Climate:
Wouldn’t it be great to get away from those icy winters or sweltering summers to a place where the weather is perfect all year? Isn’t that way everyone’s heading to Florida? Heck! Why sweat?  With the humidity 15 % less than sea at level, the weather  is superb. Did you know that the world’s healthiest climate is in the tropics above 5000 feet?. 

This area with its moderate climate is reminiscent of our Pacific Northwest but without the long periods of rain.  What! Cool in the balmy tropics? Yes, It is very mild as Panama has some of the highest ranges in Central America. Even at sea level in the rainy season, it  is cooler than our U.S. summers. As we are above the haze and smoke level, the atmosphere is essentially pollution free. The April-December wet season mornings are generally clear with no smog or haze. It usually begins to cloud over by noon and scattered showers (perfect nap weather) in the late afternoons. The December-April dry season bring clear brisk windy days. Daytime attire is usually shorts and short sleeve shirts (70-78F) and a light sweater or jacket at night (55-65F). You can literally select your custom climate depending on the elevation. Think of all the money saved with no need for heating or air conditioning and the evenings just fresh enough to enjoy that  fireplace.

Most severe thunder and lightning storms occur at the lower levels. It is not unusual to  go through heavy rains on the way up the slopes to arrive in a dry Volcan.  Although there may be some local lightning activity, it is generally mild. We do experience a pleasant local phenomenon called the “El Norte” (The North) or “Baja Reque” This is a phenomena,  where the clouds are pushed by the northern Caribbean winds up against the continental divide causing   light misty showers  and  spectacular rainbows. 
Shelter:
The structure density in our rural area is about 1 per 2 acres. Our home is a 3 bedroom, 2-bath lodge on a 2-acre lot amongst a grove of tall Caribbean pines. The 1700 square foot fully furnished house was designed especially with comfort, entertaining and hamming (radio amateur) in mind. It is unique without being  radical  and  the  decor is an interesting  balance of wood and masonry. 

The loft  master bedroom and study (ham shack) wrap around and look over the grand room and the future fireplace. Sleeping capacity at this moment is maximum of two couples and a child.  The California style kitchen with its modern conveniences is open to the living and dinning areas.  Double French doors lead from the dinning room to the rear patio that also serves as a day room. With the patio windows latched to the ceiling, it provides an unrestricted majestic view of the coffee trees and the mountainous rain forest beyond. With the windows lowered, it  becomes a comfortable day room. This 12’ x 27” room is also used for an additional dining and entertaining  area. The use of house or individual rooms are included as part of  a complete exploratory package for  potential  residents  who want to come and see for themselves. 

Dining:
The local markets are well stocked with imported products as well local produce, ham and smoked goods. All kinds of Fresh vegetables are readily available. You can also load up on provisions in Panama City at many large modern markets including Price Costco. Although the kitchen is more than adequate with its new Magic Chef stove, two door refrigerator and microwave, some prefer not to bother cooking. Delicious meals of your choice can be ordered and served on the picturesque patio leaving you with no cooking chores. If you prefer to dine out, there are numerous good restaurants to choose from or you might want to throw some thick steaks on the barbie. 

Entertainment:
Besides relaxing by the fireplace, enjoying the stereo or working a pile up on the ham radio, there will be direct TV to keep up with the latest and Internet to keep in touch with home. A host of outdoor events  can be arranged. These include, bird watching (there are more species of birds in Panama than in all of North America), nature hikes through the national park rain forest and trips around Volcan Baru. There are scenic drives to Costa Rica or across the continental divide to the Atlantic. Tours of coffee plantations and Indian villages can be arranged. There is horseback riding, beaches, bicycling, surfing, fishing and white river rafting only to name a few. Get in step with the Latin beat and take in some of the discotheques and meet the locals and create meaningful friendships. For a nominal fee, the nearby five star hotel Bamito has both tennis and swimming clubs open to the public. If you have a special interest, let us know and we will be pleased to look into it. 

