Should I Move to Belize, Costa Rica or Panama? Part 2 of 2

[@IGoPanama]

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!

[@jasonranger4098]

Very informative thank you very much!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

You mostly verbalize everything my wife and I are feeling for the past year having lived in NYC and western Canada and in our 60s. It's amazing how people from totally different places and circumstances can have almost identical ways of thinking. Belize has the requirement of leaving the country for ONLY 2 weeks in the first year to maintain the validity of the permanent residency.

[@djhal7961]

I just finished watching both parts, 1 and 2, and I really appreciated the comparison between all 3. I've just begun my research, and your channel provides a great starting point for further research. Thanks again, and happy New Year!!

[@KamilW257]

I just shared both parts🇵🇦🥳🇵🇦

[@blewonder1]

You are doing us a great favor by producing these videos. Hope to get to Panama soon to do our boots on the ground research.

[@LM-cl6ys]

I totally agree with everything that you said. Looked at Belize for a hot second. Same reasons. I absolutely wanted to go to the Atlantic coast but purchasing solo felt the need to go to the Pacific to be better for my situation. Very very informative video. Took me a long time to learn everything that you said and summed up in 32 minutes.

[@holmes592]

LOVE your channel... GREAT information. I was looking at Costa Rica but after watching your video we are saving time and will plan vacation in CR and delve into Panama! Thank you so much for your non-negotiable list idea! ❤

[@michaelmansfield1289]

Excellent comparison & info. Thank you.

[@fanfare100]

Great no-nonsense logical approach!

[@Cherry99Pie]

Excellent presentation; very helpful. Only thing I would add to the list is access to and quality of healthcare. Thank you!

[@IGoPanama]

Definitely better in Panama than the other two countries.

[@MsKariSmith]

Awsome analysis, thank you Mary

[@kickas6312]

Wonderful video!! Thankyou...love the teacher report card!!!lol Makes it very simple !!!

[@susieclues]

Fantastic 1 and 2 videos. I appreciate your research and sharing your knowledge! You made some great points with Costa Rica and economy and if you can work as a retiree. Great, great info. Appreciate the detail about flying from areas to US

[@tracyschirmer6679]

Best video I’ve seen yet Thanks so very much

[@Globetrotter5198]

Great video and love your perspective

[@reneeemigree9004]

You are excellent, completely thorough, top channel on expatriation, especially the comparisons of different countries, and various important aspects, non negotiables of EACH INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY. HIGHLY INTERESTING YOUR GIVING GLIMPSES OF THE REAL ESTATE SITUATION, SHALL WE CALL IT A GAME, WITHIN COSTA RICA, TY, FOR THAT REPORT. WATCHING FOR A COMPARISON OF THE PANAMANIAN REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE, ALTHOUGH WE THINK YOU TOUCHED UPON IT. Always felt an actual drive through was what had to be done, and ty, you confirmed that. We are a researcher also, v in depth, so really, have a great appreciation for your work. Enlightens a lot of these main important, imperative points. Ty again. You are tops on anything we’ve looked at, cover it all.

[@IGoPanama]

Thank you so much! I found the real estate market in Costa Rica to be much more shady than here in Panama (not that Panama is less shady, there's plenty of shade here! LOL), but just my personal experience. I discuss it in my Buying Real Estate videos from a couple of weeks ago.

[@jetskiliferboatguy8140]

Thank you very much for producing and sharing this !!

[@cathyzhou8977]

Lots of information. Thank you!

[@dixielee3037]

So glad I came across your channel! My friend and I have been searching, searching, go back and forth from the Puerto Viejo area and Boca Del Toro. Very informative! I plan on visiting both areas in August; my friend has been to Puerto Viejo and fell in love. I will binge watch all of your videos this week! Thank you once again!

[@IGoPanama]

We love the Puerto Viejo area as well- especially Punta Uva. Almost moved there!!

