The canal is 48 miles long and connects and the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. After failed attempts by other countries and thousands of deaths, the United States completed the canal and maintained control of the canal until 1977. After a period of joint ownership between Panama and the United States, the Panamanian government took complete control of the canal in 1999. The Panama Canal Authority assumed administration.

The journey through the canal takes between eight and ten hours. The largest vessel that can travel through the Panama Canal is called a Panamax. These ships have a dead weight tonnage (DWT) between 65,000 and 80,000 tons. However the actual cargo cannot exceed 52,000 tons.

The fees to pass through the canal vary depending on the type of ship, size of ship and the type of cargo being transported. Fees for container ships are assessed according to the ship’s capacity. Each ships capacity is configured by the amount of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) the ship can carry. Ships carrying cargo are charged more than ships that are not carrying cargo.

To accommodate increasingly larger ships, the Panama Canal Authority has invested about $1 billion upgrade the canal. In addition to widening the canal, the money was also used to modernize the operations and efficiency. The goal was to increase capacity by 20 percent.  New equipment was purchased, tug boat fleets were added and parts of the canal were widened and straightened. This should reduce restrictions placed on large ships and make the canal easier to pass through. The lock lighting system was enhanced, an updated scheduling system was updated and navigational channels and entrances were deepened. Overall, a lot of improvements were made to improve the Panama Canal’s capabilities.

There are future plans to continue making improvements as container ships get bigger and the international shipping needs increase. There are many ships that are already too big to pass through the Panama Canal, so to stay relevant, the Panama Canal will need to grow with the shipping industry’s needs.

Moving to from the USA to Panama will allow you the opportunity to visit the canal. Take a ferry up and down the canal to see the magnificent engineering feat. There are also restaurants and other sightseeing tours available at the Panama Canal. Whether or not your shipment travels through the Panama Canal, IntlMOVE Panama will ensure the safest, time efficient and cost effective measures are taken when shipping your household goods to Panama.

Unlike American schools, the school year in Panama typically runs from the spring to December. Instead of beginning the school break in June, students in Panama typically have vacation time from mid-December to March or April. This is something to keep in mind when moving to Panama with children. Consider moving to Panama at a time when children can start a new school year with other children in their grade. There are a few schools that follow the U.S. school year, so research your children’s school ahead of time.

In Panama City, which is the biggest metropolis in Panama, there are three reputable international schools. Balboa Academy, Oxford International School and the International School of Panama are all accredited by the American School Association.

Oxford International School, which should not be confused with Oxford School, has the least expensive tuition of the three accredited schools. It is easily accessible as it is located in downtown Panama City. When children attend this school in Panama, they should already be able to speak Spanish. There is an English and Panamanian curriculum, which can be difficult for children who only speak one of the languages. Students are expected to take 13 subjects in high school, including calculus. It is a very tough school academically, so students should be prepared to work hard.

The Balboa Academy provides education similar to American schools. Children with learning disabilities can attend Balboa Academy with confidence. Special provisions are made for kids with learning problems.  This school also offers advanced placement (AP) classes for students who want to get a head start on their college education.

The most expensive, but also the school with the best academics, is the International School of Panama. The school is located outside of the hustle and bustle of Panama City, but your children will have no problem getting to and from the school with the beltway. The school year at the International School of Panama begins in mid-August, but basically keeps the same timeline as American schools. This school also offers AP classes.

There are other options for children in Panama City if the three accredited schools are too expensive or do not meet the needs of your family. The Episcopal School in El Carmen is an inexpensive bilingual school, which is considered one of the best academic schools. Unless your children are in Kindergarten, they must speak Spanish fluently. It is a traditional school for college bound kids, so this school can be very difficult for some students.  Saint Mary’s School in Albrook is an inexpensive Catholic school, although children with other religious beliefs are welcome. Crossroads Christian Academy in Cardenas is open to children of the Christian faith. A Jewish primary school, Colegio Isaac Rabin, is located in Clayton.

When moving to Panama with your family, contact IntlMOVE Panama for the best quote for shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Panama.

One traditional meal you will find throughout Panama is Sancocho.

This soup, which is really more like a stew, is made with variations throughout Latin American countries.

However, generally speaking, Sancocho is made with meats, vegetables, spices and is served in a broth.

