Thread: Life in Panama City (need your advice)

Hi Everyone,

I'm very close to signing an employment contract for a new assignment in Panama City with my current employer. Start date would be 01/09/2011.
I am Brazilian but have been living in Zurich for almost 3 years. 30 years old, married, no children yet, but considering increasing the family soon.
The job is very attractive and I am very excited about that. However, I am a little bit concerned about the life in Panama City (I have never been there), that's the reason why I am writing this thread. I would really appreciate your comments on my main concerning points, listed below:

1) Security
Is PC really safe? Of course, I don't expect it to be as safe as Zurich, but I would be happy if it's safer than Sao Paulo, for example. Are you people scared of driving a nice car or of wearing jewelry?
2) Quality of life
I know the weather in Panama is very good, but can we really enjoy this weather while leaving in the city? I mean are there nice beaches, parks or places near the ocean where we can go after a very stressful day and enjoy? A place to do outdoor sports (I love running and cycling)?
3) Where to live
I have been checking rental prices in Panama City just to have an idea of how good the package I have been offered is. However, the prices vary quite a lot from one neighborhood to another. I’ll be interested in a 3 bedroom apartment, with +/- 95 sqm and, preferably, a nice balcony. In terms of location I would like to leave in neighborhoods where I can enjoy the nature doing outdoor sports but still be close to the city. Most probably all this is wishful thinking but do you people have a specific neighborhood to recommend me? I have heard a lot about Sao Francisco, do you think this can be a place for me? How much would it cost to rent a nice 3 bedroom apartment in such place?

Thanks in advance for helping me out with this difficult decision.

Cheers,

In what area or province of the city is your office/place of employment located? Depending on its location, you could possibly be directed to an area in which to live within walking distance of your job and thus lower your stress of living in the city further.

I am not currently living in PC but am in Panama and we are hoping to make our way there soon.
The best park is Parque Omar. This is located in the San Francisco area. You can find LOTS of apartments there, some super $$$$ and some not too bad. San Francisco is a great area but, from what I'm told, some streets are better (safer) than others.
Parque Omar is sort of like PC's "Central Park". It has really been rehabbed and has great stuff to offer. Also the National Library is located there.
The neighborhood behind Parque Omar is called Carrasquilla. We have been told to NOT live there. There are great, brand new apartments that have direct access to the park but they are in the Carrasquilla area. I think they're trying to rehab this area but since I have kids, I'm not going to be the first to start this movement!
Oh, and NO there are NO beaches to go to in PC to relax. Minimum 1 hour drive to get to an acceptable place. "Beachfront" in PC is mud.
Hope this helps!

Not a real estate professional and not sure whether you're buying or renting, but these listings look like good ones to judge what you can get for your money.

Apartments / Condos in San Francisco / Panama | For Sale | Met1 2 bed, 3 bath. High Floor. : 2 rooms, 100 m2, USD 179000.00

Apartments / Condos in San Francisco / Panama | For Sale | LOW PRICE, SAN FRANCISCO, 3B, 101MTS, US$115000. : 3 rooms, 101 m2, USD 115000.00

Apartments / Condos in San Francisco / Panama | For Sale | San Francisco's Waterview - With Appliances, AC and rollers : 2 rooms, 105 m2, USD 160000.00

Originally Posted by Suzfez02

Oh, and NO there are NO beaches to go to in PC to relax. Minimum 1 hour drive to get to an acceptable place. "Beachfront" in PC is mud.
Hope this helps!

thats not mud . its raw untreated sewage . so dont go there.

It looks like mud but it definitely smells different...

Originally Posted by silfabio

Hi Everyone,

I'm very close to signing an employment contract for a new assignment in Panama City with my current employer. Start date would be 01/09/2011.
I am Brazilian but have been living in Zurich for almost 3 years. 30 years old, married, no children yet, but considering increasing the family soon.
The job is very attractive and I am very excited about that. However, I am a little bit concerned about the life in Panama City (I have never been there), that's the reason why I am writing this thread. I would really appreciate your comments on my main concerning points, listed below:

1) Security
Is PC really safe? Of course, I don't expect it to be as safe as Zurich, but I would be happy if it's safer than Sao Paulo, for example. Are you people scared of driving a nice car or of wearing jewelry?
2) Quality of life
I know the weather in Panama is very good, but can we really enjoy this weather while leaving in the city? I mean are there nice beaches, parks or places near the ocean where we can go after a very stressful day and enjoy? A place to do outdoor sports (I love running and cycling)?
3) Where to live
I have been checking rental prices in Panama City just to have an idea of how good the package I have been offered is. However, the prices vary quite a lot from one neighborhood to another. I’ll be interested in a 3 bedroom apartment, with +/- 95 sqm and, preferably, a nice balcony. In terms of location I would like to leave in neighborhoods where I can enjoy the nature doing outdoor sports but still be close to the city. Most probably all this is wishful thinking but do you people have a specific neighborhood to recommend me? I have heard a lot about Sao Francisco, do you think this can be a place for me? How much would it cost to rent a nice 3 bedroom apartment in such place?

Thanks in advance for helping me out with this difficult decision.

Cheers,

1) PC is quite safe if u dont go to too dodgy areas. All the residential well known areas are fine day and night.

