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Panama
is Still Cheaper
Many news media call Panama a cheap lifestyle. However, prices are rising in Panama as in most countries. Yet, Panama is still cheaper than Canada, Europe, and the united States. Imported vs. Local Goods: As in most countries, imported goods will always be more expensive than the country of original origin. Local products like seafood, meat, agricultural, clothing, and leather goods are much cheaper here. Eating Out: Restaurants are definetly cheaper in Panama. Even 5 star, fancy restaurants boast $15 - $17 entrees which cost $25 - $30 in other countries. Typical Panama food (known as Criolla) cost as little as $1.50 for a full meal consisting of rice, beans, fried plantain (banana), small salad; and an entrée of chicken, beef, or fish. Theaters: Most newly released movies cost less than $4 in the movie theaters. Extreme Planet in Panama City even has a VIP room for only $6 where you can enjoy first class airline seats where you can lay back while waiters take your drink, candy, and popcorn order along with finger foods. Buses & Taxis: Buses cost only $.25 anywhere in the city. Taxi cabs cost a maximum $2 for anywhere in the city, with normal fares only costing $1.25 for one person and an extra $.25 per passenger. Doctors & Hospitalization: Panama City has first rate hospitals affiliated with Johns Hopkins and other well known international medical centers. Panama doctors are even educated and trained in the USA and Europe. Laborers: A full days work only earns locals from $10 to $15 a day. Maids, gardeners, chauffers, handymen, hair cuts, car mechanics are very cheap. Groceries: Modern supermarkets sell many imported items which cost more while local foods are very cheap. Housing: Prices are climbing as more foreigners move here driving the local real estate market up. However, prices are still a lot cheaper than in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. Rents in older building are very cheap, but foreigners are asking for a lot more in the newest buildings. Home Services: Cable TV, electricity, telephone, fast internet and cel. phones are more expensive due to the lack of competition. Gasoline: Prices average $.25 more per gallon than in the United States. Professional Services: Lawyers, CPA's, Medical Doctors, Dentists, and other professionals cost about half what they do in the U.S. Barbers: Only $3 for a haircut throughout the poorer parts of the city and up to $20 in the fancy hotels. Maid: You can get a live in, full time maid for around $200 a month. Gardener: Lawn care and bush trimming costs $10 a day. Car Mechanics: They can come to your home and will only charge you $10 an hour. Car Wash: A complete outside & inside cleaning only costs $4. Property Tax: $0 for the first 20 years from the time the condo or house was built. Fully transferable to the new owner. PENSION
VISA BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS 2. All Pensionado Visa holders (regardless of age) are also entitled to these benefits. To qualify for this immigration visa, you must be getting a minimum, lifetime pension payments of $500 a month (plus $100 for spouse and each dependant) from either a government pension or a recognized corporation. Here
is a Summary of the Benefits:  |
