Thread: Smoking/Drinking

How common is this in Panama and how is it perceived?

I'm not much of a smoker nor drinker so it doesn't really concern me in terms of accommodations but do have some friends who fall into that category and might bring them along.

Also are there designated smoking spots in restaurants and such? I'm hoping one of the Panama experts out there answers this

Smoking is illegal in "all public areas" in Panama, according to a law passed last year. However, most restaurants and virtually all bars let people smoke in outside terraces (if they have them). Cigarettes are cheap here -- about $1.75 -- and most US brands are available. Cigars are everywhere, and Cuban brands are legal.

Drinking is just as common (and just as problematic) as the US. There is no set perception; i.e., just like the US, some Panameños love to drink and party, and do so to excess, while other Panameños disparage the borrachos. Just depends on what crowd you travel in. Everything is available here, and prices are low compared to the US.

(The only constant I've found: I've not yet met a Panamanian woman who likes dry wine, especially reds; they like the sweet stuff. I'm sure those women exist, but most will order Sangria or fruit punch.)

Yeah it happens they love smoking,drinking and having parties,,, but according to their law they do but controlled they are not like USA they used to do in private places mostly they have parties in home.....


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Huh? Are you talking about Panama? If so, you're wrong.

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Do most women in Panama drink (like in US or Europe)?
Are there women who consider drinking alcohol ataboo/sinful?

Originally Posted by Panamanian

Do most women in Panama drink (like in US or Europe)?
Are there women who consider drinking alcohol ataboo/sinful?

How do you know , that most women in Europe drink alcohol ? How many woman you know from Europe ?


Alp

I have been reading about Panama lately and yes they do enjoy parties and get together a lot but they are restricted to some places. They can't do that anywhere they want.

Huh? What restrictions are you talking about? Do you have first-hand experience of this?

Unless you're living somewhere in the Middle East, saying that there's restrictions on women drinking is absurd. Women in the Western World, First and Third World countries, can pretty much drink booze to their heart's content. As far as I know, there's no Western country that employs prohibition.
As FOR which women in the world drink to get drunk is another matter. Probably the USA can win that contest hands down if you take into consideration female college / university weekend binge drinkers.
And Panama ? Some of my female university students seem to have pretty good time on weekends and booze seems to play a part. No restrictions judging from their stories.

I am a very heavy drinker. The main problem with Panama is that it is impossible to get my favorite drink (Absinthe) here.. Every time I visit Panama, I carry a bottle with me.. Does anyone knows of places in Panama from where I'll be able to obtain Absinthe?

Originally Posted by richard william

Smoking is more socially acceptable than drinking alcohol. Alcoholism is not very common in many countries because people are not more open to accepting such people.

I have a contrary opinion on the alcoholism thing. I have two good friends, both women, of Latino and indigenous ancestry that have been advised by alcoholism health care professionals that alcohol reacts with indigenous peoples just like it did with the American Indians. One is of Mayan ancestry and the other another indigenous group.

They both used to enjoy wine as much as anyone and neither has been drinking for the last ten years. They both say doctors tell them it affects their metabolism differently than Caucasians. I have never discussed this with Panamanian women, but suspect the story is the same.

Originally Posted by richard william

Smoking is more socially acceptable than drinking alcohol. Alcoholism is not very common in many countries because people are not more open to accepting such people.

well it is very easy to see you have never been to Panama , smoking is not that common here and drinking is a national sport , the most dangerous thing you can do in Panama is drive and that is because you are sharing the road with many drunk people ,

Originally Posted by richard william

Smoking is more socially acceptable than drinking alcohol. Alcoholism is not very common in many countries because people are not more open to accepting such people.

Huh? What are you talking about?

Well!!

Let me grab a beer, pull up a chair and lite up a smoke and we'll discuss this further......

Here's to Ya,

Len