In some countries, this soup is made with fish.

Other countries make Sancocho make variations of the soup without any fish or meat and only add vegetables to the broth.

You are moving to Panama, so you will be most interested in how Sancocho is made in Panama.

First, there are large pieces or chunks of chicken or meat.

Other ingredients used for the soup will include yams and onions.

Mazorca, or corn on the cob is also added to the stew.

Yuca, also known as cassava, is also an essential ingredient.

Other root vegetable, ñame and otoe, are also added to the mix.

Cilantro is used to flavor the soup.

Garlic, pepper, oregano and salt are also used to flavor the Panamanian soup.

Oftentimes, rice is served on the side.

In the Chiriquí Province, Sancocho is made with beef.

Fish is used as the protein source in this traditional meal in the Colon Province in Panama.

When Sancocho is made properly, it will be cooked very slowly.

The Yams will give the broth a stew-like feel as they dissolve to give the soup a thicker consistency.

When you are moving to Panama and dining at restaurants that serve traditional Panamanian foods, Sancocho is almost guaranteed to be on the menu.

It is a filling meal that is packed full of flavor and usually is one of the less expensive menu options.

Sancocho can be served at lunch or dinner.

You will also find this soup on menus at restaurants that are open late.

If you are attending a party, this soup can also be served in wee hours of the morning to replenish your energy after a long night of celebration.

In addition to being a delicious meal, many people in Panama feel that Sancocho has healing properties.

Panamanians will eat this soup when they have the flu or an upset stomach.

The soup is also believed to have healing properties for those suffering from a cold.

The soup is so important to Panamanian culture that it was made to celebrate the Centenary of the Republic.

On August 16, 2003, the world’s largest bowl of Sancocho was made.

The meal was called the Centennial Sancocho and went down in the Guinness Book of World Records.

All of the funds raised from the historic event went to help the Panama’s Children’s Hospital.

When you are planning on moving to Panama, you will undoubtedly want to try one of the nation’s favorite meals.

Sancocho is a delicious meal that can be enjoyed with family or any of your new friends that you make when moving to Panama.

When you are ready to move to Panama, get your free international moving quote from IntlMOVE.

IntlMOVE will ship all of your household goods and furniture to your new home in Panama to help you get settled.

If you are still in the process of making a decision on whether or not to move Panama, IntlMOVE has put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide on your international move.

There are many benefits to making an international move, so get ready for a great experience.

Pros

When you are planning a move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will likely be moving to a city located near the water.

Moving to Panama for the weather and the beautiful beaches is one reason your decision to move to Panama will be easy.

The weather in Panama rarely varies outside of a 10 degree range, so most days will be 75 – 85 degrees during the day.

Many people moving to Central America are worried about the drinking water.

This is a concern that you do not need to have when moving to Panama.

Most of the water, intended for consumption, is safe to drink.

Make sure you check with the locals before drinking the water, but in most cases, you will be just fine.

If botany or gardening is one of your hobbies, you will love the tropical foliage in Panama.

The warm weather allows for a wide variety of tropical and exotic plants to thrive.

There are a number of beautiful creatures that thrive in this warm weather as well.

There are colorful birds, exotic animals and even some pretty wild looking insects.

Although the cost of living in Panama is probably one of the most expensive in Central America, it is still quite moderate compared to the United States.

Most expats are able to afford very comfortable living accommodations as well as household help.

IntlMOVE can take care of shipping your household goods to Panama, so you don’t have to worry about furnishing your new home in your new country.

Cons

If you have not yet mastered the Spanish language, you will have a problem finding ample reading material if that is a hobby you pursue.

Pack a lot of books along with your household goods and have IntlMOVE ship these with the rest of your personal belongings.

When you have friends or family come down for a visit, ask them to bring along English reading materials.

Keeping in touch with loved ones can be difficult.

International calls can get a little expensive.

However, Skype makes it easy for you to call your loved ones for free.

You can even see each other while making the calls online, so this actually helps with any homesickness you might experience.

If you are used to living in a fast-paced world, be prepared to take it down a notch.

Everything in Panama goes at a slower pace.

Over time, this will be a positive benefit to moving to Panama.

However, many expats find it difficult to deal with the laid back attitude of most Panamanians.

