Tips for Living in Panama
There are many articles out there dealing with living in Panama, giving you tips and observations but this article might help a little more. We have compiled some interesting tid-bits to help you along in learning more about this wonderful country and will continue adding to it as we learn more ourselves. Check back often for new articles and helpful hints to aid you in your Panama experience.
Air Conditioning
Be prepared to sweat! You will find that AC will become your good friend, very good friend! The heat here is almost non-stop, either a hot & dry or a hot and humid. Either way, you will be toasty, especially during the day. The nights can cool down to very comfortable temperatures and if it rains, it can even feel quite cool. As soon as the sun goes down, a cool down starts pretty quick. As soon as the sun creeps up, you can definitely feel the temperature start climbing fast.
Working outside during the afternoon can be a little difficult if you are not accustomed to this weather. So we recommend if you have to do outside work to do it either in the morning, very late afternoon or as the sun is setting. Always have a cool place you can escape to, either in your house or condo and you can always head to the mall. If you are at the beach or have a swimming pool, all the better!
And always remember to drink lots of water!
Sun Protection
Staying on the heat and sun topic, sunscreen is a must for anyone even the locals. The sun is much more intense here and you can get a tan and even a burn on a cloudy day. Walking up the street, you can certainly feel the heat through the clouds. If you are of the type who skips the tanning step and goes straight to burning, you should invest in SPF 80 and apply it whenever you go outside along with a chapstick with some sun protection as well.
A brimmed hat always helps too can offer some protection and there are no shortage of hats in Panama so be sure to add that to your list when you arrive. You will notice many Panamanians using umbrellas when they are walking outside on a sunny day as well, and they will often avoid the sun whenever they can. Like us northern folks, they complain about the weather too, its just they complain about the heat and sun.
This is the popular well known hat 'Panama Hat' but not the actual typical Panamanian hat. This one is...
However, both are cool and definitely fun to wear!
So if you vacation here, or move here, be sure to apply sunscreen as often as you can and limit your time in the sun as the damage to your skin can bad and hurt you down the road. Just be prepared to pay a little bit of a premium for sunscreen as like all summer merchanise here, its always in demand in Panama.
Cold Showers
Still on on the heat topic, not only will AC, sunscreen and hats become your friend, but cold showers will as well. After a long day at the beach or a hike in the mountains, a stroll through the city's historical sites, having a cold shower will be more welcome than you could possibly imagine. Now the cold water is generally not cold water like North America as the water lines are not buried deep under ground because there is no risk of the ground freezing... So your cold water is cool, but not freezing. But definitely freshing in this heat and most welcome!
Your Feet
Your feet have to be one of the other most susceptible items affected by the heat. In this weather your feet will sweat no matter what (more than usual), wearing flip flops, sneakers, shoes...it doesn't matter. Do you best to keep them dry as possible and at the very least, be sure to wash your tootsies at the end of every day before bed at minimum. If you don't, you are definitely increasing your chances for some wonderful bouts of athletes foot. Yuck! Keep dry and wash often, good rule to follow.
Plants & Gardening
Speaking of being/working outside, many people love their gardens, including Panamanians. Gardening is a wonderful passtime and hobby whether you are growing flower gardens, fruits and/or veggies. In Panama, depending on your location, you can grow almost everything you could want. Even many plants from the northern hemisphere can grow here. The soil here varies on location, ranging from sand, brown clay, light brown soil to deep dark soil. In any case, its probably easier to build your own raised garden and there are plenty of ideas on the internet to help you with setting up your own raised garden. That way you can control what soil you use (you can buy any soil type you could want in any of the home stores here), and keep the weeds down. Just remember, the sun is much more intense and some plants might not like the direct sun beating down on them for 6 to 8 hours a day. For example, some tomato plants literally just melt away after growing 8 inches in the sun. So a covered or semi-covered garden might be helpful.
Native plants of course will thrive in the natural environment under the heavy sun. For example, within a few months, a Papaya tree can grow from a small half foot sprout to almost 6 feet! A full tree producing fruit will be ready shortly after that!
The other aspect you must pay attention to in your thriving Panamanian garden is bugs! Primarily leaf cutter ants and caterpillars. The leaf cutter ants will...like their name says, cut the leaves off your plants. Literally they will strip your happy garden of all the green leaves quickly and efficiently! Keep an eye on your yard, leaf cutter ants will usually build a nest close by and start a caravan trail to your garden, marching along carrying your garden proudly away to their home. There are lots of ways of getting rid of them, going to the local Do-It Centre or Novey (local home and garden stores), you can find the right cure for your any problem.
