Should I move to Belize, Costa Rica, or Panama? Part 1 of 2
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- Опубликовано: 3 дек 2020
- PLEASE NOTE: As of August 7, 2021 the requirements for the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama have changed. There are a few videos about these changes on the channel- please search for Friendly Nations Visa.
Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama are all in Central America, but they have VERY different laws, features, and amenities!! 🙂 In this first video, I will explain how we came up with a list of "non negotiables"- criteria that the country we would move to MUST have in order for us to be happy there! I'll tell you our list, and discuss some other factors that might be non-negotiables for you. In the Part 2 video, I'll then go through each country and discuss how each one stood up against our list. View it at • Should I Move to Beliz...
If you're relocating to Panama, make sure you watch all of the videos in our "Moving To Panama" series! They can be found on our playlist at • Moving To Panama
Have questions? Come over to the I Go Panama facebook group at facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I'll be more than happy to help you out over there!
I know many retirees who move from Costa Rica to Panama. Panama is a more developed country, it has more infrastructure and in terms of Private Health, Panama is better than Costa Rica.
Awesome, absolutely agree with you. The most of people move here for the retirement. Only few of us move here with our own business to work. When I did my calculation about how much it cost me to live in Canada, I ended-up with 60-65% of my money given back to the government in various form of taxes and blow-up cost of living. Here in Panama in first 3 years, I saved more than double, than I had saved in 20 years working in Canada. What can beat it? We moved from Poland to Canada for better lifestyle and exactly for the same reason we left Canada moving to Panama. The second move paid-off way more than the first one...
Tak 👍👍
Bardzo dobrze, gratuluje.
I moved to Costa Rica seven years ago and have no regrets. pura vida
Now I've found your first vid - great stuff - specific analysis is what it's all about, nothing else. Cheers!
Analyis > Emotion Every. Time. :)
This is one of the best videos from an ex-pat. You just gained a new subscriber. You have given people a check reality. Thank you!
Thank you so much for that compliment!!
great concise overview...thank you so much
You just got a new subscriber. Great in depth video, thanks. And, glad you survived the great pandemic 👍
Just found your channel. Love your "real talk" format. 😃
Thanks! It's the only talk I know how to do. 😉
I like the fact that you don’t sugar coat anything in your videos!
Sugar coating is for donuts. 😜
This is a really helpful and thought provoking video...we have been in Costa Rica for four years but considering Panama, Colombia, Ecuador or Nicaragua...so thanks this helps with our research.
Do you mind sharing why you're leaving Costa Rica?
@@IGoPanama Hi, We love it, it is beautiful but the immigration is not as easy as Panama or Nicaragua, cost of living is higher, broaden our horizons....we are retired mid sixties and Panama may not be our last stop but we need to find out. Costa Rica is not it. I actually prefer Nicaragua ....not too busy or noisy ....not too many people like Panama, easy going, beautiful, easier residency but healthcare is not as good as Panama.......at this time we want to wait until the elections are over...who knows what may happen before and after that. Colombia...is just too busy for us...Ecuador we have not yet visited that may be an option but i like the warm weather and not so nice there. Also, Peru might be an option. Really enjoyed your video very helpful.
Thanks for the information !
Very good info and quite clear. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Very wise choice. I have lived in both Costa Rica and Panama. Panama is hands down the best choice.
Good to have more "boots on the ground" backup! Do you mind me asking what caused you to leave Costa Rica?
@@IGoPanama Under Arias I could see where the country was headed economically and politically. I grew up in Venezuela so knew full well where his socialist policy was headed. At the time Panama was however still under the fading shadow of Noriega. With the return of the Panama Canal by Jimmy Carter, I knew Panama had nowhere to go but up economically. Eventually, I made the decision to move.
we have been four years in Costa Rica and considering a move...either to Panama, Colombia, Ecuador or Nicaragua
Great video, so glad to find your channel! :-)
Just wanted to add one thing to the list that I investigate about a potential location: climate. As I am from north of Europe with bad climate, I check temperatures, precipitation, humidity, sunshine, altitude and even soils.
