The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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As others have mentioned here - thank you all for chiming in - Panama runs the Panama Canal, not China.
As a non-political "autonomous" entity the Canal is not affected by changes in presidents/administrations.
Panamanian enginners, geologists and others were already working at the Canal alongside Americans long before Panama took over running the Canal.
Panama was prepared by the US to run the waterway over a 20-year transition period, as laid out in the Torrijos-Carter treaty. Panama has been running the Canal extremely successfully since Panama officially took over in 1999 (so we're talking over two decades, 25+ years)
I do understand these concerns are coming from comments the type of which are unprecedented by a US president or president-elect.
I may not be able to predict exactly what's in store but we have good reason to expect that on a macro level things won't be changing much.
Some of you may be justifiably concerned because there just isn't a lot of LatAm foreign policy info or past examples to go on. Over the past years particularly with the covid crisis as a major concern, LatAm has not received nearly as much attention from the US government and now we're seeing new focus and interest.
But I agree with the experts who say: Looks like it’s all about 1- pressuring countries like Panama to do even more to try stem the refugee tide and 2- the always popular topic of tariffs and trade. Not any real belief that any US leader could rally enough support to “invade and annex Panama” or "take back the Canal."
With Panama's stellar track record and long history of close ties with the US (and a long list of other countries) I like many others here am still feeling great about my decision to live in this incredibly peaceful country often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America.
(This moniker stems from Panama's commitment - as home of the Panama Canal - to stay neutral. Panama has no military. The country has this year once again rotated into a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2025 & 2026. Panama became a sovereign republic with major support from the US over 100 years ago, in 1903. Panama has used the US dollar for over 100 years. The long history of friendship and respect between the US and Panama cannot be overstated.)
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Ronan is very excited about Northern Portugal, expecially Caminha. Are there expats who live in the area. What is the winter weather in Northern Portugal. I am very interested in moving to Portugal. I am a 75 yr single woman. Is it practicle for me to move to Eruope? I lived in Italy when I was much yournger and loved it.
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Yes absolutely, I have several friends that go back to the US or Canada to use their Medicare. In Mexico there is excellent health care and it's very affordable. You can use the public system, have private health insurance, or just pay as you go. For health insurance, I would recommend contacting an insurance broker that specializes in living abroad like VITALSURANCE. Gabriel has a lot of information and you can find him at www.Vitalsurance.com
Bel - IL Mexico Correspondent. -
Hello,
For France, you can go on the public system, there are no age restrictions. Most everyone uses the public system, I've found not much difference from the private one. Top up / supplmental insurance starts at $80 a month and covers the 20-30% not included in your public healthcare rights.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Northern Portugal is cold and rainy during the winter. Caminha is a cute little town with bigger places nearby. I'd suggest that you reach out to Facebook groups pertaining to Portugal and especially in the north. There are many expats living there who would love to tell you more. Plan a trip and visit during the winter and see what you think. We live in the Algarve because we like it warm and drier but Portugal has something for most everyone.
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I am interested in living in Ireland or Scotland and have Irish/Scotich ancestry, but don't know how to get started with the process of becoming a resident. I am also not rich. Is there hope for someone like me, to get a second passport? PS...I am also interested in Portugal.
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Do any of you have large dogs as pets? If so, how does that work for expats?
Vets? Rentals? Customs issues traveling to and from the US?
Thank you -
Hello,
Well, I'm not an expert but I can tell you what I've observed by living here. There was definitely some "far right" traction a short time ago but, for me, it's calmed down considerably and lost a lot of steam. I think the French are quite fearful, as a whole, of any extreme right movement.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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How do Panamanians feel about Trump’s threat to reclaim the Canal? Do you think there might be a backlash against Americans?
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Hello, One main concern is health care? Second one would be Pharmacy's to get your prescriptions. Right now I am with CVS. They have them in Puerto Rico in the US Virgin Islands and that's it. So I'm wondering what the healthcare in Puerto Rico is like also?
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Hello,
Please see my reply on the first page - merci!
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hello, one concern is Healthcare and the second one is pharmacies to get your prescriptions? I'm with CVS Pharmacy right now. They have CVS and Puerto Rico and he was like Virgin Islands. So I'm kind of curious about the Healthcare and Puerto Rico also?
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Note that Panama does not have large high-end assisted living facilities as most families here (as is customary in most if not all of Latin America) choose affordable in-home care instead. There are some smaller options like Wonder Years and I do hope to see more options added but at present there isn't a huge demand... yet.
As a single woman I chose Panama because it is one of the region’s wealthiest, safest, most modern and most stable countries - which means it’s great for single independent types like me who love having the freedom to roam. Panama’s expat communities have been singled out again and again as some of the most active, welcoming communities in the world. It’s so nice living in a place where you’re truly welcome, and where locals are very accustomed to foreigners, especially from the States. Here, I have the freedom to live my life as a single woman comfortably (and with access to so many little luxuries, from nice wine to island vacations)... I live here with a constant and pervading sense of safety and freedom … of possibility…
I did comment in the Panama Canal thread so please do see that above as well, thanks
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
I've found lots of good information and help on a FB group callled "expat Women 50+ in Italy". Best wishes.
