Crimes against Expats in Ecuador vs. Panama: Is There a Difference in Crimes?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2015
- We touch down on crime against expats in Ecuador and Panama. Right now there is a surge in crime against expats living in panama. www.DiscoverCuencaEcuador.com
www.GringoGoodSamaritans.com
I love your honesty about what is really going on in these countries. I love the way you do not sugar coat things.
thanks, glad you like.
Please spare us the -there are crimes everywhere' dismissive routine. These crimes are specifically against expats. That is and should be knowledge that is out in the open and not minimized. Thank you.
Criminals are everywhere my dear, but I don’t know how this guy can compare geographic areas. The fact is, wherever the expats go, the crooks will be there waiting.
@@alcamerc9970 Yes, that's true but in sone areas of the world the crimes are much more violent and that makes the big difference. For instance, there are many expats in Porutgal but the crime is generally not violent there and are usually petty crimes....but we welcome your opinion and thanks for commenting.
You say in America you can show your wealth and in South America they don't have this culture and that's a reason you get robbed. Seems hypocrite, you can also say, in South America you can't show your wealth because the people will steal from you and try to kill you so the people are different, worse, culture talk is besides the point.
@@HMFamilyLife This is one of the most important video I have ever watched on expat life. Thanks !!
@@alexthedeal1827 You can show your wealth if you are willing to pay armed custody.
I really appreciate your candor. Being from Texas, I am all to aware that if anyone (particularly an 'outsider') makes any mention of our ways, stereotypes or perceptions and 'we' (Texans) jump to the defensive; rather than listening to the issue, be it real or perceived. I wish we could all have an open dialogue.
Thanks for your perception. You-re correct, if we were to wait until everyone approved the information would never get out.
I love your sections without music. Thank you.
ok, thank yo for letting us know, you only have to say this on one video, not on every one you watch. We appreciate you letting us . thank you.
I just got back. In Panama City, I went to two giant malls and Panamanians were out shopping en masse, more than where I live in Kentucky. We walked around day and night and never felt threatened. Police presence was everywhere. We went outside of the city to Coronado, Gorgona and Punta Chame. Punta Chame we went to a secluded to get to virtually deserted beach. Down a pavement road to a dirt road then a sandy walk to the beach and we saw a few locals in the distance and we passed a few locals walking down to make bonfires on our way back to our (nice new rental) car at sunset. My daughter and I walked alone
4 or 5 blocks to a restaurant. We ate, drank and walked back. Nobody attacked us. (because we are brown, had kids with us and not bothering anyone?). I need to check the high murder rate quoted in this article. Who's really being killed, expats or Panamanians?
th-cam.com/video/f2m5ATxi7nY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks. Maybe 2 years later there is improvement in Panama? We had no problems day or night. Of course, we weren't stupid and wandering around bad neighborhoods looking to be robbed. We also didn't stay in a resort. I think a resort by nature points out that you are a tourist or rich guy. We stayed downtown. We took our little kids to a big park in the middle of the city with working class folks and our kids were playing with their kids, etc. Like one parent was there with kids and the other parent in a blue collar uniform (maids etc) would show up to meet the spouse. My son in law ( a LARGE brown man was on the playground swinging the kids and the parents were laughing etc.) Also we look more like them. We were not well dressed, no real jewelry, no cameras etc. Our kids had on regular cheap clothes that they play in at home. Some of their kids were better dressed than our kids. One of my daughters has been mugged in Chicago twice. My youngest was assaulted on the street in NY. I'm 50% fluent in Spanish and I'd feel fine living there.
Marilynn Arnold ..... My wife is a Colombiana, from a city call Cali, and i married her down there, so i visit Colombia often, now my wife have families that live in panamà, and she love it in Panamà, she tell me all of the time how safe it is. Colombia is more dangerous than Panamá, and i love Colombia. When you start talking to the locals and get to know them, it becomes easier to live there.
Now one thing that I can say about the people in Central and South America, they don't like cocky foreigners who show off their wealth. In Panamà, American and European have almost took over there country, making cost of living very high for the locals, hell for some of us as well, that's way the house is in Colombia. Now Medellin Colombia is getting to costly because of the American people moving there.
The safest way to live in any country, is to have friends who live there. Now by me being a black man, i don't know if that play a major part, but felt at peace, no police brutality, hardly any racist towards me.
I think black Americans would have an easier time 🤷🏽♀️
I've lived in Panamá for over 8 years. I've never had any agression towards me. Any attacks on foreigners here are rare and isolated.
