Panama Expat Forum

davisodb
Joined 2014
Posts: 12

9 years ago

My recent trip to Panama conclusion

9 years ago

The rest of the journey was a slog. A planned two nights in Coronado Beach turned into one as I was so pissed off that I couldn’t get into the private beach but had to taxi the long way around. Once at the beach, I was afraid a taxi might not come by and it was way too far to walk so we just took the same taxi back.

We went back to PC and changed our flight plans flying out on Friday instead of the following Tuesday. American Airlines raped us on this change.
Before I forget, American dollars are not only accepted everywhere, they are the only currency--Panama has no local currency apart from coins that are synonymous with our dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny coins.

My Conclusions, and I stress mine alone for it is obvious there will be those who disagree and they are not wrong for doing so:
Panama is not for me and my wife though it certainly may be for others thinking of retirement there (I assume those who have retired there are mostly pleased with their choice); I make no judgements here, it is simply a matter of preference.
The language barrier is too great for my wife, English is her second language, she is reluctant to learn a third. A second reason is very intangible and perhaps only a matter of perception. It just feels boring in Panama yet I must confess, what do I do in America that can’t be done in Panama other than visit current friends? Expats are best answering this as they are living through it. I noticed that expats, other than those living in Boquete where many expats live, seem starved for conversation with fellow Americans or Canadians. I understand this feeling as it is what I experienced when I lived in the Philippines.
The slow pace in Panama is maddening because I am always in a hurry. Service is slow in restaurants and they make too many mistakes with your order, even if you point to the picture on the menu (when ready to leave, ask for the bill or you’ll be there forever). I am not trying to duplicate in Panama what I have available in America, only attempting to decide if the lifestyle changes are something I am willing to accept.
Because it has been mentioned in other posts, I’ll just say that I did find the litter problem huge, but not as bad as I was anticipating (I’ve been to other third world nations). In PC, the side walks ARE very broken up, uneven, or there are other obstacles in the way, at least in the down town busy section where I stayed.
Finally, Panama IS a third world nation and one needs to get used to the occasional whiff of raw sewage (less so in Boquete) and just a general atmosphere of minor uncleanliness. The country does feel safe though around the Casco Viejo it seemed real edgy, bordering on Brazilian Favela type atmosphere.
I’m sure I’ll think of more but I hope this helps those thinking of either vacationing or retiring in Panama. I would add that I believe the standard of living will only improve there, driving up prices, but making it much nicer to live and visit.

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