Once you become a resident "pensioner" of Panama under the Tourist Pensionado Visa, you are eligible for the most appealing program of benefits for retirees available anywhere in the world right now.

Now, you may be thinking: "Pensioner? Retiree? That leaves me out."

Not necessarily. The rules for becoming a "pensioner" and qualifying for this visa program in Panama are probably not what you'd expect.

In fact, anyone over the age of 18 may apply and can qualify as a pensionado in Panama. All you need is a guaranteed pension income of $500 per month ($600 for a couple). It must be a pension from a government agency (e.g. Social Security, disability, armed forces, etc.) or a defined-benefit pension from a private company. Sorry, but an immediate, fixed annuity doesn't qualify.

As a qualified pensioner in Panama, you would be entitled to:

50% off entertainment anywhere in the country
(movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events, etc.)

30% off bus, boat, and train fares

25% off airline tickets

50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday, 30% off Friday through Sunday

25% off restaurant meals

15% off at fast-food restaurants

15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)

10% off prescription medicines

20% off doctors' consultations

15% off dental and eye exams

20% off professional and technical services

50% off closing costs for home loans and more

Crossroads of the Americas

Panama is also perhaps the most accessible retirement haven for Americans.

There are frequent nonstop flights to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport. It's a 2½-hour flight from Miami on American Airlines and COPA, Panama's national airline, which also flies from Los Angeles and Orlando, Fla. Continental flies from Houston, and Delta flies from Atlanta. Aeroperlas and Mapiex Aero are two domestic carriers that offer daily flights throughout Panama.

Beware, however, that as accessible as Panama is to the U.S., it's still a foreign country. There are certain cultural differences that you can either accept and embrace . . . or try to ignore and become miserable and frustrated.

Time moves at a more leisurely pace in Panama. A one-hour wait might mean two, and a simple meal out with friends can turn into dancing "tipico" at a local disco until five in the morning. It takes a certain disposition not to lose your cool when, for example -- and this happened to a friend living in Panama City -- the computer repair man phones to say he is estoy llegando (on his way over to your house), only to arrive two days later without explanation . . . but ready to work.

If you have specific questions, send us an email at info@panama-go and we will try to answer them for you.