Thread: What is the situation with Asians in Panama?

I am moving to Panama (Panama City to be exact) early next year.
We are an asian family (of Chinese descent). I am wondering what perceptions do Panamanians hold of Asians. We are in an "ambiguous" sitiation as in we are expats, but not Gringos. Will there be any discrimination? Will fair skinned asians be targets of anything???
Will we be "expected" to speak Spanish as we might be mistaken for Panamanian Chinese?
Apologies if this sounds like a silly question!
Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by Liont

I am moving to Panama (Panama City to be exact) early next year.
We are an asian family (of Chinese descent). I am wondering what perceptions do Panamanians hold of Asians. We are in an "ambiguous" sitiation as in we are expats, but not Gringos. Will there be any discrimination? Will fair skinned asians be targets of anything???
Will we be "expected" to speak Spanish as we might be mistaken for Panamanian Chinese?
Apologies if this sounds like a silly question!
Thanks in advance.

I think panamanians in general are very welcoming of foreigners. But some of them, specially from the poorer masses think that chinese have tendency to employ other chinese and don't give jobs to panamanians.
I'm sure some of the guys like MRWOOHOO have lived longer in Panama and could give you a better idea about local perceptions of chinese people.

Hi Liont, if you come from a Chinese background you will have plenty of friends. In a country of just over 3 million people there are over 200 thousand people of Chinese heritage living here. I am guessing probably 1/3 to 1/2 of the entire population gets their groceries from a Chinese store owner. I lived in El Dorado (Panama City) for the first 9 months here and there were quite literally more Chinese than Panamanians living there. Most of the stores were owned by the Chinese and you could get by with the Mandrin dialect no problem. I met people of Chinese descent that spoke fluent Mandrin, Spanish, and English (talk about a awesome language combination). There are also special Chinese schools here. Don't be surprised if the locals (and some expats) refer to you as a "Chino" or "China" (man or woman). I hear Chinese store owners referred in this way frequently but who cares? In my opinion it is not said to diminish the culture just a lack of any political correctness. A person can call me anything they like if the come into my store and give me money and I personally believe that is how the local Asian population looks at it. Anytime I am in Panama City I still go to the same Chinese woman in El Dorado, Aimee, for my haircut. She does a better job than anyone I have ever had. I would not worry about your heritage being a minus or hinderance. Personally I think it is a plus in this country. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a neighbor of my parents that was a female missionary doctor in China during WWII and was introduced to the culture at a young age. If anybody is interested?
1.http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/find...ss73_main.html
2. http://www.qedpress.com/hylachina.html

Wow, now I am excited, just thinking about all the food.
Thanks for the reassurance. I am picking up Spanish. Yes Mandarin, Spanish and English, awesome combination!
Nah, I am not that "politically correct" to feel insulted easily.
Is Chinatown in El Dorado?

Originally Posted by Liont

I am moving to Panama (Panama City to be exact) early next year.
We are an asian family (of Chinese descent). I am wondering what perceptions do Panamanians hold of Asians. We are in an "ambiguous" sitiation as in we are expats, but not Gringos. Will there be any discrimination? Will fair skinned asians be targets of anything???
Will we be "expected" to speak Spanish as we might be mistaken for Panamanian Chinese?
Apologies if this sounds like a silly question!
Thanks in advance.

You will do fine in Panama being Asian. There's strength in numbers. The locals will expect you to speak Spanish and when you don't they may give you funny looks. To them, all Chinese speak Spanish as that is a given. Do not worry about not being accepted. You will be accepted fine in Panama. If anything you will be revered because virtually all tiendas are run by Chinese and they are hard workers and never miss a beat. The locals know this and many locals are given store credit by the shop owners so they appreciate it. Do not be offended if you hear the word "Chino" or "Paisano" thrown at you by the locals. They use that word not in a derogatory way and only the lower class tend use it. It's just part of the culture here so get used to it. There is a huge Asian population in El Dorado. There you will find an excellent authentic Chinese restaurant called Sunly across from the Do-it Center. They serve dim sum every day until noon and I can attest it is absolutely delicious. Good luck on your move!