I was lucky to visit Panama in March 2020 and had to leave earlier than planned with one of the last outbound intercont flights before everything was shut down. Will be back soon!
Yes, for many people climate is a major factor- and that's the great thing about Panama...there are several different climates here to choose from! I'm a hot and humid kind of gal, so Caribbean coast works well for me. :) I know a lot of people like to be higher up in the inland mountains though for the cooler weather.
Someone on another Panama Channel mentioned "microclimates" and said there are about 20 different ones just in Boquete!
Can't wait to figure out which one is mine.
Because you’re coming from California that makes your content credible.
Keep uploading to your experiences.
I will be retiring looking to relocate in about 7 years.
Amazing video, well done.
Great point about residency. I was housesitting in Bocas when covid hit and I had to get back to Canada ASAP, but the people house and dogs i was watching for did not have residency in Panama and got stuck in Florida from March to October. Fortunately we found another person to take over house and dog sitting, but it was a lesson and as soon as they got back to Bocas, they got residency
Yep! Exactly! The days of "perpetual tourist doing border runs" are over. Time to get residency if you've made a life here!
awesome Motto: "I am not willing to put more money into setting ourselves up here than I am willing to completely walk away from."
Great information. Thank you
Such a great video and I totally agree. Vacationing somewhere is totally different than living somewhere else.
U r 100%correct
10:05 This part is the best advice I've heard regarding moving to Central or South America!
It's sooooooooo important not to overextend yourself down here!!
A minute and 52 seconds into this video and I’m like I love her. Your sarcasm is hilarious.
And here I was toning down my sarcastic nature to be more palatable to the masses!! I'll display full on sarcasm from here on out!! LOL Happy New Year!
I feel for you; I am in LA and my taxes are putting the homeless in 4-star hotels for free...and the illegal immigrants get free health thanks to my taxes as well...I feel you, I don't get anything back; moving out soon
Very well considered. Seems like you've made a good choice.
We got stuck in Nicaragua during the pandemic and we love it here. Not being a permanent resident definitely is a big area of concern during a pandemic though, so I think you're wise to ensure you have permanent residency.
Keep in mind that for some countries even citizens weren't allowed home due to the pandemic for some countries.
All the best in this new chapter of your life 😀
Nicaragua is on my "to visit" list! What part have you been staying in? The political situation there makes me nervous, so it never made it to the list of possible places to move. So heartbreaking that the Caribbean coast was hit twice by massive hurricanes last month....
@@IGoPanama we're living in Granada. It's a beautiful city surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and lakes. We've really enjoyed our time here and we're going to be really sad when we have to move on. We've got a few videos on living and travelling over here if you want to know more about the country. I'd highly recommend visiting once the it's safer to do so.
Yes that was so horrible having those two hurricanes hit the same spot in such quick succession. It seems like it will be a long road to recovery for the affected areas.
I love your motto: "I am not willing to put more money into setting ourselves up here, than I am willing to completely walk away from."
Some of the best advice I've come across in my research! Myself, I intend to build a small "vacation house" in the U.S. before I start our adventure. Our situation allows it, it provides a good fall back if the country we choose to move to collapses, and it will give us a place to stay when we come back to visit family.
That is a smart plan! You HAVE to prepare for the worst and hope for the best (if the last 18 months has taught us anything, it's that!)
Wow, you are 100% right. Bullseye!
Thanks! A lot of thought, time, and research went into this!
With what horrid things that are now going on in Canada, I am looking to retire in Panama. These videos are so informative. Thanks so very much!
Kari
Make sure you join the facebook group, too! TONS of information! facebook.com/groups/igopanama
Very informative. I've also been researching for about 5 years and will be moving to Boquete March. I'm REALLY looking forward to your video on how you set up you US based online business. I am in the same situation and I've found that this is by far the most difficult topic to find clear answers on. Questions like, how and where to register the business, how to process US credit card payments, how to keep a US commercial bank account and finally, how to transfer the funds. THANK YOU!
I swear, when I was trying to figure all of that stuff out, you would have thought I was asking some sacred question that only a guru on top of a mountain in Tibet knew the answer to!! I finally paid not one, but TWO expat tax experts to help me so I could compare their answers. Both told me the same thing. I'll do a vid on it soon!
