Why I Moved from Panama City to Playa Del Carmen Mexico

[@living_in_latam]

It's official, I'm in Playa Del Carmen. Do you agree or disagree with my choice?

[@JesusEsDios007]

Agree. Mexico is cheaper. You get a lot more for your buck and Mexico is Amazing. Im Panamanian.

[@locks4]

I agree. For the beach/ humidy aspect and because more infrastructure is being built in PDC ( IE: more money making opportunities)

[@brianpereira7483]

Better value and more upside in growth in mexico then in Panama city. My love has always been cancun so playa del carmen is also very nice.

[@jamescadzow9545]

Both cities are overly humid for my taste. I hate the humidity but I love the heat. I moved from Phoenix Arizona to Cabo San Lucas in 2022 and it was the best decision of my life. They have the best beaches in all of Mexico possibly the world. It's centrally located and a short trip to the States if you have to get back for some reason. The weather is mainly 72 to 92 12 months a year and the humidity is normally in the '50% to 65%. It's the least humid beach town in all of Mexico. I love the weather, beautiful beaches, the culture, the food, and the people. Cabo is truly a special place. Playa del Carmen seems like a great place to live and visit we're going to check it out later this year. I absolutely loved Cancun but it was way too humid there. I wish you the best of luck on your move. Mexico is an amazing place.

[@living_in_latam]

Thanks for the detailed response. I do love Cabo as well. Only 10 years of rain a year approx. Humidity is a thing, but PDC to Panama isn't even a comparison. When you visit again come to PDC, let me know if you enjoy it.

[@mphsb]

I appreciate this info. Thanks so much from Vermont

[@living_in_latam]

your very welcome ( from Playa del carmen)

[@Benito-fn4ip]

Playa del Carmen is my kind of place. Have visited for 2-4wks several times over the last 4yrs.

[@living_in_latam]

Great to hear it!

[@EVTulum]

Another great video Jesse. Your honest and informative perspective is great!

[@living_in_latam]

I appreciate that! Thanks for saying that!

[@MexEdge]

Great informative video. Thanks for sharing Jesse!

[@living_in_latam]

@@MexEdge thanks George. Thanks for checking it out.

[@realismatitsfinest1]

Yeah, I found the same. Which is why I moved from P. City to Colega, Chriqui. As the rain moves east to west (which is opposite of what I'm used to in Canada), the rain hits P. City at 2 pm and stops at 4 pm. When the rains stop at 4 pm, the sun is still high in the sky and adds 10C to the humidity. However, by the time that same daily rain gets to David it's 4 pm. And by the time it stops it's 6 pm, just when the sun is setting. So the rain adds a nice cool chill in the air just in time for bed. Now, as for beaches, where I was living (Dolega) it was about a 45 min drive there. However, I never encountered any protests along that stretch of road like I found in P. City. So although the drive is still lengthy, you can still get to the beaches even during times of protests. My big complaint with Panama is the way they went complete Stalin during the plandemic. So I left then and moved to a country that had no lockdowns, no mask mandates, no vaccine mandates and no ridiculous social distancing and that country was Uruguay. For me, much better 4-season climate (but without snow), friendlier people and a very business friendly tax regime: 0% tax free holiday for your first 11 years in-country. If you're a US citizen, that really doesn't apply to you as all of you still have to pay tax no matter where you live in the world. But as a Canadian, who can claim non-residency tax status, it is very convenient and very inexpensive to live because of it (i.e., instead of paying 50% to the Canadian tax man, that 50% now goes back into making even more money, so my money grows exponentially faster!). You can also acquire citizenship in Uruguay after just 3 years if you're married (including same sex marriages) or 5 years if you're single. So you could live here for 11 years, get 9% tax-free holiday on worldwide income, gain Uruguayan citizenship, and then just leave the country without paying a single cent in taxes in Uruguay. (With a Uruguayan citizenship you can more easily move to and live and work in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil as well as all 4 countries have an agreement for this purpose.)

[@living_in_latam]

I love that the rain only rains for maybe 20-30 mins then it's beautiful. Heading to Uruguay to create content in March. Stay tuned.

[@OliverRamirez-z3c]

I agree, Playa del Carmen is great.

[@living_in_latam]

Agreed!

[@thomasfranco5997]

I just got back from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and I am looking for a Condo or Home there. I loved it for the first time being there. Love the jungle and the beach. The mountains and the beach is just amazing. There are many Americans and Europeans who either live there or have a vacation home there. I have met a couple of Russians there also. It's like a melting pot of people from all over the World. Loved It!!!

[@living_in_latam]

Yes PV is great also. I have shot a few homes there that are for sale on this channel.

[@jtromixx]

Here’s a Panamanian who agrees with many of your comments about mobility and the expectation of having much better beach access, considering we live in a hot climate. Hopefully, the developments on the Caribbean side will be completed soon, along with more options to reach Isla Taboga, which is right in front of the city, and why not even a beach on the Cinta Costera Nice video

[@living_in_latam]

@@jtromixx thank you for this comment! I hope things complete soon too.

