I enjoyed the video, I have been to Panama since 2018, I’m from Argentina. It’s a beautiful and quiet place. The economy is stable, it’s a good point to stay here! Enjoy “retire and go”!
I often think about what Panama is like today. I was an U.S. Marine deployed to Panama in 1989 and 1990. Aside from the hostilies. The country and especially the women were very beautiful and very nice. I hope to visit Panama some day again.
In 1989 I was 6 years old but I remember everything and for me it was a relief to stop being afraid of wearing a white shirt with my uniform, (I was afraid of being mistaken for a civilian and that the police would beat me) I never felt that the soldiers did wrong (apart from the incident of the slice of watermelon and January 9) but I remember in 1990 with great affection Lieutenant Segura and the soldiers on the banks of the Raicero river in the name of God, colon, they filled in a stretch of road and put culverts so that we would not walk through water knee to go to school and they also donated a huge amount of books to us. I also remember Sergeant Colon, he was Puerto Rican and was very close to my family. I wish with all my heart that they and all the soldiers who were here from 89 to 99 are well.
Even if it wasn’t meant to be disrespectful please don’t regard Panama as no 51st state… Panama is its own country ruled by their own people and it should be respected as such. Thank u!
I also didn’t appreciate this. It evokes times when the US considered Panama to be part of “their backyard,” and comes across as a casual dismissal of the tensions and violence involved in that neo-colonial arrangement throughout the 20th Century, such as that of the Day of the Martyrs in 1964 and the 1989 invasion. Sovereignity and national identity are important to many Panamanians, so please be careful with this kind of stuff.
Historically it's South American, geographically it's Central American, and culturally it's a bit of both plus Caribbean. Strong American influence. Very diverse ethnically.
@guillermogouldburn763 It's actually part of North America if you look at a map of the 7 continents. Central America is a sub continent but yes it's still in Central America too
I used to live in the Zone. On Ancon Hill. The best pizza I ever had in my life was in town at Sorrento's pizza. They cooked it in a wood burning open brick oven I'd eat half of one and then wait 5 minutes, in order to savor the pizza more. Hope it's still there.
Hello friend, I was recently watching a RU-vid video you made related to Panama, I just wanted to clarify that Panama is located in Central America, not South America. Located between Costa Rica and Colombia, between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, just a small comment. Very nice video
Thank you for such an awesome video. I admire the lifestyle that you are living. At 60 yrs old and on the verge of retirement you have inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and make the next phase of my life an adventure!!! Be well.
im in Bali, just saw you eating pizza on your video and it inspired me to go get pizza, saturdays are two for the price of one here at the Lokkha on Jalan Padma. Was great thank you for the inspiration and persuasion, havent had pizza this good since i was went there last time 8 years ago.
@@RetireandGo definitely check it out, well worth it, appx 130,000rp to 150,000rp for a large, 70,000rp for small, absolutely delicious, still full 3 hours later. been here 4 weeks, just needed to get a cheese fix. haha
Well, that's only Panama City, the other towns look unkempt/not nice, sadly. and the cost to live in downtown Panama City is almost as high as in USA, unless you can share costs.
The one it closes on Sundays is Avda Balboa, you are right, they only close one direction, but goes all the way to the islands connected to the city by a road built with the sand they took from the Panama channel when was built. Amazing ride for biking or running on Sundays, i did that one for years, very recommended
Thinking of joining peace corps in Panama, knowing this could potentially be a bus ride away from where I’d stay makes me feel so at ease. Thank you for this!
Great video and very inspiring. You mention rent of $800 per month,....I wonder if that is on the high side for something reasonable. I imagine with a bit more searching, one can find cheaper long term accomodations. I think $800 would eat too far into an average SS check of $1500/month.
You are absolutely adorable! Loved the video. I am coming on a tour this summer to see where I want to settle. I retire in a year and can't wait to make my home in Panama. Thanks for the video. Made me more excited than I already am!! 😊
@@RetireandGo For sure. Here in Costa Rica I pay the equivalent of about $40 USD a month for healthcare in CR's socialized medicine system. Ticos pay far less of their GDP on healthcare than the US does, about 9% to about 17%, respectively, and Ticos have a slightly greater life expectancy than Americans. Paying less, living longer. America the greatest country on earth? In some ways yes, in many other ways no. BTW, I'm a Yank retired in CR.
That was the better time of the year. Right now it's unbearably muggy or rainy. I don't like the climate here. I was here in April as well and it was raining all the time. It's very hot. I much prefer areas of the country at higher altitudes where no air-con is needed (nor heating).
