The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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Are you comparing prices in the US with the Big Cities only? about 3/4 of America is suburban and rural / not big city life.
Where I live in a rural area it is much cheaper than any of the places you have listed. -
how bad are mosquitos in Panama City?
Hi JREEDORCHARD I never get bitten in central Panama City as it's so developed and regularly monitored and sprayed for mosquitoes. If you go to heavily forested areas like Howard/Panama Pacifico or the rainforest parks, you'll likely want to wear repellant. I always keep some Off in my car just in case (but almost never need it).
If you travel to parts of the country with abundant mangrove growth, sand fleas or small gnat-like bugs can cause similarly itchy bites so again it's nice to keep repellant in your go-bag and/or car (not an issue for me in most of the nice beaches I frequent though)
Remember that medical professionals generally recommend wearing mosquito repellent in any country where mosquitoes are prevalent, to ward against maladies like dengue.
To read up on vaccinations and health advisories, check online sources that offer recommendations specific to the different areas of Panama (or whichever country you are visiting... or even different parts of the US), including the World Health Organization (website: www.who.int), the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control, website: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/), or the Canadian Foreign Affairs Office (website: www.voyage.gc.ca).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
The more you learn, the more you'll enjoy yourself - because you will understand more and because you're even more likely to be liked and helped when you show respect for a country's language and culture. That said, most of the expat communities we write about - including beloved destinations like Coronado and Boquete, in Panama - are home to lots of English speakers and provide a comfortable soft landing for new arrivals who don't speak the language.
Not all Panamanians speak English. Many doctors and white collar types do speak English, while lower wage earners like bus drivers and store clerks generally do not... however there are so many international residents all over Panama that it's very easy to find help in English.
Panamanians are incredibly welcoming and love to tease and laugh, so trying (and making mistakes!) will generally get you lots of smiles and help. Even if you don't speak the language, learning please (por favor), thank you (gracias), and just a few other polite phrases is hugley beneficial and every expat should do this.
Have fun exploring...
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
This is very informative, thank you Are there concerns with crime in Panama City? I visited it years ago and recall that being an issue then
Hello Susan,
I lived in Panama City and still visit more than a few times a year; as a single woman I liked how many nice, walkable areas there were. Seeing people relaxed, wearing jewelry, walking along the waterfront (Cinta Costera), driving nice cars... and the scintillating nightlife and restaurant scene... put me at ease. I walked outdoors, went out till late at night, took the metro and Ubers, and had a great time.
Every city has bad areas too but in Panama City they're easily avoided and hard to stumble into. Furthermore random crime like snipers and mass shootings and serial killers are unheard of here. That means if you're not involved in organized crime and the like it's far easier to avoid being a target in Panama. I generally feel safer in Panama City than in US cities. You'll hear many expats here say the same.
If you'd like to learn more about the modern impressive Panama City of today you can read a full detailed article about Panama City in the December issue of International Living magazine here https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2024/4235809/
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
What are squatters rights in Panama? Our home would be vacant for many months at a time.
Can you name a city that is close to the rainforest area mentioned?Hi Sonya, I don't know the exact terms of squatter's rights but Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly can advise you:
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.comGenerally in apartments there are concierges/security so no one can squat. If you have a house somewhere isolated (i.e., not in a gated/developed community) you'd probably want a caretaker. Many expats and Panamanians who travel for long periods prefer apartments or homes in developed communities so they can easily "lock and leave." I have pets so I have been using TrustedHousesitters.com to get someone to care for them (and my apartment) in exchange for lodging.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
What is the best pkace for a single elderly women to live with a limited budget? Not a beach person. and no car.Where to go? This is an intensely personal decision that only you can make. International Living Publications does its best to publish the kind of ultra-specific information you will find useful in judging which destination is best for you (based on your personal needs and wants) and making your decision.
Panama, where I live, may not suit your needs, but I also love Uruguay and you'll find quite a few articles here on the International Living website and a book called Escape to Uruguay in the International Living Bookstore. We also recently ran an article about different regions of Uruguay in International Living magazine, go to the member's site or use https://members.internationalliving.com/magazine-issues/2025/ and search "Uruguay" or click on the May 2024 issue. See also Dec 2024 issue. Happy reading.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
How do Panamanians feel about Trump’s threat to reclaim the Canal? Do you think there might be a backlash against Americans?
