Colombia vs Panama

I give my opinion on the differences between living in Colombia vs living in Panama. I give some personal stories and by background. Culture shock, safety, infrastructure, etc.
As Gringo Campesino, my mission is to help people escape the modern world by creating a portal into a new way of life for people who feel stuck. I aim to connect the small scale farmers who manage the world's resources with the economically advantaged who care. Rooted in sustainability and self-reliance, I promote reforestation, ecological innovation and responsible development and trade.

[@juliesklom3292]

This was an extremely informative video. I loved the comparisons of the two countries particularly since I have been in both. Never lived in either, though. Loved watching this and the addition of photos was a great idea.

[@DantheExpat-co8hf]

I have been to more than 15 different countries, but once I visited Colombia I found it's an amazing place to live. Argentina is very interesting right now, but Colombia is unparalleled.

[@GringoCampesino82]

Don't tell anyone. I don't want people to ruin it :)

[@DantheExpat-co8hf]

@@GringoCampesino82 I know the feeling. I used to love Medellin, but I will probably never live there again. I think the Digital Nomad Visa alone would have destroyed it.

[@reneesanchezmiranda8588]

You have forgotten to mention that there is not guerrillas FARC and armed groups in Panama and Costa Rica, So good luck when driving and meet them. All the best

[@GringoCampesino82]

Its true. I have lived and driven 90 % of Panama and Costa Rica and over 50% of Colombia. I am always more aware of illegal road blocks in Colombia. But so far everyone has been great.

[@felipearrieta1314]

@reneesanchezmiranda8588 I am sorry to tell you that, it depends on where you live. In general these groups are found in almost remote and inaccessible places. Get informed.

[@reneesanchezmiranda8588]

@@felipearrieta1314 Mire Don Felipe Arrieta... mis hijos estaban en Barranquilla hace como 3 años, which is not such remote area, y detonaron una bomba en el cuartel y fallecieron creo que 2 cadetes. Así que aunque a veces no te los encuentres, ese mal es latente en todo el país, cosa que no ocurre acá en CR o PTY. Yo fui a Ocaña y me rogaban que desistieron por que esa área era de riesgo. Da tristeza pero es una realidad que se vive diariamente en cualquier lugar de Colombia.

[@jonygq]

@@reneesanchezmiranda8588 There's the "superior" Ahole Panamanian the narrator of the video is talking about.

[@arielacosta2421]

Good video. Very informative. Thanks

[@GringoCampesino82]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arllyneruiz3756]

Hi! Is interesting this comparision. I am panamenian but i have been in Colombia many times and I love it. What I have heard from Colombians here in Panama is that they feel safer here than in Colombia but Colombia has many more things to offer than Panama today, and I think that is also because the populations, Panama is a smaller country with a very small population in comparision to Colombia. I disagree with your perspective about that we feel the top of the world, what I see is that people here, today, are in a confort zone and i dont consider it as a good thing because we have a lot of thing offer. (Sorry for my english, i am taking classes to improve it).

[@GringoCampesino82]

Hi, thanks for the response. Your english is very good. I don't mean to insult. I am willing to criticize what I love with the hope that it improves. Things may have changed after covid and with the current elections.

[@stevenrosing8816]

Thank you, Ethan. Very informative and accurate. I’ve spent significant time in both countries and generally agree with everything you say. I’m there during June/July each year. It would be great to arrive there and greet you someday!

[@GringoCampesino82]

Great to hear! Everyone is welcome to visit.

[@proferosing4353]

Thanks for your reply, Ethan. I've delayed and extended my most serious investigatory trip through October and including northern Brazil. ETA for Anitioquia is about late July right now... PM me to set something up if you wish. It would be great to hear from you.

[@trdriver430]

Hey Ethan just subscribed. Appreciate the wealth of information. Btw your environs are true paraiso !!👍🏾

[@GringoCampesino82]

Thanks for the sub!

