IIseldon; Contrary to popular belief, crime continues to be on the rise in my country with no hope for improvement. Our government continues its ban on gun importations making it extremely difficult on lawful citizens to buy, own and carry legal weapons for self defense. On the other hand, very little is done to the bad guys. Many crimes are still not being reported and our president keeps saying it's merely a perception.

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I agree. A friends wife, his 12 year old son and a friend of his were victims of a home invasion in Caldera last Thursday night. Five young men armed with pistols came in around 8 PM threatened them with weapons, tied them up and ransacked the house for about an hour. She was house sitting for some people who were out of the country for a couple of weeks. Apparently there were 3 other break ins in the same area over a couple of days. May be the same group responsible for the kidnapping. It has been quiet now for several months but sounds like they are reorganizing.

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Recently, A number of home invasions, burglaries, robberies, killings, etc have taken place in the. nearby towns close to San Carlos, Santa Clara, Chame, Chorrera, Colón, etc. Seems as if the bad guys always get away and the Police follow up is "It's under investigation" It's like a balloon!! It can only hold so much air!! And then -- POP!! I try not to go out that much anymore.

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Stgibson, Caldera like in Chiriqui? PL

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Where in Santa Clara I have not heard of this and I normally do.

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00abuse

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Mata Palos, Antón, El Cope, El Higo and others near Las Uvas and El Espino de San Carlos. Coronado has been a little quite the same as Las Lajas. Many of these crime stats are kept under the radar since these areas are considered tourist attractions. I live near these areas and lots goes that folks are not aware of .

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Yes, Chiriqui. House next to Frank Stagmyers.

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I think that's the problem for people like me that has been considering moving to any LA country. I have traveled a lot to LA with no problems, but vacationing there is very different from living there.
From what I've read, local news doesn't talk about the real crime, cause it hurts them financially. Many crimes go unreported cause the locals don't think the police will do anything about it, so they either accept it or take care of it themselves. It's also hard to believe what some people on this and other forums say cause many are there to draw you there cause that's how they make their money. Sounds pretty much like a crap shoot, and at my age, I'm not up for that. I don't understand how any retired person that's in their 60's or older would take a chance and just believe the info that's on the website and figure they know what is going on. Cost of living always seems much more than many people say. No way of knowing what the real crime situation is. I have read may stories where even people that are well off eventually pack their bags, sell their expensive property for pennies and bail. There are many expat houses and mansions up for sale. Why is that? I can't even imagine how someone with a small fixed income deals with this. I've read where many people are stuck in their new country with no financial way to leave when things go south.
The bottom line is that you can't believe the media and you can't believe what people on this and other forums say. Their agenda's have nothing to do with your well-being.

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Now I'm hearing about a couple of police being shot & killed in a restaurant in San Francisco (Panama), this was told to me yesterday by some one whose mother lives in that area & while he was visiting in November was told this story by the mother's maid. I've queried my Panama contacts but haven't been able to confirm that it happened.. PL

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I know 2 Americans living in Panama in the tourist business, one from the northeast U.S., other from Washington state, the first one want to shut down & move back to the U.S., he says business is bad, crime, etc. but can't afford to move back. The other one says the tourist business is so back she is about to loose her business. Point is living in a foreign country it is pretty easy to see who you are & to become a target, so be careful. PL

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Bluewind, hmmm. Seems like you have struggled with this fear for several years now. Panama is probably not for you. Maybe Spain?

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Retired people want three things.
A safe place to live
An affordable place to live
Good affordable health care
Your right. Maybe Spain or Portugal

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I'll go out on a limb and suggest that "all" people want these same three things, yes? And perception is reality.

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Would you be willing to share what your perception of reality is in Panama? Thanks

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My perception of reality in the States is this:
Affordable health care: maybe
Safety: if you can afford it
Affordable living: if you are willing to live in unsafe places.

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AMEN. Bluewind you just hit the nail on the head!!!

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Bluewind, the same list of perception of reality also applies to Panama :

Affordable health care: maybe
Safety: if you can afford it
Affordable living: if you are willing to live in unsafe places

So you do have to pay more than is advertised to be healthy and safe in Panama.

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I have a friend who has traveled the world for the last 25 years. He just got back from Cancoon Mexico and there abouts. I asked him a couple of days ago what was the most dangerous country that he has visited. Without hesitation he said "America no question". He's American. My wife carries mase & so do I. You would be very surprised to learn how many of your acquaintances carry a firearm or have one or two at home and one on their vehicle. My friend and I grew up with having our eyes wide open all the time and without displaying fear. You need to have a feel for what the real world is about unless you can afford to live in a gated community. You need to develop friendships with that you can trust with an understanding that you both will have each other's backs if the situation arrives. It's makes life do-able and therefore enjoyable...being prepared.

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I've gratifyingly have found that an unsafe place can be completely safe with those in that community who desire complete safety. And you end up being respected in the community. I don't condemn those that cause fear & harm. If I was to trade places in life with that person, who is to say I would not cause similar harms...

