13 Things You May Not Like About Panama
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- When you read offshore publications about Panama, you’d think the whole country is a “Paradise,” and much of Panama really is a paradise! The distant photos of downtown Panama City look like any first-world metropolis. But walk the streets or drive around the country and you will quickly notice that it is not as developed as the USA, Canada or Europe.
Watch this video to learn 13 things you won’t read about in the sugar-coated publications about moving to Panama. Despite these 13 things, we still think the positives of living in Panama far outweigh the negatives.
Most of the 13 of these things can easily be overcome with careful research and planning, which we provide in our Online Panama Relocation Guide. Good information is key to your success in relocating to Panama.
Since 2010, we've been helping people find their dream life in Panama. We've helped 1000s of people relocate to Panama and can help you too.
The Online Panama Relocation Guide is your step-by-step guide to relocating to Panama. The Online Guide will help you avoid costly mistakes. Learn more at:
panamarelocationtours.com/guide
After 7 years in Panama I can say this is the best and most accurate representation of Panama I have seen. Great job.
Wow, thank you!
Well that's good information. I retire in August 2022, so I've been watching her videos for ideas. Will likely take the tour if still availible.
You forgot the bugs.
I am constantly amazed by the amount and variety of insects down here in Panama. I see new ones I ve neve never seen before every other day.
Chitras, often known as no seeums, are nearly a deal breaker depending on where you are located and their severity.
And you didn't mention the bland cuisine. Culinary delights are quite rare in my experience. Chicken, rice, beans, lettuce and tomatoe salad are usually the normal everyday fare...
The people are satisfied which is fine, but don't expect good or interesting food in most towns
@@jimbolast1313 In what areas are the chitras less? Those nearly are me alive in Iraq until I found locals using olive oil soap with laurel in it. After I started using that soap less bites. Alleppo soap. Check label for palm oil. If it has palm oil pick one with all olive oil. Palm oil one doesn't work as well but manufacturers use it because cheaper.
@@happycook6737 Thanks, I will look for Aleppo soap if that is available anywhere here, especially with the olive oil.
As to your question about chitras, I find in the major cities they don't seem to be as bad ...but in the countryside and the beaches... they can be a real downer.
Their bites are intensely itchy. If you scratch them they become ten times as itchy. If you scratch them again, they are even 10 times itchier than the 10 times itchier that they were before.
You're doing a great service by talking about the realities of living in Panama in a straightforward, factual way, without being overly negative or scary, but not sugarcoating either. Well done!
Thanks for the video. You did an excellent job. My husband and I took Jackie's tour March 2020. We moved here October 2020 to Chitre, Panama. Our neighbors are wonderful. We have hot water. Internet is fast. The food is delicioso; we've added lots more fruit to our diet --papaya, pineapple, plantains, watermelon, bananas, and mangoes. Our neighbor shares fresh produce weekly--peppers, plaintains, bananas, yuca, or limes. He just drops them off to our patio table. Once he gave us half a pumpkin🙂. We have had only two very short power outages. We are currently taking Skype Spanish lessons twice a week. Now, each time we go out we're more confident at restaurants, stores, and talking to neighbors. Everything you talked about is exactly how it is. Also, with the patience one needs , especially at the beginning of moving here, there is EXHILARATION in waking up in such a beautiful place every day!
Roberta, I'm THRILLED that you are so happy living in Panama. It's a special place for sure!
Thanks for sharing.
@@PanamaRelocationTours How about telling people about the hideous murders, rapes and disappearances that this country seems to be fond of. Or the massive cover-ups and corruption that occurs in this hell hole.
My friend even though there are crime in Panamá there are relatively low compared to latin American standards. The corruption even though horrible it is very common in all central and south American society. Concerning the crime rate in Panamá it is common sense not become a victim like, not walking into dangerous red light areas, or walking alone in the dark alone in zone you don' t know. Those simple stuff may keep you off from being a crime victim most of the time, and most important of all chose wisely were to live beside installing security devises as alarms, metal bars in window and doors to protect what is inside...
@@luischch4652
Common sense isn’t so common anymore… ❤
The peace loving atmosphere that you get in Panama, specially in the country side, it's an amazing energy. Because it's still a growing country, the people are very resourceful and always find a solution for everything. Panama has an old fashioned sense of community, but with a progressive modern flare. But no matter what, one thing it's for certain, it will never loose it's unique charm.
Well stated!
"I love the rain, it washes memories off the sidewalk of life." ---Woody Allen.
