Thread: Are there any odd laws that gringos need to know?

Are there any activities that are illegal in Panama that a gringo might want to know about? Could gringos unwittingly break the law and get in trouble?

For example, in the USA it is illegal to smoke marijuana and to gamble. There doesn't seem to be much reason for that, and if someone from a country where those are legal came to the USA, they might not even consider the possibility that such things would be illegal.

Drugs are illegal as in most places. Gambling is not illegal, there are many casinos in Panama City and I believe Panama also issues online gambling licenses.

Foreigners usually get in trouble for trusting the wrong people, in particular lawyers. It's a Wild West and for the most part you have to look out for yourself. That has its positive sides too as things aren't as overregulated as in other countries.

Originally Posted by pan

Drugs are illegal as in most places. Gambling is not illegal, there are many casinos in Panama City and I believe Panama also issues online gambling licenses.

Foreigners usually get in trouble for trusting the wrong people, in particular lawyers. It's a Wild West and for the most part you have to look out for yourself. That has its positive sides too as things aren't as overregulated as in other countries.

I've heard that there are many scam lawyers who take advantage of foreigners. Some even take advantage of trusting locals. What advice do you have on finding a good lawyer, and not getting scammed?

What advice do you have on finding a good lawyer, and not getting scammed?

1) Use a larger lawfirm that has several lawyers. They are more expensive than an individual lawyer, but also have more pressure to remain honest (unless they are set up as an outright scam operation).

2) Try to meet powerful and established people and ask them for a referral. That way the lawyer will feel obligated not to scam you because he will feel responsible towards his existing friend or client. You're no longer the "stupid foreigner that walked in from the street with a suitcase full of cash" (in the lawyer's mind), but a friend of a someone the lawyer admires and/or depends on.

3) Every now and then, take all work that your lawyer does to another lawyer and ask for a second opinion, if everything is well done, etc. (Don't tell the first lawyer outright though, just drop hints every now and then that you're on top of things and not automatically taking anything he says at face value).

4) Always treat the lawyer as a potential future enemy. Don't give him any information that he could use against you, and more generally, don't give him any information he doesn't need to do his work. Don't brag. It's much better to appear poorer than you really are.

5) Use different lawyers for different deals or cases so that no matter what happens, one single lawyer won't have too much power over you.

Those are all great tips panapana. In fact, I think I'm going to bookmark this thread for whenever I need a lawyer in Panama. Those tips can be used anywhere, though. So, they can come in handy for travelers all over the globe.

I especially like when you say to appear poorer rather than appear richer. Flashing wealth around is just as effective as asking to be robbed or scammed.