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!
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!