I advise to make multiple trips to Panama before moving for good... Many expats leave after an amount of time... Try a condo resort then maybe boquette or coronado... Pedasi is nice... What is nice for me may horrible for you... Plan trips to stay in area for a week as an example... Meet as many Panamanians as possible... Panama is unique there are thousand of Panamanians who migrated to the United states for University and work... Now these same Panamanians have retired and moved back to Panama.. They have a good understanding of what people from the States are used to and can provide a bridge on how to adapt to Panama... fyi hot water adapters can be installed... Hire a lawyer they will do the paperwork for cars, license and housing... If your not good with learning languages pick a place like Clayton or Brisas Norte... Lastly the best Hospitals are in Panama City area...
Thank you!!
Things like this video are what we need to see. We're pretty flexible in most things. We can plan, prepare, and accommodate but aren't made of money so want to avoid making expensive mistakes.
100% agree and thumbs up!
Pretty much everything what you said could apply to most Countries in the Caribbean.
The entire developing world.
I have lived in Panama for about 5 years. Everything you said is completely correct! I'm a Cuban American, I have lived in the USA all my life.
The greatest choice I have made is moving there. The drawbacks are true. I have experienced them all. But the pros are fabulous!!!
The PROS far outweigh the cons of living in Panama.
As an expat with 10 years in Panama I find your information extremely useful and forthright. We moved here in early retirement mainly to enjoy nature as birdwatchers. And the climate in the mountains is year around comfortable. Always 65-85 degrees. We live in Los Altos de Cerro Azul which is often overlooked. The humidity is higher here than elsewhere and takes getting used to. The house requires more maintenance as a result, for example. Thanks for the video and kudos to your first-rate presenter. You could put her in a more pleasing location. ;)
Glad you liked the video. I think a nice house plant would look good in the video too.
Yeah, perhaps Panama Relocation Tours should do a video on Cerro Azul. They make a lot about Boquete but I believe that Cerro Azul should at least get one video as an honourable mention. ;-) There are some beautiful spots there and the weather is very pleasant.
As a long-time pensionado resident of Bocas del Toro, on Isle Bastimentos, I would like to add my two cents. If you want to live like and American urban Karen, don't bother coming here. Just continue to pay your outrageous taxes and heed regulation after regulation, zoning, codes etc.
If you are creative, build your own house with solar, gravity fed rainwater, propane (cheap) and local groceries.
Bocastown even has wheelchair ramps on the sidewalks.
This area is a bit primitive to all but the most hardy ex-pats, BUT, I will never return to the cluttered life retired in the U.S.
Now I'm going to slice open my locally grown papaya for dessert. Saludos!
Don't need no wheel chairs. Ain't no cripple, that's why.
ok will do!
Wow, somebody sounds disgruntled! I like the way he said creative , what he really meant was him being creative
@@2Rugrats9597 Disgruntled? Not at all. I enjoy "creative" alternatives to the life corporate "big business" forced on us.
Telling it like it is. We knew only some of these things before we moved here ten years ago, but we have well-developed senses of humor and most things we can get through with a shrug and a laugh and the acknowledgement, "Well, it IS Panama!"
Lived there for a year and a half. 1. Great cell service, way better than in many parts of the US, 2. Crazy traffic in and around Panama City; 3. The loudest thunder you've ever experienced; 4. Panama City ( at least as recent as 10 years ago) had zero sewage treatment, a treatment system is under construction but it will be a while before you'd want to stick your toe in the Bay of Panama 5. Lots of interesting things to see and do, if you go, get out of PC and head to the small cities and towns, very nice people there and less hustle and bustle than PC.
Panama sounds like my kind of place.
Yep, unreliable water and unreliable internet.
@@peaceonearth8693 well, i have a good internet connection
I lived in Panama from 1971-75 when the U. S. controlled the Canal. We had the same realities then as you have now, except of course, the internet. It was a wonderful experience despite all the realities.
The hot water inconvenience is typical of most countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, she should have also informed you that most middle class households, upper class, and condominiums have installed "water heaters" which take care of that inconvenience. Believe me, nobody, unless you're poor, takes cold showers. How do I know? Because I grew up in the Caribbean 60's, 70's, 80's (yes, that long ago) and we had water heaters. Also, there are water pumps and external "cisternas" (a built in inground tank) that can be filled in with water, delivered by a truck, so you always have a secured water supply. That is how it used to be 50 years ago in the capital, single residential homes in good neighborhoods. Nowadyas, you won't face those problems if you move into a modern condominium, apartment building or good residential area in the city. This scenario doesn't apply in rural and remote areas unless you rent or purchase a modern constructed house/apt, catering to a more sophisticated market. But in general, there are ready solutions for those inconveniences, and people install whatever is needed and move on to live a relaxed and happy life for a fraction of the cost and stress in USA.
Great Comments and Information about Panama Thanks Catherine Jackson 😊
Thanks for watching!
Been wondering about the earthquake scene. Thanks for putting that in perspective!
My fiance is Panamanian and I am considering relocation to Panama. She already told me all the things you talked about in your video exactly as you described them. Well done!
Come check out what an amazing place Panama is
I go to Panama every few months to visit.
