Dec 04
A Word of Caution
I was talking to my friend Tom McCormack yesterday at CONWAY and he passed on two pieces of information related to recent crime. I am sure that there have been more, but it needs to get more visibility so that people don’t move to Panama thinking that this sort of thing doesn’t happen.
The first occurred close to Iglesia Bautista Biblica in David. Passports were stolen from the room along with more than $8,000. No violence, just theft. I know the preacher of the church has been robbed a couple of times.
The second was in the Boquete area. An individual that Tom knew, saw him the other day and Tom said he didn’t recognize him. His face was bruised and battered. Two men in masks had entered his house and beat him up and drug his wife around the house by her hair to get them to open a safe. An alarm went off and the thieves left.
This is third hand information for me, but I believe it has substance. Tom had first hand communications with both sets of victims.
Crime is everywhere in the world. However, many move to Panama believing the “Paradise Story” put out by International Living and other publications whose business is to promote retirement possibilities.
There is no question that Panama may be a good choice for some, but they should not be moving here without realizing that they will be viewed as having money and they will be watched for an opportunity to relieving them of it by a certain portion of the local inhabitants.
Theft, doesn’t worry me as much as the increase in violent crime and home invasion. What should you do.
First, you should keep your passports in a secure place. You should also make a copy of the first page in case the passport is lost. You should also make a copy of your pensionado card if you have one.
Don’t be known for having or carrying large amounts of money around. If you take money from an ATM, know who is around you and do it with caution.
If you have a safe in your house , but really don’t use it, leave the door open. If you have a safe and use it, it is better that no one knows you have a safe and that it is hidden from view.
You should have a way figured out to contact someone quickly in case of a break in. Maybe consider a 1 button dial on your cell phone. Know neighbors you can trust. You cannot trust all neighbors.
Again, I post this as a word of caution. I don’t mean to dissuade anyone from considering Panama as a retirement location. However, if you move here, don’t think it is a perfect paradise either. Better to be safe than sorry.
41 responses so far Panama Journal
This is an ongoing problem, and seems to be escalating at a fairly high rate. Although home crime seems to be increasing across the country, it definitely appears that the Gringo population is a big target, and I suppose it always will be, as long as the Panamanian people think that everyone that is not of their country is rich. Of course we can do all we can to try to prevent being robbed, but, in my opinion, until the Govt. is willing to uncover their eyes, admit the problem, and truly try to deal with it, there is not a lot that will truly prevent these crimes. They are the same all over the world, but in countries that mainly live on a very limited cash flow, it must just seem easier to try and take from those they think have ‘tons of money, and won’t miss it’. This will only get worse without Govt. intervention…and God knows I hate the idea, I think it will probably get far worse in the near future.
Hi dougie55. I agree. That is why I think it needs to get move visibility so that the need for improved crime prevention and law enforcement is recognized by those that are considering moving here. Only of the department of tourism places some pressure and Panama thinks it is going to be financially affected, will the government choose to do anything about it.
At the present, what is done is minimal if anything.
dougie55 says “until the Govt. is willing to uncover their eyes, admit the problem, and truly try to deal with it, there is not a lot that will truly prevent these crimes.” and just exactly do you want the government to do? Would you like to see a police state like what existed before? The government has plans for building new jails and closing La Joya and La Joyajita that will allow more ladrones to be incarcerated , this year the government has increased the salary of all police personal to encourage more professional type applicants. This is Panama, where most of the people live below the poverty line. You have to be able to secure your own home, not count on anyone else. Put bars on all your windows (make sure the bars are spaced so that not even a child can squeeze through them, put additional locks on your ‘metal’ doors, one’s that can only be opened with a key from the inside. Get a good bite ass dog, Rottweiler or Doberman. Put in an alarm system with a panic button. Have a good Insurance Policy (not only on your car but also your house) that reimburses for robbery. Put a fence around your property. Put movement lights on all sides of your house, in addition to permanent bright lighting in dark areas. Form a neighborhood watch group. Leave a television or radio on when you leave the house. Have someone watch your house if you leave it for extended periods of time. Have cellular telephones so police can be called if your telephone line is cut. Keep cans of Mace or Wasp spray (the kind that shoots up to 25 feet away) close by. Never but never leave your window open (even if you have bars on them) if you are not up and about. I could go on and on with security measures people could take but don’t criticize the government for not protecting you when you fail to protect yourself. THIS IS NOT THE U.S.A. OR WHERE EVER YOU CAME FROM, PEOPLE GO TO BED HUNGRY HERE AND THAT INCLUDES CHILDREN AND ELDERLY. PROTECT YOURSELF!!!!
ps: I’ve lived here over 10 years and yes, before I incorporated all the above deterrents my house was broken into and robbed, but hasn’t happened since. That’s the price you pay for living in paradise!