International Transportation:
Panama is the international “cross roads” of the western hemisphere.  American, foreign and national airlines ply daily between major U.S., cities, central, south America and Europe. It is a 2-3 hour flight from Miami, New Orleans or Dallas. Let Chadwick Travel (chadwick@sinfo.net) book you  flight and all you have to do is pick up you tickets at the airport upon your departure. They  can generally get tickets booked from Panama at better rates. Feel free to compare them with yours. You pay the travel agent not us. Most international flights arrive in Panama early evening and depart mid morning so it would be necessary to spend the first and last nights in Panama City. 
Local Transportation:
We are off the beaten track, but that is exactly what makes it special, unspoiled and worth that “extra effort”. Volcan is 250 miles due west and slightly south of Panama City. The best way to get there is  by car. Although this may seem a bit far, it is a very pleasant 6-7 hour drive over the modern Pan American highway and a good way to see the country. Volcan is very easy to find and there are many convenient gas stations and restaurants along the route. An hour out of Panama City you encounter the Pacific coastal beach towns of Coronado, Gorgona and Santa Clara. Then you come to Rio Hato and Anton  followed by Penonome, Nata, Divisa and the half way point, Santiago. These are agriculture and farming communities. From here, the terrain becomes mountainous almost to David. 20 minutes past David, you turn right at Concepcion. After 30 minutes up the western slope of the volcano you arrive in Volcan. 

Car rentals run around $35 a day or $168 a week. Prices vary between rental agencies and types. You can drive on any valid driver’s license for up to 30 days. A typical trip would be to meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Pick you up in the morning and tour the Panama Canal locks and leave for Volcan around 10:30.  This would put you at the house before dusk. If you prefer, we can be available to be your personal guide translator and chauffeur for the entire trip. Another alternative is to take one of the daily shuttle flights to David (45 min from Volcan) and rent a car there.  A round trip ticket Panama/David/Panama is $110. 

Cost of living. 
Local prices are right out of the fifties. At the low end, you can still get a square meal for $1.75. and they are very good. How about a half rotisserie chicken for $2.25? Top it off with a genuine cappuccino and a fresh baked pastry for 85 cents. There are also good restaurants providing delicious meals for 6-8 bucks. When was the last time you could buy an ice cream or a coke for 25 cents? But on the serious side, where could you survive in a paradise for only $450.00 a month? This includes direct TV and the finer things that make life worth living. Slightly higher if you did not own your property. Here you can live like a king on your meager Social Security and still have cash left over for travel, projects and fun. 

Since there is no need for air conditioning or heating, your electric bill runs about $25-$30 per month. In the states, it is not uncommon to have to sell your hard earned “American dream” because you simply cannot afford to pay the unjust tax nor physically take care of it. Here a retirement home tax is frozen at the your original prices. Forget that hard work keeping up your estate as housekeepers,  yard boys and caretakers  are $7-8 per day! If you want to build something, professional laymen are available from $16 to $20 a day. Even though the beef may be grass fed, it is delicious and you can buy 6 thick “T-bone” steaks for under $10. They may not have peaches and plums but there are many tropical fruits to make up for it. They import apples and grapes.  The fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and breads are half the price you pay in the states. We pay a mere $3.00 a month for an unlimited supply of spring water. Property prices depend of course on the  location, availability of utilities and access. Land is sold in meters, 1 meter = about 10 square feet. In our developing  tourist area, it runs around $4-5.00 per meter and climbing. The only draw back  is that premium gasoline runs about $1.70-1.80 a gallon. 

Retirement benefits. 
There is a strong retirement lobby here as Panama has one of the most generous retired tourist incentive  programs anywhere and it’s nice to have respect They have special “express lanes” in all public offices  for retiree’s. If you obtain a retired tourist visa, you can also bring in a new car every 2 years and your furniture.
Typical Discounts
Recreational, movies and sports events    50% 
Public buses 30%
Boat & ship         30%      Airlines (national) 25%
Hotels Monday through Thursday      50%      Hotels Fri-Sun   30%
Regular restaurants        25%      Fast food  15%
Hospitals, w/no insurance       15%      Drugs  10%
Doctor visits and surgery       20%      Dental  15%
Optometrist         15%      Property taxes  *
electricity  (if under $50 per month)      25%      Telephone/ water  25%

*You property tax remains frozen until you sell your home. This means, that unlike in the U.S., your taxes will not go up as the area develops. Also, on new homes, you can get a 20-year exoneration from taxes. 

Real Estate
You must be a legal resident to buy and own property in Panama. A Retired Tourist Visa is considered  a legal resident. Your property is  fully owned and  “titled” to you. It is yours 100% and can be left to your next of kin. Instead of an escrow service, all legal binding documents go through a government designated  notary public. The district chief notary reviews and signs off on all documents. First, the seller and buyer come to an agreement and the terms dictated to the notary. This agreement is called the “escrituras” (writings) and includes size, location, cost and description of the land. Then a visit to the tax office to pay for the sales tax. After the agreement has been reviewed for  legal  terminology by the chief notary, it is signed off and you take the papers to the national registry where they verify that the land is clear of leans and it is then registered. As part of our consulting service, we can help assist your through this process. There is no yearly property tax on land (including structures) valued under $10,000 which is generally the case in rural areas. 

