Thread: Do you go to Costa Rica too?

When you travel to Panama, do you like to go into Costa Rica too?

I've been to Costa Rica. Compared to other places in the world, Costa Rica and Panama are similar. However, there are also many differences that seem more major when you are used to the countries.

I've never been to Costa Rica... but live in Panama at the moment. Anyone been to both countries? What's the difference between the two?

I've been to Costa Rica. Wonderful country. Great natural scenery, rain forests, wildlife, beaches, etc. The government is doing a good job in preservation efforts, it seems. I am wondering if Panama has this as well?

Which do you all prefer? Do you prefer Costa Rica or Panama?

well i'm talking like a tourist... and from pictures i've watched over the internet... and from what some of my pals told me, Panama is nicer than Costa Rica.

Panama is more developed than Costa Rica, I think. Which is more expensive, though? Does Panama have a higher cost of living?

I don't think that Panama is more expensive; probably because the tourism economy is much less developed than Costa Rica's--you have fewer ppl running around to take advantage of!

Cheers.

I've been to Costa Rica quite a few times and love it, but I'm looking at Panama as a place to live. Supposed to be cheaper and just as nice.

What are the major differences between Costa Rica and Panama when it comes to choosing which one to live in.

Originally Posted by seashore

What are the major differences between Costa Rica and Panama when it comes to choosing which one to live in?

IMO, Panama is better developed, with a better infrastructure of roads, phones, and water systems. There is far less tourism in Panama, with a much smaller (currently--they are trying to build it up to compete w/C.R.) tourism economy.

My visits to C.R. are usually to the border for cheap liquor (a fun day trip from Boquete.) I've been surfing and hiking in the interior, and I got the feeling that I just looked like a giant hand-out to the locals and cops. I don't get that feeling at all in Panama--like I'm just good for a $10 bill tucked into my passport for the cops, and some trinket purchase for the locals.
And the roads are better--I just found it much easier to get from pt. A to pt. B in Panama. Some of what I've read also makes it sound easier to get the necessary paperwork for a Panamanian visa than for one to C.R.

Cheers!

question Lala - you go to the CR border for "cheap liquor" ?

wine prices in CR are outrageous - $6 for stuff in a box - I can't believe beer, wine and booze would be more in Panama ?

Originally Posted by GringoBob

question Lala - you go to the CR border for "cheap liquor" ?

wine prices in CR are outrageous - $6 for stuff in a box - I can't believe beer, wine and booze would be more in Panama ?

We go to the frontera region--we make a run for the border; we don't actually head deep into C.R., that requires way too much time and effort. The border zone is really cheap; the $10 bottle of Stoli is $5, a $6 wine for $3, etc. I don't drink the 'stuff in a box,' so I don't look for it, but I imagine that it is cheaper in the border zone than in the interior.

The same principle happens in border regions all over the world--well known ones are in San Diego on the Tijuana border; you don't actually have to cross into Mexico to buy cheap liquor, and tons of places on the Canadian border; the ones that come to mind are in upstate NY, Vermont and Maine.



Cheers.

ahaa, the tax free zone of Golito region on both sides - got it and gracias

It's too much work for me to try and save money by going far to get tax-free alcohol. When I want to drink, I just want to relax.

True, true. But if you entertain a lot, and consume on a daily basis, it is a fun day trip. You get to see the country-side a bit, take a nice drive, get some shopping in AND save $$. It's not like its a terrible waste of money to buy locally for everyday consumption, but if you have friends over for dinner a few times a week, and you usually buy by the case--going for a drive can save $100 per trip. For me--that's worth it!


Cheers.

true for me also Lala - where are you based in Panama ?

I'm not! My parents live in Boquete, and I have a place in P.C; I tend to do the 'snowbird' thing--fly south for the winter. We live in a few places in the U.S. between April-Thanksgiving, with the rest of the winter spent somewhere warmer. That usually results in several months every year being spent in Panama. I just enjoy the hispanic-cultured countries a lot, the language and the food.

Friends of the family introduced us to the border trips, and since we had done them frequently in San Diego, it just seemed like a great idea. I mean, why live in a country if you're not going to get out and explore? Some of their neighbors seem bent on turning it into an American suburb...but that's another story!


Cheers!

Going to Costa Rica from Panama is also helpful if you need to renew your visa. Tourist visas usually don't last more than 30-90 days in either country, but they are renewed when you leave the country and come back.

thanx Lala - you have given us some very valuable tips on this board and I was just curious - gracias

I think anyone who has spent a lot of time in Panama has also spent some time in Costa Rica. I mean, sure there are some people who haven't, but the countries are very close to each other.

Ya, I have been to CR, on my last visit to Panama. Its really beautiful....amazing guys.... So, my piece of advice if you visit Panama, also do visit CR.

how long the journey from panama to costa rica?

As with all journeys, it depends upon your starting point; from David or Boquete or Bocas del Toro, it can be around a 2 hour drive, from Panama City, a 10 hour drive--but from P.C., it is much easier to fly, and that is just a short hop of an hour or so.

Cheers.

Thanks for the info, 10 hour drive from Panama City isn't pleasant for me, could do a lots of things with that much time.