Comments on: Same, same but different, Panama vs Costa Rica

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 10:52:11 +0000

I’ve read so much about the ex-pat communities and options in both Panama and Costa Rica. I appreciate your take on the positives and negatives for both. I’ve not yet been to either, but have long wanted to go to Costa Rica. I am so surprised about the chilly weather in winter! I would have never thought it would be so.

By: Sandy N Vyjay

Sandy N Vyjay — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 05:21:57 +0000

Having not been to either of the places, for me Panama and Costa Rica look like exotic destinations, the stuff of dreams. But again if it came to that I would probably opt for Costa Rica, I think the natural beauty of this place is something to die for. But you have really put all facts of both the places on the table and I think that it is a matter of personal choice.

By: Eva von P

Eva von P — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:05:58 +0000

In reply to Michael Hodgson. Thank you for your comment. Yes, I know about the cards... just never got around to getting one ;)

By: Eva von P

Eva von P — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:13:49 +0000

In reply to tif. None of them are bad. As always it comes down to personal preferences ;)

By: Michael Hodgson

Michael Hodgson — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 23:56:43 +0000

Love the personal perspective in comparing, through your eyes, Panama and Costa Rica. We have friends who love both, and some who love only one country or the other for many of the reasons you outline — Panama too busy, dirty, crowded, expensive and Costa Rica so laid back, natural, peaceful … the beauty of travel – choice. FYI, you can find banks who offer international ATM cards that are “no fee” meaning they refund fees that are charged when you travel. Very helpful when hitting ATMs with frequency.

By: tif

tif — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 22:52:08 +0000

Wow this is crazy how close they are but so different! I would love to experience both places, but for some reason Costa Rica appeals to me more. Maybe it is the Chill vibe? But maybe panama wouldnt be bad either?!

By: Eva von P

Eva von P — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:19:16 +0000

In reply to cynthiagraner. Only along the coasts the temperatures get high(er). The rest of the country is pretty cool due to the 1. elevation 2. being surrounded by the mountains. In fact, I found the Central Valley (around San Jose) rather chilly

By: Eva von P

Eva von P — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:12:42 +0000

In reply to Lara Dunning.

You are not the only one, most appear to like Costa Rica a notch better.
With regards to ATMs – no, it never happened to me nor am I aware of that happening to anyone else. Happy travels

By: cynthiagraner

cynthiagraner — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:01:48 +0000

Really interesting to hear the differences between the two! The vibe in Costa Rica would definitely fit me better, although the heat and humidity may still keep me a way just a little bit longer… but then again, a girl’s gotta retire at some point! 😉

By: Lara Dunning

Lara Dunning — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 03:19:13 +0000

I haven’t been to either of these countries and had no idea about the differences. Wow, they are so different! I think I’d like Costa Rica more because of its laid back vibe and cooler climate. I heard that the ATMs in Panama often run out of money. Did you notice that while you were there?