{"id":2725,"date":"2017-12-12T16:49:57","date_gmt":"2017-12-12T16:49:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onewaytickettoparadise.com\/?p=2725"},"modified":"2020-01-23T13:56:50","modified_gmt":"2020-01-23T13:56:50","slug":"different-panama-vs-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onewaytickettoparadise.com\/different-panama-vs-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"Same, same but different, Panama vs Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you ever thought, as I did, that two teeny tiny (in size and population)\u00a0neighboring Central American countries sharing\u00a0culture, geography, history, nature, roots, colonization, language and much more, the characteristics that (at least on the paper) appear to be identical or at least very similar… you’d be wrong. So, so wrong. For, as far as I know, there are no two other countries having such potentials of being twin brothers or sisters that differ as much as Panama and Costa Rica.<\/p>\n
For many years both countries top the lists of ‘best retirement destinations<\/em>‘ and are home to large expat communities,\u00a0primarily\u00a0from the US and Canada. To compare the two is almost impossible. It all comes down to personal preferences. It all depends on who you are, what type of lifestyle you’re looking for, your economy, how much heat (literally) is too much and even your age.<\/p>\n But if I were to attempt\u00a0generalization, I’d say Panama may appeal more to the younger generation while Costa Rica to somewhat older not only in age but also in experience (been there, done that).<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Panama:<\/strong>\u00a0The ‘talk of the town’<\/em>\u00a0is that Panama City is becoming a new Miami, and the city loves that talk. Panama is all about business\u00a0and making money… at the same time, Panama is also about partying and reggaeton (latino reggae). When the music plays the Panamanian dance. Period. If you don’t you must be sick for there is no other excuse.<\/p>\n The predominant ethnic group is Mestizos, European ancestors are in a minority. The economy is stable, plenty of jobs attracting the less privileged from neighboring countries (Colombians, El Salvadorians, Mexicans). Old, run-down neighborhoods (like Casco Viejo) are being refurbished to attract young and hype hipsters with deep pockets. High tempo. Work hard and play hard.<\/p>\n Work, nightlife, party, dance, reggaeton. Latino way. All the way.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Costa Rica:<\/strong>\u00a0Small town vibe in a democratic setting. Costa Rica is all about\u00a0Pura Vida\u00a0<\/em>(pure life). Lower tempo and chill. Nature, environment, and bio-culture. The greenest country in the world where almost all electricity is generated from green sources. Costa Rica is also the happiest country in the world – according to National Geographic 2017.\u00a0Well educated, mostly from European ancestry population.\u00a0No Latino blood vibe as far as I could see but polite and softly spoken locals hiding their temperament and emotions well.\u00a0 Salsa and romantic Western tunes are their favorite music. And… surprise… surprise, most drivers follow traffic rules. Did you know Costa Rica is lacking its own army?<\/p>\n Maximize joy, minimize stress and live the life to its fullest. Pura Vida.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Panama:<\/strong>\u00a0Filthy and noisy. Rubbish everywhere. Plenty of stray cats. Sidewalks are\u00a0either\u00a0<\/span>missing or are full of potholes, even in front of 5-star hotels.<\/p>\n Not once did I dare to purchase anything from street vendors. Meat and vegetables in local supermarkets look disgusting. For better quality of goods, you need to shop in Western supermarkets. Food, like anything else, is very expensive, more expensive than in Western countries which is quite shocking for the visitors as they do not expect to find developing country to be more expensive than their own. Expats often fly to Miami to shop, especially electronics, as it is more economical than shopping locally even though they need to buy an airline ticket.<\/p>\n Panama is doing its best to drop the\u00a0third world country<\/em>\u00a0label, but as long as they do not clean up their act I cannot see that happening\u00a0anytime\u00a0<\/span>soon. For me, Panama is a presumptive first world country in a third world country infrastructure.<\/p>\n Costa Rica:<\/strong>\u00a0Nice and clean. No rubbish anywhere.<\/p>\n Fresh, tastefully presented and packaged goods (meat, veg, and fruit) sold in the clean and welcoming hole-in-the-wall family-run corner shops. Supermarkets, even the local ones, are of a good standard. Many biological shops. Was never restrained from purchasing anything due to contamination or poor hygiene scare. Food is more expensive than in Panama but if you shop locally and at farmers markets, you will manage just fine. Great quality, great taste, and much better prices than in supermarkets.<\/p>\nThe Vibe and The People<\/h3>\n
Public infrastructure and wellbeing<\/h3>\n