[@bluestarfishsea]

Wow Thankful to find you, what a great story + intro! Only part way in and im hooked, very seriously researching punta uva area and so intrigued to find out why you opted for panama instead which is so close by. The area reminds me so much of what i loved yrs ago about sumatra, indonesia. ...Jungle meets aqua ocean like you say 💜

[@IGoPanama]

Punta Uva is where we almost bought land! VERY glad we didn't.

[@bluestarfishsea]

@@IGoPanama I can see why Panama is best for you! Your property is a hidden gem that will shine with a bit of love. It will provide an amazing place for business! What a find! I still love Punta Uva area, the nature everywhere, amazing beaches, Caribbean culture, the rustic less developed small town feel...but I do not plan on moving or wrking there...only for a small affordable vacation place. Thks for sharing so many great points!! Best wishes for your plans with your property and future business, so exciting ✨

[@larrybush3584]

We had homes in Costa Rica(14 years) and Panama (7 years) and had traveled both countries extensively for 5 years before buying (started out backpacking). In the late '90s and early to mid '20s Costa Rica was still inexpensive. Then economically all increased rapidly, so we looked at Panama and bought a home there for comparably 1/2 the price of ours in Costa Rica. Rented our Costa Rican home out and moved to Panama. Everything was so much less expensive. (for example, a beer at the store in Costa Rica was $1 and the same beer at a store in Panama was .40). The same with most food. We decided we wanted to travel more extensively and freely, so we sold both homes within a month of each other. That was 3 years ago now (Dec 2020). We built another home (small for a base in the States) and now travel wherever we feel like. Your current analysis is spot on, I could not add anything you haven't covered. Good job.

[@IGoPanama]

Thank you so much for your perspective, Larry. And you're so fortunate that you were able to quickly sell your homes! Many people aren't, so when they end up in a bad situation, they're stuck. May 2021 bring more traveling!! 2020 has kinda sucked for that. ;)

[@HigginsLawLLCWinterHaven]

anything will sell if the price is right

[@HigginsLawLLCWinterHaven]

why did you go back to the usa?

[@larrybush3584]

@@HigginsLawLLCWinterHaven As I stated, we wanted to travel more without the responsibility of 2 homes in two different countries. Now we can travel to many places and don't have to worry about the security of our homes. (A lot of break-ins added to our motivation...there's a reason all the homes have bars on the windows and doors, though solid steel bars did not deter breaking in).

[@Steve-nh6kk]

This was a super helpful video! Thanks for all the great information!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

The biggest issue from my perspective is CLIMATE, with the possible exception of Boquete. If you are used to living in New Orleans, Houston and Miami where the humidity is oppressive and like a sauna, then it's no problem. But if you're from drier areas it's just not easy to put up with. For me that is a deal breaker. Costa Rica is better in this regard, and Ecuador is even much better. The problem with Ecuador is the difficulty in getting to Cuenca and other places. You have to end up after flights and stopovers to take cars further away. So if you find yourself having to go back and forth to the US or Canada, that's going to be difficult, with the possible exception of Quito. It would be the same in Peru, i.e. Arequipa. Then there is Nicaragua, which has an appeal. But if you're looking for a soft landing in a new country, are older, and not so adventurous, there really is only Costa Rica and Panama. Mexico is the main focus of expats, and is now facing an electrical emergency as of today. There is drought, the effects of cartels. And if you want to stay away from both megacities (and mega-resorts as exist in the Caribbean), you don't have much choice. Just my two cents.

[@bobhowes3362]

If possible >>> I would love to trade my place here in Colorado for a houseboat in Bocas del Toro. Such as if someone loses their spouse and wants to return to the US but the cost of living scares them... I have to pay lot rent of $280 and can only be raised by 5 bux a year. Includes tap water, irrigation water, trash service etc. Will include my vehicle and camper in the driveway as a spare bedroom for company.

[@annrichmanrn4514]

Very good information.

[@NomadicRVLiving]

I was previously leaning toward Costa Rica, but then I discovered a lot of what you mentioned. I am scheduled to take a Panama Relocation Tour to check out the country.

[@IGoPanama]

If you are used to nomadic RV living, I would say come down and explore the country on your own! More freedom to see what you want to see and explore things that are not on the tour.

