Thread: Is it worth living in Panama?

No takers on this one, so I'll have a go, but bear in mind these are the answers I got from a Chinese Panamanian friend when I asked the question.

I think it depends on your race. Black ex slaves settled in colon, which became high crime, hence black may be associated with crime. Chinese community is large, and seems well integrated and respected.

Bill

Originally Posted by cessy

A sea-view apartment! That is one of my dreams! Is there any racial discrimination in Panama? I often hear in the news that there are some well-migrated countries that still discriminate other races.

Originally Posted by ctsbillc

No takers on this one, so I'll have a go, but bear in mind these are the answers I got from a Chinese Panamanian friend when I asked the question.

I think it depends on your race. Black ex slaves settled in colon, which became high crime, hence black may be associated with crime. Chinese community is large, and seems well integrated and respected.

Bill

In Panama the Chinese community has come a long way but there are yet still any Chinese to hold large political position or have any influence in this country.

My friend's uncle is a retired judge, and owns significant land. That's a fairly high office in my book.

Bill

Originally Posted by ctsbillc

My friend's uncle is a retired judge, and owns significant land. That's a fairly high office in my book.

Bill

Yes but very few CHINESE involved in Panamanian politics or high ranking.

You see a high number of Panamanians with the last name Chong or Choy but they just had 1 chinese relative in their blood line.

However I had a friend that sat in an airplane next to a secretary that knew Warren Buffets brother.

Also in the past Panamanian govt discriminated on Chinese in Panamanistas did it. It all started with Arnulfo Arias and Torrijos. Panamenista are old money good old boys. They even went as far as stripping anyone with chinese ancestry of their citizenship.

Chinese Visa in Panama are very limited they have gotten around it in a corrupt way. The ones that do come in and do it the right way have to put large sums of money.

There are also many stereo types which are false in Panama about chinese. Of course we arent talking about your Hong Kong or Shanghai Chinese population. However most Panamanians know that most chinese that come into Panama come from very poor parts of China.


I mean just look at this news paper cartoon.

I certainly bow to your superior knowledge here.

The family certainly suffered in WW-II when a lot of their land was confiscated - Following the U.S. example for their Japanese citizens - Because as Chinese they looked like Japanese, apparently.

Anyway my friends family are certainly doing very well. My wife, as a first nations Canadian, reports a lack if racism like she has not experienced elsewhere, which I pay a lot of attention to.

Anyway, my first point was that black folks tend to be looked down on by all, because of the high crime rate in Colon. I still think you are better off in Panama as oriental rather than Black, what do you think?

Cheers,
Bill

Originally Posted by ctsbillc

I certainly bow to your superior knowledge here.

The family certainly suffered in WW-II when a lot of their land was confiscated - Following the U.S. example for their Japanese citizens - Because as Chinese they looked like Japanese, apparently.

Anyway my friends family are certainly doing very well. My wife, as a first nations Canadian, reports a lack if racism like she has not experienced elsewhere, which I pay a lot of attention to.

Anyway, my first point was that black folks tend to be looked down on by all, because of the high crime rate in Colon. I still think you are better off in Panama as oriental rather than Black, what do you think?

Cheers,
Bill

Well Chinese do have a lot of money but money doesnt always mean respect. Racism in Panama is blunt but I dont know if some times its racism or if we who come from North America meaning Canada & US are too politically correct.

But yes sadly afro population has always had difficulties no matter where you go in Central, South or North America. I dont think you are better off if you are oriental or black. It just depends on you as a person but I cana tell you this.

If you get a black person thats highly educated competing against an oriental thats highly educated. If they both have the same credentials I think the black person would get the job. Sounds crazy but reason being the black person is looked at more as a Panamanian.

It's a strange world we live in.

I'm not sure any of use are truly free of racism, not all of it is negative, of course. A few years ago I found myself discriminating if favour of a Chinese engineer over a Caucasian one, on the stereotype that Chinese tend to work harder. I mentally slap myself around the head for that one!

Bill

Originally Posted by ctsbillc

It's a strange world we live in.

I'm not sure any of use are truly free of racism, not all of it is negative, of course. A few years ago I found myself discriminating if favour of a Chinese engineer over a Caucasian one, on the stereotype that Chinese tend to work harder. I mentally slap myself around the head for that one!

Bill

Also are good at math and more responsible .


Asian stereo type im not sure if there is such thing as a positive stereo type but usually are positive at least in North America.

In Panama the asian stereo type is they own a small business and have money however lack education. Their kids though usually are well educated.

Originally Posted by whypanama

Hi!
I have been here permanently since Oct. 2005 and love it. I am in the mountains near El Valle. I am 15 minutes from the beaches and El Valle, yet only 1-1/2 hours from PC.

We live very modestly on my husband's social security only. The thing is we own our home and cars. My monthly bills (elec $70, Gas $15, Water $6, Internet $50, DirecTV $50) my car insurance runs about $170/year for liability and homeowners runs $400/year.