I want to thank you for the honesty and candor regarding life outside the USA. Panama was on my list, but it and Costa Rica are too dangerous for lone female travelers. Keep up the good work.
I really appreciate your perspective. Thank you.
I'm from Argentina, not much police news from Ecuador arrives here, but what most moved us was the murder of 2 tourists from our country in Montañita near Guayaquil 4 years ago, the cause was manipulated by corrupt judicial authorities hurried to show speed in its resolution. I appreciate ecuadorians and I don't blame ordinary people but I blame their politicians who don't understand that tourism is a great source of income and must be cared for.
I was surprised to see the wealth in Panama City, had no problem in Panama but Experienced crime in Costa Rica
It's funny how yo u guys try to understand and learn the ways or costume of other countries from the distante. Let me tell you that os not possible. Unfortunelly you have to go there and lean and also use your common sense.
As an ecuadorian who has lived in the Uk and Spain. I can tell you that there's crime anywhere.
I have never been robbed or something in any place I lived. I guess it's because I've never been stupid enough to go where I'm not supposed to go or do what I'm not supposed to do. I guess I've been lucky too, all has to be said.
I've been to the US as a tourist so I coildn't give my fair opinión about safety over there. I know from an Ecuadorian friend, who now lives in Norway, that there's a lot of violence but, as I said, it's his opinión.
The problem with you guys, is that you want to have your same life abroad. That's impossible. Here in Spain most expats, specially british, don't make any effort in learning something as basic as the language of the place you are living in. Let me tell you that is not well apreciated anywhere. I have watched some videos regarding this from people in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Anyway, moving to a different country is always a big step. You have to be open minded. willing to learn and be wise and cautios ANYWHERE.
We have been to Panama three times, We have lived in Ecuador for 6 years, we still live in Ecuador, we speak Spanish, and we go local, we ask local people about crime...plus we do deep research about crime to foreigners...we just relay what local people tell us and so it's funny you didn't know that...have you watched any of our 950 videos about life in Latin America?
Great
Of course I haven't watched all the vids. I have seem some of them. And I dared to gave my opinion just because I notice a tone of complaining, specially in the comments. I understand that people may have had all sort of experiences but, what's the point of moving anywhere if it's going to be the source off all the disgraces described here. I don't understand, honest.
Good advice, Rene. Thanks. Yes, there is crime everywhere. True. I was on a bus in Malaga, visiting friends there, and all the English expats stared at me. I was speaking Spanish and they acted like I was a "genius"...even though my Spanish is not perfect.
Central America & South America have a lot of crime against foreigners. Luckily I live in Bangkok, and have never met or known "one person who was robbed on the street" in 30 years of coming here.
Brasil, for example, has 23 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world. Asia has 0.
Well said. Crime is everywhere. Only difference here in America is that you can dial 911 and the police will be with you within 5 minutes or less. However, you might be the one they shoot. You never know.
@@kevinreily2529 Asia has scam crimes, though.
You know, looking at some of the comments I'd like to point something out. I grew up in a rural area with low crime. As a drunken college student getting my first lil' taste of the nightlife, via, Atlanta, GA...I learned something very fast. Basically, it was clear that late at night...there are certain places you can go and have safety in numbers, well lit tourist / student / concert sort of area. Then basically outside of that area, if you go wandering...you have a 100% chance of getting mugged. Darwin is pretty clear on how this works out. If you don't figure this out pretty quick...you'll wind up dead. Luckily I survived that time of my life and grew up.
Now, all this man is doing is trying to raise awareness and do people a favor by telling them that maybe this concept also applies, maybe more so, in third world countries. I don't mean anything negative. There are just many similarities that can be drawn between the motivation for crime in these areas the same as there is in the American ghetto. This is something we have to work on here ourselves, APPLYING a solution for the unemployment problem in these areas. There is a reason why citizenship is very easy to get here. You have to start somewhere. The point is, be prepared. All you have to do to concealed carry in Panama is obtain permanent residency, pass the drug tests, and file the proper paper work (including a blood sample). FYI, sawed off shotguns are also fair game. As he says, use common sense and don't try to flaunt some perception of wealthiness.
www.fortliberty.org/panamas-gun-laws.html
www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1436566_Everything_you_need_to_know_about_Panama_Gun_Laws.html
I wouldn't ride around downtown ATL at night without being strapped. I certainly wouldn't in an unfamiliar third world paradise, either. Thanks for the heads up Frank!
Thanks for the appreciation.
