Living in Panama offers many perks for expats, and the Jubilado discount is one of the most significant.

If you get the Pensionado visa OR you’re a resident over the age of 62 (men) or 57 (women), you qualify for these incredible savings. When used regularly, the Jubilado discount can help you save a significant amount of money on everything from entertainment to essential services! 

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this program.

What is the Jubilado Discount?

The Jubilado discount is a government-mandated program offering a range of discounts to residents who have a Pensionado visa OR based on their age. Despite common confusion, you do not have to have the Pensionado visa to get the discount if you are meet the age requirements.

Let’s clear this up:

Pensionado Visa: A residency program available to individuals of ALL ages who meet specific minimum annuity requirements.

Jubilado Discount: Available to all residents who meet the age requirements (men 60+, women 55+), regardless of visa type.

In short, the Jubilado discount is only age-based IF you do not have the Pensionado visa.

Says attorney Jose Luis Fernandez of Pacific Coast Attorneys in Coronado and Pedasí, "The Law 6 of 1987 applies to the Jubilados and Pensionados...you can get the discounts based on your age as jubilado (57 for women and 62 for men) or you can get them because of the fact you are Pensionado (have a pensionado Visa receiving a Pension from abroad or receive a Pension from the Panamanian government)."

Discounts You Can Enjoy

Here are the benefits you can access as a Pensionado visa holder or Jubilado:

• 50% off recreation and entertainment (movies, theaters, sports, etc.)
• 50% off (Monday-Thursday) or 30% off (weekends) hotels when booked directly (always compare internet rates to ensure the best deal!)
• 50% off passport fees
• 30% off public transportation (buses, trains, and boats)
• 25% off airfare
• 25% off restaurants (15% off for fast food)
• 25% off utilities (electricity, telephone, water; you must apply in person)
• 20% off doctors
• 20% off prosthetics and personal assistance devices
• 15% off hospitals and private clinics
• 15% off dental and optometry services
• 10% off medications
• Tax-free importation of household goods (up to $10,000)
• Tax-free importation of a vehicle (every 2 years)
• 15% discount on loans made in your name and 1% reduction on home mortgages for homes used for your personal residence (check with a mortgagor for details)
• 20% discount on bills for professional and technical services (attorneys, accountants, architects, plumbers, electricians, etc.)
• Special lines in banks for faster service

By taking advantage of these discounts, expats can stretch their retirement savings while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

How to Access Airline Discounts

Traveling with Jubilado discounts is straightforward, but the process differs by airline. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

United Airlines

• Register with United Airlines through WhatsApp: +507 6899-7114
• Find the flight you want (it does NOT need to depart from or arrive in Panama)
• Send your name and flight details via WhatsApp, requesting to book the flight
• Ask for seat assignments
• Pay for your flight

Copa Airlines

• Find a flight and use the 24-hour Price Lock feature (Copa will email you a reservation code)
• Visit the Senior Citizen Discount form: Copa Request Form
• Navigate via Information → Customer Service → Requests or Claims → Request Senior Citizen Discount
• Complete the form:
  • Write “Senior Citizen Discount” in the subject and comment boxes
  • Upload a photo of your cédula
• Copa will email you a case number (save this email and note the case number for future bookings)
• Call Copa Airlines (+507 217-2672 or +507 321-9631)
• Choose the option to manage an existing reservation
• Provide your reservation code and case number
• Pay for your flight

By following these steps, you’ll enjoy 25% off your airfare on both airlines.

NOTE: Panamá is famous for changing its mind. 😄 If you can offer an update to these steps, please click the GET STARTED button below to do so!

Practical Tips for Maximizing Jubilado Discounts

• Carry Your Cédula: Always have your Panamanian cédula (ID card) with you, as you’ll need it to claim discounts.
• Ask About Discounts: Not all businesses advertise Jubilado discounts, so it’s worth asking if they participate.
• Plan Ahead: For hotel stays and airfare, book early to ensure availability and proper processing of discounts.
• Track Your Savings: Keep a record of how much you save using Jubilado benefits. It’s motivating to see the impact!

The Realities of the Jubilado Discounts

Here are some of the realities you'll come across with the Jubilado discount: 

• Hotel discounts can only be realized by contacting the hotel directly. The discount is taken off of the full retail rate, so it's likely you won't get a much better deal than you'll get on the better travel booking sites. 
• Similar to hotels, the discount is taken off of the full retail price, not the prices you're quoted on discount flight booking websites. 
• At restaurants, the discount only applies to your meal, not any guests you're paying for and no alcohol.
• When it comes to restaurants, I choose not to use my jubilada discount at small "mom and pop" spots. They already have a tough enough time staying afloat. Instead, I save the 25% discount for larger, especially corporate-owned, restaurants that can better absorb the cost.
• The Professional and Technical Service discount is a more challenging one to realize as you're likely to hear the fees you're being charged are already discounted. 

Lower Your Expenses in Panamá

The Jubilado discount program is one of the many reasons Panama is such an attractive destination for those with a qualifying minimum lifetime income and retirees. By taking full advantage of these savings, many expats can enjoy a higher quality of life while keeping expenses low. Whether it’s a discounted dinner out, reduced airfare, or a tax-free vehicle, these benefits add up quickly!

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