[@NomadicRVLiving]

@@IGoPanama I plan to do both. First take the tour and then spend several months in various parts of the country to figure out what I like.

[@dickfowler296]

Well done. You did your research which everyone should do before investing or living in any foreign country. Many people fall in love with a country on impulse, not realizing that there are other places that have the same natural beauty, if not better, but more benefits that ultimately make daily life easier...just not as well-publicized.

[@IGoPanama]

You are exactly right. I see it constantly on the expat groups, and that's just a tiny portion of the people moving abroad. Impulse has no place when you're uprooting your life!

[@abdirashiddirie3522]

Thanks, I enjoyed, like 👍 You are awesome and you are absolutely a great teacher.

[@dougmcmann695]

Very good video . Surprising the parallel path you and your husband have with my wife and I .

[@IGoPanama]

Thank you! Have you made the move yet?

[@andreattai7481]

1 out of 2 property in CR is for sale and have a SE VENDE on it....and the ones without the sign can be for sale anyways! you can buy but never sell! be careful

[@KamilW257]

I felt your passion about Costa Rica's expensive economy. I've heard about that high a$$ place over a thousand times. No thanks! I'm looking at Panama for retirement (10yrs🤞🏽). Great vlog

[@samjordan8800]

You could get your permanent residency this year while on vacation and then visit every year or two for a day or two to keep it. The real estate industry is pushing for immigration to require a real estate investment before granting residency, and they're also pushing to extend the temporary residency to a 1-year or 2-year process before you can even apply for the permanent residency. Take a 2 week vacation and get it done now if you can. The ease of getting in won't last forever. It might not even last to the end of 2021. You will be glad you did and will have the peace of mind of knowing you will be grandfathered in under the Friendly Nations Visa.

[@KamilW257]

@@samjordan8800 I'm sitting here thinking about this very thing! No lie. Thank you 🇩🇴🙏🏽🥳

[@IGoPanama]

I agree! If you can get it now, DO IT before the changes come (and changes will be coming- we just don't know exactly what or when, but chances are they won't make things easier!)

[@brianandlynphilippines]

Hi! It is now 9/2021, did the Friendly Nations Visa change for the worse?

[@hamadalyafei6569]

Great vedio ... very helpful

[@brentglaser1425]

Great info. Thanks for the videos

[@prestonneubert1983]

awesome content

[@needa3rdparty632]

Also, great research. Same as mine. I'm retired with small kids, living in Honduras. Long story, but searching Panama for good english schools. So I will buy or rent something close to the right school, then return after every school year. Probably be there looking around in a couple of months if I can't coax a live-in teacher of quality to move in with us here with a salary and no living costs.

[@IGoPanama]

I've heard that the international schools here are exorbitantly expensive. Have you considered homeschooling? That's what I do- teach homeschoolers from all over the world.

[@needa3rdparty632]

@@IGoPanama Believe here in Honduras home school will not get you diplomas, bit of a racket. But I want my kids conversing and creating life long friendships with the other kids, good and bad. What I want is for them to go to normal school, come home and hit the second teacher to help with homework and instruct them into fluent english. I prefer hands on, think this is much better. My girls are 6 & 4.

[@julioarrieta6295]

I have family in Costarica and for the last 30 years been expending a lot of time with my foot on the ground there and you are 100% rigth.Crime has been incresing and people live in houses that look like jails.I retired hoping to live there but at this time Costarica have -F;still vicit my family each years but the reality hit any time Im there.Thankyou for your very informative video;I stating to get interesting in Panama so next time I vicit my family in Costarica will get my boots on the ground there jajajjj

[@andreattai7481]