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Willl, I agree with you that the US is less safe than Panama...by orders of magnitude. But I hear from other posters on this forum that that is not relevant because it has nothing to do with life in Panama. I disagree because people can't help but look at Panama through the lens of their past experiences making everything relative to life before Panama. Personally, I can't wait to move to PTY in a couple months.

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If you live in a rural area in US, there is little or no crime. Considering moving back home?

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American woman tourist strangled near Bocas del Toro:

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/american-woman-tourist-strangled?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsroompanama+%28Newsroom+Panama%29

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reneeabc123 don't suggest these people move to the U.S., they are convinced they are safe in Panama, they should stay there LOL

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llseldon, is that why you live in the US? Do you feel unsafe in Panama?

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Oh dear God not another one of these live in fear live in fear live in fear post about random crime and Panama again? Again? For God's sake would you guys give it a rest....

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First there is crime everywhere. The reference to the incident in the city was because it's in a area where the cops can't drive to; now they are doing foot patrol. When I first moved here 25 years ago the cops had horses, then they walked, then bikes, now they have a car and quads. My area is really covered by a police passing a lot of times per day.

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I agree with Hugemeister. Fear is a confining and stress ridden state to exist in. Secure your environment, remain alert, and move on. I feel very safe in PTY but if Panana seems too risky for you then don't come.

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I think fear is something that keeps many people from growing and trying new things, new adventures and meeting really cool people. Fear keeps people from realizing their true potential. Keeps people stuck in a box. It's probably my age, but I enjoy meeting people from all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. That's probably I used to teach. Always want to understand why about things, and learn from others. But, back to my age; I want to do that in an environment that allows me to do that without the distractions involving my safety. I would think that's pretty much true of most people. The reality is this was much easier years ago than now. Traveling on my own and mixing with the locals is just not as safe as it once was. I have no fear of traveling to different countries and meeting people from different cultures. But I am concerned about increase of safety issues in many countries. That just makes sense. Than add on the anti-American feelings of many people abroad due to Trumps decisions (no political statement intended), it makes it a little more challenging traveling abroad. Living in America is like living in a sterile box with no stimulation. So what to do. I'm sure are in this same situation.

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Last thing, then I'll end. Any honest person living in any LA country knows that a single, older person moving to these countries is taking a major risk. That's not fear. That's just a fact. If someone is moving to one of these countries already knows people there, that's one thing. If a couple moves to these countries than maybe that will work.
But for any single, retired older person to move into a community and expect locals or expats to help them when they need it because they are just nice and caring people is just nuts. I'm sure there are communities that are not like this, and if anybody here is willing to share this information, I, like many would be very appreciative, but I'm not expecting many responses but from people that have something to gain from me or others moving there. Someone from Nicaragua told me that moving to that country as a single old guy would be a big mistake. That's probably true all over LA.

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Hmmm. It's got to depend on where that single, older person chooses to live. Meaning which area or neighborhood. One can't broad brush a whole country or region.

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Still waiting for people in Panama to tell me where single, older people can live in safety and be accepted by their community.

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Coronado, El Valle, Panama City (e.g., Punta Pacifica, Punta Paitilla, Costa del Este, San Francisco, El Cangrejo) and others.

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Thanks for the list. I visited El Valle several years ago and loved it.

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You're welcome. So tell me, how safe did you feel in El Valle when you visited?

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Why are people so close to death so afraid of dying ?

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Exactly

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Now that you mentioned it, I felt very safe in El Valle. Everybody was friendly except one guy that seemed to have a problem with me taking pictures. He had this angry look on his face. I smiled at him and nodded, but he just kept staring at me LOL. Go figure. But I never felt unsafe there. Wouldn't mind visiting there again, but not sure if I could afford to live there full time. Walking in town and seeing mountains all around you was amazing (volcano). Seeing the town from on top of those mountains was amazing. Being a former teacher, I really wanted to visit the school there, but as I was walking up the hill there, people looked at me as if they where wondering who I was, so my gut said forget it. Don't blame them. Cool place though.

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Maybe cause people close to death want to put if off as long as they can so they can enjoy life as long as possible.

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When I was much younger, I wondered why anybody in their 50's+ would want to go on. After all, what is there to look forward to LMAO!!!!!! But along with that; knowing that time is limited means making the most of the time you have. I wouldn't think moving anywhere including the States where life expentancy is real short wouldn't be my idea of making the most of the time I have left. Just my opinion.

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The other POV is - picking the safest spot in the world with the least risk wouldn't be mu idea of making the most of the time I have left. Which is one reason I am currently exploring Colombia.

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Putting it off as long as possible is good as long as you aren't hiding in some personal self-imposed prison. I have one goal when I retire in a couple months...make a mini (or max) adventure of each day.