We don't have a/c and don't need it. In the evening it is in the low 70's and we don't have the humidity that the coastline gets.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Hello everybody,

Having been reading quite a lot of interesting point of views concerning the subject "living in Panama", I am in the process to fill in my "pensionada" file for Panama.

Mary, I cannot find any "PM" icon in this forum.. I really wish to ask you more needed info as you seems very well integrated in this country as well as so happy for having chosen this country to live in... (sorry, but English is not my first language...).

Hope for an answer of yours,

Agnes2121

Originally Posted by agnes2121

Hello everybody,

Having been reading quite a lot of interesting point of views concerning the subject "living in Panama", I am in the process to fill in my "pensionada" file for Panama.

Mary, I cannot find any "PM" icon in this forum.. I really wish to ask you more needed info as you seems very well integrated in this country as well as so happy for having chosen this country to live in... (sorry, but English is not my first language...).

Hope for an answer of yours,

Agnes2121

To PM someone, click on the poster's username, then click on "private message" from the menu.

Do most of the Chinese speak Spanish fluently?

Originally Posted by Panamanian Offshore

Also are good at math and more responsible .


Asian stereo type im not sure if there is such thing as a positive stereo type but usually are positive at least in North America.

In Panama the asian stereo type is they own a small business and have money however lack education. Their kids though usually are well educated.

Much the same as the Asian stereotype in Europe. Very often their families own an Asian restaurant or takeaway, and that funds their kids through university and into medicine and law.

You can't beat their pensionado visa program.

Originally Posted by roglucas

You can't beat their pensionado visa program.

Yes, this is the basic thing to do!!!... So I have done it already long time ago... What I wanted to know more about was about your real feeling (pros and cons) concerning living in Panama... Is it worth living in Panama rather than living in Costa Rica, for example?

Originally Posted by agnes2121

Yes, this is the basic thing to do!!!... So I have done it already long time ago... What I wanted to know more about was about your real feeling (pros and cons) concerning living in Panama... Is it worth living in Panama rather than living in Costa Rica, for example?

only you can decide that , live in both places for 6 months and that should answer your own question , one persons heaven is another persons hell .

Both have their positives and negatives.

Hi Trixie,
The best way to determine if it is worth living in Panama is to come down here for an extended period. By extended I mean at least 4 months. Live amongst the locals. There are things you must learn such as shopping, driving, communicating (if you don't speak Spanish), banking, making friends etc. I don't recommend the "gringo traps" and I say this with all due respect--Boquete or any of the major complexes that cater to gringos. This will, without a doubt, give you a false or at least slanted view of this great country and it's wonderful people. What seems super to one is a nightmare to another. You must experience it for yourself. If you are not comfortable living here on your own then this becomes a deciding factor. If you feel you must be with "like" individuals you have already answered some of your own questions and then Boquete or a gringo complex is where you should look.. Personally, you will get a much better take on the country if you live like a local.
Some of our reasons were--great climate, low cost of living, the government wants you, the locals are friendly, little to no discrimination, easy life style, easy to become a permanent resident. Having said that--we live on the southern side of the country (Pacific) the north side, in our minds, leaves a lot to be desired. The Caribbean side and the Pacific side are totally different. Different people, attitudes, security, costs etc. The Pacific side is superior! We don't live on the ocean or even at a beach just on the south side of the mountain range towards the border with Costa Rica.
Just my thoughts. My wife and I live and work here on a permanent basis and I am happy to give any info we have. Good luck. Cheers, Jack

That's the best recommendation I've heard in a long time. Just come on down and check it out!

Originally Posted by Panamajack

Hi Trixie,
The best way to determine if it is worth living in Panama is to come down here for an extended period. By extended I mean at least 4 months. Live amongst the locals. There are things you must learn such as shopping, driving, communicating (if you don't speak Spanish), banking, making friends etc. I don't recommend the "gringo traps" and I say this with all due respect--Boquete or any of the major complexes that cater to gringos. This will, without a doubt, give you a false or at least slanted view of this great country and it's wonderful people. What seems super to one is a nightmare to another. You must experience it for yourself. If you are not comfortable living here on your own then this becomes a deciding factor. If you feel you must be with "like" individuals you have already answered some of your own questions and then Boquete or a gringo complex is where you should look.. Personally, you will get a much better take on the country if you live like a local.
Some of our reasons were--great climate, low cost of living, the government wants you, the locals are friendly, little to no discrimination, easy life style, easy to become a permanent resident. Having said that--we live on the southern side of the country (Pacific) the north side, in our minds, leaves a lot to be desired. The Caribbean side and the Pacific side are totally different. Different people, attitudes, security, costs etc. The Pacific side is superior! We don't live on the ocean or even at a beach just on the south side of the mountain range towards the border with Costa Rica.
Just my thoughts. My wife and I live and work here on a permanent basis and I am happy to give any info we have. Good luck. Cheers, Jack

Thank you Panamajack for your very exhaustive personal point of vue. It correspond exactly to my reflection about "how to choose the right place where to live in"... As I have a very large experience of "living abroad" (work and personal living experiences), living for a few months in a place is definitively the best way to figure out how things are really corresponding to my own criteria... That's what I am doing in Costa Rica since several months now... Having been in Panama twice, but for a short period, I have seen some major differences between both countries (higher development, low cost of living, etc... in Panama). Now, I have to find out a short period house or apartment renting which corresponds to my revenue... And this is not really easy... The majority of short renting prices are based on "tourist" portfolio...