2-3) No beaches here(about an hour away they start to get ok. but as suzfez says parque omar is awesome! Its clean and perfect for sports. Theres a track all around it and theres tennis courts, basketball, football etc. I live behind it in carrasquilla and its really not that bad! It looks crap but the people seem friendly enough. I wouldnt walk around it in the middle of the night with a rolex, but thats more common sense then anything else. Appartments here are between 1000 and 1300 $ and most are slightly larger then u ask. San Fransisco is great too but then u dont have direct access to park, but can still be within 200 meters or so.

It really will depend on where you will work because nothing in Panama City is really far from another- however, traffic during rush hour is bad so you need to plan accordingly.

Yes, I would agree that the Parque Omar area off of Via Porris might be a suitable option, if you can rent in one of the new apts. that surround the park.

Another option might be in El Cangrejo- a funky, interesting neighborhod with lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars. It's very "touristy". There is a small park there called Parque Andres Bello with a few newer apts. surrounding or near it. However, Parque Bello might be too small for most sports, running, and such.

Actually, I think the best option for you might be Clayton (the old U.S. territory). There are plenty of forests, parks, etc., and the area is very safe. Many foreigners live in Clayton.

As an aside, I've lived on 4 continents and in 3 capital cities and Panama City is the safest, by far. Sao Paulo is much more dangerous overall.

Originally Posted by Suzfez02

I am not currently living in PC but am in Panama and we are hoping to make our way there soon.
The best park is Parque Omar. This is located in the San Francisco area. You can find LOTS of apartments there, some super $$$$ and some not too bad. San Francisco is a great area but, from what I'm told, some streets are better (safer) than others.
Parque Omar is sort of like PC's "Central Park". It has really been rehabbed and has great stuff to offer. Also the National Library is located there.
The neighborhood behind Parque Omar is called Carrasquilla. We have been told to NOT live there. There are great, brand new apartments that have direct access to the park but they are in the Carrasquilla area. I think they're trying to rehab this area but since I have kids, I'm not going to be the first to start this movement!
Oh, and NO there are NO beaches to go to in PC to relax. Minimum 1 hour drive to get to an acceptable place. "Beachfront" in PC is mud.
Hope this helps!

Hi,
I am wondering about this National Library that you mentioned. Does it happen to have English books? I know it is a long shot, but no harm trying.. Thanks.

Liont-
YES YES YES!!! They have the largest selection of english books in Panama. AND there is no 'return date' as not very many people check them out. Keep in mind these are all mostly paperback, donated books and are in alphabetical order by author, not type of book. They also have a 'kids book bus' outside! I think it's 50cents to get a library card. I have the info somewhere. I doubt you'll get new books (circa past 3 years) but there are thousands to choose from!

Hi,

Thanks to all of you for the posts. You have helped me a lot to have a better picture of what we'll find in PC.
The office is located between Obarrio and San Francisco, but they are considering to move to a bigger office within one year. Hopefully they don't move too far from there.
I will search a bit more about Clayton but I really liked the comments about the Park Omar, will strongly consider the places nearby.
I have recently heard about the 'cinta costeira' at Balboa avenue. What do you think about this area? This 'cinta costeira' seems to be a nice place for sports, morning walk, etc.
My budget for house renting will be of approx. $ 1250. Do you think this is enough to find a nice apartment in these mentioned neighborhoods, San Francisco, Cinta Costeira (I mean, any place with walking distance), El Cangrejo and Carrasquilla?

Cheers!

Originally Posted by Suzfez02

Liont-
YES YES YES!!! They have the largest selection of english books in Panama. AND there is no 'return date' as not very many people check them out. Keep in mind these are all mostly paperback, donated books and are in alphabetical order by author, not type of book. They also have a 'kids book bus' outside! I think it's 50cents to get a library card. I have the info somewhere. I doubt you'll get new books (circa past 3 years) but there are thousands to choose from!

Really?
Do you need to produce any documents to get a library card?
Thank you.

I'm soon beginning a "crash course" on the town. I would find it very useful ! Thanks

Liont:
Requisitos para solicitar Carne (for library)
Present one document that has cedula number (could be):
-cedula
-birth certificate
-carne de seguro
-carne escolar
-recibo de matricula actualizado

Also one photo "carne" size
General public $2 for card.

I am almost positive they told me my passport would be sufficient. (along with photo)

Good luck!
Also do you know about the Expat Book Exchange?
Expats in Panama
I haven't been able to go yet but it's a one for one DVD or Book exchange held once a month at a restaurant in PC!

Originally Posted by Suzfez02

Liont:
Requisitos para solicitar Carne (for library)
Present one document that has cedula number (could be):
-cedula
-birth certificate
-carne de seguro
-carne escolar
-recibo de matricula actualizado

Also one photo "carne" size
General public $2 for card.

I am almost positive they told me my passport would be sufficient. (along with photo)

Good luck!
Also do you know about the Expat Book Exchange?
Expats in Panama
I haven't been able to go yet but it's a one for one DVD or Book exchange held once a month at a restaurant in PC!

I think you meant to type "carnet" instead of "carne".

Originally Posted by TennVol

I think you meant to type "carnet" instead of "carne".

No, I meant "carne" but with an accent on the "e" but can't type that with my computer! I copied as it was on the paper I was given at the library.
id card - English-Spanish Dictionary - WordReference.com

Thanks, Suzfez, I'll go check it out.