Over a million Americans travel abroad every year to seek medical treatment, most for elective procedures.  Latin America offers patients affordable elective and non-elective medical and dental procedures, usually at one third to half the cost of the same procedure in the United States or Europe.  As the name implies, medical tourism allows patients to combine medical treatment with a relaxing, tropical vacation south of the border; in fact, most medical tourism packages include excursions to nearby attractions and guided sight-seeing tours.

Because plastic surgery is so prevalent in Latin America (it’s estimated that up to 70% of middle and upper class women in some Latin American cities have had at least one cosmetic procedure), Central and South American plastic surgeons provide some of the most advanced and cutting edge surgical techniques in the field, usually in first class rate hospitals with better after-care than most U.S hospitals.

Medical tourism is booming in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, perhaps with Brazil and Colombia among the world leaders in elective cosmetic procedures. In a a continent where so much importance is placed on beauty (particularly female beauty) Latin American surgeons have honed their skills and helped develop some of the most innovative surgical techniques in practice today. But plastic surgery isn’t the only thing boosting the medical tourism industry in Latin America; even those seeking non-elective procedures such as fertility treatment, joint surgery or organ transplants will likely find more affordable treatment options than at home.

Although Latin America is generally considered the third world, it boasts many excellent clinics, cosmetic centers, and hospitals.  However,  it’s important to make sure that the chosen hospital, clinic and doctor has international healthcare accreditation. The majority of doctors who participate in medical tourism packages were trained in the United States or Europe or at the top universities and clinics in their respective countries. Unless the patient is very familiar with the country of choice and the doctor who will be performing their procedure, it’s a smart idea to go through a Medical tourism company, which will arrange everything from the hospital, to lodging, meals, the operative doctor, aftercare and post-operative excursions.  Keep in mind  that although there are plenty of first rate medical facilities in Latin America, there are also an equal number of subpar facilities; going through a medical tourism company can help assure quality and satisfaction. Patients should also keep in mind that a tropical climate means that there may be infections and diseases not found in Europe and the United States and patients should obtain all required vaccinations before heading south.

One of the reasons that medical care is so much cheaper in Latin America than in the United States is because Latin American health care professionals earn about 20% of what American health care professionals earn and medical malpractice suits are rare and difficult to win. Although lower wages help keep medical costs down,  if something goes wrong during or after surgery, the chances of a patient successfully suing the hospital or doctor are slim to none, a factor individuals should keep in mind before deciding to seek medical treatment abroad.

Most importantly, it’s important to do research and contact several medical tourism companies to find one that’s right for you. Medical Nomad (www.medicalnomad.com) is a great source of information in the realm of world-wide medical tourism and allows users to find accredited providers and hospitals in Latin America. In addition, the website provides plenty links to medical tourism articles and information in various countries. Some popular agencies include: Healthbase (www.healthbase.com); Medretreat (www.medretreat.com); WorldMed Assist (www.worldmedassist.com); Planet Hospital (www.planethospital.com). Most of these agencies can help potential patients arrange cosmetic, dental, weight-loss and non-elective procedures.

For years the Darien has had a reputation as a dangerous guerilla hotspot. However, the little known and long-underrated province is actually quite safe, although heat, humidity, rigorous hikes, rustic lodgings, lack of electricity and proximity to dangerous wildlife means that pickier travelers may want to stick to cities or more developed destinations. That said, visitors should be perfectly safe as long as they don’t wander too far off the beaten path.

A bird-watchers haven, the Darien is home to the Harpy Eagle, among the world’s most elusive of large birds and prize sighting among birders in the know. Although rare, Harpy sightings have been reported and it’s not uncommon for bird-watchers to spot as many as 100 different species a day. This region of winding rivers and incredible biodiversity is home to Panama’s most pristine rainforests and dozens of small, isolated indigenous villages, hours from the nearest town — and decades removed from the modern world. Unlike the rainforests of Costa Rica that are often o

ver run by tourists and sometimes feel a bit like a theme park, Panama’s Darien Rainforest is refreshingly free of crowds, though this may change as the security situation between Panama and Colombia continues to improve.

