Traveling to Panama

Even though Costa Rica and Guatemala are the go-to destinations for Central American adventure seekers, the smaller, arguably more interesting Panama is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and wildlife attractions. With its booming economy as an international center of finance, Panama City is an urban, cosmopolitan metropolis. On the other hand, secluded Boquete, a region set atop stunning mountains, will appeal to anyone looking for a breath of fresh air. However you look at it, Panama is a fabulous destination, and it cannot be missed.

 

Here are our top picks, and a little practical information, too:

 

Parque Internacional La Amistad
For a real adventure through a tropical rainforest, you must check out this enormous park that straddles the border between Panama and Costa Rica. Arrange a tour with a local operator to see giant anteaters, jaguars, and many species of monkeys. This park is so enormous that much of it has never been explored. Be forewarned: venturing off the beaten path and without the accompaniment of a tour operator is probably a bad idea.

 

Achipelago De Bocas Del Toro
Located on the Caribbean side of the country, this cluster of islands has long been untouched by tourists. For that reason, Bocas Del Toro is perhaps the most pristine of all Panama’s beautiful areas. A true water paradise, where scuba diving, fishing, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling are moments away. Bocas Del Toro can be reached by car or by a quick 40-minute flight from Panama City.

 

Boquete
Nestled in the highlands of the Volcan Baru is one of the most charming villages you’ll ever see: Boquete. Boquete is where you’ll find Panama’s most sought-after coffee and citrus fruits, grown to perfection in the cool breezes of the mountainous areas. You’ll be blown away by how sunny it is, but also how cool it is, and the views of the countryside will take your breath away. From fabulous hikes to tours of coffee plantations, Boquete is a can’t-miss stop in Panama.

 

Peninsula De Azuero
Beach lovers will fall in love with the little coastal towns on this peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Las Tablas, Chitre, and Pedasi are the de facto destinations of choice, offering local color and unparalleled charm. Visit the Playa Venado for some of the best surfing in the world, be sure to check out the fishing scene in Las Tablas, which has become a premier destination for sport fishing.

 

Panama City
Quickly becoming one of the top places in the world for American retirees, Panama City is nevertheless an electrifying metropolis. Home to some truly remarkable historical sites, like the can’t-miss Old Town (Casco Viejo), as well as some of the hippest nightclubs and restaurants, there’s something in Panama’s capital city for everyone. Be sure to check out the Interoceanic Canal Museum and The Vaults, a promenade that juts dramatically into the ocean.

 

Panama Canal
What trip to Panama would be complete without a visit to the most important shortcut in the world? Tour operators offer full or partial transits of the canal, with the full option taking at least ten hours from start to finish. Cruises vary in their accommodations, from very bare bones to plush.

 

 

Practical Information
Panama is fun, very inexpensive, and safe. You’ll want to do a little research before heading to your destination, and you should absolutely book accommodations ahead of time. Many people in Panama City will speak English, but outside of the city, the number of English speakers dwindles quickly. A pocket phrase book will come in handy if your Spanish is rusty (or nonexistent)!

 

Panama’s official currency is both the Panamanian Balboa and the American dollar, perhaps attesting to the country’s cosmopolitanism and importance on the international finance scene. There’s absolutely no need to stop off at the currency exchange on your way in.

 

Panama hotels in the city vary from Spartan to utterly luxurious, and every budget can be accommodated. Outside the city, those with more decadent tastes may have to temper their preferences somewhat, as the hotel selection may be a bit more limited. Regardless, wherever you go, you’ll likely be greeted with the warmth and comfort that make Panama such a special, memorable destination.

Buying Property in Turkey, Buy Property in Bodrum, Villas in Bodrum

There are many reasons why people choose to buy property abroad whether for an Investment, a Holiday home, retirement or a lifestyle change.

Turkey is a growing country where house prices are still comparatively inexpensive and can only go up, combine this with the reduced cost of living, lower taxes and better weather and you end up with an attractive package.