Hi Don,
Thanks for the reminder of using precautions.I agree with Patrick.You can’t depend on the Govt. to protect your ass ets.Even when the bad guys are caught they basically get a little time in the slammer and they tell them no no papi don’t do that any more.
I have a friend here that never drives directly to his house without going around the block to see if he is being followed.Seems a bit paranoid but do you think the two last assaults were random.They had been watched!
You can’t be too careful.Your life may depend on it.
Hello Don,
First of all I want to thank you for all your hard work maintaining and updating your blog. It is high quality and I’ve appreciated your views since I started researching retirement in Panama.
I’ve about decided that Panama and Costa Rica are not places for me to retire. As a young lad I had some good adventures traveling in Europe and am hoping for some good adventures as I’m wrapping up life also.
As much as I hate the stuff that happens here in the US – I don’t think wondering about getting ripped off all the time is much of a “paradise”. I also don’t think I’d want to live in a place where the fact that I’m a gringo means I am going to have to pay more for housing, and everything else because panamamian people see me as a rich person that needs to be taken advantage of. To me that should be illegal – just the way I think I guess. One of the reasons I was considering Panama as a retirement place was that I understood Panamian people to be friendly and not prejudiced against other cultures.
At any rate I don’t see this as much of a paradise for me.
Thank you for your honesty in reporting on Panama. All the other books “gloss over” these issues.
Erie
Hi Erie. The general Panamanian people are friendly and non prejudiced against other cultures. I have always advised for people to come and live here in the same type of environment as they would if they moved here. Learn the ways of the area. Then it will either work for you or not work for you.
I believe that one can come here and enjoy life. I do. However, I also don’t think you should move here with blinders on and expect paradise. Panama will be what you make it and if you have inflated expectations, then you may well be disappointed.
Hi Patrick. To your question, no I would not want a police state, but what I would like is for the guilty to be punished. The other day on the news a policeman had just arrested a person that had commited theft and he was arresting him again the next day. He had been released in less than 24 hours and was again commiting another crime. If crimes happen, I would like for the system that trys the crime to be honest and not be influenced by who has money and connections and who doesn’t.
When you talk to the average Panamanian, they want the same thing.
Other than that, I agree with all of your preventive measures.
Personally I don’t think being treated fairly and not being taken advantage of as inflated expectations no matter where I live. I don’t do it to other people.
Hi Erie. Well I am always treated fairly by those I know. I also know how to evaluate those I don’t know. I also have been treated fairly by the same people. Many in Panama would give you the shirt off their back.
The ones I personally have been treated unfairly by have more often than not, been gringos or Panamanians that lived in the US long enough to loose some of their culture.
That being said, this is still a poor country. Lack of money creates incentive to do things one might not normally do. Some just think it is easier to steal that to work.
Compared to what I have seen in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries, Panama is really a paradise. It is all a matter of your perspective.
By inflated expectations, I was referring to thinking that someone will return your phone call to a cell phone. Thinking that someone will meet you at 1:00 PM and not be late. Thinking that your water will always be available. Thinking that your TV will consistently have the same channels. Thinking that ….
Don: the new President, Sr. Martinelli has, as one of his top priorities the crackdown on crime, he ran with that as one of his campaign pledges. The fact that he has authorized the building of two or three new prisons to house more criminals then current capacity at La Joya speaks for that ( Panamanian delegations have gone to Columbia to view their prison system to get ideas). Let’s see how that pans out.
