Colombia vs Panama

I give my opinion on the differences between living in Colombia vs living in Panama. I give some personal stories and by background. Culture shock, safety, infrastructure, etc.

As Gringo Campesino, my mission is to help people escape the modern world by creating a portal into a new way of life for people who feel stuck. I aim to connect the small scale farmers who manage the world's resources with the economically advantaged who care. Rooted in sustainability and self-reliance, I promote reforestation, ecological innovation and responsible development and trade.

[juliesklom]

This was an extremely informative video. I loved the comparisons of the two countries particularly since I have been in both. Never lived in either, though. Loved watching this and the addition of photos was a great idea.

[DantheExpat-cohf]

I have been to more than 15 different countries, but once I visited Colombia I found it's an amazing place to live. Argentina is very interesting right now, but Colombia is unparalleled.

[hernanruiz]

I'm colombian and never been to Panama', but I prefer my country, Colombia has everything you need and it is a larger country and more to explore, good video. Thanks 🇺🇲🙏🇨🇴♥️✌️

[glenh]

I have been to Columbia several times. I am retired and live in Panama. I am not a farmer. I live in the country side about 5 hours away from Panama City in Las Santos province. I live on a small pension. Yes, there is culture shock and lack of infrastructure so it is not as convenient to live. However, had I stayed in the US I could not afford to live and might even be homeless. At the very least it is safe and the weather is good here in Panama. I cannot complain. The cost of living has doubled since I first arrived. You have to adapt and over come and learn to make due with what you have.

[kesolis]

I have lived in both... both are beautiful, and love both, but I would definitely take Panama. I love the people, and the fact that you can be in the city, and also be in the beach, rustic towns or mountains fairly quickly. Colombia is amazing too, but had a few negative experiences. Panama has it's issues as well (like everywhere in the world) but my experience in Panama was just much better. I go every year. It's my go to for vacation. Enjoy it every time!!

[newrivervalleywellnessdotc]

@gringocampesino where did you get that hat and what would i call it if i want to search for one ? thank you

[stevenrosing]

Thank you, Ethan. Very informative and accurate. I’ve spent significant time in both countries and generally agree with everything you say. I’m there during June/July each year. It would be great to arrive there and greet you someday!

[johnescobar]

Me gusta que vengan turistas a Colombia Pero no me gusta que algunos vienen a imponer cosas y a cambiarlas, o buscar prostitución

[reneesanchezmiranda]

You have forgotten to mention that there is not guerrillas FARC and armed groups in Panama and Costa Rica, So good luck when driving and meet them. All the best

[arllyneruiz]

Hi! Is interesting this comparision. I am panamenian but i have been in Colombia many times and I love it. What I have heard from Colombians here in Panama is that they feel safer here than in Colombia but Colombia has many more things to offer than Panama today, and I think that is also because the populations, Panama is a smaller country with a very small population in comparision to Colombia. I disagree with your perspective about that we feel the top of the world, what I see is that people here, today, are in a confort zone and i dont consider it as a good thing because we have a lot of thing offer. (Sorry for my english, i am taking classes to improve it).

[estebanmolano]

I heard you bro... I'm colombian and migrated to the estates 35 years ago with my whole family, specifically to Seattle. Even though was so hard for us to adapt for the culture shock and the language, with time we learned to love it. Seattle was beautiful. Well, still is but the amount of migration now a days is not even a shadow of what it was. Besides being a blue state, politicians are ruining everything. As colombian, I learned to love this place, my community, my job. Nevertheless, I would love migration to be controlled but I don't have much of a word on that since I am a migrant myself; and my family. We as humans would love to control our environment in our favor. Unfortunately it is impossible. It is funny you say you don't want expats near you and still you offering help to get there.. Ha!! There is not a perfect place in the world, but can live beautifully in Colombia compared to other places in the world. Good day.

[trdriver]

Hey Ethan just subscribed. Appreciate the wealth of information. Btw your environs are true paraiso !!👍🏾

[marc_guitart]

Muy buen video, gracias por tu sinceridad.

[michaelkashevarof]

Great info. My wife is Colombiana, and we have a goal to buy or spend our winters in Santa Marta (we live in Alaska lol) I feel very safe there, though I have never been to Panama, I agree Colombians are very friendly. There is common sense needed even in nice areas especially at night. Just the info I was looking for .

[NibrocNod]

Hey buddy, living in Panama currently but decided to move to Colombia. It sounds like you're in the area were considering moving to. Would like to converse more with you. Thank

[Justsayingthat]

Which would you prefer for a family with teens?

[davidbonham]

What do yyou think of Cali Columbia? Spent time there twice and enjoyed walking around the city. Except where I got stopped in a taxi by the policia for a drug shakedown. Im not sure how they recognized I was American. Also had quite a few policia or army checkpoints. This all took place back in 2004 just couple years after the demise of Pablo Escobar. Love to hear your thoughts on the peopleof Columbia. Thinking of moving to Panama in the next year or two!!!!

[johnszekeresh]

I liked the video. I think Panamanians think the world owes them something, too.

[Kano_Jig]

Respect for sharing your comparisons and insight. The confrontation with the drunk men from the underworld....you were extremely lucky my dear man. Confronting people and sticking your nose in business not directly related to you increases your chances of being involved in violence. Tread very carefully travelers!

[DZR-qopx]

When you lived in Panama it sounds like you were in the Chiriqui province. If so I wasn’t aware they had an issue with B&E crimes. With all the old expats living there I thought it would be relatively safe. I’m planning on eventually moving to the Boquete area, but I guess I need to figure out the security situation there before I make any big decisions.