A Few Things You Need to Know About
Regardless of your level of expat experience, you’re bound to face culture shock even in this land that has captivated your imagination with its pristine forests, modern infrastructure, and high-quality, affordable health care. Please note that the list will continue in our following issues. Worry not, however, as the benefits of living in Panama far outweigh the country’s “rarities”.
It’s a country of stark contrasts
Many visitors and newly arrived expats may find it bewildering to walk or drive between totally different “worlds” within minutes or even seconds. Fortunately, they will be surprised and relieved to know that, despite the contrasts, Panama is one of the most socially stable and peaceful countries in Latin America.
Photos: VALLENARD EDITORES
Oh, the quirks of everyday life!
Although we love boasting about how modern and trendy we are compared to our neighbors, we still hold on to several superstitions that could shock you as you interact with us daily. Two of the most popular ones are the so-called “Evil Eye” and “El Sereno” –the latter of which is an ancient belief, perhaps rooted in pre-contemporary theories about the origins of malaria—that pinpoints the air of the night as a cause of disease. On another note, we cannot deny our laid-back nature vis-à-vis the global north.
Photos: Shutterstock
You’ll need to get used to having different “pets”
Depending on where you choose to live, we recommend you get used to running into different types of furry friends in your garden, such as the white-nosed coati, which can be found in abundance in suburban areas. The same advice applies as you encounter our monkeys, “ñeques”, iguanas, and home geckos, the latter of which you will not escape from. Worry not, as they are completely inoffensive, although their occasional chirping could freak you out the first time you hear it, especially if that occurs at night.
Photos: VALLENARD EDITORES/Shutterstock.
We are more tolerant of noise and our interpersonal space is relatively small
As proud Latinos, we often speak louder than our northern brethren and exhibit a higher tolerance to noise. These facts, combined with our relatively small interpersonal space, expressiveness, and fondness for physical contact in conversation, could potentially lead to misunderstandings.
Photos: VALLENARD EDITORES.
No, we’re not all bilingual
Despite Panama’s reputation as an international business powerhouse, aside from those in the middle and upper classes, our competencies in the English language are relatively weak –a shocking reality newcomers will face when interacting with the average store clerk or waiter. More on this elsewhere in this issue.
How about a hot, rainy Christmas?
Although this photo was taken sometime during April and November –the normal span of our green months—the extension of the rainy season well into December is certainly not uncommon in the lowlands. Many expats, despite all their prior research on the local climate, sometimes forget there’s no layering of clothes for most Panamanians this time of the year. Good thing we have the much cooler highlands, where the “spring/fall” experience lasts all year, by the way.
Recycling is still in its infancy
…A fact that cannot be sugarcoated nor swept under the rug. Does this mean that we’re comfortable with this situation, or that every part of the country experiences the issue in an even manner? The answer is certainly not!
Photos: VALLENARD EDITORES.