Thread: Moving from Costa Rica to Panama

One thing I have noticed about a lot of expats is, they flaunt there money. Always having houses built, driving cars that the locals couldn't afford and wearing jewelry. You need to try and blend in or marry yourself a Panamanian.

I've been down there off and on for the past twenty years and plan on relocating there permanently sometime next year. What you guys need is a gringo (like myself) who's wife is Panamanian and who has 95% of her family living there to help you get things done without getting ripped off.

Panamanian people only make between $500-$800 a month if their lucky. We can make $2000-$5000 a month in the states an bitch if our boss makes us work overtime or on a Saturday. Granted there is no excuse for them acting the way they do sometimes, but no one forced anyone to move to Panama. If you don't like it move out!

I have to admit that Ed's Internet refund story is very funny - and exactly what I would expect in Panama.

Originally Posted by EdBowers

I thought you were smarter than that Felicity!

The first time they showed up at your door you should have told them to kill the dog. Print out a picture and mark the sweet spot on the skull.

When the monkey walks away with his tail between his legs you scream - you have to protect your family better!

Well Ed, they threatened to kill the dogs and I was protecting them. It's actually just 2 stray dogs I rescued as puppies. I can't house them because I already have too many animals, but I feed them outside my yard. I've since kept one inside and left the other outside because I will admit that 2 dogs can cause problems especially if chickens run free. Dogs need to be taught not to attack chickens because it's instinctual, but I don't have any to teach them with. Instead of building chicken coops, my neighbors would rather shoot the dogs. Mighty Panamanian of them. I'm sorry but that isn't going to happen on my watch. These dogs are very loyal to me, loving and caring. I value the dogs much more than the few bad Panamanian people I've encountered lately. I'll refrain from getting ugly here, but let's just say if I had a choice to save the lives of the dogs or my neighbors, I would save the dogs. That's the honest truth because the dogs are better living beings.

Originally Posted by PanamaFamily

One thing I have noticed about a lot of expats is, they flaunt there money. Always having houses built, driving cars that the locals couldn't afford and wearing jewelry. You need to try and blend in or marry yourself a Panamanian.

I've been down there off and on for the past twenty years and plan on relocating there permanently sometime next year. What you guys need is a gringo (like myself) who's wife is Panamanian and who has 95% of her family living there to help you get things done without getting ripped off.

Panamanian people only make between $500-$800 a month if their lucky. We can make $2000-$5000 a month in the states an bitch if our boss makes us work overtime or on a Saturday. Granted there is no excuse for them acting the way they do sometimes, but no one forced anyone to move to Panama. If you don't like it move out!

I'm moving out early next year after I finish my business obligations in Panama. It's not that easy to just pack up and go. It can get expensive too. The problems build up over time so it isn't like a light switch. It may take a few years to hit your breaking point and by that time you may have already bought a house, car and furniture. I had no idea that Panama was so corrupt and unethical. I lived in Mexico for a while and thought Panama would be better, but it isn't. A few things I do like about Panamanian culture is that people always greet me with buenas and they have tight knit families. That's wonderful. I think the kids are mature for their age. They grow up quickly. But at the same time I think the adult males are very immature for their age. They act like children, really. But my breaking point is that I cannot tolerate all the lying and bullshitting that goes on in Panama. It has gotten to the point where everything I hear I take with a grain of salt. I can't live in an environment where I cannot trust anything anyone tells me. But I hold no grudges because everything will work out for me and I plan to move on to a better life in an environment that suits me more favorably.

Originally Posted by jonr

With Ed using his phrases and WooHoo not letting just anyone in (or on) his house, it's no wonder that gringos have a bad reputation. At least the packs of feral dogs like us.

It's not that I don't let anybody into my house, I am just cautious with 3 laptops hanging out in the open. Like I stated in my posting, I go out of my way to kill them with kindness. Everybody in my neighborhood says hello and waves to me.

You still haven't told the panel where you are moving.

That's also pretty unethical..... break it out!

Originally Posted by Felicity

I can't live in an environment.....

Originally Posted by EdBowers

You still haven't told the panel where you are moving.