CR can also be more expensive than LA for compatible Real Estate

[@annamorpurgo8822]

can you please adjust the Belize work permit portion; add a subtitle or something. but this is COMPLETELY WRONG, even before they modified the process in 2020. as an employer, I've always applied immediately arrived for permits, Never has labour mentioned a 6 month wait requirement. post computerizing the process in 2020, you can begin your application even before arriving in the country; and do your interview via zoom. also, you are able to be in the tourist industry, simply not as the job title of "guide" the goal of country is for you to Hire belizeans, but they do want you to start / buy businesses that hire locals as the Guide. yes, it must be renewed, but that's Majority of countries in the world. and you start your application to renew 2-3 months before expired, so no gap in between permits, and I don't know anyone who's been denied renewal. If you show Proof of medical needs, that is balanced in your 50 weeks requirement; that it restarts your clock is not true. Also, Business tax is average Flat 3%; the range is 1.75-6% depending on category. income tax only kicks in after over 1,000 usd/month, so simply pay yourself accordingly. there is highish import tax, average 30%, and highish sales tax 12.5%. but to even out across the board, the insanely low business tax evens the charts.

[@javi___]

Great info, I'm surprised you stayed in Bocas, too under developed for my taste we stayed there for 4 months, we are trying Coronado at the moment but I'm keeping an eye on Boquete so far Coronado feels like a ghost town.

[@IGoPanama]

We moved from Los Angeles. We're trying to get away from developed. LOL But that's the great thing about Panama- there's a seat for every butt here. ;)

[@TBoneZone]

A big help.

[@WolfF2022]

Thanks, very helpful, I`m between Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, but the point with the airport I didn`t consider yet. I saw that Costa Rica has a high debt rate and feared it would somehow turn against the citizens. They have also an obligatory health care system, another channel said they even spent permanent residencies to long time tourists to get people for paying the caja. From the point of debts Paraguay is the winner but the development of democracy is not as far and people are poor. Just with the point with the ease of residency I don`t come along with Panama, seems you now need a temporary residence first or invest a quite high sum in real estate, if you create a business they set you on an income rate to pay a certain income tax even if you have not that income.

[@vialila]

Very informative. Curious you didn't mention health care between the 3 countries; I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Also, on energy - CR has lots of water and wind power, for example. Not keen on any heavily-dependent fossil fuel situation.

[@IGoPanama]

I mentioned health care in Part 1. It's not really an issue for us. And CR isn't as clean and green as you think. Dig a little deeper and you'll find some very ugly stuff. :(

[@NadaYoTengo]

@@IGoPanama The cows in CR outnumber the people for the last 20 years or more!

[@IGoPanama]

@@NadaYoTengo I don't mean green based on how much open space or pastures there are. But green based on being environmentally friendly. Pesticide use is out of control. China is being allowed to decimate local fisheries. Here's just one example of something recent. ticotimes.net/2020/06/15/nearly-20-of-costa-rican-national-produce-doesnt-meet-agrochemical-guidelines-study-finds

[@nyseat21]

i dont mean to jump your reply but the healthcare in San Jose, CR is great. Johns Hopkins supports the hospital in SJ and I have met many doctors in panama that have come from there. Panama has similar healthcare as long as you can pay for it. i spent a lot of time in panama and as long as you can pay you can get excellent care.

[@vialila]

Thanks for all the replies. Always grateful to add to my information!

[@dearyvettetn4489]

Thank you for these two videos. There are non-starter list items I didn’t consider and working online is a must for me, and a good airport is good for my husband. (😢 Sorry Belize) I’ll re-evaluate our choices and add to this list accordingly 👍🏽

[@IGoPanama]

So glad I could help you refine your list! 🙂

[@droppedee]

dr pepper used to in the 50s have lots of natural flavors including prune.now not so much...diet or regular coke with a drop or so of almond extract is amazingly close....

[@needa3rdparty632]

I think all the talk of dry canals are not much more than tax abatement type positioning to lower tariffs costs across the Panama Canal. Just a game to negotiate. Logistically off loading ships and reloading vs transfer and liability and who is liable for insurance purposes, in my mind makes no sense. The canal is there and can price destroy any legitimate dry canal dreams.

[@NortonFarmsHagersville]

Great video!

[@pollyanasunshine980]

Great video and excellent research. Thanks for sharing!

