POST BY OLIVER WOLFE Panama is offering up its own version of a Dutch auction for those of you interested.  I've posted the details below:   The Republic of Panama ("Panama"), in accordance with the schedule of its previously announced invitation (the "Cash Invitation") to eligible holders of its 7.250% Global Bonds due 2015 (ISIN: US698299AU88; CUSIP: 698299AU8; Common Code: 020635525) (the "2015 Bonds") to submit, in a modified Dutch auction, offers to sell the 2015 Bonds for … [Read more...]

POST BY OLIVER WOLFE Newsroom Panama keeps us updated on what could have been a disastrous traffic situation into and out of the city.  It seems like the Panamanian government has gotten its act together after a rough first going that saw traffic jams miles in each direction.  The original article from Newsroom Panama is here, and I've pasted it below: From January 16 to February 26 there will  be a partial  night time closure on the Bridge of the Americas, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 … [Read more...]

POST BY OLIVER WOLFE   International Living wrote today on the celebrity presence in Panama.  Several big-name stars of screen and radio have made their way down here at one time or another, and many continue to come back. This week, local news sources were buzzing about Michael and Catherine’s visit. The A-list couple apparently flew with their children, Dylan and Carys, for a tres chic event on a private island called Simca in the Chiriqui region. Other celebrities have … [Read more...]

 POST BY OLIVER WOLFE Panama has soared in popularity recently, what with it being picked as the top destination for travelers in 2012.  Now, International Living has shown how enticing this beautiful country can be to potential retirees as well, ranking Panama the #1 location for retirement benefits in the world. While those of us who live in Panama can easily see why this country is such a great destination, those of you who have never visited might be a bit skeptical.  Here at … [Read more...]

POST BY OLIVER WOLFE Panama City is still experiencing a number of growing pains to go along with its massive growth and recent success.  A somewhat haphazard layout and traffic plan has led to frequent gridlock in several sections of the city. Things are looking better, though, with the soon-to-start construction of a subway.  In the short term, the Panamanian government is prepping a package of new laws to help alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours.  Newsroom Panama … [Read more...]

POST BY OLIVER WOLFE Panama is just now catching onto its potential as a worldwide tourist destination, and the marketing efforts show it.   I spent American Thanksgiving back in Kentucky, and heard Panama mentioned in passing several times.  I doubt that would have been the case even a year before! Anyways, one of the better marketing efforts is a product of BBM Publicity and Voltage Productions.  Working with the ATP (Panamanian Tourism Bureau), these companies came up with the tagline, … [Read more...]

POST BY OLIVER WOLFE On January 6, the New York Times released a list of "The 45 Places to Go in 2012."  Not surprisingly for those of us who live here, Panama ranked first on that list.  Below, I've posted a portion of the article: "1. Panama Go for the canal. Stay for everything else. It’s been 12 years since Panama regained control of its canal, and the country’s economy is booming. Cranes stalk the skyline of the capital, Panama City, where high-rises sprout one … [Read more...]

While making the decision to move to or invest in Panama is a huge step in itself, many people would like to go further and build their own dream home. Building a home in Panama can be quite different from the North American process, but it can be very gratifying if you hold the virtue of patience and avoid the temptation of a short-cut.  If you follow the guidelines set out by the government and take heed of those that have come before you, building your ideal home will become a reality.  We … [Read more...]

Without a doubt, Senor Ricardo Martinelli is the man of the hour. Compared to his predecessors, Martinelli is todays biggest reason why Panama is becoming world investors’ and retirees’ destination of choice. Without going into a long article that you have already read a 100 times before as to why you should choose Panama, lets talk about why not. Why not choose Panama because of its solid banking, why not choose Panama because of its roads and transportation system as compared to the … [Read more...]

You are not getting any younger and you may not be getting any richer.   You are counting down the days until you can sit back in your hammock and watch the sun set over the deep blue sea.  The reality is that by the time that day comes your perfect piece of paradise will be gone or financially unattainable. What many baby boomers and even the younger generation don’t know is that for over 35 years, the concept of Self Directing your IRA into an Real Estate investment has been a reality. … [Read more...]