Thread: Land of Opportunity? Naive Gringos?

Originally Posted by Felicity

Panama is hit & miss. You will either love it or hate it here depending upon your personality and tolerance levels. If you have high standards and are not willing to lower them then forget about Panama. You will hate it here. If you are laid back and just go with the flow then you might like it here because Panama does have a lot to offer you. It's a very diverse and beautiful country. Regardless of who you are, you absolutely must be on guard at all times in Panama because quite frankly, honesty, integrity and ethics are lacking here especially amongst the uneducated crowd. They will always try to take advantage of you if given the opportunity. There are many other issues with the Panamanian people that will bother most foreigners so just be forewarned that the attitude and behavior of the locals will probably be your biggest gripe living here. Also be forewarned that living in 90 degree humid heat everyday gets old. And if you live in the cooler highlands, you won't have access to nice restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. Things like that you will figure out over time. But most importantly, remember that there are many other great places in the world that may suit you better than Panama so keep an open mind.

So Felicity, what are the "other great places" in your opinion? And why are they better than Panama?

Originally Posted by d12

So Felicity, what are the "other great places" in your opinion? And why are they better than Panama?

It totally depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for tidy, clean and dignified environment within Panama, Clayton/Albrook and reverted zones will give you that. You will have quick access to the city and all of its amenities but avoid all the negatives of big city living. El Valle is the most beautiful place in Panama IMO but has no major shopping, malls or nightlife. It's a weekender destination. The beach areas are great, but hot year round and attracts more of a seedy transient crowd (more crime).

The biggest problem may be getting permanent residence and/or bank accounts if you are a U.S. citizen. I know of a few other countries that are easy to get permanent residence, bank account and ultimately citizenship and passport: Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay for starters.

Do not make the mistake of listening to propaganda mainly dished out by government websites and regurgitated by people who read them and believe them. Governments try to steer you and your dollars away from countries who do not "play ball" if you know what I mean. Do your own research. Dig deep online and read sites from people who live there or grew up there. They will speak frankly about their country. Certain things you cannot change about a country: CLIMATE and ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR of the local people. You'll either love it, tolerate it, or leave it.

If you want eternal spring climate (60-80 deg year round) AND access to all amenities including fine dining, culture, nightlife & entertainment, you will have a hard time finding it in Panama because the major hubs in Panama are all at sea level and hot. Other countries such as Costa Rica (San Jose area), Guatemala City, Ecuador (Quito, Cuenca) are at high elevation (3,000ft+) and have great climates AND convenient access to amenities such as big shopping malls and nice restaurants.

As I said before, it all depends what you want, so I can't really answer your question.

Originally Posted by Felicity

It totally depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for tidy, clean and dignified environment within Panama, Clayton/Albrook and reverted zones will give you that. You will have quick access to the city and all of its amenities but avoid all the negatives of big city living. El Valle is the most beautiful place in Panama IMO but has no major shopping, malls or nightlife. It's a weekender destination. The beach areas are great, but hot year round and attracts more of a seedy transient crowd (more crime).

The biggest problem may be getting permanent residence and/or bank accounts if you are a U.S. citizen. I know of a few other countries that are easy to get permanent residence, bank account and ultimately citizenship and passport: Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay for starters.

Do not make the mistake of listening to propaganda mainly dished out by government websites and regurgitated by people who read them and believe them. Governments try to steer you and your dollars away from countries who do not "play ball" if you know what I mean. Do your own research. Dig deep online and read sites from people who live there or grew up there. They will speak frankly about their country. Certain things you cannot change about a country: CLIMATE and ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR of the local people. You'll either love it, tolerate it, or leave it.

If you want eternal spring climate (60-80 deg year round) AND access to all amenities including fine dining, culture, nightlife & entertainment, you will have a hard time finding it in Panama because the major hubs in Panama are all at sea level and hot. Other countries such as Costa Rica (San Jose area), Guatemala City, Ecuador (Quito, Cuenca) are at high elevation (3,000ft+) and have great climates AND convenient access to amenities such as big shopping malls and nice restaurants.

As I said before, it all depends what you want, so I can't really answer your question.

Felicity Thanks for your response. So what if you factor in school for the kids (ages 8 and 11) and health insurance as the most important, what would you rank as the top places then? Cheers Sophie and David

Originally Posted by d12

Felicity Thanks for your response. So what if you factor in school for the kids (ages 8 and 11) and health insurance as the most important, what would you rank as the top places then? Cheers Sophie and David

That's a tough call. I have not done much research in that area other than in Panama. Private schools are a must in Panama. Balboa Academy (Clayton) & ISP (Costa del Este east of P.C.) come to mind and are English speaking. They are expensive, about $8,000/yr per child. I'd recommend online accredited courses, but that's not for everyone. But if you did online schooling then you can live anywhere in world just about. So consider those perks. I know a few people doing it and it costs about $100/month access fees. I have no idea about the schooling conditions in other countries because I have no kids. You can start by searching for online accredited schools and go from there.

Health insurance is cheap in Panama. I've gotten quotes as low as $150/mo. for a young family of 3 with $250 deductible and $1Mil coverage. You must use specific hospitals in Central America. The list is extensive and many good quality hospitals are on the list such as San Fernando & Hopkins. Your coverage is throughout Central America but will not work anywhere else. I've been to San Fernando and can attest that the quality of care is top notch, in fact better than in the States. I did not have to wait long for anything. Fast service. So I don't have a problem with limited coverage.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your search.

ISP (International School of Panama) is located in Cerro Viento (right next to Club de Golf), not Costa Del Este.

Originally Posted by balboatropics

Really, I don't mean to be racist when I say this, but I think that the culture is immature in general. The American ambassador dude said that corruption is cultural. Well, I think immaturity is cultural. Sorry to all the Panamanians who this may not apply to.

Anyone who starts a sentence with "I don't mean to be a racist..." is a racist!

Felicity, Have you been to Ecuador? If so....What are your thoughts about living there. As for Panama.. humidity doesn't bother me much...I lived in Miami for five years, but bugs do.

Originally Posted by Felicity

It totally depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for tidy, clean and dignified environment within Panama, Clayton/Albrook and reverted zones will give you that. You will have quick access to the city and all of its amenities but avoid all the negatives of big city living. El Valle is the most beautiful place in Panama IMO but has no major shopping, malls or nightlife. It's a weekender destination. The beach areas are great, but hot year round and attracts more of a seedy transient crowd (more crime).

The biggest problem may be getting permanent residence and/or bank accounts if you are a U.S. citizen. I know of a few other countries that are easy to get permanent residence, bank account and ultimately citizenship and passport: Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay for starters.

Do not make the mistake of listening to propaganda mainly dished out by government websites and regurgitated by people who read them and believe them. Governments try to steer you and your dollars away from countries who do not "play ball" if you know what I mean. Do your own research. Dig deep online and read sites from people who live there or grew up there. They will speak frankly about their country. Certain things you cannot change about a country: CLIMATE and ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR of the local people. You'll either love it, tolerate it, or leave it.

If you want eternal spring climate (60-80 deg year round) AND access to all amenities including fine dining, culture, nightlife & entertainment, you will have a hard time finding it in Panama because the major hubs in Panama are all at sea level and hot. Other countries such as Costa Rica (San Jose area), Guatemala City, Ecuador (Quito, Cuenca) are at high elevation (3,000ft+) and have great climates AND convenient access to amenities such as big shopping malls and nice restaurants.

As I said before, it all depends what you want, so I can't really answer your question.