Due to its isolation and difficult terrain, most tourists who visit the Darien do so as part of a 3-14 day-long all inclusive package. Package deals generally include air and land transportation, three meals a day, guided hikes, bird-watching excursions, wild-life spotting, rustic but clean accommodations and bilingual guides. The recent influx of tourists to this historically economically depressed region has helped native communities cling to their traditions and ways of life, and travelers will have the opportunity to interact with and learn about the various Embera communities in the area.  Visitors will generally participate in craft, dance and religious belief presentations and ceremonies, and eagle-eyed local guides take visitors on the best wildlife spotting and bird-watching trails in the area. This growing collaboration between foreign tourists, Panamanian tour companies and local Embera communities allows travelers to appreciate and experience one of the world’s most isolated rain forests and brings much needed resources to local communities.

The best time to visit the Darien is between during dry season in mid-December and mid-April. The Darien can be extremely rainy and hiking trails can be slippery and dangerous during the rest of the year.  Advantage Tours Panama and Ancon Expeditions are two of the most respected travel agencies offering Darien excursions.

Advantage Tours Panama (www.advantagepanama.com)

Ancon Expeditions of Panama (www.anconexpeditions.com)

Photo source: Flickr – Elbier Minks

Contributing writer to LatinWorld.com

Please look before you leap.

After reviewing the many articles that are available on the Internet on the subject of relocating to Panama and discussing the subject with friends and neighbors, we (a handful of full time Panama expat residents) thought we would try to present a realistic view of the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” of this major life style decision.

The Good

Depending on your choice of location in Panama, you will find the beaches and the beautiful oceans close at hand.  They are typically warm but breezy, thoroughly refreshing, and relatively clean.  Speaking of water, that which is intended for consumption, is fresh, pure, and entirely drinkable.  There are areas, however, where thoughtless use of pesticides has resulted in the need for the installation of home purification systems.

If gardening is your thing (or even if your prefer to just supervise), you will find an amazing array of tropical flowers (with orchids being particularly hardy and with many varieties available) and trees to plant throughout the year – different things during the two seasons, the rainy and dry months.  The climate consists of these two periods, both lasting approximately 6 months.  The dry season (or summer) starts in late December, early January and ends in mid May.  The rainy season (or winter) gets going around mid May and lasts until mid to late December.  Typically, a day in the rainy season begins with the sun out and clear skies. Then in the early afternoon, there is rain for an hour or so, and then the sun reappears.  Temperatures throughout the year (again depending on location) only vary 10 degrees or so (75-85 degrees during the day), the dry season being the higher.  The climate encourages a particularly lush environment which, in turn, provides the perfect habitat for a host of colorful birds, native animals, and exotic looking – some say “beautiful” – insects!

We have all found these things (the proximity to great beaches and oceans, the ability to be surrounded by a vibrant landscape while enjoying the magnificent weather) have greatly contributed to an easy adjustment to life in Panama.  Helping as well are the great roads which lead to many interesting sites and cities, the moderate cost of living, and the ability to meet and enjoy the Panamanian people.

The Bad

Favorite pastimes (reading best sellers, knitting, gourmet cooking, chatting endlessly with family members on the phone, or even receiving letters) sometimes have to be finessed or eliminated altogether.  Bring a good supply of books in the language of your choice – unless it’s Spanish, then “no problemo” – and encourage guests to bring some along with them when they come for a visit.  Ditto any special hobby needs or exotic ingredients which may be in short supply or unavailable altogether!  Better get hooked up on Skype or some other communication modality and be email literate.  Calling internationally and receiving mail is pricey!

Before you buy a piece of ground to begin to have your dream house built, please take into consideration the following:  the “ mañana” factor!  Everything goes at a slower pace here and there is no sense of urgency.  If you have left your ability to be patient wherever you have moved from, please go back and get it.  If you were never a patient person to begin with, please think long and hard about building versus buying an existing spec house or resale.   Retrofitting an existing structure is much easier than building from scratch.  Ask folks who have “been there, done that” and you will soon discover the wisdom of this advice.  By the way, those folks you asked for advice, they are your new “family” so try to listen carefully to what they are telling you and profit from their experience.  After you have listened and actually followed what they have told you and saved yourself no end of pain and expense, not to mention aggravation, have them over for dinner as a way of saying “Thanks”!   They may become your new best friends!

The Ugly

Have you have started to think Panama is synonymous with Utopia?  There are a few challenges of which you must be aware.  Traffic in Panama City can be daunting.  The lack of street signs combined with the curious driving habits of the cab drivers can often result in a hair-raising experience.  Are you used to having everything available at all times and in close proximity?  Unless you choose to live in Panama City, you will not enjoy that luxury.  Many  items (produce and paper goods to name two) have to be imported and therefore will not always be on the grocery store shelf and will be a bit more expensive due to importing costs.  We have a saying in Panama: “If you see it and want it, buy it!”  It may not be there the next time you go looking.  Also, there is a suspicion that some manufacturers send goods they would not be able to market elsewhere to Panama.  Quality can be an elusive characteristic.