Erie: No place in the world is safe (four policemen were just shot dead in Washington State in cold blood). Panamanians are not prejudice against any other cultures, unlike the U.S. where people go about with a chip on their shoulder. Panamanians are very friendly (I know, I married one). I don’t go about my life here constantly thinking about who’s going to rip me off next. Maybe it’s a sixth sense that I posses by growing up in New York City. Do your due diligence and forget about it.
“As a young lad I had some good adventures traveling in Europe and am hoping for some good adventures as I’m wrapping up life also.” I don’t know how old you are but I bet times have changed in Europe since you were a lad. Let’s see, my sister just came back from a European vacation, paid $5.00 for a cup of coffee in Italy, no free refills. Bet you can’t get a Hotel room anywhere in Europe for $22., Oh… don’t believe Europeans give American senior citizens discounts on buses, planes, movie theaters, restaurants, super markets, drugs (prescription or otherwise), emergency room treatment, doctors, dentists, etc… Maybe as a Gringo you will pay more here but I’ll wager whatever you pay will be a lot cheaper then anywhere in Europe. I think you should compare prices of housing, land, cost of living, anything that comes to your mind between here and any European country (more Europeans are coming here then Panamanians are going to Europe, why do you suppose that is?).
“Personally I don’t think being treated fairly and not being taken advantage of as inflated expectations no matter where I live. I don’t do it to other people.” Oh, the Europeans are going to love you, make sure you visit eastern Europe … Russia, Romania, Seberia, Albania, etc…. all those good third world countries in Europe and don’t leave home without you know what $$$$$$$.
Seriously, come here for say six months (Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., Mar. so you get a feel for the weather). Rent an apartment, go to the weekly Gringo meetings to meet gringo friends but also don’t forget to cultivate Panamanian friends. It’s not hard to make friends here. Yeah, people bitch all the time but it’s not as bad as some people would have you believe. I’ve never been beaten up and during my single years here have gone to dances, fiestas way out in the back country where I’m not sure the locals have ever seen a gringo and have always been treated with the utmost respect. So what if you don’t speak Spanish fluently, as long as you make a attempt you will have more friends then you can count. You can still find more adventures here then you’ll ever find in Europe.
Go for It!!!
Patrick
Hi Patrick. I see nothing to argue with in your comment. I hope Martinelli is able to make an impact on crime. I have been impressed with what I have seen from him to this point.
It’s Erie not a misspelling.
Ah, I don’t actually have any inflated expections about those things. I’m a pretty laid back kind of person and understand that I was considering moving to a third world country. Also I will be looking to get away from all of the stuff that goes on here in the US. Less would be better in my way of thinking. I’m an independent computer consultant, so when I get ready to retire I may not even want a phone, tv, etc. It would be nice to unplug….
I was looking at David as it seems to be big enough to have the things I need to live (take out food, medical, place to service car, etc); yet small enough to not be a big city. I don’t care for big cities – like Dallas for example where I have lived.
However, I’m not willing to live in a place that my personal safety is at risk and it’s acceptable to the Panamian government to lure people from other contries as a great country to live – then ignore their safety because some of their people are poor. It seems to me that those are things governments should be dealing with (crime, underpriviledged, etc.).
I add that I would be like you and others that I’ve read about on your blog in that I would be willing to help with time and any money I could afford to help those who needed it as I would feel for their circumstances. Especially with the kids you’ve been highlighting.
Thanks again for the good work.
Well Erie, don’t set your sites too high or they may not be fulfilled anywhere in the world. I still believer, if you choose a good part of David to live in, you can live a pretty carefree life. Just as in Dallas, there are places I would not consider living and there are places in David I would not live either.
Don: I agree, sorry for buggering up your blog.
Erie: I also was in the computer field, for almost 30 years, started in 1967 up until 1996. Worked on all kinds of computer, mostly mainframes but before that keypunch, card readers, sorters, etc… was a computer operator for many years, then got into programming. Application at first then System, was lucky enough to get in on the ground floor. Anyway it was an interesting career. Now back to Panama, I live in the Boquete area, I consider David a city, I consider Boquete a village (you can walk from one to the other in 15 minutes), some people call it a town.. ha ha!!! Anyway visit here also if you decide to come, the climate is spring like year round 68f-72f, it’s completely different from David and has numerous good restaurants. Also, I don’t think Don thinks that you and for that matter myself are buggering up his blog. I never met Don (perhaps some day) but I know that he is a real gentleman and really cares for the foreign community here.