As for the caterpillers, so far, inspecting your plants and watching for chew holes is a good way to spot them. Typically the caterpillars will hide under the leaves on the plant stems so look close and pick them off when you find them. They are hungry like the ants but not as prevalent. The last ones found on the green pepper plants were green caterpillars, with a long horn on their rear end. Fairly easy to spot and pull off.
Lastly, water your plants often! In the dry season, watering in the morning and at dusk will probably be necessary. The sun is intense, the soil dries quick and your thirsty garden will need lots of water. Don't forget the fertilizer as well. All the watering you do, can water out the necessary nutrients needed for your plants, so a regular supply of fertilizer will help!
Water Issues
Just like your plants, you will need lots of water too. The water here is safe to drink from the tap, except if you use a well system, then you might need to take extra measures for purification. In any case, keep some large jugs of water on hand just in case. Just in case of what you ask? It is typical here to have the water shut off at random times. Typically this happens due to much needed maintenance that is needed on the water system throughout urban and rural areas. This may happen once every few months in a given area...more or less...depending on which area you live in as well. But it can even happen in parts of the city so don't be surprised.
Some home owners as well as businesses keep a water storage tank on their property at the ready just in case which is a handy item to have as the water seems to shut off just at the time when you need it the most.
So as a rule, keep at minimum a few large jugs of water stored in a cool spot for washing and drinking just in case as it is seldom announced by the water authorities just when the water will be turned off. We are told there are some twitter feeds, that carry some of the water shut down announcements so we will be looking for those links and posting them up as we find them.
If there happens to be a temporary water shut down, don't panic. It generally doesn't last long, usually a few hours. So go relax, have a nap and before you know it, your water is back.
Paying Bills
From paying your water bill to electricity and most other bills you have, Panama is a little behind with their bill payment systems. In Canada, for example, most bills if not all can either be setup online through your banking institution or as a automatic withdrawl.
Panama, is.. well..a little different. I have heard some of the banks are catching up to the online payment method but most generally do not have that option unfortuantely. So when your electric bill arrives (for example), you take your bill (the paper copy), and go to either the mall, grocery store or maybe even a Western Union outlet, and within these places are designated bill paying kiosks. In the Rey grocery store (for example), near the cashiers, there is another set of windows with tellers with the words 'Pago' written on the signs around them. Present your bill to these folks and they will take care of the rest. Unfortunately they only accept cash. The biggest downside is the line ups. Sometimes the lineups can be a little long...depending on the day and time you go.
So just be patient and your turn will come and always arrive expecting a line up so be sure to give yourself lots of time and have your cash ready.
Customer Service
This is one item that stands out when for many foreigners visiting/living in Panama venturing outside of the expat communities.
Customer service in restaurants, is a little different. In Canada (for example), you get seated, menus, server comes, takes your drinks and/or order. If you need more time for your selection, 5 minutes later they return to take your order and bring your drinks... At least most of the time... After you order, server brings your food and will come by again while you are eating to see how things are and if you need anything else. And will probably come back again for one more checkup, which you then ask for the bill if there is nothing more. They bring the bill shortly after and you pay, leave your tip and you are done.
In Panama....its alittle different... This is typically what you can expect from your restaurant servers. After being seated, a server will come by to take your order, get drinks. Usually they are fairly quick to come initially. If you ask for more time to decide your order, well...that is the signal to the server that you will call them when you are ready to order. So if you ask for 5 more minutes, they will leave and maybe never return. You will have to wave at them (with a smile) when you are ready. If you ask for more time, be sure to order drinks so that the server has to return and probably by that time you will have your selection ready.
And if you call to them as they are walking by, be sure to address them as 'Joven' (pronounced like, 'Ho-Ven'). This is basically the word you use to call or get the attention of anyone working in a restaurant, store, grocery store... or any other place you are making purchases or ordering.
After your Server returns with your food, they will disappear and not return. You again, have to wave at them (with a smile) or catch them as they are walking by and ask for your bill. Usually if you are paying by credit/debit card, present it so they know to bring the debit machine with them.
Now look at your bill carefully. Many restaurants will include a 10 percent tip into the bill, so look closely. If you feel that is too much or want to leave your own tip, you can tell the 'Joven' to not include the tip in the payment. Leave your tip either with the server or on the table. Then you are good to go.
Customer service in stores and is a little different too. Don't be surprise to have either of these situations happen to you. You enter a clothing store or department store and notice a store clerk following you around, keeping about 5 feet or so away from you, but definitely following you. Generally they will not say anything, some might ask if you need help. Basically they are there to help you and of course watch for shoplifters. Don't take offense, this is part of their jobs and its actually nice to have someone close by when you need help with finding something or getting pricing. How often have you been in a store in North America where no one was around to help you?!