The best advice is to realize this laid back attitude can save you a lot of headaches and a lot of stress, so relax.

If you are shipping your car to Panama with IntlMOVE, be aware of the driving conditions.

They will take some time to get used to!

Traffic can be an issue because of the lack of signs and the erratic ways that Panamanians are used to driving.

However, many people have survived the driving conditions in Panama so don’t let this dissuade you from moving to the tropical paradise.

When you are moving to Panama, log onto the IntlMOVE website for your free international shipping quote.

Hi Frank.
All is fine so far.
I will be referrring you to some friends that are thinking in moving to Panama, if they eventually make up their mind.

Regards,
Giampiero

The Amador Causeway attracts visitors from all over the world and is located at the Southern entrance of the Panama Canal.

If you are moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to live within close proximity of the Panama Canal and all the attractions that make this unique landmark.

The Amador Causeway is made from rocks excavated from the Panama Canal.

It is lined with palm trees to give it a very tropical feel, which just confirms you have moved to paradise.

The Causeway connects four small islands – Flamenco, Perico, Culebra and Naos.

These islands are filled restaurants, a marina, an aquarium and many more attractions.

At one time the Amador Causeway was part of a military base, but it has since been turned into a tourist haven.

The Causeway could only be visited by U.S. military and civilian personnel of the Panama Canal.

Even though it was located in Panama, people from Panama could not visit this area.

When Panama took back control of the Panama Canal, the people of Panama turned the Amador Causeway into a place that everyone could enjoy.

When you are moving to Panama City, Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit this area of the city for many different adventures.

When choosing from one of the many restaurants on these four islands, you will likely find a restaurant with a beautiful view.

You can see the ocean, the Panama City skyline or even the Panama Canal.

There are even some restaurants, like Café Barko, where you can see the skyline and the canal.

If you are in the mood for dinner at a restaurant from back home, you can at TGIF’s.

This restaurant has some of the best views of the Panama Canal.

You can also visit the Amador Causeway to go shopping at one of the many available shopping areas.

If you want to get a little exercise, you can go jogging on the paths provided or ride your bike through the small islands.

IntlMOVE will ship your bike and running shoes to Panama with the rest of your household goods.

If you are moving to Panama for a new job, you might visit the Causeway for an event at the convention center.

This location is perfect for tradeshows or conferences.

In the evenings, there are many places to entertain clients and get down to business.

If you have an interest in the marine life that surrounds Panama, there is a great place for you to see.

The Marine Exhibition Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is a great place to learn and explore.

You can get up close and personal with the tropical marine life and the ecosystems that support these exotic creatures.

When moving to Panama, you will be lucky enough to enjoy many warm sunny days.

The Amador Causeway is home to many locations perfect for catching some rays or taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean to cool down from the tropical Panamanian weather.

The Amador Causeway is still being developed, so you will continually have new adventures when visiting this landmark.

When you are moving to Panama, choose the international movers you can trust.

IntlMOVE will help plan and execute your move to Panama.

However, there is a lot more to see in this beautiful country.

The Chiriqui Province is located in western Panama has beaches and highlands, which make it a beautiful place to live.

If you are moving to Panama and do not live close to the Chiriqui Province, it is still very easy to visit.

You will definitely want to make the trek to see the wide variety of natural attractions.

There are also Indian cultures, retirement communities and adventure sports.

Whether you are moving to retire, for a job, to teach English or just to have fun, the Chiriqui Province has it all!

Adventure Sports

IntlMOVE can ship all of your sporting equipment to Panama with your household goods when you are moving to your new country.

If you are living in the Chiriqui Province, you can go white water rafting, kayaking or hiking.

The Chiriqui Province is well-known for its rafting and if you are an experienced rafter, there are even Class 5 rapids for you to experience.

Many people travel to the Chiriqui Province to experience hiking in a cloud forest.

If you are a hiker, make sure IntlMOVE ships all of the gear you will need for these hikes in Panama.

Other Activities

Bird watching is a favorite pastime of Panamanian locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are living in Panama by yourself or with your family, there is a lot to see in the Chiriqui Province.

You can visit the Dracula Orchid Botanical Garden, which is home to more than 1,200 different species of the flower.

Horseback riding is another activity that will allow you to explore this region of Panama.

Canoe trips are also very popular for locals, tourists and expats.