That's also pretty unethical..... break it out!

But it's a secret and if I told you I'd have to kill you.

Nah, I went over this topic long ago in another thread. I'm going to a place that has a high murder rate, active volcanoes, earthquakes, tropical storms, mud slides and sink holes. Why the hell would I want to move there then? Because I love it there!

Actually the real reason is because I enjoy being surrounded by open minded adventurous independent thinkers who lead rather than follow. I like deep rooted history. Lots of charm and character. Incredibly rich color, art and heritage. A diverse cosmopolitan crowd with a sense of community where foreigners and locals immerse as one. A quaint walking town that requires no car. Perfect spring like weather year round. Delicious ethnic food and dining choices. Superb customer service. Warm and inviting culture.

Where you ask? HINT: Not Panama.

Guatemala is an interesting place. It has a little of everything. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. That's my guess for Felicity's next stop.

I can't see why foriegners who have worked hard should have to lower their standards to accomodate or make their Panamanian neighbors feel better about themselves. I would not drive an unsafe car or wear crap clothes just to fit in. What is the point of working hard and being succesful if you can't enjoy the fruits of your labors. A person should marry the person the love not a person who allows them to blend in.

Originally Posted by PanamaFamily

One thing I have noticed about a lot of expats is, they flaunt there money. Always having houses built, driving cars that the locals couldn't afford and wearing jewelry. You need to try and blend in or marry yourself a Panamanian.

I've been down there off and on for the past twenty years and plan on relocating there permanently sometime next year. What you guys need is a gringo (like myself) who's wife is Panamanian and who has 95% of her family living there to help you get things done without getting ripped off.

Panamanian people only make between $500-$800 a month if their lucky. We can make $2000-$5000 a month in the states an bitch if our boss makes us work overtime or on a Saturday. Granted there is no excuse for them acting the way they do sometimes, but no one forced anyone to move to Panama. If you don't like it move out!

Personally, I do feel that somebody that moves here and especially if they are going to live in a typical neighborhood, should do what they can to blend in. You really don't need to lower your standards, even locals drive nice 4x4s. Don't be surprised though if you are walking/living/cruising around a typical interior neighborhood, flashing a new rolex, wearing versace, and driving a new range rover with diamond encrusted gold rims, that you may become a target of theft and resentment. The city is a little different since there are just so many people with a lot of money flashing as much as possible. When you actually live in the small town interior, a foreign national needs to be very conscious about what the neighborhood thinks of them. If the neighborhood does not like you, you will know about it.

Makes sense to me. For the record, I was joking about allowing just anyone in and on your house - ie, I wouldn't expect that of anyone anywhere.

All good jonr.

This sounds like most countries where they are emerging from 3rd world to a more modern society. The lies, theft, excuses and envy aren't just traits of Panama. Heck that goes on everywhere in the world.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Personally, I do feel that somebody that moves here and especially if they are going to live in a typical neighborhood, should do what they can to blend in. You really don't need to lower your standards, even locals drive nice 4x4s. Don't be surprised though if you are walking/living/cruising around a typical interior neighborhood, flashing a new rolex, wearing versace, and driving a new range rover with diamond encrusted gold rims, that you may become a target of theft and resentment. The city is a little different since there are just so many people with a lot of money flashing as much as possible. When you actually live in the small town interior, a foreign national needs to be very conscious about what the neighborhood thinks of them. If the neighborhood does not like you, you will know about it.

I have yet to see any of these people with diamond encrusted Rolex, versace or gold rims in the time I have been traveling the country. If they are here I can't imagine they would be living in a typical Panamanian neighborhood. Most people with money (not posers) dress and act more conservatively. They will probably have aquired the means to defend what is theirs and be carrying it as well. Flashing a roll of cash or similar behavior is a bad idea anywhere not just Panama. Are you suggesting that Panamanians are more inclined to commit crimes than in other parts of the world? I think people are people everywhere and you will recieve what you give in most cases (criminals being the exception). I have seen parts of Panama that I would not stop for gas in and others where I have left the keys in the car. I still don't believe people should have to change who they are and marry a local to fit in.