Its all part of the Panamanian experience!!
Security Guards
This is one item that stands out and you see it everywhere. Armed security guards are everywhere. They are at the mall, banks, store entrances, malls, restaurants, casinos, office buildings, gated communities...everywhere.
These security guards are there to protect, so don't be nervous and they are usually friendly to foreigners.
When entering areas such as banks, offices, or governement buildings the guards will generally pass a metal detector wand around you. Women, you will have to open your purse which they will look inside of and scan it quick too. So don't be shy and don't be nervous or scared. Its just an extra layer of protection to help you. You won't be frisked or searched like at the airport, its just a quick few seconds and its done and they open the door for you and away you go. No problem!
A quick note. When entering any government buildings or offices, you cannot wear shorts. Anyone who is wearing shorts will be turned away at the door. For example, if you have to go to the Immigration building, no shorts.
Hailing a Taxi
Going to the malls or just getting around the cities or in the rural areas, you will notice there are taxis everywhere. Yellow cabs dot the streets in droves so you can certainly grab a taxi very easily. Being a foreigner, most taxi drivers can spot you and may honk two 'beeps' at you and slow down slightly, seeing if you need a lift.
If you want to hail a cab from the sidewalk or side of the road, all you do is extend your arm out and flap your hand. Watch the locals, as they use taxis quite regularly as well. Don't be surprised if there is already someone in the taxi, often taxis will take multiple customers if they are going in the same direction. And don't be surprised if you are already in the cab and they stop to pick up another fare.
Now getting a good fare can be slightly more work. As a rule, when the taxi pulls up, ask them how much to get you to your destination before you enter. Typically you will not get Panamanian prices, but the funny thing is that its still relatively cheap to take a taxi in comparison to places like Canada. Most of the time when you enter a taxi in Canada, the fare instantly starts at 5 or 6 dollars and a ride could cost you $30 or more... If you want a taxi to take you about the same distance for a $30 Canadian ride, you might have to pay the foreigner fare of 3 dollars. You can suggest a price to the Panamanian taxi driver as well, telling him his price is too expensive but you may get denied the ride and have to go through 3 or 4 different drivers before one finally agrees or you give in and bite the 3 dollar fare and go. 3 bucks isn't too hard to chew...
Speaking Spanish
Much of what is discussed here involves interacting with locals at least on a basic level, talking to store clerks, taxi drivers..etc... Speaking Spanish can be a bit of a barrier for some foreigners in Panama as many may not know it or think that since the Americans were here for so long that most Panamanains know English. Unfortunately that is not quite the case and to fully enjoy this country, communication is key. Some Panamanians may speak English to varying degrees, some have basic English while others have perfect english. Just don't go in thinking that everyone knows English.
Instead, try learning Spanish yourself! You are in Panama afterall, so why not learn to speak Spanish? Knowing some of the basics is even helpful. Most of the time if the non-english speaking local sees you are making an effort to communicate with your Spanish, they will do their best to communicate and help you as well. And wouldn't you love to know what the locals are saying or be able to bargain for some better prices?
Think about what would you do if you needed to call the police, ask for help, got lost or needed assistance while you are here? Can you communicate your situation or needs to someone who doesn't speak your language?
Helpful hint: Carry your cellphone with you, with Google Translate at the ready, very handy to have for more complicated questions you might be asking or asked.
All in all, learning Spanish is key to enjoying more of this beautiful country. Don't you expect a foreigner coming to your country to at least know or be learning your national language so wouldn't the same apply to you when you come to their country?
So, take Spanish classes, watch tv in Spanish, use the spanish subtitles to help you associate words, learn the sounds... Learn the numbers, alphabet, greetings and some of the basics, listen to people talking... The more you learn the better it gets!
And learning a new language is good for your brain too!
(A great app for learning Spanish)
Making Panamanian Friends
Something to make your stay or new life in Panama even more fulfilling is getting to know Panamanians. Get to know the locals and make some new friends. Panamanains are a warm and friendly people, very generous and can show you a whole new Panama you never knew existed! There is so much to know about this wonderful place, why not have someone who grew up here show you!
They can introduce to Panamanian customs, culture and make your new life or extended stay much more enjoyable. The food alone wonderful! Panamanian cuisine is tasty, exciting and vast! Family life is very wonderful as well, most families are very closely knitted together and often get together for family gatherings for fun, food and there are always little rugrats running around. Panamanians will also be very curious about you and where you came from, why you like it here and what you think of their country.
We hope this article has helped you and we will be posting more helpful hints in the very near future.
This is all part of your Panamanian experience! Live it, enjoy it and don't forget your hat!
