Costa Rica Expat Forum

Costa Rica vs Panama

4/11/2016 13:37 EST

I lived in Panama for two years after visiting and staying months at a time for over 7 years. Once I moved, things turned nightmarish. 3 home invasions and ripped off at every turn by locals and expats alike. I really miss the nature and beautiful turquoise water. Many people only had minor problems there but I had more than my share. I am considering trying outside the US again. I am hoping that I have learned from these experiences and will handle things differently than I did in the past. I am considering Costa Rica and Mexico.
I have visited some areas of Costa Rica but did not find them any safer--san jose, Limon and Puerto Viejo, Cauhita (spelling?) were some places I have visited.
Can anyone tell me if I Costa Rica is safer than Panama in general and if you are routinely charged much more as a "gringo" or are just plain ripped off when trying to do things.
I don't mean to sound negative, but I lost a lot of money and had such a bad experience that I don't want to repeat it. I was just too trusting and naive before, which got me into a lot of bad situations. Thanks so much for any insight to these very real safety concerns!

lhammond14

4/11/2016 14:59 EST

Personally we live in Grecia Alejuela, Costa Rica. Do not have to white knuckle holding on to my purse.. Only one time felt a little threatened, but my husband was walking a little behind me and I could tell from his actions he was trying to play me for dumb, and I told him very loudly that I had worked since age 15 and he needed to have some pride and get a job as he was well able and healthy. He left with his head hanging.

I haven't been to Panama so can't compare.

No matter where you live you need to think smart and shrewd and shed the naïve attitude. Right now we are in a situation that if we believed what we were being told, we would lose out financially.

Put on your thinking cap and be alert. We came from south Florida and it is the same there. Only difference here is the language challenge. Although I speak and understand pretty well, they can play some serious head games by talking as fast as possible and then insinuate that you misunderstood.

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NothingButNet

4/11/2016 15:29 EST

I can only speak of my experience in san jose. I have dealt with many contractractors in all areas of home renovation and learned that one must be very cautious when hiring them. A written contract is helpful, but still doesn't prevent getting ripped-off. Never pay a contractor/worker in full prior to work being completed. Get multiple estimates before beginning any job. If you are a "Norte Americano", expect estimates to be inflated, sometimes even double what a Costa Rican would pay. Visit the worksite daily in order to verify the work is being done to your satisfaction. A home security system is a must. If or when you are ripped-off, do not expect much assistance from the police or judicial system. On the flip side, most Costa Ricans are very tolerant, educated and proud. They are also friendly and welcoming. The Costa Rican government can appear inept, although many Ticos would prefer to use the term "corrupt" because government projects last longer than expected or even fail to materialize. Do a little research on the Costa Rican health care system and you will see another example of poor government management. Even with all this, I am satisfied with life here. Since it seems you have already eliminated san jose from your list, I will tell you that my friends who live away from san jose are very happy. Good luck!

Kohl

4/11/2016 15:33 EST

Yes, there is 'gringo pricing and people that will try to take advantage of you, by both other expats and Ticos, alike.

Petty theft happens all over the country, so one has to be very careful who you let enter your home. It could be someone stealing your shoes from outside your front door to emptying your home.

We have been 'burglarized' multiple times and even had our dogs poisoned, which is common way for thieves to gain access to your home ...whether you are a foreigner or a local.

As lhammond14 writes '... you need to think smart and shrewd and shed the naïve attitude".

Just because someone speaks English doesn't make them 'trustworthy'.

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