Visas
Tourist Card. A tourist card can be picked up at the airport as you leave. You will need a valid passport. These cards are valid for 30 days and can be renewed for another 60 days at the immigration office. You can go to nearby Costa Rica, stay  72 hours and start the process over. 

Retirement visa
You can apply for a retirement visa by showing you have a pension  of  at least $500 per month (plus $100 for each dependent) from a  government , such as military, employee social security or from an private company. 

Interest bearing savings account visa
By depositing $100.000 in the National Bank of Panama, you can obtain a retirement visa. The interest from this account is proof to the government that you will be guaranteed a steady monthly income for subsistence. These funds will be returned if you leave country permanently. 
Investment visa By investing in a company or creating a company in Panama you can qualify for a visa. 

Marriage visa
If you marry a local, you can obtain a resident visa but you must still obtain a work permit if you plan to be employed. 

Work visa
We have been receiving  many inquiries from people wanting to come here and work or open a small “pay as you go” business. I do not want to dampen anyone’s spirit. Panama is not like the “old days”. Due to the flow of international migration, Panama has  tightened it’s regulations for those coming to seek work here. They are touchy about foreigners taking Panamanian employment. To get a work visa, you must have a letter from a local company offering you employment with justifying why your special talents are required. 

Your only hope is to search the inter-net for companies with contracts or interest  in the area. Here are a couple of known companies that are developing big business in Panama. The Kansas City railroad is going to develop the new Trans-continental (dry canal) container railway. It is rumored that the world transporting magnate Evergreen will be establishing a central American aircraft maintenance and transport facility at the old Howard air force base. 

All applications for visas accept tourist card must be made through a lawyer and total cost generally runs between $500-800. Also you must obtain a certificate of health (including HIV) a copy of your police record certified by the Panamanian consulate in the country of your residence. 

Communication
Although semi-isolated, the area is by no means at the “end of the world”. It is sufficiently private to provide the quite and tranquillity, yet not need a four-wheel vehicle to reach. There is standard and cellular telephone service to anywhere and the Internet. Beside 5 local Spanish TV stations and several FM stations, there is direct TV providing over 40 channels of TV (many in English) plus 30 music channels. If you’re into ham radio, there is an operating ham station and a host of antennas to choose from. There is mail service to the post office in Volcan and there is a “Miami post office box” service that deals with forwarding letters, catalogues and packages. 

Currency 
Don’t worry about changing your money, as the good old American buck is standard throughout the country. Around here, they call it the “Balboa” but it still has George’s face on it. They do have however, Balboa coins that are the same size, value and metal content as U.S. coins and are made by the U.S. mint. ATM machines are available throughout the country if you open a local account. The way to transfer money is to have your pension deposited in a U.S. bank and then open a local account. You then deposit a personal U.S. check into your local account. It takes about 3 weeks to clear. Of course, there are other ways of legally transferring larger sums. 

American Community
There is a relatively large American presence in Chiriqui province and growing. In Volcan and the immediate surrounding area there is about 50 families. They are mostly military, DOD and Panama Canal retiree’s. An American community club is being discussed. 
 

Medical:
Of course, one of the major concerns we all face living overseas, is receiving proper medical Attention. Excellent medical service is available both in Panama City and David. It is 45 minutes to David. There is a local clinic in Volcan with a qualified staff of doctors and nurses and if necessary  they have a  ambulance to take the patients to the hospital in David. Since Panama City is only a three hour flight to Miami, it would be easy to return to the states for major Medicare treatments. Medical cost are far less than in the states. These cost are usually under what your normal deductibles would be anyway. Besides local insurance, there is a special insurance available that will provide an aircraft that will land at the Volcan landing strip for emergency medical evacuation. I have not had the chance to check it out yet but I have been informed that there is a reasonable medical insurance program being offered by a local medical center. I have recently had the honor of visiting the Nacional Hospital in Panama City. This five star hospital is by for one of the best serving Central America and honor some types of U.S. insurance policies. I had the impression that I was walking into a Hotel Marriott. 

Dental:
Both minor dental and extensive bridgework is available at one-third the cost. There are competent dental clinics throughout the country. Panama is a good place to come and get major bridgework done because the money you save would pay for your trip. 