Fishing for rainbow trout is another leisurely activity to enjoy when moving to Panama and the Chiriqui Province.

The Capital City of David

If you are traveling to the Chiriqui Province from Panama City, you can find a great place to spend your vacation in David.

If you are moving to the Chiriqui Province in Panama, this city is also a great place to live.

David is located right off the Panamerican Highway and it is about 45 minutes from the border Costa Rica.

It is just under seven hours away from Panama City, Panama by car and only one hour by plane.

If you are into shopping, you will find the best shopping in David in the Chiriqui Province.

There is a mall, grocery stores, furniture stores and hardware stores.

Boquete

Boquete is a great place in the Chiriqui Province to get in touch with nature.

This valley lies at the foot of an extinct volcano that reaches 10,500 feet.

The small town is filled with flowers and locals who are warm and inviting.

In Boquete, you can enjoy traditional Panamanian food with Costa Rican flair!

There are waterfalls and great hiking areas.

There are also coffee farms, which are very aromatic when the beans are being harvested.

Many magazines have chosen this picturesque city as one of the top places in the world to retire.

Although David and Boquete are the two most popular cities to move to and to visit, there are plenty of small villages for you to see.

Moving to Panama will provide you with an experience to explore another part of the country with unique customs and a unique culture.

When you want to move to Panama and the Chiriqui Province, contact IntlMOVE for your international shipping.

There are unlimited amounts of activities and the excitement never seems to stop.

Panama City is very similar to many big cities in the United States in terms of the restaurants, nightlife and career opportunities.

One thing that makes Panama City very unique is the activities you can do outside of the bustling city.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of some different places to explore and unique things to do outside of Panama City.

Embera Indian Village Tour

When you move to Panama City, Panama, you will not be living too far from a group of people with history deeply embedded in Panama.

The Embera Indian Village will offer you a glimpse into what life was like for the native people of Panama.

The village is located in the rainforest in Panama about 1.5 hours outside of Panama City.

You can see how their homes are still built on stilts from the palms of the jungle.

A visit to the village will also include a chance to participate and witness native dancing, authentic body painting and a meal.

If you want to take home a treasure from this visit, you can purchase one of the many handmade pieces of jewelry or handicrafts.

Monkey Island

When you live in the United States, there are very few places you can see monkeys living in the wild.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you can visit an island that has so many monkeys that it was named after the mammal.

To get to Monkey Island, you will need to take a boat through the Panama Canal, which will lead you through the Panamanian rainforest.

By the time you reach the island, you will likely have had a monkey visit you in your boat!

Other wildlife you might see while on this excursion includes crocodiles and birds.

Tour groups that take you to the island will also serve you an authentic Panamanian lunch.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

If you want to get up close and personal with the wildlife and exotic plants in the Panamanian rainforest, take a tour of Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Gamboa is home to a variety of different ecological experiences.

You can take a ride on the tram that take you through the rainforest or you can even eat a meal outside on a terrace surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest.

There are nature exhibits, learning experiences and exploration opportunities galore!

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort even offers you some fantastic views of the Panama Canal.

Summit Point Golf Club

Have IntlMOVE ship your golf clubs to Panama along with the rest of your household goods.

Summit Golf Club is a stunning golf course surrounded by lush tropical foliage and jungle.

The 18-hole course is located 30 minutes outside of Panama City, so you get the tropical experience that makes you feel like you are on vacation.

There are many international tournaments that take place at Summit Point Golf Club, so it is a world-class course.

Afterwards, if you get hungry, you will want to check out their famous restaurant in the club house.

When you move to Panama City, you will find that that untouched tropical wilderness is a lot closer than you think.

Let IntlMOVE help make your move to Panama easy by letting them handle all of your international shipping needs.

There are many different kinds of visas that are available to foreigners in Panama.

IntlMOVE has put together a brief description of the visas to help make your move to Panama easier.

You will want to visit your consulate or embassy to get more details if you are interested in applying for any of these visas.

New Business Visa

Getting a new job in Panama can be difficult if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident.

However, if you want to start a business in Panama, you can get an investors visa.

If you want to apply for a new business visa, you will need to have the capital to start a business in your new country.

Panama requires that you deposit a minimum of $160,000 in a Panamanian bank to show that you have the liquid capital available to you to start a business.