@@IGoPanama wawawawawawa......????
interesting
i live in montreal and i hope to moove soon
my question is about va xx inal policie....???
Here's a weird thought I've seen someone I know use to take payments....
Zelle. Its a service most major banks are able to provide to transfer money from one person to another no matter what bank you bank with. Zelle is pretty quick (minutes) and does not have charge back capability.
The guy I know who uses it teaches people all over the United States from his office somewhere in California. (It COULD even be his home office.)
For people selling services Zelle is ideal on the seller side because I've been told they don't place any kind of holds on the money sent. But be aware; that makes it a BAD idea for people who are buying something from somebody or doing business with somebody they don't know.
In any case I thought I would put that out there because it seems far better than Paypal or any of the other standard payment services for those doing business with people they already know in the States.
@@samjordan8800 I'm pretty sure Zelle only works with US to US bank cash-transfers though. No Canadian banks & no credit/debit cards.
You obviously did your homework and your video shows. ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING STUFF. I'm now based in Panama. It is very comfortable living here. The new president and his cronies are destroying everything, but this seems to be the grand plan everywhere else, except maybe North Korea. How's that for irony?
Yup its a political tool
I agree with you 100% - we pay very high taxes in Canada and get nothing in return.
Right at 13% Taxes in Costa Rica for Food too. And a 6 Pack of Beer is $10.00
thank you for your video. I am trying for dream with my wife and my little girl in Panama. A beautiful country which I believe to be "center" of America
I am a retired military guy looking for peace and tranquility. Some of my friends have already moved to Panama and I'm hoping to make that move in the next couple of years.
Do your research, and I'm sure you'll find the perfect place to settle! Good luck!
Hey! US Military veteran here....
Somebody told me there's a medical facility just for military veterans in Panama. They said if you have any kind of disability rating (even zero!) then you're in and can use that facility.
I haven't been yet but anticipate being there by year's end if everything goes right. Hopefully it will be even sooner.
I’m going through the same dilemma. My fiancé lives in the U.S and has all of his family in Belize. He wants to move there. I’m in Canada and am willing to move anywhere. I’m just looking forward to living in beautiful South America and being with my soon to be husband!
Thank you for such an in depth video. Fabulous! I’m also in LA right now. Absolutely HORRIBLE now. Homelessness is out of control and Gruesome Newsom is supporting the decline of this state. Cannot wait to get out.
Do you have a video in the pros and cons of Belize.
Belize is discussed in this video and in part 2 of the video series.
Anyone here in Costa Rica? How bad are the restrictions and especially the way people are responding to them? compliance, super cautious? Fearful? Or relaxed attitude? Generally speaking of course. Just wondering. to make a sound decision. will help to know. Thank you!
Fantistico advice!
I remember someone who moved across country to a place she fell in love with on vacation. To find out it was a very closed unfriendly place to live and really didn't enjoy over time.
I lived for nearly 7 years in Grecia Costa Rica below POAS Volcano. Back in USA but not happy with it so I may try Panama next year.
In 80's and part of the 90's I lived in Northridge and yes... I was there on Jan 17,1994 at 4:31am.
Thank you!
I value clearer water for swimming and snorkeling and not into surfing. Caribbean do seam to win over Pacific in these regards.
But regarding close to international airport, which I believe you valued. In my view Bocas del tor is a long way from Panama city. Or did I misunderstand your reasoning? :)
Also curious, Boca Chica do seem to have calmer waters and an archipelago, did you ever look into this location at all?
I can be to Panama City in about an hour on a flight from Changuinola or Bocas. No, I never looked into Boca Chica. We don't really like the Pacific side, and once we realized that we just focused on the Caribbean.
Love your video, i'll be in Panama in March God's willing..are you in Boquete?
No, Bocas.
Great video. Although I have family ties in Costa Rica (and spent 7 years there), I'm thinking about Panama for its business-friendly approach/international approach. That and the taxes and government comparison. Costa Rica's "permanent" residency renews (or expires) every year!