+HMFamilyLIfe FrankandAngie No man thank you. Without first hand accounts like this, people like me have no idea what to expect if we finally get everything lined up to try this. Your videos are so much more real than just reading about it, truly inspirational. If theres anything I can do to help...like u mentioned difficulty in acquiring Chinese goods we take for granted here...please let me know it would be my pleasure.
I live in Atlanta and I never go downtown at night. No way!
thx for the info
Thank you Ben. I can understand the anger and frustration of some of the natives towards foreigners coming in and making it just fine.
Thanks for the info.
I absolutely agree with you👌its been happening all kinds OF crimes anywhere💕Thank you👌
Hello Linda, yes, unfortunately crime is going up in Ecuador too. Be careful and especially after dark, the atmosphere tends to change a lot at night in Latin America. Be safe. thanks for alerting us.
I am so sorry for what happened to an American trying to live his last years in peace....in Ecuador...
TO tell you the true I live in USA for 38 years and have always live in fear of my life. All the horrible crimes where a whole family is killed for drugs..:.sometimes by their own kids or their boyfriends...for money or just because they want sometimes at15 to get independent from their parents who can be strict until they reach 18,! Kids here at 18 think they can do whatever because they reach 18. When they are 13 they start screaming at you: " I hate you, I wish I was 18 so I leave and don't see your f...ing face anymore." This is a dangerous place also...this USA maybe more than or same as Ecuador where there are very filthy rich people but filthy poor people also...I lived in a Communist country long time ago and you could walk freely in the streets all night. Nobody was richer than the other...everybody HAD a job and crazy people live in the asylum, NO drugs, No crime...otherwise you go to jail....What about that? Now, nowhere is like that...We live in FREE countries, and we can do ANYTHING in the name of FREEDOM! Sorry! For you and me...
Que Dios bendiga al mundo hoy y siempre y que el mundo clame a Dios y pida su bendición. Sin Dios somos nada, que no lo olvidemos,
Rosa a Rodriguez if you love communism go home. Communism killed millions.
She is just stating the pros and cons of each system.
Just if you say something wrong you come into jail or they even kill you, and that nobody is richer is also a lie, the Oligarchs are a lot richer than the common folk, which lives on a wage on the lower end of free countries. If you go to Oman, Dubai, or so you have also complete safety from crime, but at least the people are wealthy instead of poor like in Communism.
Want to read about crime ? Try the Chicago Tribune.Find something to do.
Great video . Thank you . Keep helping people to smell the coffee .
People keep repeating like parrots : Crimes are everywhere . We understand that but some countries/cities/towns are safe with a low rate of crimes and some others are dangerous with a high rate of crimes.
...and also crimes in Latin America are different than in the USA. People NEED to keep a lower profile here. Thanks for sharing. blessings!
@@HMFamilyLife How different ? Do you mean higher ?
I'm talking about dressing flashy, expensive jewelry and also talking on your cell phone in certain areas can be risky....being on a crowded bus is risky too for pickpockets. It is a shame when tourists come to these countries and get mugged for their cell phones or pick-pocketed for their passport, etc, etc...because they've been told, "Oh it's safe, it's safe".....home invasions are higher in Latin America too.
@@HMFamilyLife
Thank you for bringing this to our attention sir .
Well I guess I’ll mark Panama off my list of potential places to visit or retire. Are you allowed to own a gun for self defense or protection? I don’t see how raping a 65 year old woman helps any local thug make a point.
I'm a dual national, back in Panama now. When I'm out and about I carry police grade mace. Also keeping a shotgun handy for home invaders. Walking in my neighborhood during the day is relatively safe, but I take taxis at night.
So you can own a shotgun?? Im very interested in the local gun laws.
Stay strapped up
Thank you for doing this video...I am from Panama and live in the states but may consider retiring in Panama in a few years...Something I never considered before! I have three children and my last will be 18 this year...So it's a great possibility! :))
Im also planning to go back to my country.. its safe and i can still live the same lifestyle
Can't be as bad as the crime in South Africa.
Good video.