You must also hire a minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees.

Small Business Investor Visa

The small business investor visa is a provisional visa that requires a minimum of a $40,000 investment.

Like the new business visa, you will have to hire 3 permanent Panamanian employees.

This visa has to be renewed each year.

Private Income Retiree Visa

Retirement visas are probably the easiest to get if you want to move to Panama permanently.

You can get a retirement visa regardless of your age as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

You need to prove that you earn a minimum of $1,000 per month.

Person of Means Visa

If you want to live in Panama on your own means, there is a visa available to you.

You have to deposit $200,000 or more into a Panamanian bank.

If you are purchasing a home, $80,000 of the $200,000 can be used towards a home.

If you do decide to apply for this visa and you need to ship your household goods to Panama, make sure you contact IntlMOVE to help you ship your personal belongings to your new country.

Reforestation Visa

If you have an interest in reforestation, you can not only pursue your environmental endeavors, but you can also get a visa in Panama.

This requires a $40,000 investment in a Panamanian reforestation project.

When you are offered a job in Panama, your new employer will help you get the visa you need to work in your new country.

Many people choose to teach English in Panama if they do not have the financial means to support themselves.

You can also visit Panama as a United States citizen for 90 days without a visa.

If you want to go to Panama and search for a job, you can use this option available to you.

When you have applied for your visa and you are ready to move to Panama, contact IntlMOVE to help you with your international shipping needs.

There are over 1,200 types of watermelons, yet none are as uniquely shaped as certain watermelons grown in Panama.

The cubing technique has been around for a few years and the shape is thought to have been invented for reasons such as making the product fit precisely into refrigerators, allotting more space when shipping and distributing or because it seems that square melons are easier to slice.

Panama Fruit Producers, Inc. expects that it will export about 3,000 of the molded melons this year.It grows the square crops on about 75 acres, using cost-effective methods for fertilization and transportation.

High care is taken in regards to sanitary conditions, which eliminates pests and pathogens.  Plans for further expansion and market testing are already underway.

The company says that it is eager to test consumers in markets hit hard by the financial crisis to see if they are willing to pay a high price for the fruit even though it does not keep its shape for extended periods of time.

Some have questioned whether the cube-shaped melons are a result of a genetic transformation but the fact is that as the fruit grows it becomes molded inside its square enclosure.

Fruit producers make the molds from a costly glass structure but hobbyists and enthusiast alike have indicated that just about any square object can form the melon.

Also, other produce like tomatoes can be molded— and not only into squares.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE allows the opportunity to enjoy square watermelons at prices significantly lower than the typical market price, which is near $75 for a medium size friut. Those who live in Panama do not have to pay the additional prices associated with exportation.

Additional fruit producers and distributers in Panama:

Chiriqui Land Company

A holding of Chiquita, Chiriqui Land Company produces much more than bananas.

Its parent company has been in business for more than a century and has partaken in numerous green initiates and social projects such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and Rainforest Alliance. Its smaller branches play a huge part in helping the community in which they are located and assist Chiquita in its global sustainably goals and outreach.

Conservas Panamena Selectas

Conservas Panamena Selectas, located in Panama City, began in 1958.

Since then, it has conquered new markets while meeting demands of the local specialty markets as well as expanding internationally.

The company specializes in tomato products, jams, marmalades, fruit juices, fruit nectars.  New lines designed to meet new consumer demands include sugar-free nectar, juices of high purity and fine selections of canned juices.

Conservas Panamena Selectas is proud to be a local company with the ability and strength to compete even with top brands in international markets.

Del Monte De Panama

Located in El Dorado, Del Monte De Panama specializes in tomato, fruit and vegetable products as well as soups, baby food and snacks.

It produces a variety of traditional watermelons and specialty melons, which were introduced to meet the different tastes and expectations of customers from different regions.

Mr. Agro

Mr. Agro, also located in El Dorado, has been engaged in the agribusiness since the early 1980s. Now, supplying quality products to the demanding markets across the globe, they harvest melons such as Mikey Lee, Quetzalí, Sangria and Seedless.

Mr. Agro brands include Tropical Delights, Don Manuel and Lyly’s treasure.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will learn to appreciate the unique cuisine, even if it is square watermelons!