Bienvenidos a Panama!

front photo provided by ethantate at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethantate/2750089356/

first photo provided by seracat at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mserarolsbcn/3370563337/

second photo provided by Alexander H.m: Cascone at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascone/1295936293/

It’s a bit strange that a country, after experiencing years of economic growth, would democratically decide to shift political directions.  However, this is exactly what has happened recently in Panama.  In the most lopsided victory in the country’s short democratic history, Democratic Change Party (DCP) candidate and businessman Ricardo Martinelli defeated opponent Balbina Herrera, ushering in a new political force at a time in which Panamà stands on the brink of becoming a economic force.  But it remains to be seen if this gamble will pay off for the economy and foreign investors.

Martinelli does not take office until July 1, 2009, but already Panamanians are ecstatic about the country’s future under the supermarket chain owner’s leadership.  Possessing great business acumen as well as an astute political mind, Martinelli appears to be the perfect remedy for these uncertain economic times.  While the incredible boom Panama experienced in the last 6 or 7 years has largely deflected a severe economic downturn similar to the ones in other Central American countries, growth has significantly slowed this year, something which has definitely not gone unnoticed.  While still healthy, economic growth has shrunk from 9.2 percent in 2008 to 3 percent in 2009.

The real estate sector is feeling the economic pinch most severly.  Whereas only a year ago it was quite easy for domestic and foreign investors to get large construction and investment loans, such ease is no longer possible.  Many of the towering condo and apartment buildings in Panama City lie dormant, half finished steel cable skeletons.

Martinelli plans to tackle the financial crisis by improving Panama’s infrastructure, in hope that a less chaotic environment will be more inviting for foreign investors.  The president-elect has laid plans for a subway in the capital to alleviate the ever growing traffic problem, as well as a host of tax breaks and incentives aimed at luring foreign dollars.  A major proponent of a flat tax for businesses, Martinelli also opposes the request of the U.S. Senate for Panamà to turn over tax documents.  While Panamà has recently come under international scrutiny for being a so-called “tax haven”, Martinelli’s stubborn approach has been welcomed by Panamanians.

No one really expects Martinelli to bring the Panamanian economy back to the golden days of  ‘06,’07, an d’08.  At least not in the immediate future.  In fact, many projections have the economy slowing even further in 2010.  But, as said before, Martinelli has proved through his success in the private sector to understand the business world and has made a modest goal of stabilizing the country.  If Panamà can come out of the current crisis relatively unscathed, the president-elect believes that the country will be poised for incredible economic prosperity as struggling countries will look to Panamà for stability and dependability in the investing and banking sectors.

photo provided by rupertomiller at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rupertomiller/3408143003/

I miss my pup.  He’s up in the states chasing squirrels like an idiot, a relentless pursuit that will probably never bear fruit.  Pets – be it dogs, cats, hamsters, ferrets, and the like – are practically members of the family in the U.S. and Canada.  Leaving one behind is a very tough thing to do; thus, when considering moving to Latin America, a major question is “Can my dog/cat/etc come too?”  The answer is yes.  And depending on the country, the process is quite easy.

Mexico: With hundreds of thousands of visitors from the U.S. and around a million expats and retirees living in the country, Mexico is pretty straightforward in allowing pets across the border.

For dogs the main concern, of course, is rabies.  PROOF OF A RECENT RABIES VACCINATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT YOU CAN BRING!  Do not even attempt to bring Sparky into Mexico without one.  Fortunately, they are easy to obtain anywhere in the U.S.  This vaccination must be done at least 30 days before entry into Mexico but cannot be older than 1 year.  For dogs under 4 months, the animal must be kept at the owner’s residence in Mexico until it is old enough to get a rabies vaccination.  Cats and other animals do not need proof of rabies vaccinations.

Also, for all dogs its necessary to get a Certificate of Good Health from your vet.  This just says that, well, your pet is healthy, free of any contagious diseases.

With cats the process is a bit easier.  All that is needed is a Certificate of Good Health, obtained at any vet’s office in the U.S.  At the border your cat will be inspected, and if it is deemed that the animal is unhealthy, you will have to pay for kitty to be treated by a vet in Mexico.  But if the cat is healthy, then there are no problems.

