Corruption? Bribes? Panama Driver Laws for Tourists & Expats

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 95

  • @IGoPanama
    @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Have questions not related to the video? Come over to the I Go Panama facebook group at facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I'll be more than happy to help you out over there!

  • @TombstoneDaDeadman
    @TombstoneDaDeadman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this

  • @bobcole3852
    @bobcole3852 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good tips indeed. You are 100% correctamundo about Q.Roo. Inlaws had a place in Akumal, dealt with some corruption but not as much as you see in Playa del Carmen, as in very little. Once we got to Akumal we usually either walked or used bicycles

  • @carolecozine9768
    @carolecozine9768 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We are here driving, for the first of three weeks to apply for residency. It's funny we have been here two days and you push this video. Thank you.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh, I'm just following you around so I can make timely videos to make your transistion easier. LOL Seriously though, best of luck with your residency, getting your license, and making Panama your home!

  • @franciscusjohannesburger3720
    @franciscusjohannesburger3720 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video !

  • @maryrosa6119
    @maryrosa6119 ปีที่แล้ว

    Alway so right! Thanks

  • @celestinechinonyeokoronkwo8902
    @celestinechinonyeokoronkwo8902 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you ma for the information

  • @markparrish5119
    @markparrish5119 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a question about the tourist visa! I'm coming to Panama in October 2023! I'm staying about 28 days! Do I still need a tourist visa? I'm staying with family who have rented a condo for a year! They will be driving and I'm staying with them! And if a need how much and where will I get it? Love your channel and hope your having a great weekend!

  • @jrgazoo4903
    @jrgazoo4903 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for this

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're so welcome!

  • @robertochu5337
    @robertochu5337 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    cops in panama are general super good and do their work ,when it comes for checkpoints they are most of the time to see if your a suspect or someone they looking for and to avoid other bad people from escaping ,when it comes to bribes well cops from outside the city on Panama are super strict to the law but in the city theres many cops that will take a 20$ bribe for minor things you do but never offer it before he ask you entonces como hacemos or como nos ayudamos and the situation with the paperwork yea cops outside of the city are super nice because they all know each other since are small towns and they normally are you neighbors, but theres sometimes that those cops might tell you they will search your car when they do that make sure your seeing what they doing

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'll never pay a bribe in the city, out of the city, if asked, for something major or somethine minor. I just don't like to reward bad behavior! Good observation about the big city cops vs. the small town cops- that makes a lot of sense!

    • @robertochu5337
      @robertochu5337 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IGoPanama yea never bribe them i dont support that but sadly city cops they usaully very agressive when it comes to like 20$ bribes for the soda you know hahahaha

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      LOL- what is it with Panama and "the soda"!! At the Almirante water taxis to Bocas, we never need our bags carried (because we live here and don't have bags!)- so the guys will always ask us for a soda! Like I carry around a cooler on me full of soda to hand out or something! 😂

    • @aidaelisagonzalez2974
      @aidaelisagonzalez2974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      When they ask you "pa' la soda" it is a polite way to ask you a small tip, as a small that they can only buy a soda

  • @aidaelisagonzalez2974
    @aidaelisagonzalez2974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You may also pay your transit's ticket throuht ATM,s

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Those same kinds of machines where you can recharge your Panapass, etc....?

    • @aidaelisagonzalez2974
      @aidaelisagonzalez2974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@IGoPanama yes, the ones you withdraw money from your bank acvounts, en theintruction are in Spanish, you have to choose the payment option, there are several thing yo pay from a ATM

    • @aidaelisagonzalez2974
      @aidaelisagonzalez2974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You will need a CLAVE debit card to pay

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@aidaelisagonzalez2974 Interesting! That's very efficient and easy! Thanks for sharing that information!

  • @nordicdog
    @nordicdog 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m not a speeder but paid 3 speeding tickets at the side of the road but going forward I believe dark tinted windows may of helped .... Cuba was the same especially varadero to habana....

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would never pay a ticket on the side of the road, but that's just me. We drove from Havana to Vinales to Santiago de Cuba with zero problems. Loved our time in Cuba!

  • @seabreezeof
    @seabreezeof ปีที่แล้ว

    On avaerage, whats the cost of vehicle insurance, is renewal every 6 months or yearly ?