Oh no...I forgot about my friend who married an American and lived very happy for 20 years...he ESA her third husband...her first Ecuatorian husband a womanizer ...her second American husband another womanizer and her third American husband a wonderful man but 30 years her senior...he was very rich and I think he owned the whole town where they lived upstate New York...at the beginning she said she didn't love him but grew up to adore him because he was kind, religious (Jehova witness like her) and generous...so, she was actually happy in that cold little town upstate NY. We come from Ecuador coast and all of her friends didn't get her being happy in this cold little town of nowhere...anyway...her husband had a ...I don't remember but was paralyzed his half body ...sometimes I don't remember the word in neither Spanish nor English...anyway he was a big, tall man and needed care for everything and she was there for him taking care of her nice husband who had a nurse only during the night...she wanted to take care of him personally and did for five years, she said she is so grateful for all what he did to her, and she had faith he will recover but didn't...she was getting sick herself because she said it was too much to see her husband getting worse and her getting sick also...she had diabetes and taking care of him personally was really too much...I told her he should have a nurse all day and night...she said no, I want to take care of him during the day, I still can do it...maybe later....but I will notice her very tired....I live in the Midwest and we talked via video messanger and I can see her getting tired and sad looking...anyway, he finally died poor man, he really was so nice and my friend almost died of sadness but anyway, she got very sick after he passed away...was sick and sad missing him and didn't know what to do next...they had land where hunters use to come and hunt for free, a lot of land, two beautiful houses etc and jewelry...well, they were rich...she lived with her two little dogs and every time we talk she said she misses her husband. I told her to sell everything and move to Ecuador, she said, but I had the nicest of memories with my husband here...Well, he gave his three children part of his fortune and they seemed happy.... and every thing else was for my friend who didn't know what to do with everything...
One day I called her as usual and no answer...I started r
TO get worried and I called her cousin...then she said: She is dead...someone came and killed her and her two pets...they took the box with money and documents, her jewelry and left....they suspect of his son who was always greedy for everything...her family who didn't speak English and didn't have money for lawyers or anything...went to her funeral and found OUR she was already cremated...his son gave her mother her ashes and that was ALL! They came back to Ecuador and that was the end of everything...so, NOBODY knows or want to know where HER money and ALL she had went...We suspect who had everything... she didn't have a paper or did she? Where says everything goes to her mother or whoever...Since her husband children cremated her before her family came...well, you can imagine the rest...so, yes, in Ecuador people kill because they are poor and here people kill because they are rich...different cultures? No, SAME thing, People kill everywhere...SORRY!
Was too much
Sorry about your friend. This story, at best, should illustrate that violent crime can happen, not dependent on place, but depending on the greedy people who care not for the lives of others. Those exist everywhere.
Is it any worse than in L.A. in 2022? I live in Boyle Heights. Not sure it’s any worse. People are being told not to flash their Rolexes
I loved Acapulco, and it is the same as Chicago.
is anywhere safe?
Panamenian homicide rate was 11 per 100 mil hab last year(2015). Much lower than the wikipidia info. Nevertheless, crime in panama is still something to worry about. Even if it is much safer than your average latin country, it still have problems with violence.
Hello. Thank you for posting the video. My spouse and I are going to be Xpats, most likely in Central or South America. We're only in the first week of our search which will probably take at least 18-24 months to complete (staying in countries for several weeks at a time and such). We're looking for more realistic, even cynical, outlooks because we know that a lot of what you read elsewhere comes from people trying to sell the place to Xpats. That said, we know ourselves and we're city people and will wind up renting in Panama City, Montevideo, or another large city. We live light, below our means, and from personal experiences are well aware that we'll be the foreigners and act accoringly, That said, what is the most advertised item about Panama is all the benefits of the Pensionado program. Is it worth it? Also, even without the program, what do you think a realistic budget is for living in the city. You can disregard any automobile expenses in your estimate because I lived in New York for a long time and being without a car and using public transportation is nothing new to me. Thanks.
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Public transportation in developing countries like Panama isn't always safe. No comparison between public transportation in NYC vs Panama.
The criminals go to the drug trans-shipment points Panama City washes drug money much worse than most Ecuador cities. Inner city where the drugs are in US Europe same deal.
Informative video about Panama. So far, this is the first I've heard discussing specific crimes. Home invasions for appliances, might as well remain in the U.S. ; rape of an elderly woman is a shocker. A crime that rare, but very unlikely in every country.
Thanks. Wherever the foreigners live (enclaves) there usually comes the crime waves. This is why we've always said, it is best to not live around where all the foreigners do,
Good commentary on the topic. As a Panamanian, I think it's a matter of perspective. I think one has a higher incidence of violence and death in the Washington DC area (I live in Bethesda, MD) due to regular crime AND terrorism, which the US is more of a target than any other country in the Western hemisphere. However, I still live here because I do not focus on those aspects of city living, which although still present, are very unlikely to happen strictly directed at me. As a side note, this gentleman reminds me of the actor Jerome Flynn, Bronn in Game of Thrones.
