Thread: how is for a expat life in Panama?

Hello,

I'm a European student ( from Portugal) that is going to Panama 3 months ( July to September) for a internship in Panama City.

I'm no idea what I gonna find there.

Can you give me some lights?

For what I read in this forum, look's that I'm will be a little bit different from you, because it's seen that most of you are "high-class" or at least live above the Panama normal life style, but I, as a student in internship, will have only a small studentship, so I need to use bus and be mixed with the local population... this can be a stupid question... but.. it's safe?


tks in advance

I would say there is a full range of lifestyles represented on this forum and few, if any, live in (or would want to live in) a bubble surrounded only by expats of "their kind." Indeed, if I were afraid to mix with the "local population" I'd never consider being there. I've taken many buses in the city and would not be confused by anyone as a "local." People (including policia) have helped me find my way and warned me to not go here or there like I was doing when I first traveled to Panama. One time two national police stopped a bus and told the driver where I wanted to go. Once I left my laptop in a bar and when I returned I learned that it was being held for me by the bartender. Would that always be the case where you're from? On another trip to the Caribbean, a couple of local kids tried to mess with us to no avail. So, it's not all rosey, but I cannot label it unsafe. I'm positive my experience is nothing compared to others. Frankly, if you look like most students, you're not likely to draw the interest of would-be trouble makers. Flashy jewelry, drunken condition, and unlit areas are the usual factors IMO.