From Manta to Panama City: An Expat’s Journey and Insights

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2024
  • From Manta to Panama City: An Expat’s Journey and Insights
    In this video, I reconnect with Teri Carroll, a former resident of Manta, Ecuador, who has relocated to Panama City. We conducted this interview via Zoom, marking a first for my channel! Join us as Teri shares her experiences and insights about living in Panama City compared to Manta. From cost of living, safety concerns, and quality of life, to the little details like grocery prices and transportation options, we cover it all. Don't miss this candid conversation about the pros and cons of life in these two vibrant cities.
    Watch our first interview from February 2023 here: • Expat Life in Ecuador:...
    #ExpatLife
    #PanamaCity
    #LivingAbroad
    Links to know:
    Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
    My Channel Video Index - docs.google.co...
    My Google Docs document of useful information
    docs.google.co...
    Document Links
    My Checklist for migration - docs.google.co...
    Remember this folks.
    A country might look good on paper, or on a TH-cam video, but what about the “Chemistry” between you, the individual and the country and culture as a whole?
    This is something we can’t know in advance. We can only make our move, dive in and test the waters…….and see how it goes.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    The views expressed in this video are in no way intended to be taken as advice on retirement, migrating to Ecuador, investing, buying insurance, or getting your immigration documentation.
    I am not responsible for any decision you make after watching my videos.
    I don't give advice and I don't recommend anything unless it is based on my own personal, verifiable experience.
    I want to be sure that the information I provide is accurate information and I don't want people to make a poor choice based on anything I say.
    If one person comes here based on my influence and doesn't like it at all, then has to return to start all over again, I have failed.

ความคิดเห็น • 88

  • @susywilliams9217
    @susywilliams9217 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What a charming lady. Thanks Don

  • @kathyandthedogs626
    @kathyandthedogs626 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Don, I really enjoyed hearing from Terri again, and am glad she’s happy in Panama! When you talk to her again, I would love to understand more about her desire to leave Manta, and Ecuador entirely. I’m following the situation there as closely as someone in Florida can, and know a lot of people have left (for various reasons including the violence/problems). Did she consider other locations in Ecuador? Obviously I don’t want to intrude on her privacy, but just would like to know more.
    Panama was the first country I looked at seriously but found I could not get private health insurance as a senior who had had breast cancer. So I moved on to Ecuador. Your contact at Blue Box has been extremely helpful in this regard. I’d love to know how Terri fares with private insurance.
    Thanks as always for another informative video!

  • @christinec.2376
    @christinec.2376 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    i almost moved to ecuador because of one of Tee's vids, it's how we became aquainted! i'm here in panama and plan to meet up up and hang out .. i'm in one of the smaller towns, and i'm excited to show her another part of panama. don't worry, we'll take good care of her for you all,.. she's a doll!

  • @Vivi30908
    @Vivi30908 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Hi Don, good to pop upon this video. I almost moved to Ecuador, but the two women realtors that you interviewed on your channel didn't respond to my email. I have been in Panama for 10 months now and already have my residency. You know, if you watch Jackie Lange TH-cam Channel, you will learn so much about Panama even before you come here. I highly recommend this channel to you. You will know all the beaches areas with all different prices. She has a relocation tour package and that's not what I am trying to sell you. That will be your personal choice. Her videos offer great education in regard of Panama.

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Okay thanks Jackie. Thanks for plugging yourself on my channel. Have a great day and while you're at it, pick up some of that trash, will ya?

  • @ethancook5705
    @ethancook5705 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I visited Panama City last December and loved it.

  • @DavidAyotte-p5u
    @DavidAyotte-p5u 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Great to sit in on two friends comparing Manta and Panama city. Feels like Ecuador lost a great citizen. Hope Ecuador can win her back someday.

  • @GMAceM
    @GMAceM 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Awesome interview brother!
    I always had the idea that Panama would be a little more expensive than Ecuador due to the things I’ve heard but never really got to hear it from a person who is currently living there.
    It was great seeing Teri and hope your throat feels better soon!