The process of buying property in Turkey is relatively straight. However it can take a little time as a military clearance process is required that can take between 3 to 6 months. This is because foreigners are not allowed to buy property in the military, strategic and security zones of Turkey. In practice, the military sign-off is a formality – it is only undertaken to ensure that the land on which the property you’re buying stands does not fall within the restricted zone.

Once you have found your home, you must sign a reservation contract, which will hold the property for a limited period, and pay a small holding deposit (usually £2000).

It is customary for buyers to grant POA – Power Of Attorney – to their chosen law firm which gives the lawyer authority to act on your behalf in a legal or business matter. Your lawyer will check the TAPU (title deeds) to ensure the property belongs to the owner, check it complies with building standards and that there are no outstanding charges against the property. You then sign a preliminary contract of purchase, which commits you to the sale and pay a deposit of around 30%.

At the end of the process when you have fully paid for your Turkish property the title deed transfer will take place at the land registry office and you will receive a habitation certificate. This document also includes information regarding construction authorisation, completion date of the construction works, the land registry office records on the property, address and size of the property, specifications of the independent parts in the property, and the owners.

For purchase costs you should budget on six to seven per cent of the purchase price for fees as you will need to pay a deposit, legal fees, taxes and agent’s commission.

You can find detailed information for Villas in Bodrum and Apartments in Bodrum at buying Property in Turkey.

Properties in Bodrum, Buy Property in Bodrum Turkey, All about Bodrum

Turkey is friendly, beautiful and culturally rich country that offers great value for money. It’s modern enough to be comfortable yet traditional enough to be interesting. In recent years Turkey has become one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world with its immense unspoiled coastline and Mediterranean climate that offers all-year round sunshine.

Property in Turkey is seen as a good future investment considering the fact that Turkey is on the verge of becoming a member of the EU and is one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world.

Bodrum is a Turkish port town in Muğla Province, in the southwestern Aegean Region of the country. It is located on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula, at a point that checks the entry into the Gulf of Gökova, and it faces the Greek island of Kos. Today, Bodrum is an international center of tourism and yachting.

Bodrum is the jewel of the Turkish Riviera and people are drawn by the allure of is its “St Tropez of Turkey” atmosphere. From pretty fishing villages and idyllic secluded bays there is literally something for everyone which allows you to have a relaxing day followed by an exhilarating night. Unwind in the sun, take a stroll around the shops or visit some of the ancient sites and as the sun goes down entertain yourself at one of the many bars and clubs.

Elsewhere on the peninsula Gümbet and Bitez are magnets for those who enjoy windsurfing where the wind and sea are perfect, Ortakent with its sandy beaches is the best choice for walking and Akyarlar is famous for its clear blue sea. There are three other pretty villages close to Bodrum, lying on the western end of the peninsula called Gümüslük, Turgutreis and Yalıkavak all of which are worth a visit.

The holiday season is generally from mid-April to mid-October with July and August being the busiest. However, now that more people are buying property in Turkey the holiday season is all year round.

You can find detailed information at Property in Bodrum.

Property in Turkey for Sale, Buying Property in Turkey Quick FAQ

Turkey is friendly, beautiful and culturally rich country that offers great value for money. It’s modern enough to be comfortable yet traditional enough to be interesting. In recent years Turkey has become one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world with its immense unspoiled coastline and Mediterranean climate that offers all-year round sunshine.

Property in Turkey is seen as a good future investment considering the fact that Turkey is on the verge of becoming a member of the EU and is one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world. 

Am I Eligible To Purchase A Property In Turkey?
Yes, all EU citizens are able to purchase property in Turkey, subject to a military check. This check is mainly a formality to ensure that the property does not lie within a restricted zone.

Is It Easy To Buy Property In Turkey?
Yes. Property may be purchased in your own name provided that the property is situated in an area with an official municipality (council) and is Freehold.