Patrick
Don Ray:
What a can of worms you opened today!
Very interesting comments, and very impartial views on your part. Once again you have figured out Panama’s people, way of living, etc, very well.
EVERBODY in Panama try to live safe, bars on windows, guard dog, etc. THis is NORMAL for panamanians. We have always known the police force is NEVER preventive, they for the most part act after the crime is commited, so panamanians try to prevent the crime from happening.
Yes, the GRINGO is seen like money and a target, because for a poor Country (Third World), the poorest of retiree makes more than even college educated people in Panama.
You have gotten used to the panamanian time, to the neighbor burning the leaves, the lack of water in the monring in dry season, the burocracy of some goverment offices, etc, because you have ADAPTED to Panama, and not make Panama adapt to you or pretending for Panama to be a reflection of US because it will not be. And this is why I respect your opinion and follow your blog daily. You have come to live among the people of David, and be part of the community, with its good and bad things, you have not isolated yourself and surrounded only of expats.
Good work, Don Ray
Jaime^
Patrick: I shouldn’t have spoken. I don’t live in Panama, so don’t really have the right to comment on things that don’t affect me. I also know there is crime and undesireable people anywhere you go. I was only researching retiring to Panama so nothing has been lost except a bunch of time. The turn offs for me have been the safety issues I’ve been reading about. Even though someone’s retirement income is greater than college educated people’s in Panama I don’t see it as ok (OR that’s the way things work in Panama) to break into a person’s home and beat them. Or to jack up prices as it’s automatically assumed you can afford more.
I’m glad that it is Paradise for you, Don, and the others that have made the decision to move there. For me, I guess I am not as savy as you and Don about “reading” people, and tend to trust everyone. Personal safety is pretty important to me – especially when considering moving off shore. I wouldn’t consider living in New York City either and would probably get eaten alive there.
As far as Europe goes I would NEVER consider retiring their either. By experiences in Europe as a lad – I meant that I had fun experiences in Germany living out of the USA and it opened my eyes to new things. I hope to find that again when I retire.
BTW: I wrestled a few decks of punch cards in the beginning – that was not the GOOD ‘OL DAYS.
Don: If I have offended anyone I did not mean to. I’ll stay off your blog now.
Hello,
Myself, son and daughter-in-law have been mulling over coming to live in Panama for the past several years. Assuming that we can expect adverse treatment {every gringo is an American Millionaire, etc} What range of treatment could be expected. For example in buying or renting a home, what kind of percentage over the actual normal value can we expect.
I mean, if we are asked $10 for something, what would a Panamanian be asked. I don’t mind bargaining, and have always assumed that I’d have to :”walk away” from an item I wanted. I’m interested here mainly in say, a home, which is the biggest expenditure.
Also doctor, dentist and lawyer fees????
Any info would be appreciated. I think you should run some sort of”big Buddy” system for newcomers, so that they can more easily “land on their feet”.
We hope to be in Panama City by the end of Jan. and are presently looking into home rentals and travel tickets.
As I’ve said, any info would be appreciated,
Sincerely,
Sorry to say that having lived here for five years, stealing from “rich” Gringos is to many locals just a way of life and in their minds justified. I’ve had so many petty thefts in Panama that I’ve lost count.
Erie, This discourse is healthy. Not much anyone can do to bugger up this blog and I like to see comments. I like Panama with its faults. I only worry when people think they have found a utopia.
Hi Gerald. Most of your questions can be found in the blog. I have gone to both doctors and dentists and feel I get more for my money here. You can use the blog search and look at the Tags for related posts.
When you get to become a part of the community, you wull be charges the same as a Panamanian. Many places post prices for fruits and vegetables. Buying land will be a bargaining situation. You will find gringos that have bought a lot of land and want to flip it for a higher price than they paid and they loon for new gringos.
If you take your time you will find something you like.
Don, for me personally I’m not looking for a utopia just a nice place to retire where I can live out my remaining years having fun and experiencing new people and new things to do. I consider myself a good neighbor and look for the same. I also thought I might be able to retire a little earlier (62), if I could find the right place.
