Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE and Volunteering
IntlMOVE will ship your household goods overseas when you want to volunteer abroad.
Sometimes finding a job overseas can be difficult, so many people move overseas to volunteer.
Volunteering can help you get your foot in the door so you can make a more permanent international move.
Other people move abroad to volunteer to fulfill a desire to help other people in need.
Whatever your reason is for wanting to volunteer abroad, IntlMOVE will help you ship your household goods to your new home.
When you decide to volunteer, you will want to consider several things before relocating overseas.
You will want to the right volunteer opportunity, the right country and you will want to determine what goals you need to set.
Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity Abroad
Everywhere in the world people need help, which is why you will have a wide variety of choices in where to volunteer your time.
Discover and follow your passion because enjoying what you do is key to finding benefits to volunteering that you are searching for.
If you have a passion to help children, use your skill set to help shape young minds.
Maybe you have a desire to help women in need find a better life.
You might have a passion for helping people with education and pursuing a new career.
There are many people around the globe who can benefit from the time you have to spare.
After you have determined if you want to feed hungry people, help with disaster relief or nurture ill children back to health, you can then determine where you want to move.
Volunteering Abroad and Choosing the Country
When you decide to move overseas to volunteer, you will want to make sure that your safety is maintained.
Research the country you are moving to and determine whether or not the political environment is stable.
You will want to confirm that people in your new country are open to Westerners being present in their country.
Safety should be your number one priority.
After you have determined that the country you want to move to is safe, you will have to decide what volunteer opportunities are available.
You have already decided what you want to do with your time, so research different charities in your new country that can use your time and skills.
Before you move overseas, research the volunteer organizations and ask lots of questions.
Find out what you will be doing, where you will be living and what to expect from your international move.
After you have your housing settled, IntlMOVE can ship all of your household overseas.
Setting Goals
Before moving overseas, you need to be honest with yourself and set goals.
If you are moving overseas to volunteer so you can eventually land a job, you will need to be proactive in making sure you reach this goal.
Set aside time every week to network with people, research companies and learn the proper process to finding a new job.
If you spend all of your time helping others and don’t find the time to reach your ultimate goal, you will end up being disappointed.
Although everybody wants to save the world, this is not a realistic goal.
Set goals that are achievable so you can feel that your volunteer hours are being well spent.
If you are moving overseas to help impoverished women find work, then set a goal that seems practical.
For example, you can set a goal to see five new women in new jobs in a six month timeframe.
If you set goals that are unattainable, you will end up overlooking all the good work you are doing.
It is important to enjoy what you are doing by volunteering.
You want to feel like you are making a difference.
When you are ready to move overseas so you can volunteer abroad, let IntlMOVE help you ship your personal belongings to your new home overseas.
Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE and Exploring the Rainforest
When you move to Panama City with IntlMOVE, you can easily visit the rainforest.
IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) provides international shipping services for your household goods and personal effects.
When you are ready to relocate to Panama, contact IntlMOVE.
You will be surprised to know that just outside of the hustle and bustle of Panama City, you will find some of the most lush and amazing rainforests in the world.
There are over 50,000 acres of untouched rainforest just outside of Panama City.
The Panama Canal has actually had a significant impact on the preservation of the rainforest.
The Panama Canal requires millions of gallons of water daily to feed it lock system.
For this reason, the natural resources near the Panama Canal are closely watched and are safe from development.
Although it can be very difficult to measure, scientists have estimated that there are 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 125 different types of amphibians.
Different Tours
There are different tours you can take through the rainforest that will delight all of your senses.
Ancon Expeditions and Jungle Explorer offer great tours that will be a fun day for you and your family.
Monkey Island tours offer a great way for you to explore the rainforest.
You can expect to see tropical birds, three species of monkeys, iguanas and even crocodiles!
Where to Eat while Exploring
Your tour of the rainforest will take you on the outskirts of Panama City, but there are still plenty of great places to grab some grub.
You can dine at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and dine at a luxurious 5-star resort.
You can eat alongside the Charges River and see wildlife close-up while you dine.
You can also take advantage of the day visits to this resort.
You can take their aerial tram through the rainforest or visit the beautiful butterfly farm that is located on the premises.
