Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Penenome, Panama
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Penenome
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
before.. business dealings so I knew what to expect
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?
Took classes in Spanish but not fluent.
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
Yes
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Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
Frustrating even though I knew what to expect but not to this extent.
Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?
Going through unecessary red tape on just about everything
What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.
Frustration due to lack of customer service. Panama is at least 20-30 years behind developed countries. It seems to have grown too fast and services can not keep up to speed.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Beauty of the country-cost of living
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Not being able to find everyday conveniences I am used to.
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Be well prepared to hold your anger in check.
Additional Information:
- Panama Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- Real Estate in Panama
- Guide to Real Estate in Panama
- Pros & Cons of Living in Panama
- Cost of Living in Panama
- Getting a Driver's License in Panama
- Costa Rica vs. Panama
- 15 Best Places to Live in Panama
- Panama vs. Mexico
- 2024 Guide to Living in Panama
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama