Costa Rica versus Panamá

Shakira is a world-famous Latin American singer from Barranquilla, Colombia. Recently she broke up with her soccer star husband Gerard Piqué because he had an affair with a younger woman behind her back. Still recovering from the break-up, Shakira vented her feelings about Piqué and his new lover in a song whose lyrics say, “You Traded a Rolex for a Casio.” She is a Rolex and Piqué’s new girlfriend is a downgrade in comparison.

So, what does this have to do with Costa Rica and Panamá?

For several reasons, Costa Rica has always been the #1 time-tested choice in Latin America as a relocation and retirement destination. International Living listed the country as the #1 retirement haven according to the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index https://apple.news/A4JohOpneTmajfkhAlhqQUg .

This was after taking in all the advice from its advisors, looking at the cost of living and housing, availability of visas, climate, and which also just so happens to be Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year. While the nation, of course, scored high marks for its fantastic climate, it also earned the No. 1 spot thanks to two healthcare systems within Costa Rica, one public and one private, both available to legal residents. in 2024.

By way the Panama was #4 on the list behind Portugal and Mexico.

Lately, there has been a lot of “hoopla” bombarding the media with convincing information about retirement in Panama...