How is living in Panama for Americans and Europeans?
824744
I’m mid forties and living in PC Panama for a year now.  Linuxiac is wrong; you can own property in Panama even on a 90 day turista (tourist) visa  (see www.panamaexpertos.com), you just need to exit the country every 89 days to renew your visa or pay a fine.  There is no reason to have an escort in Panama unless you want to walk around on the street with a presidential Rolex or your 4 carat Tiffany platinum ring, but then there are places in the US you won't do that either.  However, I see these items being worn in the Multi Plaza mall here in PC BTW.  There are places where I do no go after dark.  Name me one country in the world where this isn't true.  If I shop in an area where a crime of opportunity may occur I usually try to look like a local as much as possible.  However, my 28 yr old daughter and her family are her and see is a natural light, light blonde.  She will never blend in but dresses in jeans and t shirt for street shopping and we had had no problems.  The difference with crimes of opportunity in Panama verses the US would be you probably aren’t going to loose you life, just your possessions.  Until 2000 American had a large influence in Panama.  We built the roads, water, and most of the intra structure here.   You can drink the water from the faucet in the city, you can plug your blow dryer in without a converter, and you don't have to exchange your money for another currency.\n\nDrew_Tease said to make sure you can secure a job in Panama.  Work visas are extremely difficult to get.  It’s much better to have a steady income that isn’t dependant on making a living in Panama.  One exception may be rental property.  We have off shore income that supports us here.\n\nNow, to answer your question:\n\nQuality of life is good for us, but it truly depends on your personal needs and desires.  I will tell you what I like first. I like having a maid and a driver to run small errands, we also have a part time chef since we entertain a lot.  I love the local culture, the hustle and bustle of the city, the closeness of the mountains and the beaches, taking trips out of the city and exploring the country.  We are extremely health conscience, so the cleaner foods of Panama are a great benefit to us.  Our budget in the US was $6,000 a month. Here with our staff and monthly living expenses we are at $2000.  Our maid is $225, our driver is $400, and our chef is $220 PER MONTH.  You can live very frugally or as extravagantly as you desire.  There is always something going on in the city, fireworks for some occasion, some parade, some event or concert at the convention center, some expat meeting, etc.  There is no reason to be bored and sit at home.\n\nWhat I don’t like:  The traffic in the city when I need to run errands, the constant noise I have from living in the heart of the city, the dirt that blows in from the city even living on the 24th floor.  There is no one-stop shopping in Panama (say good bye to the Wal-Mart Super Centers, they don’t exist here). If you don’t know the language you will tire quickly of trying to make yourself understood.  Driving in Panama is more about reading the other persons face and trying to figure out what they are going to do rather than know the rules.  I smell of sewage from Punta Paitilla.  If rain bothers you there will be six months of almost daily rain.  \n\nBut when I lay every thing in the balance scale the benefits of living here out weight the dislikes substantially.  Even paradise and it is paradise here; has its warts.\n\nI would strong suggest putting your things in storage in the US, renting a small place in the city, try it for six months.  Explore and travel the country, this will tell you if you like and what part of the country you want to live in.
546340
I ran into some interesting perspectives while in Europe.\nMany people in Central Europe referred to America as everything from Canada down to the southern tip of South America.\nAs a Canadian I feel that everything from the Panama/Colombia border north is North America including the Caribbean.
729135
Not just in Panama.\n\nThe USA has a history of leaving its "dirty washing" behind, even in places such as UK which is supposed to be an ALLY.\n\nLook at the Holy Loch in Scotland. Former US submarine base in some of the most remote and scenic countryside in the world.\n\nWhat did the US when it pulled out ?\n\nIt dumped all its contaminted sh*t in the local waters causing millions of dollars worth of damage.\n\nNo wonder US posters on this board are always asking "why does no one like the USA ?".\n\nAnd in response to your question,  "yes - the USA should clean up Panama if they caused the mess".\n\nJust invite an Iranian delegation over and watch the Whitehouse panic !!!
740754
From Miami, Fl, USA to Colon, Panama is 1129 miles (1816 km) (981 nautical miles)\n\nto Panama City, Panama is 1150 miles (1851 km) (1000 nautical miles)
46043
I emigrated from Europe to the U.S. but I lived with an American for a couple of years in the Netherlands, so I know a little bit about the adjustments you gotta make. It really depends on your personality. Do you speak another language besides English? If not, I would recommend England or any of the other isles around it. It'll be very difficult to find a job in a country that has another mother-language than English (which isn't to say that it isn't possible, it'll just be difficult). Culture and all are definitely different in Europe and they are completely different from country to country, so it's very difficult to generalize. \n\nI would recommend taking a vacation over there and checking out a few countries that you're interested in. That way you can also make contacts with folks and possible line up a job. It'll be an experience no matter what.