Home is what you make it. I can easily find 13 things I don't like about where I live. Well traveled individuals generally won't have issues with your list if they decide to live there. Thanks for the candid view of your country.
14 things where I live! :-)
Loving the videos on this channel. Always packed with information that is useful and ethical. I love getting both sides of the story.
Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos! Most to come!
You made me rethink about going over there.
This is so helpful! Prior to your video, I had learned almost none of these considerations (despite a ton of reading and watching videos). Thank you so much!
Those international publications don't talk about the REAL Panama.
Hello Mindy How are you doing ? I am Dave Hodges from Los Angeles live in Texas . Hope will can be friends ?
Isn't TH-cam wonderful? I've learned so much on it because ordinary people volunteer their time and expertise.
Thanks a lot for your video. The way you described Panama reminds me of life in Indonesia in the 1950s. I am planning to move because I want to start a counseling ministry there, but the finances is still being worked on. All I need is a l bdr. apartment and I'm by myself at 77 years. People here say I'm a crazy old woman and I should just become a pouch potato at that age. Not me! As soon as I'm settled in I'll start writing my third book. Anyways, I really appreciate your honesty. God bless you!
Betsy.
I have never considered retiring to Panama until now. I liked AND subscribed.
At 57 with 23 yrs at the bank it time to starting making some plans. Thanks again.
Welcome aboard!
Thank you so much for sharing all this. It does make me stop and think, am I truly ready to leave the U.S. Appreciate you
The best way to know if you are ready is to go visit other places to see if you like them more than where you are. You might be surprised!!
We would love to see some videos where you show more of the countryside and locations. Maybe some clips from the tour or highlight a different town each week with a glimpse of real life and some special spots. We purchased the online guide and it is truly packed with amazing information. Thanks for all you do!!
When we do video interviews of people who moved to Panama, we also show video and drone shots of the towns where they live. Check out our other videos.. you'll love it!
Hello Marianna,
I really appreciate your information. Your family is providing a great service to folks like myself biting our time to move, so thank you.
Keep smiling and keep the videos coming.
You are so welcome!
I have listened to so many of the Saturday calls, I feel like I know Panama up close and personal. I am excited to come and visit. Oh, the information was very helpful.
Wow, just loved your video, kind, informative, realistic and inspiring. In my heart I believe that Panama is the best place for us.Thinking of taking the tour early in 2025 for my 61st birthday and start planning our escape from the USA. Financial freedom and beautiful place is the key. Continued success and I am so looking forward to boots on the ground as Jackie says… Regards John
Good info. Much appreciated.
Great job! I loved your honesty as well as your smile! 😃 Having moved here less than three months ago, there have been surprises, like breaking my ankle on the 6th day. Wheel chairs are a major hassle, but the people are extremely helpful and the medical care has been wonderful.
Can you please tell us about the measures now: masks wearing and lockdowns, closing of restaurants, etc.
Thank you for a realistic description of what to expect. You did a fantastic job without any of the fluff. Definitely helps in narrowing down my choices of where to retire.
One of the best commentaries on the subject matter.
Very good presentation. The points are important things to be aware of.
A million thanks for your information. You highlighted things I had not considered but I was delighted to get a better understanding of life in Panama.
GREAT video! Thanks very much.
This was really helpful. Panama has changed so much since I lived there in the mid 80’s.
Thank you so much for your straightforward discussion. I’ve visited Panama a few times. We are really looking forward to our tour in June.
This is THE best and most important video on what Panama is really like. I was critiquing the fact that there's a tendency to present the country as idyllic. It is absolutely not! I was born in the former Canal Zone, so I know Panama well. It's hot, humid, dirty, and lacking massively in infrastructure. The power outages, no hot water, all the things you mentioned indeed occur and often. That said, it does have amazing flora and fauna, wonderful produce, cheap healthcare but of excellent quality, the people are wonderful.The weather is better and the towns are cleaner in the interior such as El Valle, Coronado, CERRO AZUL, etc. So THANK you for an honest representation of this place! Wishing you and Panama Relocation Tours continued success!
You're very welcome. No rose colored glasses version here! There are pros and cons about living in Panama. But the PROS far outweigh the cons.
Very useful and appreciated information. I'm glad that it is not sugar-coated and my plans have not changed. I still plan to make the jump to living in Panama. As an archaeologist, I feel being in Panama will put me closer to the areas where I can volunteer my expertise and that is what I strive for. So, thank you for the info and I'll be seeing you sooner than you think. :)
These brutally honest updates are GOOOOLD. Plus it is nice to see the new people here and figure out who they are LOL
This was excellent. Thanks so much!
Mosquito management was my only concern. Thxs for your accuracy, Panama rocks. Happy New Year from frosty Chicago. 😎🍸
Another wonderful video, Mariana! Thank you for continuing to bring us extremely valuable food for thought.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this accurate, useful information !! Well done !!