I am so sorry and disappointed to hear this as we would love to retire in a place like Ecuador .
Are there any safe places for expats ?
a "place" is as safe as we make it. We become targets of crime in Latin America thru our behavior. Any place can be safe when we take the needed precautions to be safe, as we have extensively written over the years on our "Discover Cuenca Ecuador blog.
Cambodia or Thailand
@@jerseyboy1791 Our house was robbed in Thailand. Lots of scams and ATM card skimming.
@@jerseyboy1791 Not Thailand
Thank you for sharing an honest an open video... What you shared, is just a fact of human relations on this planet. Nothing racist. What you shared, was extremely helpful. Thank you.
Than you !
Your welcome, thanks for commenting.
refreshing to hear your honest commentary, not so common these days
Thank you
If you spent your time in the U.S, stay in the U.S. So, so many advantages--in my opinion.
Why didn't you provide citations on the articles?
This report is not a surprise. There are definitely different levels of crime in different cultures/nations/districts. Here on Koh Samui Thailand we have had at least a dozen thieves come through windows or roof over the course of past 18 years. However, typically very young men who can fit through foot square openings, seeking whatever they find. The more wealth a foreigner displays the more they need a fence and a guard dog. In Lahore Malaysia home break-ins are common when the owner is out. In capital of Kuala Lampur motor scooter drive by purse theft is common. On a train in India a person should have a friend, otherwise bag not tied to them will disappear.
Do you have a video on your cost of living?
This issue is global. The have not's are waiting for the deluge of Americans and Canadians especially to show up with their bling bling and sadly arrogance. And I do believe it is as you said jealousy and envy. I think the way around that is to help the native community with solutions to alleviate poverty. Not show up and hide behind gates. Going forward this will not work and crime will get worse. People like it or not will have to reach out with ideas that can help alleviate poverty. I've had the poor come up to me and candidly say they feel that the Westerners should give them money with work so they can change their lives. My feeling is I worked for it so must you. I am open minded and love everyone and open to understanding everyone's position. Children don't pick their life so many adults came into a life of difficulty. They're not lazy or stupid they're often the result of corruption. Understanding the story helps to make the journey pleasant.
I think it's time to move into these communities with good intentions and not just selfish indulgent ones. Were you a teacher perhaps volunteer to teach while learning their language. I was often begged to teach English even though I told them I am not a teacher. Perhaps find ways to use your profession to lift others out of their sinking boat. I lived in some of the poorest of areas but shared my resources while asking them to help me with a job. You'd be surprised how the natives will get the word around that you're cool people that allows you to go into places others don't dare. You see once they get to know me they want me to meet their family and break bread with them. This was because I've invited workers to sit at the table with me and eat to their surprise and astonishment after they finished working. Comparatively speaking my house was a castle but I got them straight that I am no queen just a humble person like them that need the basics. It's about humanity in a world that is more and more inhumane. Be part of the solution not the problem. Be the change you want to see. We left for change but it's time to understand we're not the only ones running from poverty. An it's only going to get worse.
Death, divorce, moving...
I wonder who is this guy and where did he live (then and now)?
You talk about Panama all the time .. What about Ecuador is the same thing or different ?? coz I am thinking about live and stay in cuenca Ecuador so plz tell me about security there ... thank u
DiscoverCuencaEcuador.com ---you'll find lots of information about living in Cuenca here.
0:25 - You look just like Roy Scheider in this shot -- "Quint, you're certifiable"!
There is no such thing as paradise. I am so sick of people calling tropical places paradise.
lol, we know what you mean! Thanks for bringing that up.
