I have heard a lot of noise recently about the use Jubilado discounts. These discounts are very liberal and some people have said they apply only to residents who have a cedula. That is not what the law says:
“Official Gazette of June 22, 1987)
By which take measures on behalf of Senior Citizens, Pensioners, Third and Fourth Age and creates and regulates the Pensioners text has been updated as amended by Act 18 of 1989, Act 15 of 1992, Act 37 of 2001, Act 14 of 2003, Act 51 of 2005, Act 30 of 2008.
Article 1.
Chapter I Discounts and Special Rates
Panamanians or foreigners residing in the country with fifty-five [55] years or more, if they are women, or sixty [60] years or more if you are male, and all retirees for any gender shall the following benefits: ”
Full Spanish text is at this ACODECO link.
The phrase “Panamanians or foreigners residing in the country” says it all. Even if your Visa is a jubilado visa that never provides a path to passport you are a resident. It does not apply to visitors without a resident visa.
The issue of when it is appropriate to use this privilege is somewhat discretionary. I use it for travel and Hotels, rarely at reasonably priced restaurants. I have seen people use it in typicos like El Sabroson, I personally find it difficult to ask for a 25% discount on a $2 lunch, I have less of a problem on a $14 meal.
Many people do not know they can ask their doctors and dentists for a discount, you can, section 8 says:
“Rates at the following medical services: a. 20% in consultation fees of general medicine and medical and surgical specialties; b. 15% on dental services, and c. 15% for optometry services. ”
Lawyers and accountants need to give a 20% discount.
Private Hospitals, 15% discount.
Acodeco Panama Boquete Panama
This is a powerful law with enforcement. The agency for enforcement is ACODECO and it you click on their name you will see their web site.
If you can read Spanish there is a lot more on the site, ACODECO does regular price surveys on the Canasta Basica in Panama City, this number effects everyone because it shows the increasing cost of living for the average person in Panama. Link