For me Panama and Costa Rica are not it due to the apparent lack of protection for it’s foreign and domestic population.
Hi Erie. Personally from what you have said, I think you have a good shot of finding what you would like in Panama. Not Panama City, but somewhere in Chiriqui. I would never compare Panama to Costa Rica. Prices are cheaper and crime is much less. If you don’t want Panama, I would forget Latin America.
I have been here for 6 1/2 years and I would not trade it.
Does anyone know where I can find a motion detector light?
Hi John, I have seen them at several of the building places such as DoIt, Franklin, Cochez. I have also seen them in smaller hardware stores too. Haven looked in 5 years though.
Reply to Gerald…..Message 18..
Click “Links” here on Chiriqui Chatter and scroll to “Other Latin American Blogs”. Select “La Gringa’s Blogicito”. Select her “Immigrating”. She writes about Honduras but what she writes applies to Panama as well.
Cheers…
Living behind bars & constant fear of others is not my idea of paradise. I prefer to look out the window to see the beauty of my surroundings. I.m used to small town life in the US where I never locked a door and tools & equipment were all left outside at the place where last used. Neighbors help each other, not steal from each other. Obviously this is not city lifestyle. I might suggest that it is a culture upbringing that teaches children the difference between right & wrong, good & evil, etc. Some people, no matter how poor, would never steal or harm another. I have been to east Europe and it is much as the US. Crime in the city, relaxed peaceful life in the country. I have walked the back streets of Gomel, Belarus late at night and felt very safe. This is a big old city deep in the heart of mother Russia where is no english & no other americans. I love Panama but I do not like the latin attitude that it is acceptable to steal or cheat another person. As Don says, most people are wonderful friends but the few make for a lifestyle that is not always to be desired. I do not want to live in a gated compound for safety. I have looked at property several miles outside of Volcan and I love the area. Still I would not be comfortable to go away for a couple weeks and leave home unguarded. This is a problem to me. All of the good things get overshadowed by this ugly dark side. I dont have the answers, but I also do not blame it on a poor society. It is a immoral society, not a poor society that turns on its neighbors. I expect such in big cities everywhere. I am dismayed to find this attitude even in rural locations of most Latin countries. I expect to live out my life in Panama or possibly I will move to some other as Guatemala or Colombia at some point. Yep, its worse there jeje..If someone figures out the answer to this serious problem, Im all ears. Til then, Panama will not be a first world country.
Paul,
The major problems can be traced back to foreigners living in Panama. The gringos actually educate and corrupt the locals. You will find this to be true in most residential services business.
Bob: So you’re saying the gringos teach the locals to lie, cheat, and steal from/to them?
“I have a friend here that never drives directly to his house without going around the block to see if he is being followed.Seems a bit paranoid but do you think the two last assaults were random.”
Tom, sorry but your friend is really paranoid…
Hi Don Ray,
I have a question about the passports stolen from the church. If you don’t have the information, that’s fine but I was curious as to why the passports were not being carried by the persons they were issued to? Is it not required to have your passport with you?
Thanks.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
(where the lawyers in Dallas are ADVERTISING to help arrested carjackers!)
They were not stolen in the church. I gave the church as a general location in David. Everything was stolen from the room they were renting.
My mistake, Don Ray, I think I was confused with the preacher being robbed before?! Sorry.
I am never without my passport while in Panama (or any foreign country) and carrying thousands in cash is never a good idea.
I am writing from Atascadero, Ca and live 11 months a year in Boquete. I have been living in Panama on and off for 5 years, and love it. I get around well with minimal Spanish. Sometime people ask me why I don’t speak Spanish and I tell them that everyone in Panama wants to learn English and If I speak Spanish, they won’t learn. They usually say “thank you”. They teach English as a requirement in school.
I am a pensionado. Sometimes I ask for a discount, other times not. Depends on the pricing of the place I am doing business with. If I am getting value, I do not ask for an additional discount. I have discovered that the difference in pricing is not discrimination between gringos and Panamanians. It is not a question of rich and poor. It is between tourists and Panamanian/gringos. It is based on ignorance. As anywhere, it takes a while to get smart, find what you want, learn to get around, and learn the laws. If you are getting ripped off, shame on you! The government is not in a position to educate the intellectually impaired in “Caviat Empor”.