Construction:
Here is what real freedom is all about. As we live in a rural area, building anything you want is a “piece of cake." Although a building permit is required it is very easy to do “your thing." All you have to do is provide them with a rough drawing and pay a moderate tax. Zoning restrictions are vague. Go ahead and put up that 100’ tower or have a home business but on the other hand, your neighbor might be raising chickens. No one comes around to tell you hey! “You can’t do that”. Building inspectors are few. I have been remodeling for four years and have not seen one yet. Even though there may be a lack of inspectors, It is recommended to follow standard building practices  for your own protection.  Quality building materials are readily available including exotic woods. You can have custom “all wood” furniture, doors, windows and cabinets made at a fraction of the cost in the U.S.  Block, cement, sand, re-bar, and imported plumbing and electrical hardware are all available at very reasonable prices. Carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians generally run about $16-$20 a day. Qualified Building contractors and architects are obtainable. Although I am not a licensed professional, I have designed and built my own home. As part of our service, we can help design and oversee the construction of yours on your behalf. 

Security & Political Stability
Panama is a Democratic Republic. After the removal of Manuel Noriega in 1989, Panama’s growth has been a steady progression of investments and employment. As in Costa Rica, a national police has replaced the military. There is no political unrest accept for occasional student demonstration. There is no guerrilla nor subversive activities accept near the Colombian boarder. Since Panama is pursing international investment and eco-tourism, foreigners are readily welcome. In fact, many new laws creating attractive incentives for the foreign investor have been recently passed. Panama City and Colon suffer from many of the same criminal problems as most larger U.S. cities. Even after living in Panama 25 years, we have never personally experienced an “anti-Yankee” confrontation or mugging. We have been warmly welcomed every where we go. The crime rate drops proportionally the further you get from the big cities. We have been warmly welcomed every where we go. The stability of the country looks favorable. There have been thousands of Americans married to Panamanians. The culture is very similar to the U.S.  Many of the same stores and restaurants, such as Sears, Price Costco, Bennigans, TGIF,  and others have branches here. Many people have a big misconception about Panama in thinking it is a jungle with hammocks strung between coconut trees. Panama City is a thriving modern metropolis where you can get most anything you can in the states at a lesser price. Luxury items are readily available. There is a 5% sales tax on merchandise. 

Hobbies:
Besides the diversions listed under   “entertainment”, Chiriqui has many advantages for the serious hobbyist. A true hobbyist will always find a way to enjoy their favorite pastime no matter where they go. The serene living conditions in Volcan enhance any hobby. Example:
Astronomy: Dry season clear un polluted skies with a magnificent views of the southern hemisphere and  the “Southern Cross” adds up  to many a successful night of sky gazing 
Bird watching.  Hundreds of species including the almost extinct Quetzal. 
Naturalist:  Near the tropical rain forest with it’s mired of natural flora and fauna. 
   Also hiking on the 11,400 volcano Baru.
Amateur Radio. With that effective 20 db from being a HP , favored propagation path
   and the elevation  count for some nice DX. 
Animal lovers.  Horses and pets thrive. No restrictions on animals. Raise your own. 

Ham Radio:
A visiting amateur can operate up to 30 days using his call (but who is counting)?. One has to be a permanent resident to apply for a reciprocal HP call. Due to red tape, it usually takes several months to get a license.  Special short-term calls for DX-contesting are available but have to be assigned to an existing HP station. Feel free to use the host call HP3XBH, or your call /HP3. There is the Yeasu FT767 w/30L-1/PK232 for the  digital modes. The two  the other stations although, although working well, are considered classics. They are, a Collins KWM2A w/30L-1, Cubic Astro 150A w/30L-1 and a complete Heathkit line (under repair). 

You should have no hassle at the airport if elect to bring your rig;. We can provide a 12 volt 20 amp regulated supply if you bring the connector.  AC power is the standard 115/60Hz. You can also use two of the 30L-1 amplifiers with your rigs. The antenna system is still under construction and has been designed so you can use two different top band beams at the same time for contesting. The 20-meter log-yagi, TH-6 and an Alpha Delta are installed and ready. Near future antennas include a 40 meter 2 element KLM, a 12-17 meter 2 element beam and a 30-meter rotary dipole. Plans also call for a 6-meter beam, a 100’ vertical wire up a pine tree for 160 meters and an 80-meter wire LPA beamed NE. A Cushcraft R-7 will be used for a spotting antenna. There will be a master coaxial jumper panel to direct any antenna and rotator control cables to either operating position. Although power is usually never off for more than a few minutes, there is a 2.5 KW generator to keep at least one station on the air. There is 2 local VHF repeaters. One is located on top of the Volcano and the other in the city of David, Panama’s second largest city.