Birds are a bit more of a hassle.  Some species are restricted by either the Mexican government for importing or the U.S. government for exporting.  You may even have to quarantine your bird at one of the U.S. Animal and Health Inspection Service’s center before going to Mexico.  It’s best to get in touch with them before planning to take your bird southward.  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

Other animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, and other furry critters are allowed into Mexico without much fuss as long as they are in good health.  Reptiles and amphibians, however, have restrictions depending on the species; check with http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ for specific information.

Costa Rica: The regulations for bringing pets in is similar to Mexico’s, with a few differences.

Both dogs and cats need proof of a rabies vaccination performed at least 30 days prior to entering Costa Rica, but no more than 1 year old.  Failure to have this document will result in a lengthy quarantine and many headaches.  They will also need the Certificate of Good Health form saying they are carrying no communicable diseases.

Birds are now allowed into Costa Rica; however, you are not allowed to take them out if you decide to leave.  So make sure the move is what you want if you plan on bringing a bird along.

Other pets such as small mammals and reptiles also require the Certificate of Good Health.  Some species may be restricted, so it is good to check with http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ first.

Panamà: Compared to Panamà, getting an animal into Mexico or Costa Rica is a breeze.  Panamà has more paperwork, more procedures, more headache – but don’t panic, LW is here to help.

For dogs and cats the usual forms – Certificate of Good Health and rabies vaccination – are the first thing you should get done in the U.S.  They are the same as the ones in Mex and Costa Rica and have the same time restrictions.  Additionally, you need to mail a $30 money order to the Consulate General of Panamà.  And, most annoyingly, you need to send a Quarentine For Domestic Animals form to the Minister of Health in Panama.  This must be done at least 3 days before the animal’s arrival.

Now here’s the tricky part.  Your cat or dog MUST be checked by a Panamanian vet at the Tocumen airport in Panama City, and the vet must be government-authorized.  Easy, right?  Well yes, except the vets only work from 9am to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm Monday through Friday.  If your plane lands after hours or on the weekend, you either have to keep your pet at the airport until the vets go back to work or arrange for a government vet to meet your plane.  You can arrange this with the Ministry of Health, but will have to pay extra.

Birds and reptiles are a real pain to get into Panamà, but not impossible.  The first document you need is an import permit, which you get from the National Environmental Authority (ANAM).  Next, your bird needs to be vaccinated before arriving in Panamà for the following diseases: New Castle, Tuberculosis, Avian Influenza,  Chlamydia, and Salmonella.  Proof of these vaccinations must be included in the Certificate of Good Health.  Also, the Certificate of Good Health and the import permit must be certified by the Consulate in Panama before your bird arrives.

With such strict deadlines and procedures, it may not be a bad idea getting the help of an attorney in Panamà to assist you in bringing an animal in, especially if its a bird, reptile, or other kind of exotic pet.

Brazil: The land of samba welcomes pets; just make sure the paperwork is in order.

For dogs and cats the first thing you need is the rabies vaccination, which follows the same guidelines as the other countries: no less than 30 days and no more than 1 year since the vaccination.  Second is the ubiquitous Certificate of Good Health, obtained in the U.S.   However, with Brazil, this certificate needs to be authorized in the U.S. by an APHIS office.  Check their website http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ for an office near you and make an appointment (walk-ins aren’t allowed).  The APHIS signature costs $24.  After this step, take the certificate to a Brazilian Consulate in the U.S: for further authorization, which will require a money order of $20.

After all of the authorizations are complete, your pet is ready to go.  You only need two documents: the original rabies vaccination and the double-authorized Certificate of Good Health.

For all other animals an import permit is required, which must be obtained before the animal arrives in Brazil.  This form is obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento).

No quarantine facilities exist for pets at Brazilian airports.  If there are problems with the paperwork, the pet, be it a dog, cat, or iguana, will be sent back to the U.S. at the owner’s expense or destroyed!!

Do you have additional info on pet travel?  Hints or tips?  Success or horror stories?  We want to hear from you!

If you are looking to move down south, you can find Latin America real estate by clicking on the link.

photo provided by jorgenjuul at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jorgenjuul/309794248/

photo provided by cocolimemonkey at http://www.flickr.com/photos/locachica/2926141774/

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 2: Climate

Click here for Round 3: People and Culture

Round 4: Things to do

If you are going to pack up (or sell) everything and move to Central America, you might as well go somewhere where there is stuff to do; after all, you can only sit on the porch and drink so many margaritas before it becomes mundane (or does it…).  In this matchup, the cultural and outdoor activities of each country are looked at and a winner decided.  Round four, begin!