Hi ,as a pre retired i would like to have your opinion between south Asia and South America according to the cost of life, security, weather, thanks a lot and Aloha
I would go to Argentina this year for sure Go now The cost is so low Then go check out Thailand Start from those two Asia is for me but I loved Costa Rica and Argentina
@Retireandgo Kindly give us some basic info on Argentina: COL (cost of living - incldg rent). Compared to Thailand & Vietnam's COL? 1-yr visa? Ease of getting citizenship? Welcoming g to expats? etc. Gracias!
a couple of Nitpicks, Panama is actually in central america, Panamanians may find offensive calling their country the 51st state, specially with all the history they share. I've been to panama a few times and I love it, the only reason I wouldn't live there is the traffic and the heat, my god the heat is next level.
You never mentioned the resentment that many Panamanians have toward the US due to the Canal business. I hear that the Canal has a museum where Panama portrays itself as the sole entity of importance concerning its construction & financing.
Hi! There's no resentment anymore, don't worry. Yes, Panama and the US had a complicated history in the past for obvius reasons, but after the Canal was handed over to Panamanian control 25 years ago, the friendship, mutual respect and cooperation has grown ever since. If you get the chance to visit the Canal Museum in Casco Viejo first, and the Visitor Centre at the Miraflores Locks aftewards, you'll find out that nobody here thinks were the sole entity in this story. Welcome to Panama!
They must have shut down the road for a special event which they do from time to time, but it is not always shut down. I have a view of it and it has traffic on weekend.
Avenida Balboa is multi-lane in two directions. They do NOT shut that down on weekends. This was a special event, either a bike race/marathon or parade route. Hotel California is a great value but just crossing the street to get to the metro is incredibly difficult during traffic hours. The "bicycle path" is the Cinta Costera, and the "old town" is Casco Viejo.
@@Mayochup191 Colombia Travel Advisory Travel Advisory January 2, 2024Colombia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel KUTC Reissued with updates to the country summary. Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism. The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas. Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries. Travel.State.Gov Have a nice trip.
After 25 years in Panama , which is actually Central America. You CAN NOT live in Panama on US Social security. That is poverty level living . Please do not be mislead by a dude who visited for a hot minute. Panama is not the states, we use Spanish, the culture is soo far removed from what you are used to. Do your research properly. Your retirement money does go further here nor will it..
I work in a company that is initiating studies to develop a project of 28 apartments in a town 115 kilometers from Panama City, looking for American and Canadian retirees as a market, but there is no real data if retirees and expats prefer to rent or buy. What do you think?
It is true in Bogotá sne in small town around such as village de Leiva you become amaze. When are you planning to visit Bogotá and hopefully sharing a cup of coffee ?
I just saw your interview on Mark Thorton’s channel. It was great to know more about you. I appreciate your efforts with your channel. What do you think about SCHD, the dividend ETF? Thank you
SCHD is a good steady payer Not a growth stock But steady , I own some Toss in some PICK and BAM to up the returns maybe It’s a safe and steady stock though
Yeah the shirt I brought is a really light denim fabric It was a good South America shirt for this trip I’m looking forward to the ultra light travel and clothes of Asia though
Sadly, my brother has not prepared for retiring. At 58, he has nothing, and only barely qualifies for SS, which would get him about $700/mo. His daughter is following in his footsteps. I’m frustrated because I’ve worked hard and sacrificed a lot to amass funds, and they will end up burdening me. If not monthly then with some enormous medical expense.
That's their choice how they lived their lives. With choices come consequences, not you're burden to finance theirs. At 58, guess he'll have to keep working the rest of his life. His problem.
If you allow them to burden you, that is on you. Shame on you BIG fella. I am assuming your brother had the same opportunities in life as you did. Now if he didn't think out of the box and think about retiring someday. Well, again that is on him. Unless it is your parents, don't allow anyone to burden you. Enjoy your retirement!!!