Great information. Some of the challenges such as water pressure, hot water, and internet remind me of things I encountered when I visited parts of the Philippines. It nice to have information like this so one goes into a new adventure with eyes wide open.
Thank you for your honest opinion
Andy.
Toronto 🇨🇦
Good information. Thank you.
Honest information. So glad I found this video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for you honesty,good info to have.
Very valid points to be aware of! I'm looking forward to visiting! Happy New Year 🎉
Happy new year!
Excellent dose of reality! Thank you!
You bet!
really useful! thanks!
Great presentation! Nearly everything you say about Panama is true in every country throughout the developing world. I am an American living in southeast asia and have spent considerable time in most of the countries around here, and what you say is true everywhere here, except the earthquakes! Except maybe on some of the volcanic islands! Panama may be next! See you there.
Nice video and thanks for sharing!
Yep we're in. Moving there as soon as our youngest graduates HS. I can't wait.
Great info!!! Thank u so much
Excellent info, thanks
Thanks for the info! Sounds great
Thanks for watching!
Great information! Thank you
Thank you for the great info on day to day living in Panama. This kind of info online is much appreciated, and thanks for your excellent presentation!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing , it's great to know the realities of living in a country !
Fantastic video. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this video! Can't wait to go there again!!
Our pleasure!
Thanks for your different and honest opinion about the situation of living in Panama I really appreciate it!
Great info, thanks for being so honest.
Thanks for this!
Growing up in Panama, which is hot, the only place where hot water is supposed to come out of the faucet is in the shower... hot water anywhere else in the household would make a Panamanian frown, since we have no cold winters here...the other things that you mention I agree for the most part.
Videos like this are perfect, so people won't get a false idea of what reality is in Panama... the country is ahead of its neighbors as far as infrastructure, but, there is still lots of room for improvement... good show!
We like to tell people the good, bad and the ugly so they can make an intelligent decision about relocating to Panama.. or not.
@@PanamaRelocationTours Does hot water come out of the kitchen sink and bathroom sink?
@@CoraBlu080605 you can put a small instant hot water heater in if you want. hot water from those places. But it is something to be aware of if you are renting or buying
@@kenmcclow8963 Thank you. My hubby and I will be moving there in a few years and these little info hits are important.
Awesome video. Extremely helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great recommendations. Thanks for sharing. Good to know.
Thanks for watching!
Loved this tour!! Will never forget the big football player get all emotional when the sloth at the rescue put his arms around him for a big hug!! Enjoyable and educational tour.
excellent job, that was very informative Thank You !!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the information.
Been considering Panama for a few years, done mountains of research, watched hundreds of videos and testimonies but the info you imparted was very eye opening and I greatly appreciate your candor. I am not dissuaded from relocating there but as the old saying goes, “fore warned is fore armed”. You shared some very significant data about living there. Oh yeah, I would not think for a second about partnering with anyone else but your Mother-In-Law. Jackie is a treasure and will be my very first step when ready. Just waiting for the Covid crap to subside. Best wishes and many thanks. Great job on the vid by the way. I see a future in broadcasting. LOL
We're so glad you liked the video!!
Gr8 info. Clarified several really important things for me.
Glad it was helpful!
Very useful to manage expectations. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for posting!
You're welcome
Appreciate the honesty and painting the picture of Panama with reality colors !! I enjoy all your videos and email and lastly Richard Dietrich’s book. Thank you !
Glad you like them!
What book?
Wow great information! Since I am already planning on moving to Panama. You tips were awesome! Living in a different always takes some adjustment.
it will take some adjustments but you'll find that you can LIVE BETTER in Panama!
Thanks. Very useful real information.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful
Very useful tips Mariana. You presented the good, the bad, and the ugly of living in Panama. Well done!
GREAT information!!
Very helpful. I expected some of these things, and am glad you are honest about living there.
Of ALL the videos I've watched this video is #1 on my list. Nothing is all peaches and cream and Maryana chose a great subject for her first video. Thanks for the reality check and great video to match your words of wisdom.
We're so glad you liked the video
This is the most useful and informative video on Panama that I have watched. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the info, everything well explained ..
Glad it was helpful!
Great information be there this month !
Thank you for this video. Very informative!
You are so welcome!
just the best moving to panama u tube post ever . Both pro and con thank you
I think that was a great job very informative and we appreciate it
Thanks keep them coming.
Will do!
This is very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for watching
Great job thanks !
Helpful decision points. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Very nice video! Thanks!!
I don’t have hot water in Thailand, but it’s not a problem because it’s never cold there. The cold shower wakes you up more
I learned those things during my Panama Relocation Tour. 😊
Very informative and helpful.
Glad to hear that!
Great info!!! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!