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Hi Liont, if you come from a Chinese background you will have plenty of friends. In a country of just over 3 million people there are over 200 thousand people of Chinese heritage living here. I am guessing probably 1/3 to 1/2 of the entire population gets their groceries from a Chinese store owner. I lived in El Dorado (Panama City) for the first 9 months here and there were quite literally more Chinese than Panamanians living there. Most of the stores were owned by the Chinese and you could get by with the Mandrin dialect no problem. I met people of Chinese descent that spoke fluent Mandrin, Spanish, and English (talk about a awesome language combination). There are also special Chinese schools here. Don't be surprised if the locals (and some expats) refer to you as a "Chino" or "China" (man or woman). I hear Chinese store owners referred in this way frequently but who cares? In my opinion it is not said to diminish the culture just a lack of any political correctness. A person can call me anything they like if the come into my store and give me money and I personally believe that is how the local Asian population looks at it. Anytime I am in Panama City I still go to the same Chinese woman in El Dorado, Aimee, for my haircut. She does a better job than anyone I have ever had. I would not worry about your heritage being a minus or hinderance. Personally I think it is a plus in this country. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a neighbor of my parents that was a female missionary doctor in China during WWII and was introduced to the culture at a young age. If anybody is interested?
1.Hyla S. Watters Papers, 1892-1991 : Collection Overview
2. http://www.qedpress.com/hylachina.html

MRWOOHOO, next time I go to El Dorado, maybe I should go to Aimee for my haircut and eat at Sunly restaurant recommended by Felicity. Do you mind giving me her adress please? Thanks in advance.

You will blend in just fine Liont. I will always stick out like a sore thumb in this country till the day I die. The Mandrin, Spanish, English combination probably equates to the top three languages to know in the entire world. Talk about guaranteed employment. I don't have a specific address for Aimee but here goes. On the west side of El Dorado mall is the Miami mall (completely Chinese owned). Proceed to the west side of the Miami mall there is a place called Club Miami (prostitute strip club). Walk across the street towards Citibank and make a left. Keep walking until you are almost at the intersection and there is an enclosed entrance on the right hand side (its kinda a two story plaza on the corner). Aimee's shop is the second door on the left. At this point you are practically across the street from the Sunly restaurant Felicity mentioned and very close to the Do It Center. There is also a good Mexican restaurant (with crappy unfriendly service) called La Mexicanita right there. The carnitas for two people is excellent but don't bother tipping. Btw, if you ever get a chance make sure to stop in at the Gourmet Deli a little past the Do It Center. This is the most awesome deli I have been in all of Panama.

Originally Posted by Liont

I am moving to Panama (Panama City to be exact) early next year.
We are an asian family (of Chinese descent). I am wondering what perceptions do Panamanians hold of Asians. We are in an "ambiguous" sitiation as in we are expats, but not Gringos. Will there be any discrimination? Will fair skinned asians be targets of anything???
Will we be "expected" to speak Spanish as we might be mistaken for Panamanian Chinese?
Apologies if this sounds like a silly question!
Thanks in advance.

I think panama will be amazing for you, i was born there and yeah im asian (even though i dont knw any asian languages) my first language was spanish and now im in california. A lot of people will acknowledge that your asian but its pretty easy 2 just walk by and ignore it. Theres a huge amount of asians in panama so ull fit in well=)

Thks for all your inputs! Really appreciate it!
I am now living in Alabama. I am looking forward to all the good food in Panama.

Liont,
I think you will do fine in Panama. I am of Chinese descent also! Our family was in Panama last year and experienced nothing negativity. Everyone is right, the small variety stores are owned by Chinese. All were a little curious and asked us questions. Really friendly...in general I found the Panamaians to be friendlier than the Costa Ricans. Good luck with your move.
Panama Dreamer

Really! Wow!
Where are you moving from?

We are currently living in Toronto, Canada. Toronto is a great place to live. I love the multicultural aspect of Toronto. I just dont agree with the winter. I would love to wear shorts and T-shirts all year long.
Panama Dreamer

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

We are currently living in Toronto, Canada. Toronto is a great place to live. I love the multicultural aspect of Toronto. I just dont agree with the winter. I would love to wear shorts and T-shirts all year long.
Panama Dreamer

Cold and snow for 6 months out of the year really is a drag.