What to Do
While you are visiting the rainforest, you will find plenty of things to do.
If you are a fan of bird watching, you will be able to see some of the most exotic birds in the world in Panama.
Sport fishing is another favorite pastime of people who visit the rainforest.
Gatun Lake provides a place for fishing enthusiasts.
Fishermen have claimed to have easily caught a couple dozen fish in one outing.
If you are more interested in active things you can do in the Panamanian rainforest, there are kayaking and rafting tours that you can take.
There are day trips that you can take for a class II rafting trip.
Barro Colorado is a jungle island that is part of the Panama Canal Waterway.
You can take tours of this beautiful island that include a boat ride and a tour of the island and research center.
If you just want to take a boat tour of the jungle, this option is available as well.
You will see wildlife up close, which is a great adventure for kids and adults alike.
You will see monkey, iguanas, and other wildlife that makes the rainforest their home.
When you are ready to explore the rainforest in Panama, contact IntlMOVE.
IntlMOVE will ship everything you need from your home country to Panama.
Your rainforest excursion will be only one of many adventures you will have when you move to Panama with IntlMOVE.
IntlMove Panama
IntlMOVE offers you the resources you need to ship your household goods and furniture to Panama.
IntlMOVE knows you have a choice when choosing international movers, so IntlMOVE puts forth extra effort to safely deliver your personal belongings to your home in Panama.
IntlMOVE also has the experience you need to cater to your specific requirements.
IntlMOVE wants your international move to Panama to be successful.
Panama Weather Basics
When you move to Panama, you will want IntlMOVE to ship your warm weather clothes.
The tropical climate will allow you to enjoy the outdoors all year.
Panama is located very close to the equator, so there is not a lot of variance in temperature throughout the year.
Daytime temperatures are very warm and the humidity is high.
During the day, the temperatures are usually about 90 °F (32 °C).
The evenings are much cooler, so make sure IntlMOVE ships a light jacket for you to wear at night.
The temperatures usually fall to 70 °F (21 °C) at night.
The humidity can be unbearable at first, but your body will quickly acclimate.
Typically, humidity is as high as 80 percent.
Seasons in Panama
There are not typical seasons, as you might find in the United States.
There is a rainy season and a dry season.
The rainy season lasts from October to November.
The dry months when the weather is nearly perfect is from mid-December to mid-April.
During this time, there is very little rain in Panama City and the weather is quite nice.
The Caribbean side of Panama is more apt to get rain year-round.
Although there is rain year-round in this area of Panama, it rains less February through March and September.
The rainy season is not as wet as it might sound.
The rain comes in short and heavy spurts, but doesn’t last all day.
The sunshine will quickly appear, but the air will be cooler and more refreshing.
Panama Geography and Climate Differences
As you might suspect, the temperatures are cooler at higher elevations.
The temperatures can actually be quite cool at 50 to 66 °F (10 °C to 19 °C) in certain mountainous areas.
It can get even colder at night in Boquete, El Valle or other mountain towns, so be sure to have IntlMOVE ship jackets and sweaters to ensure your comfort.
Surfing Weather
If you are moving to Panama to surf or plan to take up surfing, you will be in luck in Panama City or other Pacific cities.
The waves are consistent all year, but they are a little better from December to mid-April.
IntlMOVE can ship your surfboard and surf gear to Panama when you decide to make the international move.
If you are moving to the Caribbean, the surf depends more on the weather patterns.
Good surfing can be sporadic on this side of the country.
When you are ready to move to Panama to enjoy the beautiful weather, contact IntlMOVE.
IntlMOVE will ship your household goods along with all the warm weather items you will need for your new life in paradise.
IntlMOVE is a respected choice among all international movers, so trust IntlMOVE to ship your household goods to Panama.
IntlMOVE Tips for Living in Panama
IntlMOVE wants your international move to Panama to be successful.
IntlMOVE has put together some great tips on money, taxis and the Spanish language for a successful move to Panama.
Money
When you are taking taxis or any public transportation, don’t carry large sums of money.
You will need the exact change to take rides on busses, so find out how much they charge and have the correct change ready.