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We pay yearly. ALL of the coverage, bells, and whistles. About $700 a year.

    • @seabreezeof
      @seabreezeof ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IGoPanama Thanks Mary

  • @CapManuel
    @CapManuel 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Need info on renewal

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Please ask at facebook.com/groups/igopanama

  • @roborr6491
    @roborr6491 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a place in Coronado and have a Panama license and both times they took $70 from me but having to deal with the cops for other things I found they were very nice. So what do I think about the cops here, is some are very nice and honest while a few are some what dishonest.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree. Most are honest and nice, but like anywhere, there are some bad apples. They didn't take $70 from you, you gave it to them. Big difference! Don't pay cops cash bribes, or you'll be doing it all of the time because they'll expect it.

  • @MarketManiaCA
    @MarketManiaCA 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you need to be fluent in Spanish to live in Panama as an expat?

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll have a video about that coming out soon! Until then, you can ask questions that aren't related to the video at facebook.com/groups/igopanama

  • @elplata7224
    @elplata7224 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good stuff

  • @vicentebcordoba3266
    @vicentebcordoba3266 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    ***I grew up with a father I know Panamanian motorcycle police transit officer also my stepfather was a police officer captain I see so much things differently; Sincerely Mr.Vinniebc.*** ***🌿🙏🇵🇦🙏🌿***

  • @nordicdog
    @nordicdog 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Went for lunch in Costa Rica and reset it as you say ...too much paperwork to take my car so walked across

  • @onlyinamerica0073
    @onlyinamerica0073 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    hi im u.s citizen and retired im thinking retiring in panama how much its gonna cost me to fix all my paper works to get my residency .cool video very informative thanks

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      For questions not related to the video, please join facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I can help you over there.

  • @HereThereInbetween
    @HereThereInbetween 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great information! Were your interactions with the police in English or Spanish?

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Spanish. We speak a little, and when that isn't working (like at the police station where the conversation was a little more complicated) then the google translate app is a life saver!

  • @odariopeart9840
    @odariopeart9840 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    We have that habit in Jamaica of flashing people if the cops are close by.

  • @smiley32s
    @smiley32s 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I registered and successfully completed an online driver's license course in Panama. I am still waiting to hear from them so that I can go to Sertracen. It was supposed to take two weeks. I'm now in my third week. The virus is probably slowing things down so I need to have patience but I need to get things done.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Call and be persistent!

  • @PhoenixBeI
    @PhoenixBeI 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, as always. Loved the Costco, erm, PriceSmart one.
    Ever since our trip to Spain in 2020, I would recommend people get an international driver's license when traveling. When we got to Spain, the car rental wouldn't give us our car unless we had an international driver's license.
    Last time I was in Panama, I was driving from Colón to a beach nearby. There was a police checkpoint. I presented them with my passport and California DL, and I think the cops were a little stumped by that, and let us go without any incidence. If you have an international license, me thinks that they would be even more stumped by the excess of paperwork, and let you be, lol.

  • @dwayneenpanama6966
    @dwayneenpanama6966 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    No you are wrong. I had a check point tell me there was a false charge on my car and they were going to impound it and i would have to find a way to get home, and i was 5 hours from home. So instead of sitting on the side of the highway, i paid the bribe. Then had to pay to get the false charge off my car and it cost $700 buy the time I was done, but i got to drive home. always pay the bribe instead of dealing with what can be the outcome.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not sure what I'm "wrong" about. I said that there are corrupt police. I said that I would not pay a bribe, but it's up to the individual how they want to handle it. Sorry that happened to you.

  • @321-Gone
    @321-Gone 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    and pull to the side (not in a curve) and just let the tailgater pass. stay calm

  • @KeithCindyPanama
    @KeithCindyPanama 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    In 1996 I was lost driving around Panamà I circled around this block 3 x and passed the same officer on the side walk and he waved me to pull over. I said I spoke little iglish and he said $20 3 x so I paid him and he walked away.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      $20 for what?

    • @KeithCindyPanama
      @KeithCindyPanama 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IGoPanama
      That’s what my wife asked. It was 1996. Ignorance on my part. That was my first time in Panamà

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KeithCindyPanama LOL- yeah, first time here that would be intimidating! Live and learn!

