Yes, it’s definitely safe in Puerto Vallarta. They don’t report the crime rates here like they do in the States, so you just have to go by what you sense or how you feel. Obviously, just like anywhere else in the world, Puerto Vallarta is now becoming a major city so you still have to have common sense. Don’t be walking around at 3 in the morning drunk and falling asleep on the side of the road. That is usually when you hear about somebody getting mugged. The crimes...
I’ve heard many people say that it’s crazy to bring your stuff to Panama. By “stuff” I mean your living room and bedroom suits, and those types of things. I’ve also seen other people who are completely happy that they brought those things. 
The number one sport in Portugal is soccer. Then I would say, all these basketball, handball, and all these other sports with balls, that tend to be second and third steps. But basically it’s soccer, which here in Portugal, we call soccer.
The cost of a gardener in Belize in general is around US $20 per day. I have hired many and this is my going rate. You may find someone for 35 Belize. 
place that feels the best to you. The only way to know that is to rent for 3-6 months and try living on for size.Those B! banks!
BANKING-- despite all their assurances that you have set up all the correct procedures and accounts, there WILL be problems. Not in your host country, but 'back home'. These will take the form of excessive fees, limitations on the maximum allowed currency, changes in their regulations, both Governmental and internal bank rules, staff changes, lock-outs for internet transactions and many, many others.
Should you try snail mail it may take weeks of effort; I once took a certified bank check wih...
A modern country?