Yes, it seems that Panama is the hands down winner in ease of residency, taxation, economy, and ease of starting a business. Hope you can visit soon!
@@IGoPanama In terms of my research it's hard to disagree with you at all about anything, EXCEPT for one thing, the weather for someone who needs the infrastructure and amenities in our 60s coming from NYC. Virtually everything you say in the video I agree with. That makes it difficult to contemplate Cuenca, because of how hard it is to fly back and forth. But from everything I understand what's non-negotiable is living in a place that can be like a sauna in the warm months. Or even uncomfortable the rest of the year, such that San Jose (Escazu) is preferable in that regard to Panama City (Congrejo) for folks in their 60s. You might ask what about Mexico, with smaller cities that are not crowded noisy megacities, where there aren't issues of cartels, water shortages although Mexican cities are very accessible by air.
@@dovygoodguy1296 We never considered Mexico because they tax worldwide income.
@@IGoPanama How do so many expats live there with both a US citizenship and Mexican residency? Are people protected by a Mexican US tax treaty? Otherwise, imagine an American citizen who is a permanent resident of Mexico but living half a year in Canada. Without good benefits of the treaty you would face taxation from the US (on worldwide income), from Mexico (on worldwide income) and from Canada (as a tax resident). Who could live like that, and why would Mexico want that to discourage expats??
@@dovygoodguy1296
It is true that Mexico taxes on worldwide income, Mexico is not a tax heaven but many foreigners are living there under the radar, although recently Mexican tax authorities are demanding that everybody gets an RFC, a tax ID number, so who knows whether things will remain as they are, or if Mexican tax authorities will start chasing foreigners. If you don’t want to take your chances then don’t stay in Mexico for more than 183 days per year.
Hi just
Curious where in boca do you live ? I love the property and fruit
Trees!
I’m in process of deciding where
To move
And your helping me!!!!
Glad to help!! We live on the mainland. There are a couple of videos on our channel about our property, so look for those!
Hi i live in Panama. The lawyers here found a loophole with the immigration laws. The friendly Visa is kind of back.
That's old news, actually. It's been being done since the changes went into effect back in August of last year. I've known about it all along. Just no one has been dumb enough (until recently) to make it public knowledge because the loophole is against the intent of the changes to the friendly nations visa law and there's a chance that the government could close that loophole.
@@IGoPanama just got this last week.👍
g rew up in Long Beach and graduated from CSULB. Went to Oregon (southwest) in 1990's and now selling the farm to move to Panama next year. Have lived on reservation here in America and understand the struggles and living without electricity or water. I don't want my tax money to support the war machine. We need to love each other because we are all the same humans, but our personalities create the love.
Excellent presentation, money talks...as they say!
Thank you for all the excellent info! I’m looking to make a move to Panama the beginning of next year. I’ll drop off some diet Dr Pepper. See you soon.
Craig Oremus
Very profound video about moving from ur home country,but majority of people move based on emotion or based on failure like broken relation or bankrupt y social ,lonelyness,etc,so to live with only saving or pension
which country is right place?
The Facebook groups are brutal. Thanks for your perspective.
You have to go in there knowing that there are a lot of bitter expats with nothing better to do than be rude. Once you accept that fact and learn to look beyond it, you can get a lot of GREAT information from the good people (who fortunately outnumber the jerks!).
I didn't catch your name, but I just returned from Panamá.🇵🇦 Here are some of my negatives: 1) Numerous potholes in the pavement. 2) Mosquito bites. 3) Few purely organic foods. 4) Many items have U.S. prices. 5) Trouble hearing Spanish or reading lips behind the facial masks.( Communication can be written.) and 6) Torrential afternoon rains💧🌧️⛈️💦 every day! What are the best phone options to consider, i.e. sim card or new phone purchase📲? TY.
