The testimony of María Victoria Vázquez, Colombian, is a reflection of the feeling that many foreigners have about the country. Of course, without really knowing what the country can offer them.
It took years of searching and evaluating places to live. Her story is similar to that of hundreds of people who seek to establish themselves in an area that gives them everything they need on a personal, family, and professional level. When we spoke with her, we wanted to know a little more about her research process and why she selected Buenaventura.
“Come to Panama and take some time to get to know the area. It is important to know what lifestyle you are looking for because Panama will offer everything.”
Maria Victoria Vazquez, Colombian Expat
PL: Tell us about the process of getting to know Panama and what caught your attention
MVV: Actually my husband and I had been looking for a place of residence outside of Colombia for more than ten years. We looked at several options. We lived in different countries such as Spain, and the United States and he always had in mind that Panama was going to fulfill everything we were looking for.
We both had two different things in mind. He was very aware of investment issues, returns, of course, tax benefits, and economic stability. For my part, I was looking for a place that was very quiet and where my daughter could have a space surrounded by nature.
PL: Did you think of other destinations?
MVV: Yes, mainly the United States. In the end, it was between South Florida and Panama and, definitely, this country wins above all. The immigration process to the United States is quite long and quite complex and it does not give you residency. We were analyzing the E2 visa option and this option does not give you residency. What it does give you is tax residency which means you start paying taxes to the United States, but they do not give you much in return. On the contrary, Panama welcomes you with open arms in a fairly expeditious process that immediately gives you residency and the possibility of even acquiring citizenship.
PL: How was the property search process and what were you looking for?
MVV: We started in Panama City. We were between several zones. Costa del Este and Clayton are two different worlds. But by chance, on a vacation, we came to Buenaventura. We discovered this place and we considered the possibility of establishing our life here.
The pandemic changed the work dynamic and gave us the option to work from home and so we made the decision to settle in a place that has it all. Where we can be with our little girl in her first years of life in contact with nature and with the sea. We also have a school right here.
One issue we were concerned about at first was access to doctors, especially for young children, but here we find all this and much more.
Ultimately, it’s more of an adaptation issue. I think it will be a trend in the coming years that the first home will not be in the city. You will go there when you need it.
PL: How is your life and that of your family in Buenaventura? Can you tell us a story about your days in Buenaventura?
MVV: Our days are very quiet. We start with a walk on the beach every day before the phones start ringing before everything starts.
I am going to share a story that proves that we have everything here. We were at the beach with our daughter, the ideal day and perfect weather. We were going into the sea when suddenly a sting ray bit my husband. Immediately the lifeguard realized it – even before I realized it – and went to help him, giving him first aid. They took him to a health post right here in Buenaventura and they evaluated him. They managed the situation very well and we realized then that they have everything to respond to any medical emergency. They even told us that in the case of a greater need, a helicopter can come and pick you up. Then the fear of being away from the city immediately dissipates.
We wanted to finish our conversation with Maria Victoria’s reflection: “You have to see exactly where you would be fulfilling all those requirements that you are looking for. One should give themselves the opportunity to come to Buenaventura. It is within walking distance of everything and is an absolutely life-changing experience worth exploring.”