Note: While sitting on the beach all day is fun, it can be done in both countries with equal laziness. Thus, beachbumming does not count as an activity.

Costa Rica

Expats, retirees, and tourists wouldn’t have been flocking to CR for two decades if all there was to do was sit on the beach all day.  For a tiny country, Costa Rica boasts a huge array of attractions that can keep the average gringo busy for months, if not years.  Here are a few top picks, both in outdoor activities and cultural discoveries.

Into the wild:

1. Arenal volcano- Yeah, its been exploited more than Macauley Caulkin, but Arenal still is one of Costa Rica’s most impressive, and easily accessible, natural attraction.  Not only does lava commonly spurt from the top, but the surrounding area is popular for hiking, fishing, and canopy tours.

2. White water rafting- This is some intense stuff. The #1 river to raft is the Pacuare River, which not only offers a rush of adrenaline but also a chance to see virgin rainforest up close, without the mosquito bites.

3. Parque Corcovado.  It would be a sin to leave out Corcovado from any list.  This is the absolute best place in Central America to immerse oneself in the rainforest without going “Man vs Wild” Bear Grylls-style.  Far enough from the tourist trail but still within civilization, the park offers unparalleled access to plants and animals in their natural habitat.  And the hiking isn’t all that difficult.

Whats a Tico, anyway?

1. San Jose museums and opera house- not many travellers or expats spend much time in the capital, but the gold and jade museums, along with the Belgian/Italian designed opera house, are worth checking out to get some background on Costa Rica’s long history.

2. Grana de oro- Coffee is big time in CR, and even non-fans of the stuff (like me) will find the coffee regions intrguing.  The process, the climate, the scenery, plus the opportunity to taste and buy some of the “gold grain”

3. Craft shopping- Even the guys out there will enjoy this, as every manpad (or dining room…) should have at least one piece of badass foreign art that you can tell your friends about.  Despite not having a gloried pre-Colombian past, the country boasts some excellent handmade crafts, from pottery and dolls to colorful oxcarts, that are available for a fraction of what you would pay for them in North America.

While it can sometimes feel like you are being led around by the hand by tour guides and its often hard to go five minutes without seeing a fellow gringo, Costa Rica has a ton of activitis to offer, too many to list here.  The infrastructure is top notch, making even the novice traveler or expat feel comfortable.

Panama

In a country that is still being discovered by gringos, Panama has some really cool stuff for the expat, retiree, and tourist alike.

Into the wild:

1. Wildlife viewing- Rainforests and cloudforests dominate Panama, so there is no lack of opportunity to get out and see some nature.  The famed Pipeline Road is close to the capital in the Soberania Park and is great for birdwatching, and the Baru National Park in Chiriqui is well known for its Quetzal birds.

2. Tree canopy adventures- scattered in forests throughout the country, these “rides” consist of a person being harnessed and attached to a zipline, then literally flying around the forest canopy from one platform to another.  Really cool, safe, and a total adrenaline rush.

3. Diving and snokeling- Get off the beach and into the water.  Around Portobello, Isla Grande has well-established dive programs and Bocas del Toro offers some untouched diving spots.

The canal and more

1. Panama Canal- Every tourist, expat, and retiree should see the canal in action at least once.  Not only is it really a remarkable feat of engineering, but also a big part of each Panamanian; a true source of pride.  If possible, book a trip from the Pacific to the Caribbean or vice-versa.

2. Portobello- Steeped in history, this Caribbean town was once one of the most important cities in the Western hemisphere.  Some of the most famous pirates fought brutal campaigns in and around the town, and the ruins are quite amazing and the tourist infrastrure well set up.

3. Go native- Panama boasts some pretty unique and accessible indigenous tribes, each one being different in some way, beit customs or language.  The Embera people mainly inhabit the dangerous Darien forest along the border with Colombia, but a few communities have made their way to the Chagres River by the canal area and welcome visitors daily.  Along the Caribbean coast, the Kuna people make their home among the 400 islands of San Blas, so visitors are treated to an incredible setting as well as indigenous customs.