I am returning to KL this year and I’ll do more videos on the KL costs, housing, area, all of it The cultures are very different KL was lower cost for me about half
Anywhere in Latin America I can’t suggest going alone as a woman, I would not suggest going to any US city alone as a woman Safety first Please get a few travel partners Travel Asia alone
I am a single woman, I moved to La Chorrea reminds me of West Palm Beach, Fl…. Clean, nice people !! Been here less than a month love it . Only thing is health care because I have pre existing conditions.!! What can I do or get ? A little expensive where I live at. Went to Santa Fe hospital they did not accept my US MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN. Still waiting on my Insurance for Panamanian. Thank you
Good research and content but too much looking at you while you walk. I want to see what you are walking past. Put your ego aside and improve your videos. Thank you
@Retireandgo Good job! 1) I'll fwd this to a fellow Canadian (of Italian descent), & an Italian-born Priest here in Canada - let them enjoy Calicanto Italian Restaurant 12:27-15:09! 2) I'd be specific: a) instead of generalising, "It's cheaper here", I'd give actual amounts, "You can live on less that US $1,000/mth (total exps); and, b) give neighbourhood names that have the less expensive real estate you referred to. Keep up the good work...& blessings!
@@adad1270 you can live perfectly with 1000 a month here. Every video you see always talk about the capital city or boquete, but panama has really good affordable places
Great question! I’m not living in Panama I’m living overseas and moving constantly I’m not applying for citizenship in Panama But, it would be a good place for that I think
I'll be there June 2025 Retired , you make me jealous. Thanks for the tour and thoughts, I stopped to listen to you because I said this guy dresses like me. Clean neat conservative , you know Old School. Thanks Man good Video Vince Murry
Very nice video showing the charms of Panama City. As someone who first visited in 1982, this city has grown in leaps and bounds. I need to point out a couple of things. Panama is not in South America. It is in Central America. The reason that you encountered so many English speaking people is because Panama has very attractive visa offerings. The main one is the Pensionado visa (pensioners visa). Panama wants to attract retirees who will come to live and spend their pensions in the country. You are not allowed to work as a pensioner, therefore you will not be taking from the country but contributing. This visa will also give anyone over 55 years of age, discounts on every service imaginable. Buses, air travel, medical, entry fees, movie theaters ,pharmacies etc.etc.. Additionally they have visas for those who start a business and employ Panamanians, real estate investors etc. Panama is also the airline hub of the Americas. You can fly to multiple US, Canada, Central American, South American and European destinations. There is even a flight to Istanbul where you can connect to Asia. The city and its closest surroundings are more expensive. The central and western part of the country, towards Costa Rica, is much more affordable. Panama is also a business hub, with 190 foreign companies operating regional offices there. Let’s not forget the Panama Canal also. Regarding the old city area, it has become a very nice refurbished area. When I first visited in 1982, it was a dump, totally in disrepair. It has now become a very beautiful location. Regarding food, despite all the great offerings, you are really on a carbohydrate overload! Despite all your walking, if you keep eating and drinking this way, your health will suffer. Take it from me a 71 year old man, who has the same waist size as when I was 25 years old and who has to watch very carefully what and how I eat. I will admit though that that pizza looked very appetizing. One last question, how can you wear jeans and a jean shirt in such hot humid weather? I know that you are a minimalist traveler. The other day you were on the beach in Brazil, walking around in jeans. It has to be uncomfortable.
@@RetireandGo Cost of Living: David boasts a lower cost of living compared to bustling Panama City. This affordability allows retirees to stretch their budgets while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. Infrastructure: As Panama’s third-largest city, David has a developed infrastructure. It serves as a hub for commerce, business, transportation, education, and healthcare in western Panama
@@lorenk.775 David is Panama’s second-largest city and has a population of about 140,000. It has decent shopping and since it is not in Panama City, the prices are a lot more affordable. If you go to Boquete which is a big expat destination, this is the closest city of any size.
To answer your question, no. One cannot retire in Panama cheap. Not campared to anywhere else in Central America where you are, or South America. Panama is relatively expensive if one still wants to have a good quality of life living. Southeast Asia is the cheapest… the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. I’ve lived in all of those countries except Vietnam where you can’t stay longer than 3 months. Cambodia is the cheapest of all of them. I’m there now renting a newer, fully-furnished 1-bedroom apartment with free water, free Internet, a washing machine and a 47 inch Smart TV for $200 a month on a 6-month lease.
Nice video! I am visiting Panama as we speak. Some things less expensive ( groceries, Uber), but restaurants r not. Clothing is not. Gas is not. Don’t know about rent.Plan to get out of the city in hopes of better prices
Great question I do see Southeast Asia as my main area through my 50s In my 60s we will see if the kids have kids haha Then I’ll make longer term plans What about you?
Well, that is a good question. I have been planning a trip to Thailand . I plan to stay for at least 1 month. If I like it,will stay longer and maybe find where I'm meant to be... 😀