[@dustypace981]

How does the weather compare to El Valle? Is Altos del Maria cooler?

[@eddieveemusic]

Re: Costa Rica, I’ve heard that crimes against foreigners have increased because Costa Ricans blame foreigners for their rising taxes, and the police as a result turn a blind eye.

[@IGoPanama]

Crime is rising everywhere- whether that's due to the increased taxes in CR or the financial strain of the pandemic or both, I'm not sure.

[@linfarmilo1606]

Part two just as good and as informative as part 1...thanks. Question i have been looking into the friendly nations visa...i know you need to deposit into an account. Does the amount you have to deposit double and triple according to one, two or three people . Or is it fixed for a couple or small family? Looking forward to your next videos. Thanks for doing this.

[@IGoPanama]

I just did a video today on Friendly Nations- check it out!

[@andreattai7481]

how far you live from the Int'l airport? If you love in Bocas, that is FAR

[@thelivenetworkerteam-felic8865]

Great info! Did you look at Nicaragua?

[@IGoPanama]

No. The political instability there and lack of infrastructure knocked it out of consideration.

[@susannedoe9320]

Most informative videos I’ve seen. Maybe I missed it, but where in Panama did you decide to move?

[@IGoPanama]

Thank you! I am now living in Bocas.

[@mike9913]

@@IGoPanama Bocas del Toro? Are you a hippy?

[@IGoPanama]

@@mike9913 You do realize that Bocas del Toro is an entire province in Panama made up of a lot of different kinds of people, right?

[@p.c.h.6721]

Is the rainy season too bad, like raining all day nonstop?

[@IGoPanama]

no

[@Earthangelscollective]

For the friendly nations visa we have to put down a hefty investment to get it right? To then get permanent residency? We can’t just apply can we?

[@thomasmiller9993]

where do you live in Panama? I'm in the researching/planning stage of moving to Central America. I've been to CR many times and Panama once. Appreciate the info in your videos.

[@thomasmiller9993]

I also love beach and jungle. Any recommendations for places to live with both of those? I won't need to work.

[@IGoPanama]

@@thomasmiller9993 We have moved to the Bocas del Toro area.

[@nyseat21]

excellent video, but i would like to see how your taxes are effected as I am also looking to move to Panama. I spent 3 months there and the internet was excellent and they have fiber at 100mb.

[@IGoPanama]

I'll be doing an entire video on taxes in the future.

[@nyseat21]

subscribed and looking forward to it.

[@1QKGLH]

I feel like you didn't mention a major consideration; the language. When you buy property or fill our official forms in panama, are they in English or Spanish? That's a big deal to me, the need to learn a new language. I'm willing to for sure, but the need to learn a language to do necessary business is kind of a big deal. What are your thoughts? Oh, and don't apologize for a long video when you've packed the video with great info. Thank you for this, and the last video.

[@IGoPanama]

First of all, thanks for being understanding of my long-windedness!! Language wasn't a major consideration for us. I can speak enough to get by in Spanish, and it's surprising the number of people here who speak English (and are so kind and helpful!!). I am going to be doing an entire video on the language barrier though in a few weeks. Our real estate contract was in English and Spanish. Our attorney forms and information were in English. The immigration forms from the government were in Spanish, but our attorney handled those.

[@1QKGLH]

@@IGoPanama Thank you for the reply. That's good info.

[@yuanshuan7099]

I want to live on the water that i can swim and fish at my front-yard. I think I can find a small house that fit into my criteria in bacas de toro. Thanks

[@davidcbrown4376]

Another Very informative video.... Thank you! Can you recommend an attorney, or just what type of attorney and what country that attorney should operate in, to consult with about setting up a business similar to your US based online business? Questions such as, how/where to register my business, how to keep a US business bank account, accepting cc payments from US clients.... seem impossible to answer by simply researching online. Thanks again!!!

