Why Panama is Better than Costa Rica

[@VagabondAwake]

☆★☆ Part 2 of this video (Qiang's Channel) ☆★☆ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImyoolmjM2Ki7M ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 ☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/

[@mesmerb5136]

This was very helpful. I watched this a few times before we planned our visit. We ended up going to Costa Rica and Guatemala, but I think that you are spot-on with what you said. It may be the most useful thing online I got to see at the time. All the best!

[@VagabondAwake]

Great news. We just call balls and strikes from where we sit. Sometimes we get it right. :-)

[@fanfare100]

Thank you for the great video!

[@VagabondAwake]

You are welcome fanfare100. Your comment grows our channel. :-) Dan Have you seen our KZbin playlist for each country? kzbin.infoplaylists

[@wanderingdoc5075]

Thanks for this. Going on my Panama trip in a week!

[@VagabondAwake]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Charles-qt4hq]

One month in Costa Rica and comparing it to four months in Panama? Interesting. On our fifth month in Costa Rica and loving it!

[@VagabondAwake]

I knew almost right away it wasn't for me. But many people love it. Nothing wrong with different opinions is there/ After 6 month in CR are you going to spend 6 months in Panama so you know which one is better?

[@tessw9744]

@@VagabondAwake Ha!

[@MrSanserif]

Sorry but Panama is way better than Costa Rica.

[@dsmp_17]

Gracias 😊

[@Jim-bs8ln]

@@MrSanserifFor what? Definitely not scenery.

[@freeradical1567]

Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. Chung is a great interviewer and the information communicated from at least two cultural perspectives. A very good team interview. Thank you.

[@VagabondAwake]

Our pleasure!

[@robertgillies9382]

I agree that Panama overall is the better choice. I have lived in Panama near the border with Costa Rica for the past 24 years.

[@todd7756]

i just had someone tell me last week Panama is somewhere to look at for retirement.. Thanks for the info.

[@VagabondAwake]

Any time!

[@phmiii]

You two make an Amazing Team!

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Phillip McCary III! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@dennisgonya4500]

Always waiting for your videos to get educated about the countries to go to. Thanks so much for all that you do. You do especially well as you are a couple and giving inputs for both sexes.

[@VagabondAwake]

Well said Dennis Gonya! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan

[@garthrondeau8198]

Another great collaboration from the two of you. I’m really looking forward to your future video. Best overall country in Central America to retire in….. take your time. Couple more years of research you think is what you need lol.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks so much! Stay tuned!

[@maukamarine3083]

Great video-to the point

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Mauka Marine! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@p.c.h.6721]

Hi, I know you’ve visited a lot of countries, would you care to give your general opinion between living in Mexico or Panama? We are undecided, (also considering Thailand, Chiang Mai.) But initially either Mexico or Panama. Thanks 🙏

[@reyaz8531]

Happy new year Dan and qiang! Loving the Central America content!

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing Reyaz! It makes our community more interesting. :-) Dan :-) Please grab my free eBook if you haven't already. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@Byron4RollTide]

Dan I totally agree with you about Panama. Great place to live and retire. Panama would be my choice as well. People looking at Costa Rica, San José is in the Sweet Spot for evaluation at 3,845′ for great weather. Definitely something to consider. Enjoyed the video.✌️

[@VagabondAwake]

Well said! San Jose (or surrounding areas) was one of our favorite spots if we were going to live in Costa Rica.

[@chelleroberson3222]

Love there 6 months where it rains 5 of those months and then tell me how great it is

[@Byron4RollTide]

@@chelleroberson3222 Panama's Dry Arc Region (Coronado) receives limited amounts of rainfall and is easy access to Panama City with excellent health care.

[@philipjanek3864]

Half the population of San Jose Costa Rica I believe is foreigners 😆 good content. Thanks Dan and Qiang👍

[@VagabondAwake]

Philip Janek, thank you for being part of our community :-) Dan

[@towaritch]

The other half are thieves, government included.

[@dennishassler605]

It is amazing the prices can be so reasonable compared to the USA where they are gouging people for services like Cable, Cell Phones and WIFI with sky high costs. Consumers can be fairly high tech at much lower prices in these more economical countries!!!!