Investment:
Since the U.S. dollar is the basis of the Panama currency, it makes investing simple. Major U.S. and international banks are well represented.  Volcan is a blossoming community with tremendous untapped tourist potential. Investment in these areas can become very profitable. As the community grows, there is an increasing need for more lodging, stores  restaurants and tourist orientated services. A friend of mine opened a restaurant specializing in roasted chicken and freeze ice cream. He sold $710 worth of chicken in one day. He started the business just to have something to do when he retired.  Even though it’s just a small place, he has been offered many times over his investment. A successful Cyber cafe just opened in one of the hotels, a result from another friend who established a computer server. Unless you had your own business, it would be impractical to work because of the low salary base. However, this same low salary base is what makes investing more attractive. There is a local paved airstrip with no facilities and no golf course. Although there are McDonald’s, Burger King or KFC, franchises in Panama City, there are none in Volcan. The  tourist related investment  potential in this developing area is colossal. 

In it’s effort to offset the losses from the Panama Canal and the closure of the military bases, the 
Panamanian government has created a host of incredible incentives to attract foreign investment. 
1. Tourist related industry:To build hotels, restaurants, tourist agencies and any tourist related business. 
2  To develop hostels, motels, and restaurants within the recognized National Park tourist development zones. 
3. To crow and produce natural woods. 
4. To buy and restore national land marks. 

For those qualifying under these special laws, here is a brief on some of the incentives. The type and length of the basic incentive will vary depending on your particular endeavor.
1. 20 year tax exoneration from payment of taxes on real property. 
2. 15 year tax exoneration from the payment of taxes on the companies activities. 
3. 20 year exoneration from the local ITBM sales tax and taxes on  imported items used solely for your tourist business. This includes no taxes on vehicles, furniture and any other items not locally available in equal quantity or quality and must be business related. 

The incentives and benefits are to lengthy to detail in this writing. For those seriously interested, further information can be obtained at www.ipat.gob.pa.

Natural Disaster’s.
Why invest or build in an area fraught with floods, fire, earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes. Rest at ease at night. Volcano Baru is extinct. It’s last known activity is estimated to be about 800 years ago. Although it is being monitored, there is no sign of serious activity. There are however, frequent earthquakes (2.5-3.0 on the Richter scale). With the so much activity, there is no build up for a “Big One”. The Platonic plates are pretty well broken up as South America and North America separate. Since Volcan is on a slight slope, there is no flooding. As common sense dictates, don’t live near the river. Tornadoes can not develop due to the high surrounding mountains and hurricanes do not come this far south and even if they did, the same mountains would lessen their punch. During the dry season, there are brush fires. Keep you grass cut and it will not even burn the trees. Most homes  are made of block  masonry with metal roofs. 

Who are we? 
We are the sole owner and proprietor of this venture. We are interested in providing  consulting, lodging and guide service  for those  contemplating retirement or establishing a second home in Panama.   We propose working with you directly  to offer a complete survey package. This is not an investment scheme or land development venture.  We  will  act on your behalf (bilingual) and put you in direct contact with  land owners, contractors and any one else needed to establish your home and legal residence. All travel and Panama City hotel arrangements can be made through a well known local reputable  travel agent. We do not handle your money.  As a world traveler, (40+ countries), we have the experience and resources to make your visit an enjoyable one. You  may contacted me at the below address &/or e-mail. More information about Panama can be obtained via www.panamainfo.com or www.canal1.net 

On a Personal note.
The age is 65. I originally came here 1964 working with a company involved with off shore oil exploration in Central America and elected to stay. For the first 14 years, we worked on the electronics communication and navigation equipment on the vessels  transiting the canal.  We also  traveled extensively  though out both central and south  America maintaining communication equipment for various U.S. government and military. In 1979 we returned to California and worked as a Latin American Regional Sales manager for Cubic and then Transworld Communications. In 1988, We  returned to beautiful Panama and resumed my old job

Tel  CC 507-284-4175 day, 232-5443 eve,
e-mail, HP3XBH@hotmail.com

William Hemingway 
Box 5301 
Balboa, Ancon R. de Panama