If you are using the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City, you will have to pass through a turnstile that only accepts nickels, so make sure you always have nickels available.
Most taxi drivers do not have change for $20 bills or larger bills.
In fact, most taxi drivers will not have change for $10 bills.
If you are buying food or other small items from street vendors, they too will have a hard time making change for big bills.
If you need to break larger bills, you can use them at grocery stores and sit down restaurants.
Only bring small change for tips, taxis and street vendors.
Taxis
When you are taking taxis, always agree on a fare beforehand.
Have dollar bills ready as taxi drivers do not always carry change.
You can get most places in Panama City for under $4.
Tipping is not customary for cab rides in Panama.
Be aware that most taxis do not have seatbelts.
If you do not speak any Spanish, try to learn a little bit of the language to communicate with the taxi drivers.
It is polite and it will really help you get around the city.
Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so trying to communicate with them could lead to confusion if you cannot speak or understand Spanish.
Learning Spanish
If you do not speak Spanish, try to learn it as quickly as possible.
You can go to language schools, buy a program where you can learn it from home or practice with the locals.
Practicing on a daily basis will help you enjoy Panama much more.
Some people speak English, but you will find that a lot of people only speak Spanish.
Speaking Spanish will come in handy when you are trying to navigate your way around the city and will also help if you get lost.
Find a language buddy who is trying to practice English because you can both help each other out.
Speaking Spanish will also help you in your working environment.
Some employees at your new job might not be able to effectively communicate in English.
You are in their country, so it is only polite to try to communicate in their native language.
Clothing
When moving to Panama, it might be difficult to blend in with the locals.
Come prepared with clothes that are appropriate for your new country.
IntlMOVE will help you ship your clothing to Panama to make you feel more at home.
Most Panamanians will not wear shorts, but jeans are appropriate to wear for men and women in casual situations.
Men can wear guayaberas, which are embroidered shirts that are great for the hot and humid climate.
Men can also wear polo shirts for dining out.
Women are often seen in sun dresses or jeans and tank tops.
When you get to Panama, check out what the locals are wearing and buy clothes that resemble the current styles.
When working in an office environment, be aware that Panamanians are not as casual as some companies in the United States.
You should never wear jeans, shorts, sleeveless clothes or casual wear to work.
When you are ready to move to Panama, contact IntlMOVE for a professional international mover ready to be at your service.
Daily Living in Panama from IntlMOVE
When shipping your household goods to Panama, IntlMOVE will keep your household goods safe during the international shipments.
If you are planning to move to Panama, you will be researching reliable international movers.
IntlMOVE is an industry leader in the international moving business, which can ship household goods to Panama and worldwide.
The official name of Panama is the Republic of Panama.
The official language of Panama is Spanish, but you will find that many people in Panama also speak English.
However, don’t let that little fact stop you from learning Spanish.
You will still need to know the language to read signs, get around town and communicate with the locals.
The Balboa is the official currency in Panama, but you can also use the US dollar.
There are many things that make Panama a great place to live!
If you want to find a tropical paradise that offers beauty as well as employment opportunities, Panama is the right place for you.
The Nature of Panama
The beaches in Panama are filled with bathing beauties or you can also find beaches without any sign of habitation.
Panama is the only country in the world where you can watch the sunrise in the Pacific Ocean and the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean.
Panama is only 80 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
The beauty doesn’t stop with the 5,600 kilometers of coastline and Panama’s beaches.
There are over 10,000 different plant species that thrive in Panama.
There are over 1,200 different types of orchids, over 1,500 different types of trees and a multitude of different types of plants.
If you are a fan of wildlife, Panama offers a fantastic array of animals, fish and birds for you to enjoy.
IntlMOVE can pack all of your camping, fishing and bird watching gear which will help guarantee you will enjoy your move to Panama.
Panama is home to many fishing records and you can also enjoy sport fishing when you move to Panama.
If bird watching is a hobby you would like to pursue, there are more species of birds in Panama than in the US and Canada combined.
The Country of Panama
Panama is the country located the furthest south in Central America.
When living in Panama City, which is where the majority of the population lives, you can visit the famous Panama Canal.
Here you can see where an amazing engineering feat made it possible for ships to cut across the Americas, rather than traveling below South America.
