How have things changed in Panama since 2020?

I too am very interested in Panama if my Costa Rica plan does not work out.

why wuldnt byour costa rica plan work out ?  Ill be heading back to CR to check out a parcel we bought in Chontales which appears to be an attractive option to live and looking to Ventana Pacifico asa possibility to build there

Good luck what ever you decide

I need to further investigate, but I believe Panama has a significantly better infrastructure for expats as far as the health system goes. This is important if you plan on living there until the end. Some other things are a little easier there, not so important for me, but English is much more common and spoken there. Also the U.S. dollar is more commonly used, etc. Assimilating is a bit easier too, seeing that they are more "worldly", as far as trade, etc. goes. The cost of living could be a little cheaper too, due to lesser import taxes.