[@VagabondAwake]

That sums it up Dennis. Thanks for sharing. Dan

[@puravida5683]

I have lived in Costa Rica 8 years. Selling my house, SUV and traveling throughout Southeast Asia. I enjoy the food and women much more!

[@VagabondAwake]

Well said!

[@Jim-bs8ln]

Sex tourism! 😂🤣

[@chrisbutler6258]

I agree , Panama over Costa Rica for me, and I have been to both.And I agree, too many Americans in Costa Rica have made it more expensive than it should be.

[@VagabondAwake]

Yes, it is all the companies like International Living that have been promoting CR as number 1 in the world year after year. I think if they went and lived daily life in several different countries they might realize that CR has become a mini-America. So it is too expensive and not really that charming or interesting anymore. No offense to anyone that has established and amazing life there in the past and want to keep rolling with their decisions. But for new people, they should look around a little more before pulling the trigger. CR is definitely not for me.

[@chrisbutler6258]

@@VagabondAwake You nailed it, I couldnt agree more, and yes it is more unsafe than Panama. I met people that were robbed th ere and San Jose is not safe at night either.

[@chrisbutler6258]

@Maria lol. im not American

[@chrisbutler6258]

@Maria no

[@Jim-bs8ln]

@@chrisbutler6258 the crime is higher in Panama… Look it up

[@ph5915]

Something that may be a big draw for US folks, I believe is still the case, Panama uses US currency.

[@VagabondAwake]

So true!

[@Ty2Tito]

Correction, Depends of US Currency they cant print US Dollars in Panama.

[@filetmignon96]

Visited both countries a while back, like your assessments on both. I plan on visiting South America more in the summer for consideration for retirement. Have you guys ever been to Uruguay or have any videos on it?

[@VagabondAwake]

You are welcome J Worldviews. Your comment grows our channel. :-) Dan Have you seen our KZbin playlist for each country? We have about 20 countries up there but not Uruguay yet. Hopefully soon. kzbin.infoplaylists

[@floatingmoon5778]

Uruguay is wonderful, but not very convenient for traveling. It’s easy to visit Argentina, but there are long flights back to the US or Canada. Health care is excellent. I loved it… would have moved permanently, when I was part of a couple. Not sure I want to go as a single, permanently. Had explored Panama several years ago, it’s interesting, but I loved Uruguay more.

[@filetmignon96]

@@floatingmoon5778 Thanks for the information, heading out there in December to tour SA

[@larrydavis9251]

Thank you for your vidios ,ive been following you on smart TV I decided to use my tablet so could subscibe ,,you guys are doing a great job

[@VagabondAwake]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@katlove7039]

Hi you two. I have watched sooo many of your videos, and they are all great! I am retired and relocating from Key West, Fl, to Boca Town, Panama. If you could give me a heads up on any good monthly rentals, I sure would appreciate it. I sure didn't want to pay over $500 a month. Thanks, and keep up with great videos!

[@VagabondAwake]

I recommend the place we stayed for at least the first few months. vagabondbuddha.com/retire-early-1070-month-bocas-del-toro-panama/

[@danielsnook5029]

It's hard to concentrate on this vid as there's no cameraman following a bikini chick as she strolls along the beach.🤣

[@VagabondAwake]

Hello Daniel Snook, thanks for the chuckle. :-) Dan

[@FardinSadeghi]

Also tips on transportation would be great.

[@VagabondAwake]

Our reports for each city typically have how we got there.

[@michaelhapgood782]

Okay I have been living in Costa Rica for a year. I do go down to Panama occasionally. First Climate. CR has 7 different ecological regions Ranging from Hot to Cool. Wet to dry. My time in Panama. It is always hot. It rains everyday. The people in Costa Rica are very friendly and welcoming. Granted in Panama City a few more people speak English. Understandable it is the banking capital of Latin America. It is also very congested, and expensive. BEACHES ! Other than some islands in the Caribbean CR has great Playas. As far as alcohol. I drink Tequila so I'm not going to elaborate on that. Oh one last thing. The sanitation system as far as garbage collection goes SUCKS in Panama

[@stephenhall2604]

I am living in Boquete & it is in the Highlands next to the Costa Rican border. - Like Costa Rica, Panama has many climate zones & it is possible to find pretty much any climate you wish. (Just as in Costa Rica, Panama is not busy at all if you stay away from the capital city & the main tourist areas).