Thanks
reality amigos...panama ..especially the city has a rapidly expanding strata of absent homeowners from china Europe and the middle east..who visit on occasion to fluff up their secret bank accounts and invest in influence in case things go south npi..in their homelands ...one might understand a little about the grande mentality in latin America..the appearance of prosperity is tightly controlled by the oligarchy ....things of transient value are held in high regard by the peons..its all they'll ever have..as upwardly mobile freeways simply don't exist..one can hire a policeman to off someone or set you up for a pittance ..its just life in latin America ...most robberies and crimes go unreported because the police are overwhelmingly corrupt and will begin looking for an opening or opportunity to exploit you and your family criminally monetarily sexually ..the illegal and marginally quasi cop and local politico sponsored negro component from Haiti dominica Colombia costa rica occupy the bottom rung of society and are responsible for the most overtly violent segment of sexual and direct criminality...the oligarchs and their smalligarch relatives operate on the clawback principle where gringos are concerned..sell you something ...then poison the waters ...and claw it back through sponsoring squatters ..the police set up ...or legislation to make you purchase untenable ..if you have enough and are old enough a contingent of smalligarchs in all these countries specialize in providing you with a true love who will gladly do whats necessary to milk you dry...drugs ..forbidden sexual proclivities ...relatives who will invest your money in pipe dreams while you languish isolated from friends and family....its the latin American enigma for gringos..."why and how could someone be so cruel violent ignorant and petty to obtain so little"? its the wide social consequence of a combination of genetics and the indio negro Spanish collision of low cannibalistic thresholds and the unreconciled propensities of various socio oedipal conflict...whatever gringos ..youre in a cannibal stew in latin land.,,,and now enter the realty rapists wholl have you believe your biggest problem in selling your home in the states and buying something built for 15 dollars a square foot in panama or costa rica and selling it to you for hundreds of dollars a square foot is forgetting the milk a half hour and five speedtraps away,,..often after the pior occupants of your very tenuously legally owned abode.. both male and female have been raped and robbed ...grabbed their passports...left the furniture linens food in the fridge car at the airport ..and thanking their lucky stars to be alive and starting from ground zero to the derision and delight of all those who told you so back home..demeaning one ..sucking you dry ...is a prevalent sport in latin America among family ..your gringo tushy is just icing on the cake...
droppedee My friend, you certainly have a excellent grasp, and understanding, of the culture, the mentality, and the ways, of the people in Latin America.
So you tell us the crime in Panama is Only from Illegal Imigrantes. Show me fact's.
There is barely any crime in Panama. Its a relatively safe country compared to others
you have some studying to do, you can start by watching the video again and understanding what it is saying first. There's only degrees of perceived safety. Safety always depends on you, in Latin America and to a lesser extent what is happening at the moment in the locale and neighboring countries. Also expat enclaves in parts of Panama are not what you would call "safe". Thanks for sharing your opinion.
@@HMFamilyLife I used to live in an area filled with expats
@@HMFamilyLife I don't hear of any crimes in condos with doormen. Have you?
You can actually own a gun in Panama, unlike most other countries. Stay strapped
Can you have a gun if you only have a friendly nation visa from the US?
What about rape situation in country? And what are the methods these attackers use for their crimes?
AD Vad - Methods may vary from the attacker. My suggestion for you will be travel one time to Panama for a couple of months to see/feel what is like, do some research with locals and then make your mind.
Another suggestion for you as a female will be to learn/practice Krav Maga and/or Wing Chun. Will give the ability, strength and knowledge to save your life and keep a low profile...
Is that oil all over the beach there?
No, it's just black sand. No oil here.
I live in Bahrain. Whenever I’m returning to Bahrain after visiting the US, people will say, “be careful over there!”. I just laugh, and reply, “Oh I’m leaving the dangerous place (US). Bahrain is safe 24/7/365”. I have never once felt I needed to look over my shoulder here, at anytime of the day or night. Americans think they live “in the greatest country in the world”. Reality? It’s not true. There are SO many better places to live outside the US. Panama and Ecuador are just probably not on that list. 🤷🏼♂️
You're right, there is a lot of safer places abroad than in the US. Poland is very safe too, at least it was back in 2020. In Poland you can walk around at night. Poland was great we felt safe every day, never had to watch our backs. Nicest people you ever met too. It's good that Americans love their country and think it is the greatest country in the world, it's their country. But they need to love it even more than just saying they love it, they need stand up (take action) for their country or soon it will be gone. Thanks for commenting. Take care.
Sharia-law yes, thiefs get their hands amputated, but what if they falsely accuse you for a crime? Here the state is the problem, maybe a bigger problem than random criminals.
Lol, I didn't know my country was that dangerous xD, I'm 20 years old and I have not been robbed a single time, yes, some friends have, but you hear of a known being robbed once a year, isnt that bad.
I don't get it. I don't want to come off as rude, so please do not misunderstand me. Thing is, all I see are expats complaining about the countries they moved to. There's crime everywhere. Cultural shock is an OBVIOUS thing, it's another country! We have to get used to their way of living and not the other way. You talk about "fences, dogs". I get it, I live in South America BUT I have also lived in the US in several different places and didn't feel exactly safer.just the crimes seem to be different. Which again, seems pretty obvious. Best of luck.
Chevy Gal - Exactly!!
Thanks for the skinny and God bless!