Just to quickly address your negatives:
Yes, there are potholes. You'll find this all over Central America. I find this all over Los Angeles, California as well. :) Mosquitos and rain- this is the tropics, and it's the end of rainy season, so yes, you'll have both of those. I don't seek out organic food, so I can't speak to that. I do know that there are numerous "farmer's markets" around the country that offer organic foods, so if you want that you'll have to seek out the markets. If you're buying imported items, especially imported "familiar" items from the US, yes, they are expensive. That's any country you go to. Masks- we're in a pandemic. I don't know anyone who is going to grab a pen and paper and communicate back and forth! :)
Concerning the phone, I moved here with an unlocked phone and just switched out my sim. Research the Panamanian carrier that has the best coverage in the area you intend to be in.
TY for responding. Most unpackaged veggies I've found, even at Farmers' Market, are unlabeled. When asked, they will state, "Semi-organic" bc some pesticides are used. If an agency wants your business, they will accommodate to your request. I didn't state that I am hard of hearing and needed to "see" the words. The bank personnel was happy to type in Spanish on his phone which translated into English, and I could verbally respond in Spanish. Another bank wrote with pen and paper, upon my request. The realtor also printed helpful information for me to take, after I asked. Hearing-challenged can be adequately served in most cases when the need is real.
@@donnawoodford6641 Yes, I can see where being hearing challenged would be much more of a challenge when everyone is wearing masks! I'm not hearing challenged, but do find it difficult to understand what is being said (even in English) when I can't see the words being spoken. But unfortunately, that's a problem all over the world right now and not just limited to Panama. :( Sounds like you encountered some good people who were willing to accommodate you, though! :)
You didnt look for organics food good because we have bunch of stores of it 😂 maybe you went to the wrong hoods
There may be some tax implications in Panama. Teaching is a service, specially private teaching. If you are rendering this service from Panama, even though the students are outside Panama, the service is rendered in Panama and therefore the income is deemed to be generated in Panama. If on the other hand you are managing your online education platform from Panama and you are not teaching yourself, then it may be OK. Be sure to consult with an accountant and/or a tax lawyer.
Yes. It's all in how you structure it.
What about the language? No one has mentioned anything about speaking spanish so I assume that english is spoken by many of the natives or better, the citizens . How much is not speaking spanish a problem or perhaps a concern? Is it a concern?
Health care? Is there a video that addresses health care in Panamá? Where to go if you get sick? How to pay for your care? Local health insurance or not? Good hospitals in your area or do you have to travel a distance to get to the hospital?
Transportation? Is there a video on that topic? Depending on where you live, is having your own transportation better than public buses or trains? Cost of having your own transportation?
Security? Is it safe ? I know crime is a given any where in the world, but can you trust the local police?
Internet? Is it reliable? How much per month? Can you get fast internet anywhere or just in metropolitan areas of the country?
And lastly, legal help. Where or whom do you recomend in case you need any kind of legal help or advice? We all have heard horror stories about attorneys in the states so imagine having to deal with an attorney in a foreign country, and especially in Panamá.
Just some of the items I would like more info on. But if you have allready mentioned some of these items on other videos, I would like to be directed to those videos.
ONE LOVE !
For all of those questions, you'd do best to create a post over at facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I can answer them there.
I recently started looking into Panama. I was really wanting to move to Belize after going there but looking into it (this video helped as well) has me second-guessing it. My wife and I are going to visit Panama next year. In the meantime, I'm doing my due diligence.
Due diligence is a REQUIREMENT before making this kind of a decision! Such a big decision and so many factors to think about. Glad this video helped. :)
Just curious did you ever consider Ecuador?
No. They tax worldwide income.
The airline connections is such a strong issue for me
How much to reserve a ward space for a boat in Panama?
Damn phone autocorrect... Ward is warf
How big is the boat? That would yend to matter.
I am a single mum of a preteen who wants to start over, work (customer service or sales) and seek permanent residency in Panama? Please I seek advice.
Did you watch part 2 of this video?
@@IGoPanama : hmm! so much for asking.
@@vivveene The 2nd video talks about the ability to work in Panama and what it requires, that's why I asked. I'll be doing an upcoming video all about work permits, but not until later in 2021 when I'm able to get mine.
Non negotiable…. I definitely need a good health care system that doesn’t exclude pre existing conditions! (I’ve been rejected by all these international health insurance).