97062
Heat? no prob. from nov-march or apr. it is tolerable as in sub 90. during the summer everyone leaves the city since it is 125+ and humid.  although every building vehicle is equiped with a/c.  in fact the gcc spec cars have special ac's that are certified to work in these climates.  most of the time is spent in buildings but it is quite nice in the fall till spring time.  it is about 70 today.  im american and ive been very safe.  just don't wear an "america" t-shirt or you might be discriminated but it is very safe.  especially since 80% of the residents are expats.  you can live in dubai as long as you want if you have a job or 2 or 3 months on a tourist visa. personally i would suggest finding a job before you come unless you have connections. it could be difficult to find a job but not for americans inparticualrly.  good luck!!
170012
We as Americans can buy property.That doesn't give us the right to live there. Your helping revenue in Austria.\nYou still can only stay your allotted time as a visitor.If you work there or go to school there,then your time frame there is extended. Austria is freer than Germany etc,.....\nOur American dollar is worth much in Austria and it would be better channeled here in the USA.
105726
Most Americans are very open and friendly.\n\nJust talk to us, and ask us questions. \n\nShare your world, and most of us will be happy to share ours.
1063494
Well here is where the problem lies.  A person living in Argentia is an American.  A person that lives in Mexico is an American.  A person that lives in Canada is an American.  Our country is just united states of the continent North America that we live on.  If I dont get best answer for this Im gonna be mad!
904492
In 6 months you can learn many things about the people and culture of where you go to. Although there are similarities between the UK, US, and Australia there are differences beyond the similarities of language. I live in the US and when I visited the UK there was no language barrier, but there was still a bit of culture shock, although not as much as when I visited European countries. Since I live in the US I know that there are some stereotypes of Americans as not knowing much of the rest of the world and being self centered, and some Americans are like that but they are not the majority. It depends on what your interests are. I can only speak of what I am familiar with, which is the US. If you like big cities with many cultural amenities there is New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. If you like nature, there is Niagara Falls, Yellowstone Park, and the Grand Canyon. When I visited Europe it seemed smaller than I would have thought, so if you visit the US expect cities and attractions to be further apart than you may initially think. My opinion, which is probably biased due to where I live, is that the US has many different areas which can either be appealing or unappealing to people based on their preferences. As to where you should stay if you decide to visit the US, the possibilities are endless due to the diversity of the different cities and states. My personal opinion of the Top 10 places to see in the US would be Boston, New York, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Antonio, Yellowstone Park, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
208807
Using Laura to infer the lifestyle of Lima is like using Jerry Springer to infer the lifestyle of the U.S. \n\nI lived there for three years (2001-2004). The lifestyle depends on your socioeconomic status. If you're poor, most of your time is spend working for little pay and living in fear of crime. If you're middle-class, it gets a bit better. If you're well-off, it's like living in a different country. You work a reasonable amount, buy what you want where you want when you want, and basically live a privileged life.\n\nIn general, to differentiate if from U.S. cities, Lima has terrible traffic, is very disorganized, and is pretty dirty. On the other hand, friends are extremely loyal and everyone knows how to have a good time. Overall, I enjoyed my time there once I got past my initial reflex of looking down on everything I saw as inferior to the U.S. Some things are better, some are worse; it depends on what you value.
180534
yes, for panama, but one main point is\nmake sure you have a full title for your property.\ndo not accept (sorry, its in spanish) "derecho posesorio",loosely translated "right to posses".\n\ncontact me.\npanama,panama
596739
I live in Puerto Rico and it fits the bill almost perfectly.  It's an island in the Caribbean where it is sunny almost every day and the lowest the temperature ever gets is around 70 degrees Farenheit.  Since PR is a "commonwealth" of the United States, you do not need a passport or immigration documents or any such thing.  There are two official languages here: Spanish and English.  Almost everybody speaks Spanish and quite a few people know some English as many PRicans have lived in New York.  There are occassional hurricanes but I've weathered them and as long as you're careful about where you choose to reside (not in a valley where floods can reach you, for instance or not right on the beach) they're no big deal.  There are about 4 million people on the island, which is 100 miles long by about 40 miles wide, but most of them reside in the Metropolitan area near San Juan.  If you don't like big cities, move further away from the metro area and you'll be fine.  There's a tropical rainforest here (El Yunque) and many outdoor opportunities.  Additionally, you're ALWAYS within driving distance of a tropical beach.  Property can be cheap, depending on where you're looking to purchase at and so can the cost of living.  \n\nFR
402709
You don't need a panamanian wife to live there........I tell you that from experience.  Best place to live...province of chiriqui, best village, el valle, best beaches..........the whole country.
207418
Mexico City, Panama City, Monaco
600585
Panama is definitely considered a Central American nation.  Anything below Panama is considered South America.  The country of Panama was once owned by its' South American neighbor of Colombia until the United States helped this territory break away from Colombia for economic reasons that benefited both the US and Panamanians (so we could build the Panama Canal)in the early 1900's.  As for both Turkey and Russia, both these countries are considered (East) European nations but, in fact, do span both continents Europe and Asia.
546623
dude, i live in pa, and let me tell you, it is a nice place.  Crime is low, not too many gangs and crap, although you will run into a lot of hicks.  Generally nice people, pretty friendly, but don't like rich people.