[@IGoPanama]

You're so welcome! I'm going to be doing a video all about how I structured my business based on several paid consultations with expat tax experts- because you're right...there is no easy way to find that information online. Believe me, I researched for MONTHS!! LOL

[@samjordan8800]

Someone just told me day before yesterday to port a US phone number over to Skype or another service you can access around the world by VOIP before you leave. (They said don't use Vonage though, that their service had gotten really bad.) The person who told me ported their cell phone number, so all their friends in the US still call her on the same phone number she has had for over 20 years. You might even be able to port your number to Google Voice or another free service to make that work. But dealing with US banks when they want to text you or call you will work out far better if you keep a US number instead of updating your bank records to a Panamanian one.

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

Do you have a video about the changes to the friendly nations visa?

[@IGoPanama]

Yes. Just search the channel. I uploaded it a few weeks ago. One video about the changes and another with questions answered by an immigration attorney.

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

@@IGoPanama watching it now. Thanks!

[@Dawn65Zumba]

Thank you for making these videos, have watched part 1 and 2, heading off to watch more as my husband and I are in the researching and choosing between Belize and Panama (already ruled out Costa Rica). I wails ask about transportation. Do you need a car/truck? Expense of gas/insurance for vehicles etc

[@IGoPanama]

It depends on where you live. Panama City, there's plenty of public transportation. Where I live, I must have my own vehicle. I talk about insurance in the car video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXfZippmfMaSorc

[@josealvarado3243]

how about dominican republic

[@IGoPanama]

Not a place I'm interested in living, so I never considered it.

[@Simplyme4961]

So how is the reliability of Internet and speed? Also Bocas del Toro is quite a ways from PTY I am assuming you fly on COPA to PTY since it is pretty long over a 10hr drive to get to Panama City via a car and only one road there.

[@IGoPanama]

I work online, so reliable internet is a MUST. I have it, even here in the rural jungle! Sometimes we drive and sometimes we fly, just depends on what is going on. We don't go that often.

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

I also feel at home in the jungle and near water.

[@lentilpaff7864]

Great video! Thank you. You mentioned that you can't work under a Pensioners Visa in Panama. Does that include remote work for a foreign company, like your own?

[@Dawn65Zumba]

Would you be so kind as to share your references about crime rates/murders of expats? Been trying to find on my own - particularly for Belize and am having trouble. Would love your recommendations for Belize and Panama expat research/forum sites. Thank you!!

[@IGoPanama]

You aren't going to get hard statistics that are printed somewhere about crime/murders against expats. My conclusions are from years of watching the expat facebook groups for each country and knowing people in those areas that would share their stories. Just go to facebook and type in the country name and expat to find the groups. There are several for each country. If violent crime is a concern, I would just steer clear from Belize. I love that country to pieces, but I would never live there.

[@toddmaggio2032]

My first choice was also Belize. I have not seen the country but after learning about the requirement to not be out of the country for more than 14 days I removed the Belize from my list. That is symptomatic of absurd burocracy and idiotic governance. Yeah, the crime rate was also a factor.

[@IGoPanama]

Yep. When people look a little deeper than "But they speak English just like me!!", Belize just doesn't stack up.....

[@seanhogan6897]

@@IGoPanama I second that entirely! For me, Belize is a great place to visit, but is not even a good place to live.

[@nickm2226]

Hi there I am looking for a business to start in Panama, can you do a video where you can advise which businesses to look for and how to start?. Thanks

[@IGoPanama]

Unfortunately, no. That's a very individual decision based on your skills and passions. However, I will be doing a video in the future about how I set up my personal business to the best tax advantage.

[@temprmj1]

I love mountainous coast lines, could you do a video showing the jungle and your proximity to the beach, maybe a drone or walk about video?

[@IGoPanama]

It's in the works! Will be in about 4-6 weeks or so.

[@temprmj1]

Do you see an advantage to shipping a barrel or large box to Panama due to it being a shipping hub?

[@IGoPanama]

We are still looking into shipping options at the moment, so I don't have any information yet.

[@rondunn4336]

No one mentions two essentials for physical comfort, mosquitos and humidity. If either or both are in evidence then no thank you.

