I was in Panama city just a few months ago, I live in Buenos Aires and I am from Chicago. Panama city reminded me of the USA in many ways but with a feel of Central America. Heavy English speaking population because the USA basically occupied there, because of the Canal until the 90's. It is a crowded place once out and about. Traffic is heavy, long lines but the people are nice.
On the very crowded bus, the people (who get seats) actually take your bags to hold them on their lap, so you are able to hold on, while making more space during the ride. Strong sense of community.
But I would think hard about one thing....are a strong lady?? it's a tough place. I am a woman from Chicago and I loved it, but I have also been to a lot of places. It's not the place for a gal who isn't independent with a lot of courage. If you are that type of gal, I would highly recommend the experience. You are close to the Caribbean and many beautiful places. It would be a year that you would never forget. Suerte!!
Panama IS a nice, safe place to live and you will enjoy a wide diversity of things to do while in Panama.
Your not speaking Spanish is not a big deal. Of course, things will go smoother for you if you know some simple phrases. I'm guessing you need only learn about ten things to get by.
Learn "How much is this?"
"Do you have this?" (hold up the empty box/bottle)
"Do you have someone here who speaks English?"
YOU MUST LEARN THE ALPHABET AND LEARN TO PRONOUNCE WORDS IN SPANISH. You say them with English pronunciation and they can't figure what you're saying. e.g. "sin" means Without. But you have to say it correctly: "seen". So I order a hamburger "seen mayonesa. My gringo buddy does and he pronounces it like something you shouldn't do and they look at him like he just got down from the mother ship.
Google has a translation site. Put in the phrases you want to learn, print the translations, learn those and you're in.
There are more English speakers here than in any other Central American country. My wife works for an American company that has an office here and everyone in the office speaks English. Get the cell phone number of someone in your office who you can call if nothing else works and you won't have any trouble.
Panamanians center their social life around their family. Family comes first, e.g. New Years Eve, they stay at home with the family until the clock strikes 12 and THEN they go out to party.
Panamanians are very polite. They say, "Buenas", when they walk in the room at the doctor's office or an elevator. They say, "...con permiso" when they want to get by, and "disculpae" if they accidentally bump into you. The people are warm, friendly, and honest. You do not have to worry about a taxi driver not taking you to where you want to go, They will even do a "U" turn to put you at the front door of the address you have requested.
The "club scene" involves dinner and dancing to Salsa and Meringue music (same step, different tempo). If you're in a group of friends most of them will speak English, all the "professionals" do and the upper classes who have had the money to attend schools in English.
On weekends city folks go to "the interior". That is any place NOT in Panama City. They go to the beach a lot, mostly to socialize. But if you are an out doors lady, you will enjoy a lot of activities here, zip lines, hiking, boating, etc. Cheering Panama's sports teams (doing that will garner points). Baseball is big here because they learned it from Americans.
When you go to the super market, you will see mostly American products (even Beer and Wine). The prices will be a bit higher due to added transportation costs. Or you can buy local brands and save a few bucks.
If you like seafood, it is big here. We have two oceans and a big fresh water lake. Beef is very tough. Chicken and pork are the biggest foods and the tropical fruits are awesome.
They use American currency mixed with Panamanian coins, the same size and value as that in the USA. They do have a new one dollar coin but everything else is the same.
Panama is the safest city in Latin America. I used to go to a club and walk home at 2:30 and never had a problem. I couldn't do that anywhere else.
I know you will enjoy your stay here. You are welcome to send me an email for more info if you want.
I was just in Panama City a few weeks ago.
I don't suggest it..., it's humid, the people were really mean, and trust me you're going to want to know spanish it'll make everything so much easier. Panama is dangerous and they've had recent unrest so I don't suggest walking at night in the streets by yourself
I am a single female in my mid 20's from the USA.
I have been offered a job in Panama City for 1 year.
I would like to know if this is a nice place to live and if I will find enough exciting things to do there on weekends etc.
I know that this is not a big capitol like Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, etc so I am not assuming that these are comporable places.
What I would like to know is: what is the social life like there, will it be easy to make local friends that speak English, is it safe, etc.
Thanks