Is a homeowner allowed to have a gun in their house there?
Sorry but Ecuador, especially on the upper coasts, they like foreigners. I've been here 3 years and they welcome us. Yes most of us dont live like we did in the states. We chose to live very simple and calm content life.
There is nothing to be sorry about. It's smart to live like the locals.
@@HMFamilyLife You have to live in a condo in the good part of town with a doorman, which is just as expensive as living in the U.S. These people who are being robbed are going to the bad part of town or in a rural place to hang out or live because it is cheap, but that would be the same case in the U.S also if you tried to get cheap rent. The only thing you are going to get cheaper in Panama if you want to be safe is health care, nursing aid or maid service, everything else is about the same price as the U.S. Heath care, maid service or 24 hour nurse aid is about 1/4 cost. So instead of spending $4000 per month on 24 hour care for you elderly parent you will pay $1k for round the clock care. And instead of paying $500 per month in health care premium plus meds in the U.S. you would pay that per year meds less than 1/4 cost. Panama is probably the safest easiest (because of all the expats already there and simple visa) place for expats to retire in the world, but it is no longer the cheapest. But if I had to chose between Panama and any other country to retire it would be there, because of the weather and cheap nursing aids, I would just have to pay the $1k in rent to live a nice apartment in the good part of town versus these cheap expats getting robbed because they want to pay $300 rent. They could get cheap $300 rent in parts of Baltimore, Chicago or Detroit too, in fact get a free house in Detroit. They need to stop being cheap and be safe pay the $1k a month for rent, get a roommate if needed.
@@cathylake9072 Thanks for all that but you're a little off. The expats that were getting robbed and home invaded were not renting for $300, in fact you can't find a $300 rental in Panama. They lived in an upper-scale gringo enclave; that's why they were getting home invaded and robbed. many of them owned their own homes. Also when I say "Live like the locals" I mean live like the locals they live in $450 to $700 outside of Panama and $800 to $1200 in Panama City. You shouldn't live in bad neighborhoods anywhere abroad, that's ridiculous.
@@HMFamilyLife They needed to live in a condo with a 24/7 doorman. I do not know of anyone home invaded who live in a good area in the condos with 24/7 doormen do you?
@@HMFamilyLife Also I know of an efficiency close to Coronado that is $300 per month and in a safe area in the same area Ruben Blades the actor/ singers house is in. Many people have separate in-law suites/ efficiencies added onto the their homes for rental that start at $300. Let me know if anyone trustworthy is interested. However as I said before even homes in safe areas are sometimes robbed because they are not in a high rise condo with a 24/7 doorman. Even in the U.S. if you are a single female or elderly it is best to live in a condo with a 24/7 doorman to be as safe as possible. I am just a cautious person.
Ecuador has been on a down turn for several years, how do you like it now?
Where? It's great where I'm living. They love foreigners here. We are welcomed. And the city is safe. Most, not all, live very simply. I have no car and I walk everywhere and I have basic needs met. Never been happier.
@@Dachdogoriginal en que ciudad?
WE moved to Panama in 2015 at the time all the stories about violent crimes against gringos (expats) were in the news. However, we lived there two years and learned the inside story. Initially, we learned about the man killed near Boquete, where we lived, and locals informed us how he was using local labor to help build his home and was killed after a pay dispute and his refusal to pay as agreed.
Another crime was about several people in Bocas del Toro being murdered and their house title deeds taken from them. In Panama, the one who holds the title is the one recognized as legal owner. However, as the story was unraveled, those who were killed in Bocas were all involved in drug sales and a control dispute arose, which led to the murders.
Yes, we've heard it all before, everything is perfect and there are no issues in the paradise called Panama. Thanks for your opinion and thanks for commenting.
It is frustrating to encounter so many videos with a lot if small hard to read print. A high percentage of expats and potential expats are OLD!!! GET IT??? Many of us no longer have great vision.
Sorry about that, we'll keep that in mind for future videos and thanks for letting us know.
I have neighbors that moved to Panama City from Florida 6 months ago. Now they're moving to Boquete probably to be with a large group of US expats. They didn't know a word of Spanish when they left here, so I at least hope they're trying to pick up the language, or they'll be prime target Gringos!
Good day. You better tell your friends to get a guard dog and have electric fencing around the home. About 5 years ago, expats were getting robbed, home invaded while in the home and some were shot. This wasn't just a few homes, almost all of them in Boquete Panama and other expat enclaves that were near by, were prime targets for the bad apples. Take care.
