

1. Eat local, shop local.

The best way to enjoy Panama on a limited budget is to do all your shopping, when possible, from local sources. This means that you will need to do a little footwork, and a bit of research into your local neighborhood, town, or city. At the supermarket, but brands that are made in Panama. Go clothes shopping at smaller businesses, and locally branded department stores. The same thing goes when you go out to bars and restaurants. Avoid nightlife catered to tourists, and look for where locals go to hang out, and even fellow retirees. You’ll be shocked to see how far your money can go when follow the lead of the locals.

2. Ride public transportation, when available.

Another great way to get the most out of Panama (and have fun) on a limited budget is to use public transportation to get around. A bus ride is about 30 cents, and you can get pretty much anywhere in the country for less than $15 if you’re traveling long distance. While taxis are relatively cheap, and cars may be a bigger convenience long-term, public transportation is a great option, and one that could save you thousands per year in expenses.

3. Pick your real estate wisely.

Whether you rent or buy, choosing where to live, and how you live is critical in saving money when retiring to Panama. There is a huge luxury market in Panama, which is relatively expensive for many retirees, but it isn’t the only option. For buying or renting, find a house/apt. that is away from large city centers, and look for areas with lots of local families, or local retirees. Another piece of advice is to see lots of places, in lots of areas. There is plenty of competition out there, so try to see a wide range of options before committing to a price.

4. Use your “jubilado” card.

All retirees in Panama, both foreign and local, have a wide range of benefits granted to them by their “jubilado” status. This retirement status allows for 25-50% discounts on services, flights, medicine, and a host of other valuable day-to-day items. This will drastically reduce your cost of living, and make it much easier to splurge a bit with your budget. You can apply for a retirement visa which includes “jubilado” status, and as long as you’re in the country, and don’t stay out of Panama for 2 years, it won’t require renewal. Panama is a very welcoming country when it comes to foreign retirees, and with these great ways to save money, you will be able to enjoy the city in style.

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