Retire to Panama on $1200 a month

It looks great but not really... One needs much more than U$1,200 a month to have a comfortable, safe retirement in Panama....I bet it costs more than that when you take in consideration safety, medical, transportation, taxes, etc....
Housing can be cheaper, if compared to the US but prices vary according to location. If one wants a safe place, an urbanized area with non disrupting power, water and good internet signal, that will cost more...
Panama has a corrupt government (more than Brasil) and crime level is high, armed robbery, car jackings, shootings, muggings, etc. Maybe less than America in the near future though.
Also, I heard the bureaucracy in Panama is typical third world. Everything takes time to be solved, bribery and patience.
Americans used to get things solved quickly, have to accept the slow pace when dealing with Panama's government and bureaucracy.
Besides, it's just a matter of knowing Spanish and getting used to their culture and way of living.

 

Get kidnapped by the cartel and die a horrible death trying to live on $1200 month.

 

How about Puerto Rico has anyone ever lived there , its basically our 51st state.
There is a VA hospital and clinics in San Juan.

 

They also have extremely strict gun laws, which eliminates them as a possibility. Plus, hurricanes.

 

My luck I'd end up in a black magic cauldron like that college kid did years back.

 

Much more expensive too...

Cost of Living in Panama (2021)