Is that.oil.on the beach
If's not oil, it's black sand. It's Coronado beach in Panama
Just live very simply - not materialistically like your still in North America.
no one gets murdered in Canada tho....
Check Toronto news stories, re: murders, muggings, I was better off in the bush, away from city life, was safer.
@@drunio1504 true dat, or Vancouver or or or..lots a crime here
of course, there are more crime in Panama, at times in some parts, if you are by yourself They Mug you for sure, eh?
compare Panama with great powers and in turn with countries that are worse
Incredible amount of crime in South America and Mexico due to the drug trade, which has spilled over into the general population. Native Mexicans and South Americans have suffered more than expats.... as far as from what I read in the papers. You are knowledgeable about crime against expats and you seem to understand the reasons why it is happening, social inequality and poverty leads to theft. I can understand theft but I don't understand the violence that goes with it. If you rob and the person is home, why do you have to kill? When Americans come to Central or South America because their dollar buys more and they enjoy a higher standard of living than most of the general populace resentment forms. In a way, you are practicing a form of colonialism. The tourists are invading their land with their high standard of living, pushing up costs for the general population who can then no longer afford to live there as prices go up. It's called "gentrification." And it is so pervasive and as more and more tourists come, and more and more of the poor are pushed off their land because the tourists have caused prices to rise in their own country and they can't afford to live in their own country anymore, what do you think the population is eventually going to do? The local people may want the tourists to go home. I know I would. Then there are people like you, who genuinely want to assimiate, live among the people, be one of them, and you speak the language and you have become part of the country, but you are still a foreigner and you may still get caught up in the crime wave. But, so, too, can any other Mexican get caught up as collateral damage in the drug wars as a bystander. With you, as you have mentioned, it would most likely be by theft or breakin. If you want to live there you must protect yourself, high walls, gates, guns, dogs, security. I would leave Latin America and try Portugal, Albania, Moldavia, Croatia. You are European and you will fit in. You are in Italy now? You look Italian. It's a beautiful country.
Had things stolen from my car and a property I was working on ( hand tools etc) the police were not interested at all they have little or no power. The Panamanian has lots of opportunity to make money here in Panama but there not interested thay just won’t to party all the time and sum body else to pay for it. I’ve tried to help so many people here and they just keep taking so no more.
What a ignorant statement nobody as stolen more or invaded more than the white race
@@karenblackman6276 Don't make stupid comparisons, here we do not talk about historical issues but about quality of life, security is an important element wherever you choose to live.
Paradise, what is that? 90 deg + 90% humidity all year round, is that it? Say, you retire to any of those countries, buy a house for you and spouse, what do you do EVERY DAY, ok, walk on a beach for 1 hr, sit in the garden admiring palm trees and vegetation, maybe visit your neighbor once in a while but ... at the end of day, spend most of the time in an air conditioner room with nothing to do but to watch TV, internet and occasional phone conversation with your family back home - is this what you call paradise?
To me, when you're ready to retire, stay here in USA and travel, go to Panama and such for a month to enjoy that "paradise" .
Paradise is where where your home, family and friends are, where you know surroundings, culture, laws and speak your language.
Well said. Thanks for commenting.
I personally have no desire to move to SA. I may consider Mexico but France and Italy are more appealing to me, especially since I speak French and Italian.
So what!!! blahblah
i've been robbed in the US so crimes can happen anywhere, my neighbors in the philippines got robbed, the reason i'm spared are my 5 guard dogs.
You don't sound anything like you do on GoT
hahahaha it took me a minute to figure out you were talking about Game of Thrones.
Mexican ad: cute Uber driver driving with one hand. :)
Who is "Frank" exactly? Just a normal guy with an opinion or someone with critical experience we should listen too?
In other words folks, stay in the USA.
We're not telling people not to go to Panama. We're sharing our experiences and observations to INFORM people of what is really happening in these countries besides the candy coated postcards. There's always another side to the postcard view. The beaches are beautiful in Panama but what's the complete story?
Ask George Floyd, Breanna Taylor how safe the US is.
We prefer less of the south american countries these days in favor of southeast asia. The peoples of Thailand and Philippines are far less violent by nature is seems to us. And the close proximity of the USA to the south American countries overload them with too many expats ruining these countries. I have little or no interest in visiting Panama or Costa Rica AT ALL EVER.... We may have a look at Spain or the UK or Ireland where my people are from! Good video, thanks!
Turquoise Sunsets - Cool, keep it that way plz!!!
Yes, the favor u make us not coming to latin america. Better keep the garbage away