  • @gford9988
    @gford9988 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    video quality is good. Really enjoyed the conversation. thank you for posting

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you Sir.

  • @lailja21
    @lailja21 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    This was awesome Don... Lloved listening to Teri and seeing her smile. Thank you. Looking forward to part two

  • @warrenmcallister7624
    @warrenmcallister7624 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Great interview Don. Appreciate the info.

  • @planetag310
    @planetag310 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Panama City and Manta are both very hot humid cities. If the heat bothers you, look elsewhere.

    • @Resmith18SR
      @Resmith18SR 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I absolutely hate sweating profusely all day out and about.

    • @Liam25025
      @Liam25025 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Panama city is far worse

    • @Resmith18SR
      @Resmith18SR 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@Liam25025 I don't see the appeal of Panama City. Mexico has better options.

  • @gabriellechung356
    @gabriellechung356 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thanks for the video! Very informative.

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My pleasure!

  • @KG-xt4oq
    @KG-xt4oq 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I spent 75 days in Panama back in 1995 on a temporary duty assignment while I was in the AF. I remember it being unbearably hot and humid from 9am-9pm, which is the main reason why their 'nightlife' lasted ALL night until the sun came up. I had some good times/memories; went on a tour of the canal and to a couple other venues. I also had to drive from my hotel to the base nearly every day, which was levels of insanity I had never seen before or experienced since. Didn't really know anyone and had little motivation to go out and explore due to the heat/humidity and the fact that I would be by myself and didn't know where the 'no-go' areas were to avoid, so I spent quite a bit of time in my hotel room, unfortunately...this was pre-internet days as well. Some areas that I drove through to get to the base were just so run-down and poverty stricken; my hotel was right near the main beach, but you really couldn't enjoy it because of the heat/humidity and it was one trash bag away from being classified as a landfill.
    There were some of the most beautiful women, however...

    • @brandonhill2383
      @brandonhill2383 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Panamá City has changed in the past 30 years... you'd be surprised how different PTY is from what it used to be back in 1995

    • @KG-xt4oq
      @KG-xt4oq 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@brandonhill2383 Yeah, I'm sure it has changed some since ownership of the canal has been transferred and there's no US military base there, but it's still unbearably hot and humid, yes? People still party til the sun comes up, yes? There are still beautiful women there, yes? There's still poverty, yes?

  • @whosebonesaresharp
    @whosebonesaresharp 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I was waiting for this interview - super interesting! I will defiantly tune in for PT 2

  • @olayinkaoyo
    @olayinkaoyo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The audio sounds just fine to me. I would like to know (more about) what’s going on in Manta, but I’ll look it up. Thanks for the interview. I’m glad you showed up in my feed.

  • @lauras8674
    @lauras8674 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent video Don. Terrie is an amazing person. I reall enjoyed watching this video! 🎉

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  • @vianaave
    @vianaave 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is an informative and entertaining conversation.

  • @jlynnburton9718
    @jlynnburton9718 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    With Panama rent being 50% higher, Daily living expenses 2.5X higher, groceries &
    domestic help being Double Panama City isn't as budget friendly as Ecuador.

    • @Coolman1985
      @Coolman1985 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      If it's safer, it's well worth it

    • @joann5157
      @joann5157 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I imagine the prices she quoted are b/c she's in a big city. I would think other areas would be cheaper.

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      We're gonna talk more about finances in the next one. After I posted this one, she sent me a note and said that she might have been a little off on some of her estimates

    • @Coolman1985
      @Coolman1985 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@joann5157 true there are options, i still wont change quito, love this city

    • @Coolman1985
      @Coolman1985 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DonShader i guess, panama seems alot like miami

  • @tampapropertygirl3422
    @tampapropertygirl3422 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I Believe that you have a virus that has been going around. It starts with a sore throat, then coughing up mucus and it takes about a month to go away. Just an FYI. Hope that you feel better. Can't wait to move to Panama!

  • @aaronml8298
    @aaronml8298 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thanks for the info guys..nice chat.