    • @KeithCindyPanama
      @KeithCindyPanama 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IGoPanama
      Thank you.. I would like to ask when you guys left LA did you take any furniture ?? My wife and I are debating weather to get a container or just start over. We listen to your video about vehicles. Thank you for your information and education. We’re in the east cost for now.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KeithCindyPanama All questions not related to the video should be asked over at facebook.com/groups/igopanama

  • @sirhuffnpuff1532
    @sirhuffnpuff1532 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    AWESOME VIDEO! We will be there soon! Are you still doing that video about things to buy in the states and ship over?

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes......it's just gotten pushed further down the list. But it's on there! We actually have another small shipment coming next Saturday and then a big one coming in about another month.

  • @hazelblumberg-mckee4912
    @hazelblumberg-mckee4912 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Extremely helpful video! Thank you so much!

  • @indian.techsupport
    @indian.techsupport 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    dont try bribing the panamanian police if youre not a panamanian, most of them get super pissed, you can drive without a license but only on dirt roads, not on real roads, they will stop you there, and if you have your residents card and arent more than 3 months in panama just dont show them your panamanian id, only your license and your passport, when youre lucky, they dont see the stamp in your passport

  • @caterinac534
    @caterinac534 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, that was great information.

  • @sector7panama460
    @sector7panama460 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    you were lucky with the police because you are from other country not necessary USA but if you were panamanian believe me you will get a ticket ASAP right away via satelite......but sometimes yeahh you find very kind police officer and polite and very decent people in that institution....here in the city is another story..in the country side people are diferent.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've heard that several times- that police in the city are a lot tougher than those in the rural areas. We haven't gotten pulled over in the city yet!

  • @gregoriousgotti5115
    @gregoriousgotti5115 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Don't paid Bribes 🚫.please..

  • @trdriver430
    @trdriver430 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great informative video ma'am. Thanks !

    • @dariob52
      @dariob52 ปีที่แล้ว

      I go panama - you should GO HOME and fix your own country.

  • @pherez5193
    @pherez5193 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video. Do you have any video of residency process?
    Do you have any video of moving items from united state? Thank excelente information.❤️

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, there are many videos about residency. Nothing about shipping items yet, but I'll get around to it someday. :)

  • @peterblanchfield4658
    @peterblanchfield4658 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are awesome Mary, your information is so straight to the point. Good job as always.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!

  • @huMblemTw
    @huMblemTw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you give us a " Rural "Costa Rica vs Panama video from you knowledge & experiences please ?
    Some Good and Bad Points for each ? =]

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      For questions not related to the video, please ask at facebook.com/groups/igopanama

  • @trishengard8388
    @trishengard8388 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Mary, all of this was on my mind and you answered my questions plus going to check out the rest on click down 👍👍👍

  • @darylgault6128
    @darylgault6128 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your a guest... lose the entitlement... follow the rules...

  • @donflavio7477
    @donflavio7477 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    National Police are usually cool and profesional as you described…but the Transit Agents (ATTT) in the City are pure evil, it’s 100 times better to be stoped by a police than by an agent (ATTT scarce in comparison though). Stick to the speed limit, have your paper work in order and you’ll be fine. Also is good to know that foreigners are lucky because the police and people in general will usually try to help (extra mile) since they’re not from here. Be nice and flash your lights when you see a police in the highway hehe.

    • @IGoPanama
      @IGoPanama  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've only seen the ATTT directing traffic around construction areas and sometimes at checkpoints. I haven't had any issues with them, but I don't live in the city. You're the 2nd person to say that in the city it's a little trickier!

    • @dariob52
      @dariob52 ปีที่แล้ว

      The police in panama are absolute pigs. You have no idea the disgusting things they are capable of because you are not a citizen

    • @donflavio7477
      @donflavio7477 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dariob52 Born and raised in Panama mate. Cheers

    • @dariob52
      @dariob52 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@donflavio7477 Thats great. I was born there too. Please tell me why its such a disgusting country. Also please tell me why you have not fixed it. Is it because you benefit from the corruption. Aloha DH

    • @donflavio7477
      @donflavio7477 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dariob52 I wish you the best mate. God bless you and I hope you can get rid of the anger that you have inside. Cheers

  • @franciscusjohannesburger3720
    @franciscusjohannesburger3720 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video !