[@CommoditySC]

Probably because the water would be dirty anyway with all the ships sitting around there.

[@dougscott188]

The water is not clean off Cinta costera

[@DerPanamaKanal]

Interesting video. I live in Panama City and I prefer to go to the beaches in the Caribbean. It is much more relaxed to drive there in comparison to the beaches on the Pacific side. They are currently building a new access road (Corredor del Caribe) so you don't have to go through the Sabanitas neighbourhood in Colon anymore. From Panama City you can also take the ferry to the Pearl Islands. Yes, it is expensive if you do it regularly but it is a real paradise.

[@living_in_latam]

Yeah I actually have videos on this cahnnel talking abou the pearl islands. For me I just wanted somewhere where I could live that I could walk to the beach.

[@JesusEsDios007]

Colon is a dumpster fire. Including all those new developments near Maria Chiquita.

[@rexx9496]

Been to PDC 4 times and love it. Question, how did you find your apartment? Sounds like a great deal. Did you use a specific site or just go knocking on doors?

[@living_in_latam]

I was on facebook marketplace, and that was a nightmare, so I reached out to a real estate agent that specializes in rentals. It was a game changer.

[@rexx9496]

@living_in_latam can you share their contact?

[@jjoel609]

You forget to mention hurricane possibilty in Playa del Carmen. I will NEVER live anywhere again that has hurricane exposure, so I would take Panama City.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

And earthquakes. Dude is just chasing skinny chicks.

[@living_in_latam]

Yes it does, but I can’t live life in fear.

[@dn3710]

Id rather take the possibility of a hurricane every few years then being miserable with the heat and humidity year round....

[@living_in_latam]

@ my thoughts exactly.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

@dn3710 It's clearly a personal preference. It's neither bad or good; it just is.

[@davidkyle2073]

Good video. Thx for sharing. Elephant in the room: you never mentioned Cartel ownership of hotel resorts on the east coast and the high incidence of crime, including with foreigners. Also, is PdelC a good place for children to live and get educated?

[@living_in_latam]

Why would I refocus my energy from A positive video to mention cartel ownership of hotels? Ive been here for 4 months and without have cold hard facts, I can’t honestly mention something. People all say what about the cartels? In PDC I honestly haven’t seen them. Or maybe they blend in. Just like the hells angels do back home. I’ve been all over Mexico and haven’t seen them yet. I know many families that have moved here from vancouver area with kids and there are a lot of international schools with American educated teachers

[@Wds__99]

Just home school your kids. It actually only takes a couple hrs aday. Schools waste a lot of time.

[@tintinet]

Traffic is bad in many cities- I don’t own a car and I ride a bike everywhere I can.

[@living_in_latam]

I totally agree. Much prefer that.

[@MarcAndrewTV]

Hey man...long time no chat. Hope all is well with you. I've been living in Playa del Carmen / Puerto Aventuras for 11yrs now. We should get together my friend. What's the best way to contact you?

[@living_in_latam]

Hey long time no see. Yes lets connect. My whatsapp is [phone]

[@dougscott188]

You not wrong about the heat in Panama. But I have to admit I have never heard of an ice bath group. 😝 I have a Panama visa but spend most of time in Florida. I am thinking about getting a studio in Panama. Any recommendations other than Ocean Club would be welcome.

[@living_in_latam]

I have all sorts of Recommendations when it comes to Panama. I spend a lot of time there. It comes down to the area and budget you have.

[@dougscott188]

@ I like Balboa area Marbella or Bella Vista. I really would like to spend mo more than $800 which seems hard to do. I have stayed in a number of buildings in Balboa in short term situations some quite nice but as a permanent place I want something small and affordable because I am in Florida as well.

[@JesusEsDios007]

​@@dougscott188 Panamá is not affordable. Recommend you look into Colombia (a lot more cities and towns to choose from ) and healthcare in Colombia is way better than in Panamá. Mexico is amazing though I love Mexico.

[@drewforest]

Any thoughts on Dominican Republic? Another popular place that has nice beaches and closer to North America

[@living_in_latam]

I’ve actually been looking into DR. As I want to expand and reach more areas in LATAM. People have told me that beyond the hotels, it’s dangerous for foreigners but I don’t believe that until I go for myself. So I plan to check it out and will create a video on it soon

[@tommimetsapuro5382]

Dominicans are stupid and unreliable, alot of prostitution and everyone is after your money. Impossible to make meaningful relationships. Food is below average but the island itself is beautiful. Alot of mountains and hills and nice beaches. Stay away from Santo Domingo and youll be safe. Dont trust anyone in DR when it comes to money. Locals will scam you. Expat community there is mostly just retired whoremongers. Black guys from USA loves Sosua as there are alot of big ass women.

[@tsym123]

Is the electrical power stable down there?

[@living_in_latam]

The power goes out everywhere from time to time. Honestly, Playa del Carmen goes out more then Panama City. But it's once a month where I am if that. Depends how the weather is.