Round 4 winner: Costa Rica. This was a close one, but Costa Rica’s far superior infrasture gives it the edge.  While this might not appeal to everyone, CR is just more accessable than Panama; however, given the right oversight Panama could easily equal, or even surpass, Costa Rica in terms of cool things to do. And man, Corcovado just plain rocks. Score: Costa Rica: 2, Panama: 1, 1 tie

Voice your opinion below.  Agree, disagree, or have additional info thats been left out?  We want to hear from you…

Figueroa: First of all, the impact in Panama of the whole international crisis has not been felt as it should be compared to the neighboring countries, never mind the United States and European countries that are really feeling the stress of the economic situation.  And there are several factors for this.  First of all, Panama has a very sound and solid banking system.  None of our banks failed during this crisis.  The only bank that failed was Stanford bank, and that was because it is based in the United States.  This is important to know, because we do have a very solid market in Panama.  In addition to that, we are undertaking the expansion of the canal, a project that has and will continue on schedule.  So the demand for jobs and the demand for services with that project will maintain the economic growth at a faster pace than normally.  And that expansion project, by the way, is larger than the original canal project from 1904-1914.  So the expansion project is larger than the original canal, as far as movement of land.

LW: I remember being in Panama, and it was definitely a very exciting time.  Just how many jobs the expansion was going to create, and then once, of course, its finished the real boom to the economy the canal will bring.  It really couldn’t have come at a better time because it is a kind of safeguard in this economic crisis, with all the jobs created as a direct result of the expansion and as a byproduct.

Figueroa: In addition to that, its very important that we have the Martinelli factor in place.  Ricardo Martinelli is a businessman, he is business oriented, and he has been very successful in his career. Last year he invoiced around 450 million with the Super 99 supermarket chain.  He has a vision, a different vision than most presidents.  Normally we have had a lot of corruption, which is rampant in Latin America, but Martinelli said “No, we aren’t going to steal any money, we are going to work and make government efficient.”  Now, if Martinelli is successful, and I believe he will be, in making government efficient, then panama has an opening to be the first economy in the world.  Panama is a very small country, we came out of the ocean 3 mill years ago, united the two continents.  This made an ecological wonder.  We have more bird species than any other country in the world.  We have more bird species than North America and Europe combined.  We have 177 World records in deep sea fishing, so if yo want to go fishing, you don’t go to Miami, you don’t go to Mexico, Jamaica, or the Bahamas, you go to Panama.  This is where the big fish are.

For the 6th consecutive year Panama has won the World Coffee Championship in Charlotte, NC, which makes Panamanian coffee #1 in the world. Most people think the best coffee comes from Brazil or Costa Rica, but it comes from Panama.  One of the most important assets that Panama has, and people do not look at this as important now but they will in the future, is water.  Panama has a lot of water.

The country that controls the water of the world will be the new world leaders, and Panama is a sponge of water.  We have a very fertile jungle.

I remember a few weeks back i was walking on the causeway and there were some American tourists walking and they were holding a bottle of Evian.  I asked them why there were drinking Evian in Panama.  After all, Evian spelled backwards is naive.  They paid $6 for the bottle at the hotel.  Of course, the hotel didn’t tell them that the tap water in Panama is just as good or better than Evian.

Panama has the largest merchant fleet in the world.  More ships have Panamanians flags than any other.  Panama has the second largest free trade zone, behind Hong Kong, so we have a lot of progress going in our favor.  Martinelli intends to build more highways that will revolutionize this country, the way the U.S. changed during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s and the construction of the interstate highway system.  By construction highways in Panama, including the Caribbean coast, running from the Kuna indigenous islands of San Blas to the Costa Rican boarder, that whole area of the Caribbean, which is virgin, will be exploding with tourism and commerce.

We mention in our government plan that we are going to build 5 more international airports.  That may seem very exotic to some people, but the Dominican Republic, which is smaller and much poorer than Panama, has 7 international airports.  So building 5 additional airports in Panama is not something that is out of whack.  So by building the airports and highways, as well as developing the ports – last December Panama became the Latin American home port of the U.S. cruise industry.  So cruise ships originate and terminate in Panama.  That brings in additional tourists that were not there before.  We intend to go forth and knock on the doors of all the major cruise lines – Norwegian, Carnival – to bring this business to Panama.

Panama has only 3 million inhabitants.  So, per square mile we have a lot of land. So to grow we need to stop thinking Lilliputian.  We have to think big.  The problem with many of the Panamanian governments before is that they were thinking small.  Two lanes? No, you need to do six lanes!  This is Martinelli’s view of panama.

