An unexpected destination took the crown as the world’s best place to retire.
According to a new report on retirement by International Living, a Central American country is officially the best place to spend your golden years.
The International Living Annual Global Petirement Index is looking for countries where pensioners can “live a healthier and happier life, spend much less money and get much more”.
And this year’s winner? Panama.
The Central American country is known for its beaches while the capital, Panama City, is a pivot for casinos and nightclubs.
Jess Ramesch, an American expat living in Panama, says her friends ‘Jaws drop’ when they see how the Central American country really is.
Tells his International life: ‘As we leave the airport, the incredible city horizer comes to mind, Mirage-like over the glittering waters of the warm, tropical Pacific.
‘(My friends) got on a plane to a small Central American Republic, but suddenly they wondered,’ Did we somehow end up in Manhattan? “If their jaws fall, I have to laugh. ‘
The Central American country is known for its beaches while the capital, Panama City (above), is a pivot for casinos and nightclubs
Jess Ramesch, an American expat living in Panama, says her friends ‘Jaws drop’ when they see how the Central American country really is
The Expat claims that Panama is a ‘safe, stable and wealthy country’ where a person can live a ‘comfortable lifestyle’ at $ 2400/£ 1.780 per month.
And expatriates who are willing to spend $ 2,900/£ 2,152 a month can “live a life that feels positively luxurious”.
Jess adds that Panama ‘does not charge foreign earnings revenue’ tax ‘and that property taxes are just 0.5 percent for primary residences.
Retirees can qualify for a pensioner visa in ‘as little as six months’ if they have a pension of at least $ 1,000/£ 742, Jess claims.
Pensioners can also pick up some tempting discount in Panama, including 25 percent of their power bill, 50 percent of the cinema tickets and 25 percent of the restaurant meal.
As far as the lifestyle is concerned, Jess reveals that the warm temperature of Panama means residents can play ‘golf, tennis and pickle ball’ all year.
The expat explains that she lives in Coronado, a coastal city and resort, only 54 miles/87 km southwest of Panama City.
She says: ‘I chose Coronado for the beautiful windy weather and the view of the sea. I bought my apartment (1,130 square feet) – my happy place – in 2022 for $ 155,000/£ 115.029.
As for the lifestyle, Jess reveals that Panama’s hot temperatures mean that residents can play golf, tennis and pickle ball all year round
Expats who are willing to spend $ 2,900/£ 2.152 per month can live a life that feels positively luxurious “
“My building is in a prestigious place on a golf course and beautifully maintained. We have a large social area and pool on the ground level, as well as three roof levels with more common areas, another pool, a gym, a game room and a sauna. ‘
Jess adds that Coronado is “welcoming” in expats with “overwhelmingly friendly” residents who like to help non-English speakers.
To claim his place at the top of the podium, Panama beat tough competition from other expat hotspots, including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Thailand.
Jess concludes: ‘Fitting in and staying busy is almost ridiculously easy. This is the nature of an established expat destination – where you can live an active, social, comfortable life without finding out the wheel again.
“Simply put, it’s Panama. And no other country offers so much. ‘