[@hernanruiz6683]

I'm colombian and never been to Panama', but I prefer my country, Colombia has everything you need and it is a larger country and more to explore, good video. Thanks 🇺🇲🙏🇨🇴♥️✌️

[@GringoCampesino82]

Colombia is amazing. Panama is very nice also. thanks for watching

[@estebanmolano9794]

I heard you bro... I'm colombian and migrated to the estates 35 years ago with my whole family, specifically to Seattle. Even though was so hard for us to adapt for the culture shock and the language, with time we learned to love it. Seattle was beautiful. Well, still is but the amount of migration now a days is not even a shadow of what it was. Besides being a blue state, politicians are ruining everything. As colombian, I learned to love this place, my community, my job. Nevertheless, I would love migration to be controlled but I don't have much of a word on that since I am a migrant myself; and my family. We as humans would love to control our environment in our favor. Unfortunately it is impossible. It is funny you say you don't want expats near you and still you offering help to get there.. Ha!! There is not a perfect place in the world, but can live beautifully in Colombia compared to other places in the world. Good day.

[@juandavidardila6653]

O sea seattle se daño por culpa suya? jjajajaj Deberia ser ilegal porque si ellos han hecho una sociedad usted tendria que haber hecho la suya ... No le da pena opinar esas cosas? 🤣🤣 Los extranjeros que vienen aca a colombia en su mayorian aportan al crecimiento de esta patria en cambio los latinos que van alla llegan es a vivir de gorra, ud al sol de hoy tiene algo grande alla para que lo que estoy diciendo sea falso o solo una casita y punto? 😂😂 Mal, muy mal!

[@GringoCampesino82]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to respond.

[@Kano_Jig]

Respect for sharing your comparisons and insight. The confrontation with the drunk men from the underworld....you were extremely lucky my dear man. Confronting people and sticking your nose in business not directly related to you increases your chances of being involved in violence. Tread very carefully travelers!

[@GringoCampesino82]

100% agree, I wouldn't recommend it. It was my ego that got the best of me. Thankfully, I always had a 50kg dog with me so people rarely would cause trouble. But I didn't sleep well for weeks after, thinking about retribution from possible gang connections they had.

[@marc_guitart]

Muy buen video, gracias por tu sinceridad.

[@GringoCampesino82]

thanks for watching.

[@yiraparicio]

Tienes toda la razón , no vengan para acá , es más le voy a compartir el vídeo a los colombianos que están acá para que se regresen a su país . Tienes toda la razón gringo , me alegro que te hayas encontrado un buen lugar .❤

[@michaelkashevarof9274]

Great info. My wife is Colombiana, and we have a goal to buy or spend our winters in Santa Marta (we live in Alaska lol) I feel very safe there, though I have never been to Panama, I agree Colombians are very friendly. There is common sense needed even in nice areas especially at night. Just the info I was looking for .

[@GringoCampesino82]

I am sure your wife understands things on a deep level. But if you have any questions, I'll do my best to help.

[@davidbonham7302]

What do yyou think of Cali Columbia? Spent time there twice and enjoyed walking around the city. Except where I got stopped in a taxi by the policia for a drug shakedown. Im not sure how they recognized I was American. Also had quite a few policia or army checkpoints. This all took place back in 2004 just couple years after the demise of Pablo Escobar. Love to hear your thoughts on the peopleof Columbia. Thinking of moving to Panama in the next year or two!!!!

[@GringoCampesino82]

I can't say a lot about Cali. I have been there a few times and I don't have anything negative to say about it. But I have heard there is more crime there than some other cities. Panama is a good place, just do your homework and live in a few places before you choose.

[@gladysinargelisgrimasterra8569]

Uno menos, mejor... Favor que nos hace Gracias,

[@AlwaysHappy494]

Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Take everything with a pinch of salt💕💕💕💕. You have to live it.

[@GringoCampesino82]

Truth!

[@johnescobar9951]

Me gusta que vengan turistas a Colombia Pero no me gusta que algunos vienen a imponer cosas y a cambiarlas, o buscar prostitución

[@NibrocNod]

Hey buddy, living in Panama currently but decided to move to Colombia. It sounds like you're in the area were considering moving to. Would like to converse more with you. Thank

[@GringoCampesino82]

My email is in the page info. feel free to write me.