[@VagabondAwake]

Great points you both made. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Dan

[@raulgonzalez913]

The roads in Costa Rica are SUCKS...

[@ravicasi]

There are many climates in Panama from hot to cold too, you need to do more exploring.

[@64jsanchez]

Costa Rica is one ….not to be like other place on earth is like you lock at the social progress index …Panama is way back …and we don’t need people with no money like this couple…no money

[@FardinSadeghi]

Could you make a video for people who want to see all of costa rica or panama for the first time how to find places to stay. Reserve ahead of time vs book as you go, your own experience will be grat. Thanks

[@VagabondAwake]

Our reports share where we stayed.

[@arkyfer197]

🇵🇦👌🏼 Panamá 🦋🌳☀️🦋

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Arky Fer! Your interactions help our channel grow! Have a great day. :-) Dan

[@kristienderyckere7850]

everywhere in the world there should be more security for the people to travel safely panama and boquete looks calm relax in nature

[@johnde1212]

I know you’re a big fan of PH so I ask you, Panama vs Philippines for early retirement?

[@VagabondAwake]

We have a whole KZbin playlist where we have our videos comparing various countries around the world here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goSao2SrhdBoeZo

[@iloiloguy]

For safety, perhaps you could report on drinking water, street obstacles and traffic.

[@VagabondAwake]

Great idea.

[@soldotnaman]

Good information. I like Costa Rica for the reasons you dislike it though. LOL

[@VagabondAwake]

Fair enough! That is why we give details so it helps people figure out where they belong, even if it is somewhere we don't like.

[@sparky4587]

Do you have any suggestions for a work around for the required return ticket for travelers who do not want to fly back to their country of origin once their visa is up in the country they are visiting. I have attempted to research this issue but cannot really find anything definitive. I know that travelers can move from one country to another neighboring country without getting on a plane at all, so there has to be a way. If anyone knows, it would be you!

[@VagabondAwake]

Great question Sparky, As you have probably heard we don't buy round trip tickets. We move forward slow traveling the world. But some countries require a return ticket or onward flight. If so, when you try to board your flight going to the country, with a one-way ticket, the airline will ask for proof of a return flight or an onward flight. We handle this three possible ways. If you can find a refundable ticket a few hours before you board your flight, buy that, and cancel after you clear customs at your destination. If not, buy an onward flight from one of the online companies that offer onward flights. They cost about $12 USD. Just Google the words "Onward Flights" and a few will pop up. But if you decide to buy the $12 onward flight, show up at the airport 3 hours early. We had one refused by the airline once. So that brings up the third way. When your $12 onward flight is refused, step out of line, and log on with your computer or smartphone and buy the cheapest flight you can find exiting the country. For example, we search online for the cheapest ticket to a nearby country, leaving that country. Then you lose much less money than you would if you bought a roundtrip ticket to your home country. Skyscanner is the best place to find cheap tickets in our experience. Some countries will also let you buy an onward train or bus ticket to another country which can be even cheaper. Use RometoRio.com to find those. Best, Dan

[@yuanshuan7099]

I live to live in bocas de toro. I wonder if I can find a place to stay waterfront in about 500 dollars per month. It can be a bedroom with private bathroom.

[@VagabondAwake]

We loved where we stayed but it wasn't water front. It was a block from the water. You may need to head further out of town to be on the water for $500, but I would guess for your requirements it is possible.

[@yuanshuan7099]

@@VagabondAwake thanks for the information. I just wonder in your past travels, have you ever find a beach in Latin America or Southeast Asia that you can find a place to rent waterfront with 500 dollars a month. I found it in puerto Morelos. Only that it is in the summer. I am a solo traveler, no need a fancy place to live. A bedroom with a bath will be sufficient. Thanks

[@bartonofarrell3920]

So my story is worth a bit. I was flying with my friend too his apartment in Panama city. OK. We where going to meet in Houston Airport. OK this didn't happen. I completely got lost .no flying. OK got a great hotel went swimming and had a nice meal ,movie and beer. OK, on the plane .got too Panama. My Spanish is shit.lol .I'm from the deep south of America 🇺🇸 I hardly speak English 😆. So I didn't have my luggage ,I had no idea where my friend was.so I called him from a office phone. He got on the phone with a fellow ,he the lovely man put me in a taxi. Off I went I was ,exactly excited 😆not really worried. I have never been too a different country and knew nothing. The taxi dropped me off ,my friend was there with a smile. On too my 2 weeks vacation. So amazing. The ,people, neighborhood, food ,balboa beer .wow, beautiful ladies and the easy way too travel the country .we got on very good highway we drove the pacific ocean side of Panama the different places and so my love of Panama 🇵🇦begins. Just my story of Panama.

