What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Panama. They wrote...
"Culture....hhmmmm. Disinterested sales personnel who seem to resent being at their post. Bright colors are welcome and plentyful. Another challenge is the general physical size of the locals...as it relates to finding clothing that fits. If you are female and larger than a size 8, good luck finding undergarments. For my husband and his size 12 narrow foot, murder finding shoes," said a member in Altos del Maria, Panama.
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"The difference in attitude regarding such things as appointment times - even if you agree to meet at a specific day and time, if a Panamanian has a family event, another appointment or just decides not to come, they may show up an hour or two late or the next day. You need to be prepared to schedule and re-schedule without getting too frustrated," remarked another expat who made the move to Boquete, Panama.
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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 do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, 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. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.