Now when my customers come to Panama i tell them to take a window seat on the airplane.  They have a fantastic view of the Panama canal, and then as they approach, they see the Panama City skyline, and I don’t care if you are from Manhattan, you will be awed by that.  They get off the plane and say “Wow, we did not expect this.”  And you see all the movement in Panama, you see all the cranes.  Its exploding.  Especially the people from Europe, who come from countries with few high-rises, and Panama’s skyline is very impressive.  Now we open the new coastal highway, which is very beautiful, which is due to open June 15th.

I think we will focus more on developing tourism in the interior of the country.  Right now only 2 out of every 10 tourists cross the bridge of the Americas to enter into the interior.  So we need to develop that area in an orderly fashion.

So Panama continues to grow.  We intend to knock on the doors of all of the large multinational corporations that are now have headquarters in Florida, Atlanta, and the southeast US and to bring it to Panama.  Panama is an excellent place to do business.  We have fiscal incentives, we are free of earthquakes and hurricanes, we have the dollar currency…there are a lot of pluses for doing business in Panama.  But most companies do not know that.  But now a lot more American and multinational companies will be coming to Panama to establish regional headquarters, because we also have a hub of the Americas here.  We fly to every country in Latin America and 5 cities in the US on a daily basis.

By looking at that I can forecast to you, first of all, that Martinelli will be very successful, changing the dormant way the government does business, and he will put priorities in the right place because hes a business man and surrounded by business people.  That will help us grow more aggressively than before.  Even though we may have this recession in the world, as a matter of fact this recession has been very good because people are looking at Panama as an option and were not looking at us before.  I think the market will keep on growing in that direction.  I am going on the 6th of June to Milan Italy to the largest real estate conference in Italy to make a presentation.

In Panama, we are now focusing more on the high-end market.  For example, we are building the Trump Ocean in Punta Pacifica – those units begin at over $1million, so we have to focus on high-end buyers.  We also have everything..everything on the road.  Now, we don’t want make Panama a welfare state.  We don’t want people coming in and saying “oh, i cant live on my social security in the U.S. so I am going to move to Panama.  No, that’s not the idea.  We want to concentrate on the high-level tourists and retirees to move here and enjoy the quality of life that we have here.

Photo provided by kenobando at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kobando/2683729227/

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 2: Climate

Click here for Round 4: Things To Do

Round 3: People and Culture

If you are going to relocate, either as an expat or retiree, its important to know what your neighbors will be like.  Considering that most prospective expats and retirees don’t want to live in a country full of jerks, this article takes a look at the culture and people in both countries and determines a winner.  Round 3, begin!

Note: These are generalizations and not meant to include every citizen.  Also, food will be covered in another article.
Costa Rica

The oft-repeated generalization is that Costa Rica, in fact, has no culture.  This is impossible; even a land of brain-eating zombies have a culture of, well, eating brains.  The Ticos certainly do have a culture, albeit not as impressive as the Mayan-rich countries to the north.  And if culture is defined by recent social and political instability, then I think most Costa Ricans would be more than happy to have little of it.

CR is definitely the whiter of the two countries, with 97% of the population classifying themselves as white or mestizo.  Some Ticos will claim that there isn’t racism in the country, which is easy to say when you never really see Afro-Caribbeans or pure indigenous people.  In fact, Afro-Caribbeans were not allowed to leave the Limón province until 1949 (however, the U.S. had some pretty draconian racial laws at this time as well).  But alas it is the 21st century and for the most part all is well.

Ticos are generally conservative people who for the most part shun the weird and bizarre.  Additionally, they shy away from debate in an almost offensive manner as to, ironically, not offend anyone.  Perhaps that is the Central American key to political stability: don’t talk about politics, don’t stir the pot.  They will, however, do whatever they can to impress their guests and are extremely amiable.

Religiously, Costa Rica is a dominantly Catholic country.  However, the church does not have the kind of power or influence it does with CR’s neighbors; many Ticos claim to be Catholic but practice it more as a tradition than a lifestyle.  A crucial part of the country’s culture is its strong middle class, something of an oddity in Latin America.  It acts as a sort of homogenizing ease between the poor (yes, Costa Rica has poor people despite claims to the contrary) and the rich elite, smoothing over tensions by giving the poor an feasible economic ladder to climb.  Thus, coupled by the fact that the country has no army and no military budget, is the reason why the school, medical, and road systems are developed.