What Does Freehold Mean?
Freehold means that when you purchase a property you hold the title deed in your name. Every property Cumberland advertises is freehold.

If I Purchase A Property, Am I Going To Have To Come Over To Turkey Lots Of Times?
If you purchase through Cumberland Properties, we manage the sale for you. You would only need to visit Turkey once. During this time, we will work with the lawyer to draw up your contract, and to arrange Power of Attorney, so that they can sign the Title Deeds on your behalf.

How Do I Buy A Property?
Sales in Turkey are cash sales, where purchasers are requested to pay cash deposit, followed by an interim cash/mortgage payment and a final amount on sales completion. This may vary, according to whether the property is off-plan, newly-built or re-sale.

Can I arrange Finance/Mortgage in Turkey?
Yes, mortgages are now available both from Turkish Banks and UK finance organisations and detailed information can be obtained from us.

Are There Any Extra Costs Or Fees That I Should Be Aware Of?
Yes, there are extra costs involved; purchase tax, passport translation, notary charges, earthquake insurance, utility connections, title deeds, property tax.

Is It Easy To Sell And Transfer The Proceeds Out Of Turkey?
Yes. A property may be resold or let and the proceeds transferred out of Turkey.

What about Capital Gains Tax?
There is nothing to pay if you sell your property after an ownership period of 5 years. If sold prior to this, there is a sliding scale rule on tax which is based on the “declared value” of the property set by the Title Deed Office.

You can find detailed information at buying Property in Turkey.

Istanbul Vacations, Turkey Best Destinations, Istanbul Guide, Istanbul Hotels, Turkish Hamams, Travel to Istanbul

Meeting in the history of Asia and in the contemporary face of European. Istanbul welcomes the visitors with its historical places, Marmara Sea, Bosporus, different lives and different cultures. It is a well known fact that Istanbul is a cosmopolite city, including people from all parts. By means of historical structure, it has a great background about it.

Istanbul is famous for its Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), displaying 30 million gold tiles and flat dome. Topkapi Sarayi, constructed in the era of the conqueror Mehmet Fatih, is among the mostly visited historical place. It reflects the culture of Ottoman Empire. Other than these, you can visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern), The Bosphorus Istanbul Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji Muzesi), Sultanahmet District, Kariye Museum (The Chora Church), Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi), has over 4000 shops, selling everything from Turkish rugs to leather goods, beautifully embroidered linens and fine jewellery.

In addition to historical places, you can get the different pleasure of Turkish Hamams. Hamams are generally designed with separate sections for men and women. In Hamam, you lie on the floor, prepared as a high and flat rock, and a woman or man soaps you up and gives you a scrubbing using an abrasive mitt (kese) aimed at removing the outer layer of dead skin and other organic detritus.

The city offers nightlife whichever side you go in the city. Mostly preferred are: Ortakoy at the Bosphorus (European side), the Istiklal Street from Taksim to Tunel (European side), Aksaray with the more Turkish style nightlife and red-light district (European side) and Kadikoy with its various choice of bars and little restaurants (Asian side). Additionally, REINA, CRYSTAL SAMDAN, SORTIE, RIDDIM, BABYLON, KEMANCI, CLUB 29, BIZ JAZZ BAR are among the best ones.

Sumahan Hotel gives the chance of Marmara Sea to its visitors. Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul, situated in the heart of the city, has gardens which belonged to Dolmabahce Sarayi. The lightening decoration of the hotel refreshes the visitors. World Park Hotel has Islamic and western influences, very comprehensive spa facilities and is located near the Bosphorus River with stunning views. Witt Istanbul Suites combining Comfort, convenience and class, offer guests a cosy accommodation with modern facilities in the heart of the action.

Istanbul, inspiring many poets to show their love for it, is the centre of different cultures. To realize the beauties of all cultures, do not waste your time and visit dream city, Istanbul…