This saves a lot of time and a lot of money in the international trade industry.
The People of Panama
Panama has the lowest population in Central America, but has the third largest economy.
Panama is also the largest per capita consumer in this area of the world.
You will see that the people of Panama to be very friendly and welcoming.
Their heritage is very diverse.
You will find that 70 percent of Panama’s citizens are descendants from a mixture of Native Americans and Europeans.
Like most of Central America, 85 percent of Panamanians are Catholic.
The Panama Railroad
The Panama Railroad is an extraordinary site in the country.
At one point, this company was the highest paid stock on the New York Stock Exchange when is sold for $295 per share.
The railroad took 5 years and $8 million to build, which made it the most expensive railroad construction in history.
Over 12,000 people tragically died while building the Panama Railroad, which was extremely unfortunate.
Reasons to Move to Panama
Panama City is a great location to move to because of the booming economy and fantastic jobs that are available at different companies.
It is the second largest registrant for offshore companies, after Hong Kong, so there are a lot of great opportunities for people looking to move to Panama.
If you are retiring, the real estate is another great reason to move to Panama.
Real estate in Panama is much less than in the United States, so you can maintain a higher standard of living.
Having reliable international movers on your side will make your move to Panama a great experience.
Contact IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) to discuss all of your international shipping needs.
IntlMOVE is ready to handle all the logistics to ship your household goods to your new home in Panama.
Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE, visit the Embera Village
International moves to Panama are becoming more common as the job opportunities continue to open up in this Central American country.
IntlMOVE has helped many people move to Panama to start their new careers, or to help them relocate internationally for retirement.
When you visit the Embera village of Parara Puru, you will find many activities and experience unique learning opportunities.
The Embera Indians are native to Panama, so learning about their civilization will help you gain insights into the culture of the country.
This is one of the three Indian villages in Panama that still exists where the natives live their lives as they did hundreds of years ago.
Getting to the Embera Village
The village is not too far from Panama City, so if you are living in the area you can visit Parara Puru very easily.
When you take a guided tour of the Embera Village, you will need to take canoe rides to get to the remote area.
The Canoe ride will take you up the Charges River, which will take about 30 minutes.
The surrounding jungle is full of life and beauty.
On your way to the village, you will see some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
There are many different types of tropical birds and wildlife unique to the area.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by friendly people and an abundance of natural wonders.
Embera People
This unique opportunity will allow you to visit with the Embera people to learn more about their community and way of life.
The people native to this part of Panama are very warm and welcoming.
The Embera people lead a very natural life, which gives you an opportunity to see how people lived hundreds of years ago in Panama.
The Embera Village
When you arrive, you will be able to experience ceremonial dances, learn about the Embera culture and get to see their daily activities.
In the main communal hut, you can learn about the history of the tribe and their daily lifestyle.
They live off the land to eat, survive and heal themselves with natural medicine.
If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can get your body painted with a natural dye made from fruit named Jagua.
The Embera people are known for their exquisite crafts, which you can learn to make and you can also purchase some of these crafts to support their livelihood.
While visiting the village, you can learn how to make straw bowls and plates that the Embera people use on a daily basis.
These straw masterpieces are dyed with a natural vegetable ink to give them more color.
If you are into jewelry, you can also learn the jewelry techniques of the Embera people.
When you are hungry, you will be able to eat some of their delicious native foods.
One staple in their repertoire of food is the platano, which is a type of banana.
Some food will be served on a platano leaf, while other dishes will use the food as an ingredient.
Fish is also a common ingredient in many Embera dishes.
When you are ready for your new life in Panama, contact IntlMOVE.
Moving to Panama and Visiting Casco Viejo
IntlMOVE has helped many individuals move to Panama for new jobs or for a new adventure.
There are many reasons to move to Panama.
There are great beaches, great job opportunities, beautiful places to see and lots of things to do.
When you do move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will want to visit Casco Viejo.
This amazing city in Panama has definitely made its mark on the map in recent years.
The city was originally built in 1671 by Captain Henry Morgan.
It was originally built as a walled city near Panama City to protect the settlers.
There are many of the original buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, which make the town very beautiful.