Summing up, Ticos are smart, kind people who wish to leave a good impression on visitors.  While this makes for a great vacation and you know your neighbors will be peaceful folks who invite you over for sunset dinners, the general disdain for healthy debate takes some of the spark out of conversation

Panama

Panamanians must be split up into two groups: those living in the capital, and everyone else.  Just about every city-dweller in the world makes fun of, looks down on, or thinks less of the hicks, rednecks, countryfolk, farmboys, etc etc that live outside the metropolis’ limits.  But the inhabitants of Panama City seem to have an indignation, nearly reaching hatred status, of everyone else in the country.  Once, when telling a Panama City friend of mine that I was going to go to the rainforests to the west of the city, he became perplexed and responded simply with “Why would you want to go there?”.  PCity is the place to be; if you don’t live there, then you haven’t made it to the top yet.  Thus the snobbish attitude that many capital residents have and the reason why two groups must be made when looking at the people and culture of the country.

Whereas Costa Rica is very, very white, Panama is a melting pot of races and cultures.  A healthy population of Afro-Panamanians, as well as several indigenous communities, inject a good deal of diversity into the country.  Additionally, the canal project and subsequent international trade has brought sizable enclaves of Chinese, Koreans, and Indians to the capital.  The diverse crowd, along with prosperous economic times, makes racism a mute point, although it does exist.

The Panamanian attitude, especially in the capital, is a combination of New Orleans’ “let the good times roll” and Las Vegas extravagance. The new found wealth that the canal and international banking have brought has fostered a forward-thinking capitalistic society that could care less about the past; in fact, I had a Panamanian history and culture professor in Panama City tell me that history is pretty much irrelevant and can even be a hindrance.Panamanians can be a bit more closed off than their Tico counterparts, but once the initial ice is broken they are as inviting as any culture.  They love to talk about anything, which is perhaps a vestige from their Colombian roots.  However, the wealthy elite, who are growing in number, can be a bit prudish and flashy.

Round 3 Winner: TIE.  While their timidity and political disassociation can get a bit annoying at times, the Tico’s welcoming vibes are irresistible and definitely add to the charm of the country.  Also, their predominately European heritage makes them unique in Central America.  Panamanians love a good party and are cool people, but the initial closed circles and penchant for the uber-rich to flash money around is a turnoff.  But the diverse racial mix of the country, including several indigenous groups and the Afro-Panamanians on the Caribbean coast, make up for any big-spending showboaters.

4/28 Update

–Three major cruise lines – Carnival, Princess, and Holland America – have cancelled all stops in Mexico for the remainder of the week.  Ships already en route will remain at sea until further notice.

–Fred Olsen Cruises out of the UK will forego its planned Acapulco stop.

–German and French tour operators have suspended all operations to Mexico.

–Mexico City has barred restaurants from serving food unless it is carry out.

4/29 Update

–French health ministers are preparing to ask the United Nations to suspend all flights from Europe to Mexico.  Request will be made on Thursday 4/30

–Costa Rica has confirmed two cases, one in Heredia, one in San Jose.  Read our report here

–Panamanian officials today have confirmed 1 suspected case of H1N1 Swine Flu in Panama City

–The first death attributed to H1N1 outside of Mexico has occurred, a infant in Texas, USA

–Argentina has suspended all flights arriving from Mexico

–Numerous cases of swine flu have been documented in Cancun.  At least 13 cases have been confirmed, mainly by foreign officials when infected tourists returned home.

–No cases have been confirmed in Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta region

–12 cases have are suspected in Guanajato, Mexico

–43 cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in Aguascalientes, near San Miguel Allende, with 3 confirmed deaths

–25 confirmed cases along the Baja Peninsula, with 1 confirmed death

5/1

–Mexico City has ordered a virtual shutdown of all civic and public sectors over the weekend holiday period

–Mexico has reevaluated the number of deaths cause by H1N1 to 12

5/4

–The number of deaths cause by the H1N1 virus in Mexico stands at 20 confirmed with over 100 suspected.

–Mexico plans to begin opening restaurants and cafes starting Wednesday, with schools, bars, and other public sectors due to open shortly thereafter

–Costa Rica has decreased its confirmed cases from 2 to 1

–Colombia has confirmed its first case of H1N1

–El Salvador has confirmed 2 cases

Are you an expat or retiree living in Latin America?  We want to here your story.  What is your country, community, or family doing to stay healthy?  Are you worried, or is this a exaggeration of the media?  Tell us, and the world, your story below.

front photo provided by sarihuella at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarihuella/3474911510/