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Please Panama2017 stop spreading lies. You are far more vulnerable to crime as an American living in Panama than living in the U.S. I've got a decade experience in Panama and many times more than that in the U.S. living in various states and cities. And the endless horror stories from fellow expats is nothing compared to here. At least a dozen people I personally know were home invaded in Panama. I can't name one person over the decades in the States. Does it happen here? Sure but the odds are so low as to not be concerned at all. I don't need bars on windows and can leave my patio door open in the evening. In Panama you just never know and can't do that. The risk is too high.

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Panabud, what I am spreading is my personal opinion. Which I will continue to do. I am also sharing my philosophy on living a rich, fulfilling life. Which is making me extremely happy. Crime is not something that I fixate on, but you are free to stress out as much as you want. Go fot it.

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What is your opinion based upon Panama2017? How many years of experience do you have living in Panama? It's irresponsible to spread falsehoods.

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Look Panabud. I do not owe you an explanation of why I feel the way I do. It has been my experience that the places I frequent in Panama are very safe. I doubt that you and I hang out in the same places or have had similar experiences. Simple as that...no lies.

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No, Panama2017 you don't owe me an explanation because I'm not considering moving to Panama, but to most others reading this forum who are considering moving there and will make decisions based upon online research, one must be very careful to not spread falsehoods. You may feel safe in the places you frequented in Panama but in general an American living in Panama is at a higher risk of being a victim of a crime, especially home invasion. That's not opinion but statistical fact. I have no bone to pick because I've already been there and done that and glad to be back in the States. There's no place like home. This is paradise.

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Panabud, you and I have had this same conversation on several other occasions. Deja vu. I agree that you have found your paradise. And I have found mine. Give it a rest.

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Each and every country has elements of danger, here in the UK and all Europe we suffer things perceived as a danger by many. Mass demonstrations my Shariah Muslims are loud and aggressive, influx of immigrants of different cultures and values can cause some to be frightened. I myself have been in a hostage situation but my experience has not led me to tread with trepidation wherever I go, simply to be aware of my surroundings. I have visited some of the most intimidating places on this planet and when feeling insecure have simply become more alert. In Mexico a couple of police tried to rob me only to realize very quickly that I was not going to cow toe to them. I have walked the length and breadth of DD Ben St in Guyana and Boys Own Town without problem because of my awareness. I have got drunk in local rum bars in the Caribbean and in many other countries. To live in fear is a terrible thing and I really feel for those who do. The reality is if you are one of the unlucky minorities who suffer attack, you are still the minority.
Dress down, no jewelry and do not flash the cash are good and sensible rules, as are staying away from undesirable areas, what? you can't spot them? Home invasions are different, but if you live in an upmarket property with a flash car(s) with a lot of poor people around you will draw attention to yourself more so than 2 pence I have sort who live modestly and within the local community. I would always prefer to be 2 pence with local friends than flash the cash with everyone thinking I was worth much more

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I have lived on and off in Costa Rica since 1989 and now permanently in Panama for 5 years. In lived for 30 years in a rural coastal area of SC. For 25 years I never locked my doors. The 3 years there we had 6 home invasions and multiple break-ins. I live in a rural area here in Panama between Boquete and David. We have made an effort to join in the community which is 98% Panamanian. We have had no problems. We keep our gate locked at night and do not flaunt our wealth. The only problem I have had in 27 years was a guy trying to pick my pocket in a carnival crowd and a few tools walking off that I had left unattended, my fault. I feel no less safe here than I did in the US and the way things were going there probably safer. We keep aware when we are in unsafe neighborhoods no different than we did in the US. Crime here tends to increase during the holiday months Dec - March but it was the same in the US. You see a dozen or so cases each year in a population of 4 million. Try a city in the US with a similar population and see what you get.

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Good news. Traveler just published the World's 10 Safest Countries. They are:

Iceland
Denmark
Austria
New Zealand
Portugal
Chech Republic
Switzerland
Canada
Japan
Slovenia

Go fot it!

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Thanks for the info!!!! Currently looking into Portugal, specifically the Azores.

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Blue wind. Wow the Azores I went there in the Navy several times many years ago.

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Really. What did you think of the islands? From everything I've checked, they sound very peaceful and quiet. Not too touristy and only a few hours from Portugal. Cost of living pretty low. Four hours from Boston. Sounds like worth a look.

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You're welcome. Never been to your island but Lisbon is a lovely city (I'm a city person). Right now it's like 40 degrees F there. That's a deal breaker.

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Panama2017: likewise.

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Look at the way crime is getting in the US, I agree about the fact that people should have better access to guns. But there are many things people can do to prevent crime such as keeping your doors locked

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Land owner 15+ years in Panama. last week over a meal a person new to me went on and on about a home invasion. So I asked where and when did this happen. Answer; somewhere in Chiriqui 4-5 years ago.
So if you read between the lines of this string of post above it is plane to see who should not live here and those of us who bought and do make it work, in the neighborhood, if you will.
Regards.

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