Hi there's been a lot of joking (and sure, indignation, too) but broadly speaking Panamanians like Americans - even after the "Invasion" of 1989 we didn't see any kind of concerted backlash - so no, I don't expect any real backlash, I'd say Panamaians won't judge other Americans by one person's comments or threats.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
jramesch said:
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 RameschHi GTORMOM,
Panama has struggled with trash collection long before and regardless of the current migrant situation. It has gotten a lot better in Panama City and I am sure will continue to improve but trash collection isn't well centralized and managed so it depends on which part of the country you are in. Most of the areas we like and write about have good trash collection and environmental initiatives and are not being affected by the migrant groups as concentrations are at the borders (i.e., the Darien "jungle province" border with Colombia, and the Costa Rica border at the crossing in the Chiriquí province - these aren't areas we've ever recommended to expats). BTW Panama really does a lot to try and help refugees and the police is very effective and well staffed here.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
You mentioned assisted living communities in Panama, but what about independent living communities or CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Commuities, that have assisted, independent and nursing and rehab in one spot). I am a single woman, retired, 77 years old. I still am independent, healthy and still drive, but I am thinking ahead. I would like the feeling of security that a retirement community can give. Perhaps a gated community would do it?
It seems from the comments that you could do a webcast on living abroad for single women.Hi PATNAPVO,
CCRCs haven't caught on in Panama - probably due to low demand from the majority of the population. While there are many nice gated communities here, they're not set up as CCRCs and you or a loved one/designee would likely have to manage hiring nurses etc. on your own
Thank you for the suggestion - we try to do regular features for singles and we generally have a gathering/Q&A at IL conferences, too, I'll add the webinar suggestion - thanks again.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
i living in california would like to know where would retire to enjoy weather similar if bot better and also with cost of living being less expensive!
Hi PHIBETA52 - there are quite a few places that offer what you're looking for, I chose Panama, this article explains in greater detail, please do check it out, thanks:
https://internationalliving.com/my-2900-a-month-california-girl-lifestyle/
You may also want to read some of the recent Spain and Portugal articles here on the International Living website and in International Living magazine.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch
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My wife and I are looking to expatriate to the Antibes, France area next year and are in need of an agent to help with the location of desireable long term rental properties. Would appreciate any help in identifying a dependable, professional, cost reasonable contact.
Thanks - Bill -
Bart, are changing visa situations making it more difficult to check out and/or settle in Thailand?
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Bart, why didn't you stay in Chiang Mai?
Hello again Jill! I went to Chiang Mai to help a friend renovate an old guest house in the Old City. It is a very charming and cool place, but I'm a beach person and Chiang Mai is in the misty mountains of the north. I still go up to visit a couple of times per year.
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What is the best methid for aquiring a visa to live permanently in Thailand?
What types of visas are available? -
any chance2obtain an Trascript cCopy ,since Yesterdays Event was missed by me pls ...?
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Do you really believe Panama is a great place to retire when Trump is talking about taking the Panema Canal by force and dredging it for bigger ships ?... i would reconsider
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EPRIVEZONE said:
As a single senior, I would like to know if there are any retirement communities in Panama that offers residents the option to transition to "assisted living" facilities within the same residential complex when their health begins to decline. -
Greetings. I'm new to this community and would greatly appreciate some experience based input. I'm from Vancouver, BC, Canada and have experienced two life changing shifts since March of 2023. I've since been navigating my way through the aftermath and am now within a couple of weeks of beginning the process of creating a new life for myself and my intention is to go international. Places presently on my radar screen are Mexico, Panama, Portugal, Spain and Italy (perhaps Sicily?). A friend living in Lake Chapala Mexico is suggesting I begin by going down and checking out that area for awhile, which I intend to do. I lean more towards being by the ocean but am open to other possibilities. On my criteria list are a comfortable, reasonably temperate climate, a small to modest size town or city with opportunity to engage in community, access to good food and wine, and affordability. My interests are travel, cooking, photography, and music. My recently deceased wife and I spent 6 months in Ecuador about 10 years ago and very much enjoyed the experience, but I don't see that place as being what I'm looking for. Any suggestions or perspectives will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.