[@IGoPanama]

Then you shouldn't be looking at moving to Central America period. :)

[@nickm2226]

Great video, just a question how is for children Panama school and if it suits in generally for 5/6 years old. Thanks

[@IGoPanama]

I don't know. I don't have any children in school.

[@1QKGLH]

You talk about ease of work. Does that apply to living in one of these countries but working FOR a US-based company?

[@IGoPanama]

It applies both to working for a US based company AND working in Panama. Once you have your permanent residency, you can easily get a work permit. There will be videos on that entire process soon.

[@1QKGLH]

@@IGoPanama Awesome. Thank you!

[@edgregory1]

Will they accept stock dividends (my sole source of income) re pension visa?

[@IGoPanama]

I don't know, as I didn't use the pensionado. You'll need to discuss with an attorney.

[@user-re6rn5nm1f]

Belize is more safe ngl but it choice :)

[@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975]

Hi! Your videos are soooo helpful. THANK YOU! Question... did you two ever consider Mexico? I know majority of americans move there. Its number one for american expats. Just curious... im searching. Would love your opinion. Thanks!

[@IGoPanama]

We considered Merida, Mexico briefly when we weren't sure if we could get to Panama because of Covid (I discuss it in the Buying Real Estate videos). But in the long run, no. Mexico taxes worldwide income and that's exactly what I'm trying to get away from! :)

[@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975]

@@IGoPanama Oh okay. So it was the whole tax thing that broke it. Other then that, any other issues with it? Breifly... i know you do your research :)

[@IGoPanama]

@@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975 Corruption, hurricanes, real estate availability. But the tax situation is the main reason.

[@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975]

@@IGoPanama Ok. Thanks! Your response is appreciated. I would love to visit panama. Looks great. Interested in the NFV. But dont think i would qualify because I too was arrested. They seem very strict on this. Thank you so much for responding. I wish you well in panama :)

[@unklb7161]

Do you happen to know if my wife and I came to Panama on the Pensianado visa, based on my pension, could my wife still work even thought I obviously couldn't? As I've mentioned before, she's also an educator and I'm not sure she'll ever be able to truly leave that passion behind. Edit: As a side note, I've tried a few times to join your group linked above and it's saying it's "not available." I just wanted to let you know in case it's something that needs attention on your end.

[@IGoPanama]

The group is facebook.com/groups/igopanama You have to be logged in to facebook to access it. If she's an educator, it would be best for her to find work online. If she's going to teach in person at one of the international schools, she would need them to sponsor her visa and most likely not come in as a dependent under yours. Best to speak to an immigration attorney.

[@unklb7161]

@@IGoPanama thank you for the response. We are looking at bringing our two youngest (high schoolers) to Panama next summer for 3 weeks to start our research. I’m a small town guy, so Boquete will probably be our destination unless a find another less expat heavy community with a mild climate. Like you, I’m happy to be a hermit. If our plans work out, I can try to “smuggle” some Diet Dr Pepper for you! Lol

[@linfarmilo1606]

I am not sure i was clear with my question...is opening a bank and the deposit into an account the same for a married couple or does it double?

[@IGoPanama]

I discuss it in the Friendly Nations video I posted today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioCXeKp3eahrf8U

[@linfarmilo1606]

@@IGoPanama you are amazing thank you! Happy New Year.

[@jirismola1023]

Hello, thank you for the video. I would like to ask about the covd restrictions. Is it true that only women can go shopping on Monday and Wednesday and men on Tue and Thursday?

[@IGoPanama]

For right now, the strictest lockdowns are in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste- with women shopping I think Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and men on Tuesday and Thursday and for only 2 hours based on their ID number. I'm in Bocas Del Toro province, so we aren't under such tight restrictions. Right now though, the whole country is in total lockdown until Monday.

[@christyallen4403]

Can permanent residents on pensionado visas (in retirement) operate an online biz in Panama?

[@IGoPanama]

I'm not an attorney and haven't done extensive research in the pensionado since I'm not using it, but since you don't need a work permit in Panama if you are working online for a company outside of Panama, I don't see why it would be a problem. You just can't get a work permit with pensionado. But please consult an attorney for the most accurate legal advice! I'll be posting a video tomorrow about the visa process (Friendly Nations, but some info will pertain to retirement visas as well).

