Has anyone moved to Panama, Colombia, or Ecuador?
Posted by PM_ME_CHOCO_CRISPS@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Hoping to relocate to a Spanish-speaking nation where I can live somewhere rural/in nature with a bit of land around me, where I won't have to shovel show, and where climate change won't render uninhabitable in the next few decades. As far as I can tell so far, the situation is thus:
Panama: very easy for US Americans to move to, safest of the three, but the most expensive of the three, quite hot outside of Boquete/the western highlands, and maybe a bit less culturally cohesive/interesting.
Colombia: best climate, rich culture, not too expensive, poor security situation outside of the Eje Cafetero, I worry about paracos
Ecuador: great climate, rich culture, cheapest of the three, but security situation has deteriorated significantly in the last two years
Can anyone give their thoughts?
cptninc@reddit
If I were concerned about climate change rendering certain regions uninhabitable, I would say “Ecuador” out loud a few times and then think about potential meanings of that name. And what’s that silly line all the maps have running through it?
immigrantstoryteller@reddit
My take would be that Panama sounds like a stronger option in terms of programs almost tailored for US Citizens, and probably in most cases safer than the other two.
Having said that, keep in mind I have only visited one of those three, but know people that live in all three...
As a matter of fact, I have also interviewed recently (I have a YT channel on the topic of immigration) a few folks, some from Colombia and Ecuador heading to other countries, and some from other folks that emigrated to Ecuador, Colombia and Panama.
(No, I do not sell anything here nor there, only created it as a way to help each other as immigrants and share tips and experiences. If helpful to check out some of those stories and what they have to say, lmk)
If interested and it helps, dm me. Buena suerte!
According-Egg-3131@reddit
Not on your list, but if you're looking for rural/countryside living, an eternal spring year-round, check out Valle de Bravo in Mexico. Being only a 2.5hr drive from CDMX, it's a great place for remote forest living while having access to the city when you need or want, without feeling disconnected from the world.
sobapi@reddit
Consider Uruguay, it's more expensive but couls be your best choice. Uruguay is the safest and most stable with relatively low everyday crime (most violent crime is gang on gang related in key neighborhoods) but it’s the most expensive, butb best medical care if something goes wrong. Almost as good for taxes as Panama. Uruguay is generally ranks best for political stability, rule of law, corruption control, and democratic institutions in Latin America. Has 4 seasons and is not hot like crazy all the time. Low natural-disaster risk, no hurricanes, earthquakes, or major volcanic activity, stable rainfall, fertile farmland, abundant freshwater, and mild temperatures. Main risks: occasional droughts or flooding. One of the most climate-resilient places in South America.
Panama is a close second in safety, has good infrastructure, a territorial tax system, and easy flights, with moderate costs.
Colombia is much cheaper, but crime and homicide are much higher. Ecuador is the cheapest, but right now it has very high crime (before 2019, Ecuador was one of the safest countries in South America).
SmokeAndGnomes@reddit
I'm in my mid 30s and moved to Panama city with my wife and 4 year old 6 months ago. Our experience has been great but the rose colored glasses came off quick there. For us, it's not going to be where we stay long term but rather a stepping stone to our next destination. Everyone's situation is different as well as what they're looking for; I wouldn't discourage anyone solely because we won't be staying forever but you should definitely make sure it's what you truly want.
Feel free to message me with any questions you may have.
JupiterMako@reddit
You made it so you can't take messages....
SmokeAndGnomes@reddit
See if it's available now
licecrispies@reddit
You don't have to go to the western highlands of Panama in order to be in a cooler climate. Cerro Azul is right outside the city and El Valle de Anton is only 2 1/2 hours west. I tried living in the Chiriqui highlands, but found rainy season there too cold and dreary, so I now live on the coast near Coronado. The constant sea breeze makes it pleasantly warm year round, though we do get some hot days. We also get a lot less rain.
colt_sound@reddit
American, lived in Panama from 2020-2022. I think your assessment is true — PA is friendly to Americans, safe, some of the best nature on the planet, and not cheap. It's by far the most developed economy in Central America, but that's not saying much.
Culturally it's a bit old school with a wealthy circle of families owning most of the businesses and land in the country while much of the country lives in extreme poverty. There are a handful of expat communities, digital nomads, yoga types, but not a huge amount. Being an expat in Panama is a bit of a dead end. You'd be best of learning Spanish and befriending some locals, who are on average very pro-American.
Where Panama excels is in its combination of ridiculously beautiful nature and access to a real economy. Direct flights to Europe and the US, top tier banking, healthcare, healthy food, shopping, etc. While this makes land expensive, it also makes Panama a better investment over almost any country in LatAm.
My favorite place I lived was Gamboa — a forgotten American suburb built for workers in the canal zone. It's a jungle paradise.
Panama's unique, imperfect, and has a special place in my heart.