Anybody who thinks that there is a big crime problem in Chiriqui, is not realistic. Panamanians do NOT steal. They Borrow.
I can find almost anything I want in David. If not, I can get it ordered from Panama City and the shipping by Fletes Chaval is a super bargain, besides being next day.
Those who expect government to take care of them can stay where they are and not move here. Most of the people, who have moved here, have done so to get away from onerous taxes, litigation, and government regulation. Inheritance taxes come to mind. On that basis, this place is heaven.
Right now the temperature outside is 45 degrees, the heater is running, the electricity is burning, and I wish I were back in Boquete. The only reason I am here is because of family, and this will be the last year. Within the one year since I have been here, the good old USA has deteriorated, lots of people begging, and lots of unemployment. No jobs available and people cannot sell their homes to MOVE TO PANAMA. Stuck! California is going bankrupt!
Jon: It’s cool that you too have figured out Panama is the paradise for you, and that you hate everything in the United States. I wonder would you still have the ability to move to Panama without the US pension? Or, will you be able to stay when the idiots in the US government bankrupt the pension plan? Why not just leave the house in CA and move now if you hate it so much? Save us the month having to tollerate you!!!
I was looking at Panama to retire also – it seemed like a nice place where I might live out my days experiencing some cool stuff (ie. I’ve never been to a coffee plantation though I have drank enough of it, I have never stood on top a mountain to be able to see both the Pacific and Atantic though have walked on both of the shores). I don’t think I can ever remember going to a doctor of any kind and feel like they cared! Must have been that way sometime though I expect.
I don’t think I’m ignorant because I expect to be NOT be robbed or beaten in a country that say’s they want me and my dollars to go there. I don’t think it is too “friendly” to target “rich” gringo’s because it is a poor country – then to call the gringo ignorant (although the Panamians didn’t say that – they only said it’s something they have had to deal with – It was you that has decided ignorance in people -Panamian, US, and other nationalities I assume – IF THEY SHOULD BE ROBBED)). I also don’t believe in big government – but think safety for it’s people, and poverty are governmental sized issues. (To heck with people who retire to Panama they have a choice)
I guess though you are the great decider of Ignorance, but the fact you lived or live in CA explains a lot!
I also believe that, as advertised, most Panamian people to be good neighbors, happy, and have a great attitude for life. Which was the reason I was looking at Panama in the first place.
BTW – “Borrow” to me means the person intends to bring it back in a timely manner.
This ignorant American from the US pays part of my taxes to help Panama and other latino counties with Aid, part of my taxes pay the US military which is obligated to protect Panama in case they need it, many other ignorant people in the United States contribute in many ways to help the Panamians. I don’t ever remenber anyone saying, “sure wish I wouldn’t spent all that money to help Panama”.
I also am paying taxes so you can get your pension to move somewhere else and call me ignorant.
I truly wonder how much you and people like you are helping Panamians by jacking up the costs of goods and services in Panama just by being there. I’m pretty sure people making 500 or 600 a month (dollars printed in the USA) don’t buy too many 200,000 or 300,000 houses in a gated gringo communities.
I also notice there are a bunch of Panamian’s and other nationalities working in the USA – and they probably didn’t have to prove 1,000 a month income from a government to do so. Hopefully those people appreciate the US and don’t think us ignorant.
All I was doing was trying to find a nice country to retire, where I could have good neighbors and be a good neighbor. I would’ve actually tried to blend into the country, learned as best I could to learn the language and customs, as I actually think it is somewhat arrogant to move to a foreign country, not bother to learn their language; then brag you’re helping them to learn english. They’re PANAMIAN – they don’t NEED to know english!!
I think some of you rich gringos should remember where you came from too! Too bad you didn’t get out of the USA sooner! I first I thought the crime and security issues ruled out the Latino coutries as a place for me to retire. In addition I’ll have to add the “Angry Americans” also. All I have to say is I hope a vote doesn’t come up to stop pensions to people that hate the US people so much!
I’ve got to say if it’s a choice living by any Panamian or you – I’d take the Panamian, even if he was a thug – over you, sight unseen!