[@christyallen4403]

@@IGoPanama Thanks, I see the logic and it confirms what I've heard said prior - but will eventually chat with a legal eagle, too. I also enjoyed your answer to the question of whether to import a car or not. Happy New Year!

[@bazziblassa4659]

I plan to relocate from Canada to Panama. step by step. Do you accept to be my advisor , If yes Hoe to communicate with you?

[@IGoPanama]

You need an immigration attorney for that. I highly recommend Marcos Kraemer at www.kraemerlaw.com

[@kronos77]

I know you are from Texas and California, two places with intense sunshine. But how do you deal with being so close to the equator? The sun must be brutal down there.

[@IGoPanama]

Actually, it's cloudy a lot here. And when it's sunny, I just try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

[@peterporaski2629]

OK great, Costa Rica is off my list, Panama sounds very promising. I'm just wondering if Panama is more relaxed in regards to draconian covid restrictions than the rest of developed world, and if there will be compulsory vaccinations?

[@IGoPanama]

The extent of the restrictions depends on what province you live in. I don't think anyone can predict what the future of the covid vaccination will look like in any individual country.

[@garychristison5773]

If a person has never been to Belize, An inadvertent honest assessment of the country is the documentary, Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee. It covers the two main choices. Life on the beach and life in the interior. I love Belize but there is an edge that you become aware of. Thanks for the informative video.

[@IGoPanama]

You're welcome!

[@williamwarren5269]

What is the cost of living? Tell us that and you will be a hit with us poor people. Talk some numbers.

[@IGoPanama]

Cost of living really depends on your location and lifestyle. I can't possibly do an accurate cost of living that will fit everyone's circumstances. It's just something you have to research for yourself.

[@williamwarren5269]

@@IGoPanama cover from medium income to rich, you will have good info. You seem very versed, share some numbers and I promise you will be loved. Remember what you where looking for before you moved there.

[@williamwarren5269]

Break it down, so we understand that we can live there.

[@IGoPanama]

@William Warren As stated in the video, cost of living wasn't a major concern for us, so I didn't put any real research into it. I live off grid- no electricity or water bills. My lifestyle is much different than other expats. I'm not interested in being loved (my husband provides all I need!). 🙂 I'm only interested in presenting my experiences in a factual way, and I don't feel like doing a cost of living breakdown for my family would represent very many people moving to Panama. When I have costs that most people will incur (attorney, etc...), I list that. It's the best I can do. You really need to come down and do your own research based on where you want to live and the lifestyle you want to live.

[@shawnsteinman2001]

Love your videos. You do a great job comparing Panama to Costa Rica. I heard that a local beer at a beach restaurant in Panama is about $0.75 - $1 is that true? Because in Cost Rica its would be like 4-5 times the price. Have you ever watched the "Travel Costa Rica Now" Videos. If not you should watch him his channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6GTaZ-AfM6ZaLs

[@beverlyb6391]

++++++

[@samjordan8800]

Oh oh Belize.... Two words....a name, actually. John McAfee. The real story I heard reflects extremely bad on Belize. He fled the country after being accused of murdering his neighbor. But the real thing was, after buying off people who threatened him and calling them hs security detail, he was approached by a politician who wanted him to back their campaign. Fed up with paying out all the money he already had, he said "No." Next thing they did was frame him to claim he murdered somebody. He fled, leaving behind much of the wealth he had accumulated from the sale of McAfee Anti-virus to start over as a consultant and designing cell phones for privacy.

[@IGoPanama]

That guy is definitely not the definition of a typical expat (I'm being super PC here!), and I wouldn't let anything in that twisted up tale cause me to think differently of Belize.

[@johnreape2833]

Costa Rica has the highest cost of living in Central America, because it is the most desirable country to live in.

[@johnreape2833]

Belize is a super dangerous country. It would have been a terrible decision to have moved there.