Thread: Do you bring a laptop to Panama?

Do you bring a laptop to Panama? Why or why not? Are you afraid it would get stolen?

Of course I would bring my laptop to Panama (I always do)... I can't think of any reason not to.

The reason would be because you are afraid of it being stolen, but that's not a good reason, because there is just as much a chance it would get stolen in Panama as anywhere else.

Having a laptop in Panama is almost a must. If you plan to travel allot the more compact the better.

Absolutely bring a laptop! And as everyone else has remarked, I am about as afraid to be robbed in Panama as I am in most other countries. Panama is a heck of lot safer than several American cities--and no one complains about bringing a laptop there!

Cheers.

Yes i would definitely have to take my laptop. I cannot live without speaking to friends, making money and finding out what is going on around the world. I also agree with other users that are saying that Panama is just as safe if not safer to take a laptop than most other cities around the world. I know if people brought their laptops with them in my city, in some areas, that laptop would be took at knife or even gun point. The streets and cities are getting much more dangerous and i doubt Panama would be that bad.

You have to be smart when carrying valuables. Don't leave your valuables out in the open and unattended. If you are not going to be around them, then make sure they are locked up, and preferably out of sight.

You should not worry about carrying your laptop. Just keep it with you always. Just like in the states. My wife is from Panama, so we travel down there alot. We will be calling Panama home in 2011.

I think thats its fine with me unless that Panama country or that airport administration not allow us to bring that laptop to Panama. If yes, its a sad story for me if i come to this country.

Originally Posted by titaniumhijau

I think that its fine with me unless...Panama or the airport administration [does] not allow us to bring that laptop [into the country.] If yes, [then] its a sad story for me if I come to [visit.]

Unless you are packing explosives or drugs in your laptop, I can't imagine why they wouldn't let it enter the country. While many countries levy import duties on items brought in by their citizens upon their return home (consumer electronics, jewelry, fur coats, etc.)--if you are just visiting Panama, you are able to bring in any legal possession.

Cheers.

I didn't know you had to pay import duties as a citizen. I guess sometimes I bought something and brought it back I was probably supposed to report it.

Originally Posted by expatplayer

I didn't know you had to pay import duties as a citizen. I guess sometimes I bought something and brought it back I was probably supposed to report it.

Like with most things, rules differ from country to country, and with regard to which items carry a duty.
For instance, remember all those 'duty-free' stores the last time you traveled? They carry what you can take in w/o paying the tax (duty)--any more than allowed and you have to pay the fee.
Some items over a certain dollar amount, or specific quantity of the item (like alcohol or cigarettes) should be reported, and the taxes paid--and if the excess items are found in customs, you'll have to pay a fine as well.

Duty-free shop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cheers.

I guess it may be wiser to drink the duty-free alcohol before getting back to shore.

Originally Posted by seashore

I guess it may be wiser to drink the duty-free alcohol before getting back to shore.

That's just it--you can't. Your purchases are wrapped up/boxed and taped up tightly with the receipt clearly visible so that it can be examined by customs officials--you are not allowed to carry loose bottles around! And upon arrival in the states, you have to put those bottles back in your luggage if you have a connecting flight somewhere, as U.S. law stipulates that no loose bottles are allowed in the cabin (that they need to be the only ones to control the flow of alcohol--which is a very good idea.)

I guess I'm just wondering why few have been to duty-free if this is a site about travel to Panama; indeed travel anywhere outside your home country, since duty-free is ubiquitous in international air terminals.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Lalaguayaba

Unless you are packing explosives or drugs in your laptop, I can't imagine why they wouldn't let it enter the country. While many countries levy import duties on items brought in by their citizens upon their return home (consumer electronics, jewelry, fur coats, etc.)--if you are just visiting Panama, you are able to bring in any legal possession.

Cheers.

Of course i can. I just said if in case its happen and at the same time looks like that police looking someone who stealing or bring drugs to panama airport. Who know right what happen that time?

Originally Posted by titaniumhijau

Of course I can. I just said if in case [this] happen[s] and at the same time looks like that police [are] looking [for] someone who [is] stealing or bring[ing] drugs to the Panama airport. Who know[s] [what will] happen that time?

Of course you can what? Worry that you'll be mistaken for a drug-smuggler? Sure, you can worry, but why? That's why there are x-ray machines and drug-sniffing dogs. You are not going to be unjustly imprisoned for bringing in a personal computer--Panama is not a police state.

We are talking about Panamanian citizens bringing laptops purchased elsewhere into the country having to pay an import tax. Not smuggling or anything else illegal, and I'm sorry that you got the incorrect impression.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Lalaguayaba

Of course you can what? Worry that you'll be mistaken for a drug-smuggler? Sure, you can worry, but why? That's why there are x-ray machines and drug-sniffing dogs. You are not going to be unjustly imprisoned for bringing in a personal computer--Panama is not a police state.

We are talking about Panamanian citizens bringing laptops purchased elsewhere into the country having to pay an import tax. Not smuggling or anything else illegal, and I'm sorry that you got the incorrect impression.

Cheers.

I know about that. I just said IF. Anyway. I know its fine to bring any laptop to any country including Panama..

I wonder how many people do get detained over false charges. Surely some innocent people must be mistaken as drug smugglers.

Sure, ppl are mistaken, but not usually in a country like Panama--the U.S. presence has helped shape up the travel infrastructure in terms of security; you are just not likely to be blamed for something you didn't do if you carry a 1st world passport.

Its not like traveling through Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, etc. where airport security is something like cheesecloth and you can 'regalo' =$20 bill your way out of problems. Need a yellow fever stamp for Brazil? $25!

Cheers.

I agree with Lala , I could not live without my laptop connected to the internet. I'm not afraid of me being hijacked as you may get stolen in every part of the world

Not much to worry about unless you are walking around the "Barrio" at nite waving it in the air. I couldnt imagine having to take manual notes the whole time I am here, it is kinda a necessity to get things accomplished.

If you leave it at home, someone could steal it while you are away?

Originally Posted by panamapal

If you leave it at home, someone could steal it while you are away?

Do you lock your home? Do you have your lights on a timer? Have a neighbor pick up your mail? Are you completely and utterly paranoid?

For me, I feel the chances of my home being broken into are about the same as being held up on the street; just not that high as long as I take the basic precautions of knowing where I am and not wearing a lot of obnoxious, expensive jewelry.

Cheers.

well if you're staying at hotel i don't think you should worry about your laptop. bring it there... it helps you a lot, especially if your hotel has wireless internet this is not Irak... this is Panama

Ya, I carry laptop on my trip to Panama or any other vacation. Photography is my passion, I love to capture every beautiful moment in my cam and then transfer it to my laptop. Also, it helps us to stay connected with the world, to get any information.

I would carry a laptop as well as I and most others would find it useful to have it around and just try not to be careless of losing it.