[@DZR-qo2px]

When you lived in Panama it sounds like you were in the Chiriqui province. If so I wasn’t aware they had an issue with B&E crimes. With all the old expats living there I thought it would be relatively safe. I’m planning on eventually moving to the Boquete area, but I guess I need to figure out the security situation there before I make any big decisions.

[@GringoCampesino82]

I lived in Veraguas, very different from Chiriqui. Boquete is nice but I met a lot of expats that just complain about everything.

[@DZR-qo2px]

That seems to be the consensus and I’ve noticed Boquete is getting too built up for my liking. I’ve shifted my search to the Volcán/Cerro Punta/Tierras Altas area

[@Justsayingthat]

Which would you prefer for a family with teens?

[@GringoCampesino82]

Panama is much safer but I prefer the people of Colombia. Teens can get in trouble in both places.

[@axelmezquita8343]

Teens can get in trouble anywhere my friend!!!

[@user-xw3lz5du3g]

What happens is that Panamanians are not a$$ kissers. 😂 Colombians kiss Americans a$$es specialy the women.

[@user-xw3lz5du3g]

Panamanians are more sincere and honest. When you gain the trust you will have a honest friend for ever not for what they can take from you. Watch your back in Colombia

[@johnszekeresh6446]

I don't think I would like to live in Colombia but I was thinking about travelling around South America bringing American "fair food " like funnel cake and snow cones

[@GringoCampesino82]

There are lots of snow cones here. It is very common, especially in the warmer parts of Colombia. I think funnel cakes would sell well. But beware that it will likely be copied fast.

[@SenorJuan2023]

Panama doesn't sound the least bit interesting to me. Reminds me of Dallas, San Diego, or Atlanta on the (lack of )sexiness factor.

[@GringoCampesino82]

I understand that. It doesn't have a lot to offer in the cities, in my opinion. But the countryside is very beautiful in parts.

[@tapissershop]

You need to go to Boquete or to Bocas del Toro, mountain or beach!

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@tapissershop Doesn't sound interesting. I like big international cities. Beaches are very overrated.

[@dafnecastillo1274]

Con ese nombre no me sorprende que tires veneno 😒

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@dafnecastillo1274 What's wrong with the name? and calling a place boring isn't exactly poison. LOL

[@johnszekeresh6446]

I liked the video. I think Panamanians think the world owes them something, too.

[@jefedigital1128]

Sorry i am panamenian, and in my country the panamenian people is amazing and dont think nothing that you say. Only for you information panama is the nunber 1 country in latin América that dont move ti others countryes in masive form. And recived thousands of migrants to Colombia, Venezuela , peru, US , Asia and Europe.

[@maricharoargote6041]

Where do you get that from?

[@maricharoargote6041]

I prefer more objective comments. It sounds like you dislike Panama and Panamanians. I hardly found a positive thing, if any, about my country. Very sad.

[@GringoCampesino82]

Sorry, I liked my time in Panama. its a great country, but like all countries it has problems.

[@inolvidable.]

*Colombia is the Most Bio-diverse Country in the World by Km², and 2nd. by extension, after Brazil.* *Colombia is called the Country of 1000 Rhythms, because it has 1,025.* Very rich musical culture. 48% of the best hospitals in Latin America are in Colombia. Top notch health system. Colombians are the friendliest in the world. Colombia has a very diverse culture. It is like 11countries together: race, gastronomy, dialects, music, etc. The richest Spanish in vocabulary in the world. The most neutral accent, especially in Bogota. Very proper and educated Spanish. You can eat a different fruit each day of the year. The most beautiful women in the world. And the list goes on and on.

[@mariagonzales2833]

Se te olvidò decir que es el mejor en guerrillas,tràfico de drogas internacionalmente y en todos los paìses sobre todo en los aeropuertos cuando dices que vienes de Colombia quedan en alerta y te revisan hasta las entrañas que tristeza.

