Panama
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Panama?
We asked people in Panama if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Panamanians are very tranquilo people and willing to help. If you are politely sincere, they will overlook any faux pas. However, don't mistake kindness for weakness. Panamanians are also tough. If you approach them as a superior jerk, you will get the jerk treatment. One of the things I love most about Panamanians is their insightful sense of humor. It is quite sophisticated. My Spanish is not good, but our joint sense of humor supersedes all language barriers. Just be good and relaxed," commented one expat who made the move to Panama.
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Get Quotes
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.
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.
Get Quotes
"Giving our housekeeper and gardener a raise caused quite a stir amongst the neighbors. Inviting the "help" into the house and sharing the mid day meal was also considered a no-no. Having never had any sort of hired help, I didn't know the general practice of either not feeding or giving a sandwich to them to be eaten outdoors or in the garage. For the record, I still have lunch with them, cook some of their favorite American dishes and really enjoy their company. They help me with my "Spanglish" and I help them with their English," remarked another expat in Altos del Maria, Panama.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Panama?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Panama?
- Will I be able to find a job in Panama?
- What is life like in Panama?
- What do expats in Panama appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Panama?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Panama accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Panama like?
- What are healthcare services like in Panama?
- What are medical services in Panama like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Panama?
- What are emergency services like in Panama?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Panama?
- How are local medical facilities in Panama?
- As a foreigner living in Panama, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Panama?
If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