  • @dianamayfield5615
    @dianamayfield5615 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I so enjoyed the visit with Teri. Glad she is enjoying Panama, but I have heard horror stories about the heat and humidity. You will have to ask her about that in your next conversation.

  • @Coolman1985
    @Coolman1985 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great interview, have you thought about interviewing the couple that used to live in Cuenca and compare experiences, that be nice

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I lost touch with one couple that moved there but there are a few more. I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion.
      -ds

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Never!

    • @Coolman1985
      @Coolman1985 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DonShader hmm could be a nice future chat

  • @dougdileo4727
    @dougdileo4727 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    very nice interview with teri..good comparisons all around...stay safe

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad you enjoyed it.
      -ds

  • @galacticpresident-elect6059
    @galacticpresident-elect6059 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Tks!

  • @MarkHanna-ct6yr
    @MarkHanna-ct6yr 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great interview, Don. No problems with video or sound at all. I look forward to part 2.

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks Mark. I was actually quite pleased with the whole outcome from a technical point of view. I didn't know that Zoom would switch video back and forth depending on whose talking. It's a nightmare doing that from editing software.
      The only real complaint I had was I don't think the autofocus on my laptop did a very good job. I think the next time, I'll use my iPhone.
      But all-in-all, I'm still quite pleased with the results.

  • @harryrocco7591
    @harryrocco7591 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great move! Like NYC without price tag...cosmopolitan, great skyline

  • @lrkfam
    @lrkfam 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Teri is looking gooood! 🎉

  • @jlynnburton9718
    @jlynnburton9718 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I recall seeing her in the former video you mentioned

  • @BPe-ie9je
    @BPe-ie9je 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    you can always go back to Manta!!! 🙂

  • @mjsilva7086
    @mjsilva7086 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great Interview Don❤️, I am sure you will be safer living in Panama City instead of where you are now. Blessings; Health and all the Best to you. Regards from Miami Beach, Fl

  • @Pattybluehayes
    @Pattybluehayes 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Organic is tough here, even in El Valle at the mercado, most of the produce comes from Cerro Punta and they use herbicides and pesticides 😕

  • @SoulWhisperer
    @SoulWhisperer 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Really nice!

  • @relicofgold
    @relicofgold 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    1) The weather is vastly different in PCY vs Manta. PCY is MUCH hotter, very humid. It is downright uncomfortable in PCY most of the time. 2) Earthquakes are much more prevalent in Ecuador, and can be quite high on the Richter scale. PA has earthquakes, but they do not seem to be as serious, however I am not an expert in seismology. 3) You can find more USA brands in PCY, but expect to pay USA prices. 4) PCY and surrounding area is roughly 2 million people, Manta is under 300,000 people, so that's a big part of the reason things are different regarding availability of products and services. 5) There are not as many dead and stray dogs in PA as in EC. 6) Driving for gringos in either country is insanity. In PA they mark the roadways with blue hearts where someone has died on the road......and those blue hearts are all over the place. I wonder (I certainly do not know) if the bad driving has to do with the notion that only the more well-oiled people in both EC and PA are the ones who are driving. 6a) I noticed in PA that you can get anywhere by bus, with bus stops all over the country, even in villages with 50 people. I did not notice this in EC, but maybe that's just because I didn't notice it. 7) Manta desperately needs a large green park. It is a concrete jungle. PCY has tons of parks, but is still a large city, a concert jungle, with large city problems. Plus did I say it's hot? It's HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT.

    • @dovygoodguy1296
      @dovygoodguy1296 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I wouldn't be able to handle the heat and humidity in PCY. Not in Miami or New Orleans either.....

    • @relicofgold
      @relicofgold 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@dovygoodguy1296 It's def a challenge and something to consider.

    • @lrkfam
      @lrkfam 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Portoviejo has all the parks. An easy $1 bus ride away

    • @perfectlylonely
      @perfectlylonely 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Having recently spent time in Panama City, I agree. In the middle of the day, cuddle up to your A/C.
      Move further North to Boquete a comfortable life awaits.
      From David, it's an inexpensive flight to the "City". Just expect a long train ride to downtown.
      Panama is definitely more expensive than Ecuador.
      And it's more like the USA as far as consumer goods and restaurants are concerned.
      It's easy for me to understand how Panama would be an easy transition to LATAM, for we Gringos.

    • @JesusEsDios007
      @JesusEsDios007 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@relicofgold Learn Spanish, call yourself an immigrant not an expat, and don't make things expensive for locals.

  • @annaware1836
    @annaware1836 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi, Don. I love your interviews, especially with Terri Carrol. I wanted to scout out Quito, Ecuador, and Boquette, Panama . I want to have further discussion with Terri. How to contact her?

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You can reach Teri at: widowsmiteent@gmail.com.

    • @annaware1836
      @annaware1836 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DonShader thank you very much for asking Teri for permission for her email address.

  • @Liam25025
    @Liam25025 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    The humidity in Panama City is unbearable.

  • @astralspice5
    @astralspice5 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Interesting to know the differences. Would you consider leaving Manta Don?

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes, at some point, I have to. This place isn't quite right for me.

    • @astralspice5
      @astralspice5 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DonShader I just arrived in Manta last weekend and I think I already know why, but I am so new, I wonder if you have some tips to visit the city and meet some people. I can only think of going to the beach or the mall. I would appreciate some suggestions or that you point me out to a video you have made before recommending what to do here, thank you!

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@astralspice5 How long are you planning to be here? Feel free to email me if you want and we can keep our conversation not-so-public.

    • @astralspice5
      @astralspice5 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DonShader just found the docs and links you have in the description box, very useful, thank you very much. I don't see your email, but I am hoping this will help. I am here for a month, potentially more, I will go with the flow :)

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@astralspice5 my email address is on my main channel page. I don't publish it in the comments and if people don't know how to retrieve it from the main channel page, I guess they're out of luck. I eat breakfast at Dulce & Cremoso in the mall every morning at nine, you're welcome to stop by if you'd like.

  • @ctbeachbm
    @ctbeachbm 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Driving in Panama City is insane. The taxi drivers are the worst, they never give way and will constantly cut you off. She's right about the trash problem, almost as bad as Beirut. Illegal dumping is a way of life.

  • @lrkfam
    @lrkfam 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    English speaking church is awesome!

  • @Gwen-joyful-light
    @Gwen-joyful-light 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I want to move there but I worry about the same thing happening like the 2004 earthquake in Indian Ocean.

  • @Resmith18SR
    @Resmith18SR 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    PCY sounds pretty bad. Cost of living and weather both big negatives for me.

  • @dovygoodguy1296
    @dovygoodguy1296 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Panama City seems great except for the intense humidity and heat. But if a person is from New Orleans or Miami maybe it's different. However, if it's a matter of refuge from rhe Woke sickness, even Panama would do. How can people live in Panama with that constant heat and humidity?

    • @guillermogouldburn763
      @guillermogouldburn763 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If they don't have to go outside between 10AM and 2PM, when the heat is unbearable, they don't. That's why you see some videos of Panama City where you don't see even one person on the street. At night it's a different story. They have adapted to the climate.

  • @maha77
    @maha77 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Don are you using the free version or paid version of ChatGPT?

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm paying.

  • @terryashley4674
    @terryashley4674 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    The audio is not good.

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Terry, you're the second person to say that but I just re-watched the complete video again and din't see nor hear any problems. Are you watching this on a phone? Or a tablet?

  • @Shirley-n-Maryland
    @Shirley-n-Maryland 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    WHATS GOING ON IN MANTA, EQUADOR?

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Not much, just a bunch of Cartel gangsta action, people shooting each other, you know? Just another day in the hood. Other than the normal instability and lack of civility, it's awesome. Come on down.

    • @Shirley-n-Maryland
      @Shirley-n-Maryland 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@DonShader 😅😆😁. My goal is Mexico.

  • @robavz5621
    @robavz5621 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Low audio, can't hear!!

    • @DonShader
      @DonShader  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Turn up your volume.
      I just checked the video on my system and did not see nor hear a problem with audio.