[@inolvidable.]

@@mariagonzales2833 Es que los suelos de Colombia son tan ricos que los mexicanos son los que sacan todo el producto para distribuirlo al mundo, ya que sus tierras no son tan fértiles. Y bueno, los dr0gad¡ctos / patrocinadores son los responsables adictos a Colombia, no solo con ese vicio sino también a sus hermosas mujeres.

[@jonygq]

@@mariagonzales2833 Ahole envidioso Panamanians rise up. Hasta la persona en el video dice que los panamaenos son ilusos.

[@porfidegracia757]

​@@mariagonzales2833😂😂 dice lo mismo que tiene todos los países del mundo 🌎 nada exquisito ni diferente

[@nelsonsantamaria3656]

tienes razon yo como Panameño amo a Colombia y no quisiera que por pequeñeces nos alejemos que viva Colombia y Panamá

[@juandavidardila6653]

Panama is a department of Colombia, as venezuela and ecuador, puerto rico and dominican republic, External nations in the past has make things to divide the full of colombia, nowdays we got 40 united state bases just in here and around, not around brasil and brasil keep being one country, not mexico and not argentina, all around colombia 😂😂😂😂 And our country full divided in frontiers and vision of life! But anyway Colombia is the capital of this zone, are the tropical countries zone, with cuba and costa rica too, all the cuntries of salsa, cumbia, mereenguee, reeguetoon 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Saludes!

[@cimarronfx8915]

What are you talking about Willies? Panama is not part of Colombia, Panama is a sovereign country.

[@nitroc1000]

My dear, you should to learn more about history and geography! Please talk properly and be respectful!

[@maricharoargote6041]

What are you talking about?

[@juandavidardila6653]

@@maricharoargote6041 The truth

[@maricharoargote6041]

@@juandavidardila6653 says who? Your history books?

[@johnfreddytoledo135]

Panama es colombia

[@jefedigital1128]

Nononooononoooo😅

[@GringoCampesino82]

It was and many ways is but from my perspective, I have seen a lot of differences between Panama and Colombia. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your opinion, I like both countries.

[@porfidegracia757]

​​@@GringoCampesino82estás muy equivocado Panamá non pertenece a la historia de Colombia en lo absoluto así como tampoco a la de Centroamérica porque nada tubo que ver en ninguna de ellas empezando por hay se separó sola creo su bandera su himno su día de separación es ajeno al resto del área cosa que no puede decir ninguno de los demás países que si tiene esa particularidad en sus fechas de independencias ni siquiera en quienes nos colonizaron primero fueron losindios y luego los españoles tanto así que se quedó arraigado en provincias centrales como azuero y Chiriquí fue colonizado por holandés suizos suecos encontrarás en Panamá gente blanca de pelo rojizo ojos azules en provincias centrales los santos las tablas en santiago igual personas blancas en Chiriquí igual personas con cabello rubio tbien descendientes de Italia como la abuela de mi esposa se equivocan que solo hay negros si hay por muchas razones la 🏗️ del canal trajo mucha mano de obra de muchas islas ucho afrodescendientes se quedaron aquí tanto asi en Colón. Pero es solo el 33 que tiene esa descendencia por sus venas el resto es una mezcla de todo .ucha diversidad en ese aspecto No nos parecos en nada a Colombia no siquiera en su música aunque el acordeón 🪗 lo heredamos de ellos pero supimos darle más ritmo y sabor a cada tecla ni siquiera se compara a nuestra música folklórica tradicional en nada somos más arraigados a nuestra cultura y tradiciones las respetamos en la comida tampoco en nada la comida esas de casa de décadas donde se hacía a

[@dannisgiselamontenegrodeca6518]

Jamás.

[@maricharoargote6041]

Desde cuando?

[@nicedoppy2077]

Thanks for sharte that key relevant info in this video Ethan, great work.....U got a real good knowledge about it...All the Best deep inside in the Beautiful Colombia :)

[@GringoCampesino82]

Thank you

[@nicedoppy2077]

@@GringoCampesino82 👍💯