Anyway, now that my "pensionada" file has been accepted by the CR authorities, I will share my time between CR and Panama or other countries which I may miss in the mean time... Most importantly is to settle my "principal residency" somewhere...

Cheers,

Agnes2121

Hi everyone.

I have written before, but quite a while ago.

I've now been living in Panama for just over a year.

I was living in Costa Rica for 31 years.

My Partner is Panamanian, and a wonderful women.

Yes there are allot of differences between the two countries, and only

a long stay in each will tell you which one's the best for you.

Rental prices differ between areas and as forigners we are open to abuse.

The best way to rent or purchase is to use a native first to get the price and then

negociate.

If anyone needs asistance with renting or purchasing property, anywhere in Panama

let me know and I can help get you some good prices.

Originally Posted by suncr

Hi everyone.

I have written before, but quite a while ago.

I've now been living in Panama for just over a year.

I was living in Costa Rica for 31 years.

My Partner is Panamanian, and a wonderful women.

Yes there are allot of differences between the two countries, and only

a long stay in each will tell you which one's the best for you.

Rental prices differ between areas and as forigners we are open to abuse.

The best way to rent or purchase is to use a native first to get the price and then

negociate.

If anyone needs asistance with renting or purchasing property, anywhere in Panama

let me know and I can help get you some good prices.

Thanks suncr for all this infos...
I'll keep contact through this forum if any other questions (housing, for ex).
Enjoy your life in Panama with your "wonderful partner" --))

Originally Posted by zog

Much the same as the Asian stereotype in Europe. Very often their families own an Asian restaurant or takeaway, and that funds their kids through university and into medicine and law.

We often refer to people who have Mongolian features as Asian. East Indians are also Asian. How are they faring out in Panama.?

I live in Phuket Thailand which sees a few million tourists per year. I was wondering how my Thai wife and 7 year old daughter would be treated. My daughter speaks English and Thai and is learning Mandarin, so I thought some time in a Spanish speaking country would be good for her. I haven't spoken Spanish for many years, but I did study it in High School and College. I see the Panama Int'l school has accreditation, but are there any other bilingual schools that have good facilities and good teachers?


Any opinions out there if this should be an enjoyable time for the family? Budget isn't really a problem, I just would not want to see my wife being treated in a less than proper way.

Of course we'd come for an extended visit before doing anything drastic, but it's hard to really get a clear idea from a couple of months stay vs. living there.

Are there a lot of younger families with kids, or is Panama like most of Thailand where it's pensioners and retirees?

You must not be in Panama City. The prices I've seen here for apartments are sky high. Where did you find a two bedroom for $60k?

Originally Posted by Michael

Hi gals!

Well said! In my opinion it is definitively worth living in Panama. Be it the country, weather, super low cost of living and high quality of living, the people, the culture, or the fact that you can buy a two bedroom apartment with sea view for around $60,000! Panama is a paradise made in heaven.

In just purchased a two bedroom 4th floor apartment in Campo Lindburgh for $53,000.00
Very good condition, Just one owner from new and still extent from taxes for another 13 years. $30 a month maintainance.
I think it was a good deal. Social area with 2 swimming pools

That does sound like a good deal; however, I'm new in town and have no idea where that is. Is it in PC? I've looked at a few condo rentals in town and the prices are from $1500 to $2500/month. That seems steep to me.

Originally Posted by suncr

In just purchased a two bedroom 4th floor apartment in Campo Lindburgh for $53,000.00
Very good condition, Just one owner from new and still extent from taxes for another 13 years. $30 a month maintainance.
I think it was a good deal. Social area with 2 swimming pools

Hi.

The apt is in Parque del Este very close to the Corredor Sur, and Costa del este.

It's not big, butvit IS for rent.

It has two bderooms, one bathroom, Kitchen, Dinning/loung area and washing area.

Three A/C, a nice view from the balcony.

Rent is $650,

Let me know if you are interested

Thanks

Hey panamaking,
Time to wake up and realize what American gvt is doing behind closed doors. We can all dream about what America WAS but it is not that way anymore. And never will be again. Wish it wasnt so but it is.
If you qualify for a resident visa then you would be wise to get out while you can.
I have no illusions about the future of this Country. It isnt good.
India

How about free medical insurance for the first 30 days of your visit. How about medical procedures 70% less than in the US and US citizens that are coming here to do just that. How about the 20 year property tax exemption and a cost of living that is less than 1/2 than what you are paying in North America.

Yes, this is true Young. My top-notch neurologist cost me $40 for 1 1/2 hours of time with him. They actually care about their patients. Simply amazing...overmedicated? Yep! He told me that too. Most of his american patients are being overmedicated by the time he gets them. Hmmm. Doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.