[@drewforest]

Very interesting video and I appreciate your channel. We're a Canadian expat family in suburban Panama City and love it here. But, you're right, it would be nice if there were more beach options in the city. As for Mexico, I definitely see the pros you're mentioning, but to me Panama seems much safer than Mexico, which is a huge plus. Less crime and drugs. Plus, Panama is woke-free. Mexico seems to be moving in the other direction. My two cents.

[@drewforest]

The other thing is Panama is a territorial tax system and Mexico isn't

[@living_in_latam]

Yeah everyone has their opinions. For me it was weather, close proximity to the beaches, but also amenities of a city. (Not a beach town) then if I needed to go back to Vancouver its much easier. There is crime everywhere you go, so that doens't really bother me. I haven't had any issues, in the 4 months here so far.

[@living_in_latam]

and this is why I have my compnaies in Panama and come back to Panama regularly.

[@drewforest]

I get it. Playa Del Carmen has its benefits I'm sure! Enjoy!

[@living_in_latam]

@@drewforestit does, but business is always best in Panama. Thanks you as well!

[@drewforest]

It is possible to grab a similar style bus in Panama to take a 2 hour drive for $4 USD

[@living_in_latam]

Really? From albrook? Does it go to playa caracol?

[@drewforest]

Don't know! But Coronado yes

[@VickyFernandez-jy6yh]

Hope you buy a home in Mexico

[@living_in_latam]

Looking into it

[@VickyFernandez-jy6yh]

@@living_in_latam

[@Wolf2024-m3f]

They want you to update your residency address all the time, otherwise fines, probably to be sure you pay your taxes. They also not allow dual citizenship.

[@living_in_latam]

dual citizenship no, but dual residency, yes. And yes I pay my taxes.

[@Wolf2024-m3f]

@living_in_latam it's not about paying taxes, it's about surveillance. They everytime can find you by this.

[@truestory923]

Totally agree

[@living_in_latam]

thanks

[@alskypearson9716]

Soooooooo the weather and beaches are something that most people research ahead of time. This is nothing new unless you’re living under a rock.

[@living_in_latam]

true. Most not all.

[@icebreakeragency9369]

Going to Panama city next week, but after staying in Playa for a month - I can't see what would someone from a developed country move here. It's way too crowded with all the tourists (especially the 5th avenue), the service quality isn't the best, it doesn't seem safe at all, there's trash all over the city, no proper infrastructure. Probably better choice for a solo traveler like yourself, but definitely not for a family and not long term. Just my personal opinion. Weather and nature is nice though.

[@living_in_latam]

If you think the trash is bad here, you’ll see what it’s like elsewhere. Like I said I go back a lot, I’ll be back in 4 weeks so if you need any help there let me know. I stay away from all the tourists on 5th ave. If you venture up past 38th on 5th it’s all locals. Also right now is high season. From April to December there is a lot less.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

@living_in_latam So you must go to the beach everyday?

[@living_in_latam]

@ not everyday but I do like it for sunrise

[@TravelTechie415]

Panama is safer , but can't blame him for moving - based on Location

[@living_in_latam]

Yes it is. Thanks

[@Wds__99]

When is your ‘why I left playa del Carmen’ video coming out?

[@living_in_latam]

It's not. Sorry to dissappoint you. This is home base for all the rest of the content coming soon.

[@d-tech5338]

Sounds great.. but stay too long and you pay quite a bit more tax that you would do in Panama, no?

[@living_in_latam]

Everything is through Panama company wise. Seperate ventures probably. But for me that is ok.

[@TruthInspector]

panama city is surrounded by polluted water.....awful. water as far as eye can see but its all polluted

[@living_in_latam]

Outside of the city it’s awesome. But you need a car.

[@randyhilarski1]

Mexico, surrounded by people trying to scam me. As a person who is still building a business I highly disliked the Mexico vibe. Panama protests keep this country free as the government is scared of the people. Cops driving around with 60 Cals on the top of pickups was quite off putting. Yes, Mexico has better beaches. You lived in the Marriott, the least possible opportunity to be part of the Panama culture.

[@living_in_latam]

I've actually lived all over Panama. Including the video tour of my place in San Francisco, right in the middle of it all.

[@marcoprolo1488]

I just come back from PDC. I hated it.

[@living_in_latam]

What did you hate about it? What are you comparing it to?

[@marcoprolo1488]

@@living_in_latam Everything. My kids and wife hated it too. I won't say where I like it in Mexico because I don't want to attract the travelling lice there.

[@jimmyalvarez8262]

Good luck with the narco in Playa del Carmen 😂! Panama 🥇

[@living_in_latam]

If you don't go looking for something, you won't find it.

[@Againstclownshows]

Both places are shitty

[@TheHealthyT]

Compared to where?

[@living_in_latam]

Says who?

[@MyKeeP81]

panama city very nice

[@agl5132]

Yet, you took the time to watch a video about places you don't care for?

[@living_in_latam]

@ my thoughts exactly

[@Lissaguerra-fe3lx]

You can't compare panama with playa el Carmen...two different can of city and panama is not a turist destination a market is totally different.

[@living_in_latam]

Ok so what do you suggest I do?

[@aaronsierra6506]

@@living_in_latam Stay in playa del carmen forever