Maids in Panama


Maids in Panama

(4 votes)

Written by Matt Landau

Monday, August 06 2007

I was always under the impression that not having to make your bed or do your laundry were privileges reserved for princes of small countries and heirs to small fortunes. To those elite and select few, household chores were never part of the equation and now living in Panama, I can luckily say the same.

It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to royalty. I moved to Panama for a number of reasons, one of which was the absurdly low cost of living compared to where I come from in the states. Back at home, the cleaning ladies who’d do our house actually, at times, made more money than I did. I’d beg my mother to pay me to do the work instead of the Mexicans but she’d always discredit the offer due to my inability to brush even my own teeth.

There were even points when the Mexicans would team up and criticize me for having an especially filthy living quarter. Was I mistaken, or was that similar to a postman complaining about envelopes and boxes. Clean the room—that’s what they do!

Here in the city, I pay my maid about $300/month and the benefits are almost as gratifying as reality TV. In the states, $300/month would be akin to offering your employee small installments of acorns. Because it’s such a little amount of money, the service my maid provides comes off as indispensable, the experienced that much more heightened. I don’t know what it is about clean sheets on the bed everyday; they’re just so…sumptuous.

Some people use their maids to prepare food as well, but I just find that to be patronizing. I mean, come on, who is so lazy that they can’t make their own meals?

The trick in Panama is to actually find someone you trust. Because many of these women come from poorer neighborhoods, the obvious assumption is that they like to take from the rich. While I have never experienced this, I know other gringos who’ve had their jewelry, cash, and in one case a set of revealing lingerie stolen. Someone—and it wasn’t my friend—had a good night!

This privilege definitely breeds a certain type of laziness which I have come to embrace with open, perfectly starched arms. I use more socks than I should, I drink from more glasses than necessary, and I use one towel for my upper body and one for below. Why? Because I can, and neither my mother nor the Mexicans can do anything about it.

Notes:
- Maids in the city cost considerably more than more rural regions
- Live-in maids can also cost more, but can be useful and act as caretakers when you are gone or out of country.
- The trick is finding a good maid: once you find her, you’ll be able to use her siblings, friends, and relatives with confidence.
- While a good maid can be the ultimate trust-mate, it’s not smart to leave valuables out in the open.
- Tipping: While not required, it can be nice to give your maid bonuses for good performance or gifts during the holiday season (cash works as well as anything).

Comments (1)

Nik: Hunting for a Maid

Where does one begin to hunt for a decent, honest maid? I found one, but then i found out she was Nicaraguan,so I can't hire her without getting in trouble. Any agencies you recommend?

Any help appreciated.

November 15, 2007

Write comment