has anyone on here been to PANAMA?..in central america?

Question

what did ya think of it?

chulapan..where did you live?

Answer 1

I live here, and it's great. Panama City will come as a shock as you probably won't expect a cosmopolitan city. The beaches are great, and there's a beach to suit your needs. One of the best breaks frequented by top rank surfers in the world is in Panama (bet you didn't know that). Boquete has ranked high in the list of places for Americans to retire. Panamanian coffee has recently been recognized as one of the best in the world, in fact the most expensive pound of coffee in the world is from Panama (no BS).

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I am also living in Panama. Panama can be very challenging. On one hand you can look around and forget you are in Central America. In fact Panama City is a lot like Miami Florida when you look at the sky line of high rises sitting on the water's edge around the bay. We have very nice super markets, great huge electronics stores. As mentioned there are some great international restaurants around town. We have a Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital and other really great medical services. The movies are only about three months behind the US and they are usually English with Spanish subtitles.

But then there are things that come along and remind you 'We're not in Kansas anymore Toto'.

Today I went to get a post office box and the local Post Office. Everything in the post office looked like it came out of a post office back in the US during the 30's or something.

And then there is the socialist attitude of the people themselves. We have hired several individuals to supply domestic services of various types and unfortunately needed to end some of these relationships. Every time you try to end one of these situations following the law, meeting the terms of the contract they go to the labor board to try and figure out if they can force you to rehire them or to pay money for unjust termination.

When you make a purchase in the electronics store they fill out the request in the computer. You then need to go the the cashier to make the payment by giving your name. Then you take the receipt to the stock room area where they unpack you item and plug it in. They go through the functions with you to prove it works, pack it back into the box, stamp your reciept delivered, finally you can take your purchase home.

Every store will tell you the give some sort of guarantee on their merchandise. But don't be mistaken it's not a US money back guarantee, it's an in store credit guarantee.

Then there's the if they don't ask, don't tell policy. So if you are interesting in purchasing something or you are interested in securing a service and you don't ask about very possible detail of every aspect then they simply do not tell you all the information that in most cases you need to make a good decision.

It's a great place to live, there are a lot of things to do, places to see, things to experience. It's a great place to transition into living overseas if you never had before. You can drink the water, plug your hair dryer in without an adaptor, the road are in fairly good condition, etc. While there are adjustments you will make if you live here the biggest will be in your mind. You will have to remind yourself that policies and practices here can be NOTHING like you are use to or maybe you'll find a few things that are.

For other types of information about Panma see http://www.panamaexpertos.com/

Answer 3

Been there, lived there (not anymore though). Yes it is very hot except in the mountains which is more than just Volcan and Boquete.

True, very americanized in many senses because of the influence of the dollar (Balboa as it is known there). As for food, if you like american food (fat and greasy) then good luck with your heart but you will also find those places with american food in Panama.

The food is I must say, delicious. Have some baked carimanolas or empanadas, have a Sancocho de Gallina or Arroz con Pollo. And that is just a little. Drink some natural fruit juices.

You can find almost anything there, if you happen to dislike the local food (poor you) then there is plenty of international restaurants to catter your taste as well.

You can eat good food cheap or also spend a lot of money.

The capital can be a shock, specially because people drive like animals (sorry, had to say it even though I am panamanian). People are also very laid back and some traits such as the "juega vivo" can be VERY VERY annoying for those of us who have grown accustomed to more proper social behaviour.

All in all an interesting mix and yes, I love to go there.

Answer 4

I am Panamanian currently living in Texas. If you have never been there you might find things that you do not expect to see..It is very americanize because of the dollar. It is Hot and humid and fairly safe. People love to Party and drink a lot. Food can be a challenge if you are used to american food. I took two of my American friends and they did not enjoy the food...you can always go to Fridays or Bennigans and eat your American food. I would say that compared to most of the big cities in the US Panama can be quite cheap for many things and sometimes you will find things at the same price of the U.S.

Answer 5

I used to live there and I always go back and forth,I love it ! The weather is lovely (hot),the coffee is the best (I can't get enough of Cafe Duran). And the people are very friendly and nice.Especially in my town (Chorrera).

Answer 6

Most of the country is very hot (except Boquete/Volcan areas), the local food is not as good as in neighboring countries, it is quite safe (except for Colon). It is well worth a visit.

Answer 7

It is a great place. try here for more info on Panama:
http://www.panamalaw.org/panama_lifestyle.html