Who know's about life in the country of Panama? Need long answer?

Question

I'm planning to go to Panama and Costa Rica to search out a cool place to live while I can still enjoy some of the pursuits of life and liberty (I'm single and 64). Beach property seems to be overpriced and all the word on Costa Rica is about crime and overdevelopment problems along with way too high prices for real estate. I'd really prefer to buy a used sailboat and live around marinas in both countries. Can I find a decent boat in costa Rica?

Answer 1

Well I bet that if you visit both countries, you will find a place that you will like.  I'm a Panamanian and I've travelled several times to Costa Rica, and I know it quite well.

I know you're looking for a long answer, but really it will take a lot of guessing to get a correct answer.

If money is not an object then go ahead and find yourself a nice beach property.  Probably Panama still has something that will fit your budget, but hurry up as the prices are rising fast due to speculation in the real estate market.

Your idea to live on a sailboat is cool as well.  You can get a permit to have your sailboat in Panama up to one year.  Or you can just get one for 3 months, and then go to Costa Rica, spend 3 months over there, and go back to Panama for another 3 more months.

You should contact a ship agent in Panama to get the permits, and also you can get an estimate on how much will the permits cost, and other immigration requirements as well.  Can't speak for Costa Rica as I don't live or work there.  Better ask a Costa Rican attorney for that info.

As for sailboats you can probably find something decent in Costa Rica or Panama, either from an ex-pat or from a local.  There aren't a lot of places, so you won't have to look for long to find what's available.

Now for the fun part, man you'll have fun in both countries.  Each has it's own charms, so it's unfair to categorize them.  Costa Rican women are different from Panamanian women.  Where you can see that Costa Rican women look more European, Panamanian women are more a melting pot of different ethnic backgrounds.  Come and see for yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Here is the Answer you were looking for:

Hi I am Panamanian, daughter of an American who was born and raise in Panama.  There are benefits and of course there are things that you need to be concern, like any other country.

First you can use the dollar, and that is a big plus.

Panama has two sides, the well developed and modern living and the Natural, paradise enviroment.  You can easily go from eating in a TGIF and shopping at the mall to having some rest time by the ocean..in a matter of minutes

For people your age it is a great place.  I also plan to retire in Panama, do doubt about that.  You can easily find property by the ocean or by the mountains an have a supermarker close by where you can buy all your needs.  Also there are neighborhoods that are specifically for foreginer that are retired, from all parts of the world, specially from the US and Europe.  If you are into sailing, Bocas del Toro is the Place for you, YOu will find many benefits and also many people that are exactly like you, foreigner, retired and living in a sail boat.  Weather is Humid, but you should feel free from Tornados, hail and Hurricanes, is extremly rare to get any of those there.  Thunders storms is the worst that it gets.  

The bad part is that Real state will not be cheap, specially if you are a foreigner.  Not even for Panamanians.  Buying a House or an Apartment will cost the same in the US.  Now the cost if living is somewhat less expensive than the US.  

If you are a person that can easily get adjusted, and you are O.K. with change, you will be fine...but I have also seen people that just cant take it, they hate the food, the weather and they just miss home...

In Costa Rica I dont know much, I do know that there is a small Town call Golfito that has many foreigners living there in boats.  For Costa Ricans this is not the best place in the world, but for tourist and foreigners is a great place to have your boat in,,

Good Luck

Answer 3

The above answer I believe is pretty good but I would like to add that you should come to Costa Rica and then to Panama and spend a few weeks in both places to see what you like best.

You will probably end up living in one country more than the other, you can buy a boat here or import one or sail it over here and register it.

There are some new marinas that are being constructed on the pacific side.

Don´t listen to some of the few people who badmouth and complain where ever they happen to be, some seem like they aren´t happy anywhere in the world.

Prices and expenses in Costa Rica depend on your lifestyle, you can live here on $500 but if you have a more fancy lifestyle you can live very well for about $1000-$1500 a month, eat and drink out, party, travel all over the country and do anything you want pretty much.

Some Real Estate is expensive in some areas, but many deals and areas that are not as touristy are very affordable and beautifull.

Crime is very low in most areas, in the city and a few populated beaches there will be more cirme but these are usually petty crimes, mostly purse snatching, gold chain snatching and car break ins if you leave valuebles that are visible.

Mainly you should use common sense and you will have a great time.

Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.