[@VagabondAwake]

Great story Barton O'Farrell. It is nice to have friends when you land in new places. :-) Thank you for sharing it with us. Your interaction with our channel helps us get subscribers and views, so we really appreciate it. Best, Dan

[@bobjohnston7347]

WHICH BEACH CITY IN PANAMA HAD THE GOOD RENTALS?

[@VagabondAwake]

Bocas town. vagabondbuddha.com/retire-early-1070-month-bocas-del-toro-panama/

[@jackdempsey2241]

What happened to the rest of the video??

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Jack Dempsey! Here is part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImyoolmjM2Ki7M Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@KB3TLE]

My investigations tell me - or at least they suggest - that Colombia has them both beat for an economical country. + Many areas have near perfect weather with both cheap prices and access to good health care not real far away. -?- Bucaramanga comes to mind.

[@VagabondAwake]

Colombia is lovely

[@OneWayTicketwithScottAnthony]

Cool video, guys!

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for the visit Scott!

[@christianthorne8807]

Panama and Costa Rica have been at war, 1921, in the Coto War, the entire Limón area in C.R. It belonged to Panama, it is logical that both countries have rivalry.

[@VagabondAwake]

I didn't see any present evidence of dispute when I did my land border crossing.

[@danielcunningham5940]

What about climate? The friendliness of people? The treatment that ex-patriots receive from the government officials, the relative difficulties that come with extending your visas..... ?

[@VagabondAwake]

Those are all about the same.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

But Panama City is so so humid.... maybe some people have no choice but to stay indoors with air conditioners.....

[@VagabondAwake]

Check out Boquete on our Panama KZbin playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXKqiomBZ6utf7c

[@philipnguyen3107]

I remember Panama was extremely dangerous. It must be getting better. Always feel safer in Costa Rica. But too many snakes in the rain forest. Over all Panama is cheaper than Costa Rica.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Philip Nguyen! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@davidjones535]

Not any more the over all cost of living is higher in Panama then in Costa Rica .

[@Nikimar72]

Panama was created by the United States

[@cristophercha]

Costa Rica has never been better it's just viewed by the public as better but we all know panama has the same shit plus a better skyline

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Cristopher Chavez! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@Ty2Tito]

Skyline surrounded by Slums or you don't see it. 🤧 Is slums in Costa Rica yes. The house for many Brothers and Sisters with low income and many from the other countrie in the North the they prefer to be in that situation then in their own country.

[@albertomurilloocallaghan2163]

What public though? because at least Costa Ricans do not think Panama is inferior to Costa Rica, in fact it's the general consensus that Panama is actually superior to Costa Rica in many things, people from outside Latin America like to visit Costa Rica more than Panama but that's not our fault, Panama is as famous as Costa Rica or perhaps even more because of the canal and yet gringos choose Costa Rica for whatever reason, I guess because is more "touristy" and we have more national parks that are renowned all over the world. We are certainly a more "green" country than Panama that at least is true.

[@Ty2Tito]

This is a gringo bullshit. Panamanian and Costaricans We are Brothers and Sisters. I Bet We have the most peaceful Borber in the World. You Gringos Stay in you line and don't arguing or make a fight with something is no yours. Panamanian and Costaricans We are Brothers and Sisters and we can not accept Gringos do Separate Territorys and Build Walls.

[@Ty2Tito]

@user-ip8kk7dm9e is what happen in Costa Rica everything is expensive, I cant support and believe Panamanian and Costaricans arguing about Gringos bullshit. We need to put this Gringos in check before we lose our rights in our own country.

[@dagfinnbakkelid3683]

Hello , i m a fan, how can i talk to you more private.

