I have visited Panama twice and had a great time. I met many really nice people, but I was wondering what the benefits are as far as living there. These are my concerns.
1. the police force is small and underpaid. Most crimes go unreported because victims don't feel reporting them will do any good, so you are pretty much on your own. At 63 years old, that's a concern.
2. thanks to so many foreigners moving into the country, prioes are going up quick, so, where is the economical advantage?
To me, it sounds like living in Panama will cost you maybe a little less than the states, but along with that, you will need to be ready to pretty much defend yourseld should a problem occur. Now I am a very fit senior and can take care of myself, but that won't always be the case.
I certainly don't mean to put down Panama. These problems are the same througout both Central and South America, as well as the Carribean. Moving to any of these areas is a risk, and most end up with no serious problems, but many do.
It seems to me that only the desperate move to these regions. Others with better financial means, moves elsewhere. It seems ironic that people with limited income move to these places that consider them rich, only ending up being taken advantage of, even they a poor by American standards.