Casco Viejo has a unique blend of Spanish and French architectural styles.
Things to do in Casco Viejo
If you want to get around the city to enjoy the wonders of Casco Viejo, there are subways, tramways and busses.
There are many shops throughout this area to purchase anything you might need or want.
Albrook Mall is a large mall that is air conditioned. You can find a wide variety of stores, boutiques and discount stores.
The prices at this mall are some of the best you will find.
The items you can purchase are extremely inexpensive.
There are many historical churches where you can see beautiful architecture and learn a little bit about the history of the city.
Casco Viejo was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2003 by UNESCO, which has brought a lot of attention to this little city.
Ten years ago, it was a forgotten city, but now it is one of the most vibrant and booming neighborhoods in Panama.
Many foreign residents move here because of the uniqueness of the area.
Due to the recent influx Panamanians and foreigners, many of the buildings are being renovated.
The city is becoming more alive with activities, restaurants, nightlife and many more things to do.
Check out the beautiful boutique hotels for people visiting the city.
Dance the night away at the nightclubs and bars if you want to enjoy the unique nightlife.
You can visit many taverns in this area to enjoy a few frosty beverages and to mingle with the locals.
Luxury residences are being built and you will also find some of the finest dining in Panama in Casco Viejo.
There are many great restaurants to visit in this part of Panama.
When you dine out, you can get great wine from Chile and Argentina for much less than you can in the United States.
You can enjoy fine dining at some very upscale restaurants, or you can enjoy meals at some local places that have been around for years.
When you move to Panama City with IntlMOVE, you may want to check out Casco Viejo as a possible place to live.
If you don’t move to Casco Viejo, you will definitely want to visit the trendy neighborhood.
Wherever you move in Panama, IntlMOVE will help you ship your household goods and personal effects to your new country.
IntlMOVE: Learning to Live in Panama
There are many opportunities to make international move to Panama because of the economic growth of the country.
IntlMOVE will help make your international move to Panama a success by handling all of your international shipping needs.
About Panama
Panama is located in Central America and is bordered by Colombia and Costa Rica.
The country is 100 percent tropical, so there is warm weather all year.
There is a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
There are very few hurricanes in Panama because it is located south of the typical hurricane track.
There are more than 1,000 miles of coasts in Panama on the Pacific side and 800 miles of coast on the Caribbean side.
IntlMOVE can ship all of your favorite beach equipment to Panama so you can enjoy the many beautiful beaches to relax and partake in your favorite water sports.
There are also more than 1,600 islands that surround Panama, so you can explore many different places while living in this beautiful country.
People of Panama
About 40 percent of the population lives in Panama City, so this is where all the action is happening.
Many Panamanians can speak English fluently, but you will want to learn Spanish before moving to Panama.
Spanish is the official language of Panama and you might have a very difficult time navigating around the country if you are unable to speak the language.
Money
The currency in Panama is the Balboa, but the US dollar is also legal tender in this country.
This makes it easy to figure out how much things cost without having to figure out the conversion rates every time you make a purchase.
Most restaurants and commercial establishments will accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard.
Communications and Utilities
Panama’s electrical and communications systems are the best in Latin America.
You will have no problems getting electricity, phone and internet in Panama City or other well-populated areas.
The water in Panama is also some of the purest in the world, so most people have no problems drinking from the faucet.
Clothing
It is very hot in Panama, so have IntlMOVE ship your summer clothes overseas.
Make sure to ship a few bathing suits, because you will want to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches throughout the country.
You can dress casually during the nights and weekends, but make sure you wear a suit to work if you work in an office.
You can leave your bulky winter coats at home, but make sure you have a couple sweaters or a light jacket if you will be visiting the Chiriqui Province.
The highlands can get a little chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Religion
Most countries in Latin America are predominantly Catholic and Panama is no different.
However, most religions are represented throughout the country.
If you have a particular religious belief, you should be able to find a church, synagogue, temple or other religious sanctuary that suits your needs.
IntlMOVE has helped many families relocate to Panama.
There are many opportunities for a great jobs and a great quality of life.
When you decide to make an international move to Panama, contact IntlMOVE (www.intlmove.com) for your international shipments.