[@VagabondAwake]

Grab my free eBook. That will give you my email address. Send me an email. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ Thanks for watching and commenting! Dan

[@Freddy_FNA]

Pty❤️CR

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Freddy A.! Your interactions help our channel grow! Have a great day. :-) Dan

[@kd8199]

Rents here in the USA are running $1200-1700 month for a 2 br, 2 ba apartment or townhouse.

[@dsmp_17]

Y ese título del video súper innecesario, Panama no supera a CR en los factores importantes

[@VagabondAwake]

You are welcome to your opinion (and thanks for sharing it here) but we are outsiders that visited and compared both countries for over a month each. I would not live in CR unless I has a budget of at least $3000 a month and I could live in Panama on $1500 a month easily. Plus I like Panama more even though it is cheaper. CR is too Americanized for my taste. No offense intended. :-)

[@dsmp_17]

@@VagabondAwake Even so. I would like them not to misinform people, 1: Mention things like safety, health, etc. is better. 2: For me and for any Tico who sees this video it will be offensive for you to say that there are no beaches in CR as beautiful as those in Panama. 3: In your other video you said that all the beaches in CR are expensive and not free. That is totally ridiculous and untrue.

[@dajours99]

Panama would certainly be a great place however ...they are don't recognize same sex marriage and Costa Rica does

[@VagabondAwake]

Can you marry somewhere else and then move to Panama?

[@gregoriousgotti5115]

❤️🇵🇦

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks!

[@tulbanemoore8405]

One of the many problems no one addresses is the Panamanian currency. Although Panama has its own currency (the Balboa), however, Panama also uses the U.S. dollar. The Balboa to U.S. dollar exchange rate is 1-to-1, which doesn't make since when it comes to GDP. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Panama was worth 52.94 billion US dollars in 2020. Compare that to the U.S. GDP in 2020 at $20.93 trillion. So how did the 1-to-1 exchange rate balance off? Someone with subject matter expertise in economy explain this...I am not convinced that Panama is the best or most beneficial place to retire. Healthcare and medical services outside of Panama City is horrible. DO NOT expect hospitals outside of Panama City to have the same quality. Start asking what expats do not like about Panama...

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi Tulbane Moore, I don't rank Panama the best place to retire. It is just better than Costa Rica in my opinion, which is also not the best place to retire. The Balboa is used only for coins in Panama. The USD dollar is used for everything else in Panama. The value of good and services is based only on supply and demand. Nobody is propping up the Balboa because it does not exist. I do a report every year on the top 15 places in the entire world to retire cheap in paradise, Here is my most recent report and video on that topic. vagabondbuddha.com/top-15-places-in-entire-world-to-retire-early-cheap-in-2022/ Thanks for watching and commenting, Dan

[@tulbanemoore8405]

@@VagabondAwake you are right, you did not rank Panama, I agree with you on that. The point I was trying to get across is the comparison of the currency exchange rate. I refuse to believe that one Balboa is equivalent to one U.S. dollar, versus 680 Costa Rican Colon to one U.S. dollar...

[@daniboy2982]

@@tulbanemoore8405 when I go to panama I spend the same dollars in my pocket from Wisconsin in La Pintada. Thats how.

[@ufosrus]

They talked so much about transportation that no time was left for the last five factors. 🤔

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you for your constructive criticism jacqueline schael. That is how we get better. And thanks for commenting, Best, Dan

[@this.is.berlin]

Where are the chicks prettier?

[@philipnguyen3107]

Women are pretty all around the world. I have been over one hundred countries. Look out for hybrid women. They are the most exotic and beautiful. Like half Chinese half English ,half Vietnamese half French or half native indian and half Spanish. But either way prepare your bank account . In America we say there is no such thing is free lunch. No pay no play ☹️ no money no no honey. About Costa Rica and Panama. The women are equal pretty. You just have to be lucky to meet the right one.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@VagabondAwake]

You can find a beautiful woman anywhere in the world. But on average, these two countries have about the same level of beauty. :-)

[@chelleroberson3222]

Don't know about Costa Rica but Panama is horrible , 6 months there and never again

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bobjohnston7347]

Cannabis?

[@VagabondAwake]

Sorry, I don't know. But that is likely to show up in a Google search. :-)

[@Grudr-w9w]

@@bobjohnston7347don't get caught in Panama - you'll be incarcerated. In CR, they'll just confiscate and send you on your way.