When you do move there, Please stay!!!
I’m becoming an angry American against Americans. So sorry to all Panamian people!!
“Panamanians do NOT steal. They Borrow.”
When I read this part to my wife (born in Boquete, 30+ years in the USA), she laughed out loud as no one ever returns anything unless asked to.
Now, the serious thefts and attacks are a completely different matter, anyone with thousands of dollars on hand is going to become a target in any country. And if you think you can keep anything a secret in Panama, you are mistaken. EVERYONE knows your business in Panama. It’s like the world’s largest small town where everyone knows your name in one day but 10 years later you are still the “new guy” in town!! haha
jim and nena
fort worth
Jim and Nena: I think Don is right that Panama is not for everyone.
I’m trying hard to understand Panama and it’s customs – but it seems pretty tough.
I don’t really understand why people would want to have a lot of money on hand either. It seems like having money in the bank and using ATM’s would be the way to go. From what I’ve read it’s all available.
I do understand the “small town” and 10 year “new guy” as I live in a small town also that everyone knows your business. Another reason why I like the sounds of Panama. In the area I live there is no crime to speak of and I am seeking the same if I was to move overseas. I also live in an agriculture area, so it seems like a good fit for me there also – to live in the David or Boquete.
However, I don’t have much experience with the Latin culture and I think this will be my biggest challange. Not quite sure how to accomplish this yet without going there. The books, articles, and most of the blogs I’ve read so far seem to be written by some travel bureau. Any suggestions for finding useful information would be helpful. I suspect I will just have to jump in and take some trips to get started. I was hoping to be better prepared when I went, as I don’t want to be rude for things I don’t know.
Erie,
I would be happy to share my knowledge with you here or any one coming to Panama.I don’t pretend to know everything but have been coming here for 18 years working as a volunteer.I have lived in the culture not just beside it. The negative part of living in Panama is so small I’d rather teach about the positives.(I don’t have any thing to sell,such as land or houses).If you contact Don Ray at Chiriqui Chatter he can put you in touch with me.I think I can also get you started on the right track to start speaking Spanish.
Tom
Erie,
I think a few short visits would be a good way to start finding out if anyplace is a fit for what you want. Same as in the USA, one county over from where you are can be completely different.
There are parts of Panama that I do not care for. We visit Boquete often when Nena goes home to visit family and I loved the small town feel of it. We would never live there long term as Nena would be bored and “you can never go home again”. David or possibly somewhere between David and Boquete would be more to our liking.
Trying to learn the language is important, getting involved in the local culture is important. Just make the effort and folks will do everything they can to help you fit in.
Good luck.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
PS, tomorrow is Mother’s Day, muy importante!
Tom: Thanks for the offer. I have learning Spanish on my list as something to do and plan to work on it myself then probably sign up for one of those Spanish classes in Boquete or Panama City where you live in with someone. To educate myself on the do’s and don’ts in Panama seeems to be more of a struggle. For me I would want to “live in” society also. I don’t hate the U.S.A. so not trying to go to Panama for that reason.
jim and nena: Thanks for the information. I am already thinking of a few visits and if that works out try renting a few times until I can retire. Hopefully I’ll be able to figure out the do’s and don’ts of Panamian society somewhere in there so I’ll fit in. If I can’t I’ll just buy a villa in South Florida and suffer the cooler winter months. At least it is pretty rare for snow down there. I remember a few ice and snow storms with my time in Dallas – and there’s no better commute than after those storms.
What should the Panama Gov. do? For one change the law so a thief does not have to get caught 5 times before a jail sentence is imposed. I was home when I heard the ole rock on the roof trick. With a description of the men the Police said “Oh yes we know them, they are thieves”. Point is they are still on the street.
Robert
whenever anything related to crime is written, there are many responses and comments, the other day Don had a article about how bad crime is getting in Panama, I thought it was right on the money, but it was removed for some reason, this is an issue that will not go away, we need to speak out boldly, get together and do something about it, we will all suffer, property values are already down, crime is a major reason, I know many here in Canada that would not even consider Panama now because of the crime, who do you think buys overpriced properties in Panama? Not Panamanians, it is 100% EX PATS, and for now at least, they are scared, so am I living in Volcan!
John