One Liner:
I moved to Panama to experience a new culture and escape Canadian winters.
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What first brought you to Panama and what were some of the deciding factors?:
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I first came to Panama with my mom for my 25th birthday. We stayed in a resort most of the time so I didn't get a really good feel for the Panamanian lifestyle, yet I still knew this was the place I wanted to be. I have traveled to many countries around the world and this was first time I could actually see myself living in a foreign country. Two months after my first visit I came back to Panama again, and a month after that I was here permanently!
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How long have you been living in Panama and how long do you see yourself here in the future?:
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I have been living in Panama now for over two years and I can see myself staying here forever!
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What are the positive aspects of life in Panama?:
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Panama is more laid back than the North American culture. Panamanians are very focused on their friends and family and it seems like most of them work to be able to support their weekend getaways with their loved ones. The culture here is more fun-loving than in Canada.
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What are the negative aspects of life in Panama?:
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There were many things I had to adjust to living in Panama. Panamanians do not acknowledge personal space as much as North Americans. The "juega vivo" lifestyle (screw who you need to in order to get yourself ahead) was also a difficult adjustment! Also, Panamanians are NEVER on time. These were some of the major issues I had to get used to (and still try to deal with to this day!) but for me the good far outweighs the bad.
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What one aspect of your life in Panama makes it all worthwhile?:
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Panamanians are the most welcoming and open people I have ever met. Most would give you the shirt off of their back, even if it's their only shirt!
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Was it difficult to become "legal" or achieve residency for you in Panama?:
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The residency laws were not the problem for me. The huge problem was finding a competent lawyer. I still have many clients who have a very hard time finding an honest, hard working lawyer that can get things done in a reasonable time frame. Without a good lawyer a simple legal process can take years! Trust me, I know!!!
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Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's necessary in order to succeed in Panama?:
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I took high school Spanish but retained only enough to be able to order a beer and say hello. My Spanish has greatly improved now, to the point where I can understand 90% of a fast paced Panamanian conversation.
I would suggest at least learning the basics before moving here, but there's no need to be totally fluent. Panama City has many more English speakers than say in the interior.
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What are your future plans in Panama?:
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I loved the company I am working for (New World Real Estate) and will probably continue to work with them for many years to come. I have lived all over the country and now reside in Las Tablas. I love it so much in the interior that I will probably stay put!
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Favorite restaurant in Panama (include brief review por favor):
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Hands down, Machu Picchu. Located in El Cangrejo just a couple of blocks from the Veneto Hotel and Casino, this restaurant has a wonderful menu! Their specialty is seafood and it's some of the best I've ever had! The meat dishes are also great for those who don't like fish. You can't leave without trying their corvina ceviche. Easily the best in the country!
Prices are very reasonable for the incredible food. Entrees cost about $9.
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Talk about where you live: location, type, neighbors, costs, amenities, conveniences?:
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I live in a new neighbourhood in Las Tablas. The streets are lined with well kept single family homes and VERY friendly people. My neighbours regularly come over for a BBQ or some cold Balboas. The cost of living in the interior is much lower than in Panama City. It's easy to buy a nice, brand new home for less than $60,000. Beer is 50 cents a can! You can find most of what you need in Las Tablas, but if you're craving McDonald's or need to go to a 24-hour grocery store, you'll have to drive 1/2 hour to Chitre.
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How are you received by the locals in Panama?:
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In Panama City people don't pay too much attention to me as a foreigner. In Las Tablas I stick out a bit more because there are less tourists here. The locals are all very friendly though and will often start a conversation with you to see where you are from and what you are doing here.
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Do you ever miss home and if so, how do you best cope with it?:
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I don't really miss home. My friends and family visit often and I have great friends here. I go home to visit once in a while, but not as much as I thought I would.
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Do you have any tips for people thinking about moving to Panama?:
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Don't become too stressed by the different culture. If you can't appreciate a new lifestyle, then don't come here! Panama has a lot of modern conveniences, but it is NOT the US or Canada or Europe! The honeymoon phase eventually wears off and only then will you realize if Panama is the place you really want to live.
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