I am a retired solo traveler living in puerto Vallarta now. I live in Hawaii big island and now traveling in Mexico. Is it possible to rent one of your cabin for a couple of months. I love your life style and love to liver there if possible. Thanks
Yes. All information is at www.ojobio.com
Move to Peru!!! Its great!! I have lived here for 9 years. The people are wonderful, and so is the food!!!!
Ah, but they tax worldwide income, so no thank you! 🙂
@@IGoPanama Ah, you just saved me a bunch of time sharing that about Peru, thank you!!
Did you check out Honduras?
No. Honduras didn't fit our criteria so we never even looked.
@@IGoPanama okay.. Thanks
How about the national and local political and social climate in Panama vs the other countries you mentioned? That's going to determine the longevity of your staying there. It may be fine now but how about in 5 or 10 years? Where does it stand in its relationship with the U.S., PR China, Russia, drug cartels etc? these are external forces that could also affect the political climate as the world is more interconnected on a global scale. I don't know how long you lived in California but it is/was a different place 30+ years ago which you would understand. Look at Karl Thorsson's reply. Otherwise you have a very good and informative video.
There's no way to predict such things 5-10 years out. For now, it's as stable as can be expected in today's socio/political climate. The world is constantly changing. If the situation here ever gets to a point where I no longer want to be here (as it did in California), I'll do as I did in California- leave.
I'm a diet DP fan too :)
I also am obsessed with diet dr pepper
As are all intelligent people! LOL
God bless..if tried to move
My country Panama is nice..we use
The dollars over there..
The weather is hot weather and
Rainy time.. the economy is okay
Quality of life is okay and we use
The dollar.
Costa Rica there is a cold season
And hot weather..also you have to
See the high over there.
When I went to Costa Rica was
Affected me tremendously because
I could not bre breathe properly.
I don't know belize my don went
There to visit I believe is cheaper
Place to live there.
The economy is okay.
Some of those reasons are why we chose Panama!
If California had lousy weather folks wouldn't live there (n the metro areas). I grew up there but that California left long ago.
What you get for the astronomical taxes is low value. In Northern California PG&E has gotten away with blowing houses up from poor infrastructure while charging top dollar for services
Belize is too low. Sea level rise won't be kind to Belize
In the first two minutes, I was like "wow, what a practical woman". They actually do exist. lol
Yes, yes we do. :)
And she's already taken
thanks again for your videos, could you recommend me a nice real estate broker?
Yes! I definitely can! I'll be doing an entire video on purchasing real estate and our experience soon. But I HIGHLY recommend Lazare and Carmen at www.rootsrealestatepanama.com/ Tell them Mary sent you!
@@IGoPanama thanks! i will take a look at their web and if i do, will surely let them know. thanks!
Appreciate the informative content. And thank you for not yelling. A calm delivery so much easier to digest 👌👏 Otherwise, I almost unsubscribed, I felt so annoyed with some of your videos that sounded like someone on drugs is taking.
Feel free to unsubscribe. I don't change my delivery, attitude, way of speaking, etc... for anyone. I am who I am. I'm an educator, so I'm used to speaking loud publicly. It's just part of who I am. I can promise you most videos I do will be loud and with an excited/passionate voice because that's who I am and this is MY channel. Criticizing me for being me isn't going to do either of us any good because it's not going to change anything. :)
you'll probably live longer without diet Dr. Pepper. Aspartame is not good for you.
I'm cool with dying earlier. :) Plus, I actually found Dr. Pepper finally!!
@@IGoPanama we all have our vices :) I’m watching another one of your videos now. Thanks for the information.
Pedasi?
I'm not a fan of the Pacific side. I prefer the Caribbean. But I have a good friend who lived in Pedasi for about a year and really liked it!
@@IGoPanamaThanks for the content, I appreciate it. I'm going to Panama this February. I was more interested in the Pacific side (Azula Peninsula) because I prefer the least amount of rain and more sun, being from Phoenix. I'm curious why did you prefer the Caribbean mainly what area specifically?
@@jamescadzow9545 I moved to Bocas. I just like the vibe on the Caribbean better. I like the water better, too. :)