Where to retire, Panama, Costa Rica or Uruguay?

You should go look. But, Costa Rica is not that cheap especially if you are buying a home. Uraguay and Panama are very nice too. Good medical options in any of the three. Cannot use Medicare outside the US however so be careful. Costa Rica has a very stable political climate and very low taxes. I have done a small amount of research and there is quite a few Americans living in any of the three. If it was me at this time.... I would have to go with CR.

You are naming third world countries. I'm wondering...what are you planning to contribute to these countries when you get there? I would hate the idea of some American retiree moving someplace just to get more for his/her dollar. That's a kind of offensive idea. But, assuming you are going to do something to help out your new home and help it to fare better in the world...I'd retire to Buenos Aires (costs a 3rd of what it does to live here, and has great art and wonderful architecture...good city overall) All three countries that you mentioned are naturally beautiful (the rainforests in Costa Rica!!!!!). Uruguay is the only one in South America, the other two obviously in Central, and Uruguay is probably the poorest of the 3. If you retire to any of these places, I hope you'll be one of the "good" guys and do something for the country you've chosen to move to.

This country jumped the shark on 09/11/2001. I'm looking to leave too. I have a master's degree, worked as a chemist, engineer on the space shuttle, and I think I have something to offer another country. You can have this one. Just learn how to hack drones and you'll be fine.

Unless you are really close to your retirement age, I wouldn't even begin to try to pick the right place outside of the country to retire because a lot can change over the years.

Panama it is a very nice and beautiful place