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.

Moving to Panama and Zapatilla Cay

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will get to explore the beauty of this Central American country.

IntlMOVE will help make your move to Panama a worry-free experience.

IntlMOVE specializes in international moves, so you can know you are in good hands with the professional international movers.

Zapatilla Cay is actually two small islands, which are referred to as Zapatilla Cay North and Cayo Zapatilla Cay South.

The islands are home to swamps, forests, coral reefs, beautiful beaches and hundreds of species of fish.

You can reach this tropical paradise by taking a 90-minute boat ride through Bastimentos National Marine Park.

There are full day tours that depart on a daily basis from Bocas del Toro.

Panama’s National Environmental Authority (ANAM) manages Zapatilla Cay and the livelihood of the wildlife that have made these landmasses their home.

Zapatilla Cay is a refuge for many marine turtles.

Government agencies manage the safety of the turtles on this beach.

There are leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs on these beaches.

For a small fee, you can camp on these islands and experience the wonder of nature.

Residents of Panama pay a much smaller fee than guests visiting the country.

There are beautiful coral reefs off the islands that are located in shallow waters.

You can go snorkeling and see some of the most beautiful tropical fish and marine wildlife.

If you are certified in diving, you can go down 20 feet to see the underwater world up close.

There are lobsters, snappers, angel fish, groupers, crabs and many other tropical fish that live in and around the coral.

If you just want a relaxing day on the beach, Zapatilla Cay is a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy the warm waters of Panama.

There is a natural trail you can take to see beautiful surroundings on the island.

You will make your way through the mangrove swamp and other areas that are widely untouched.

While on the trail you will reach a very old house that is said to have been built by pirates.

There are tropical fruit trees and even a water hole on this scenic hike.

As you continue down the trail, you will reach Windward Beach, a swamp and you will even get to explore a forest with plants native to Central America.

The trail also leads to a coconut plantation, which is owned by the Ngöbe-Buglé Indians.

You will make your way back around to the ANAM area, where you can settle down and enjoy the beach.

On the way home from the tour, you can stop at Coral Cay for lunch and enjoy some delicious Central American foods, which include some of the most delicious seafood.

There are restaurants located here that are built on stilts and give you a one-of-a-kind open air experience.

When you move to Panama, you will begin an once-in-a-lifetime journey that will take you to beautiful places you never imagined possible.

IntlMOVE can help you make this dream a reality.

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods and furniture to Panama to help you enjoy your new country and your new home.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you can enjoy the tropical weather and Zapatilla Cay.

Moving to Panama and Zapatilla Cay

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you will get to explore the beauty of this Central American country.

IntlMOVE will help make your move to Panama a worry-free experience.

IntlMOVE specializes in international moves, so you can know you are in good hands with the professional international movers.

Zapatilla Cay is actually two small islands, which are referred to as Zapatilla Cay North and Cayo Zapatilla Cay South.

The islands are home to swamps, forests, coral reefs, beautiful beaches and hundreds of species of fish.

You can reach this tropical paradise by taking a 90-minute boat ride through Bastimentos National Marine Park.

There are full day tours that depart on a daily basis from Bocas del Toro.

Panama’s National Environmental Authority (ANAM) manages Zapatilla Cay and the livelihood of the wildlife that have made these landmasses their home.

Zapatilla Cay is a refuge for many marine turtles.

Government agencies manage the safety of the turtles on this beach.

There are leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs on these beaches.

For a small fee, you can camp on these islands and experience the wonder of nature.

Residents of Panama pay a much smaller fee than guests visiting the country.

There are beautiful coral reefs off the islands that are located in shallow waters.

You can go snorkeling and see some of the most beautiful tropical fish and marine wildlife.

If you are certified in diving, you can go down 20 feet to see the underwater world up close.

There are lobsters, snappers, angel fish, groupers, crabs and many other tropical fish that live in and around the coral.

If you just want a relaxing day on the beach, Zapatilla Cay is a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy the warm waters of Panama.

There is a natural trail you can take to see beautiful surroundings on the island.

You will make your way through the mangrove swamp and other areas that are widely untouched.

While on the trail you will reach a very old house that is said to have been built by pirates.

There are tropical fruit trees and even a water hole on this scenic hike.

As you continue down the trail, you will reach Windward Beach, a swamp and you will even get to explore a forest with plants native to Central America.

The trail also leads to a coconut plantation, which is owned by the Ngöbe-Buglé Indians.

You will make your way back around to the ANAM area, where you can settle down and enjoy the beach.

On the way home from the tour, you can stop at Coral Cay for lunch and enjoy some delicious Central American foods, which include some of the most delicious seafood.

There are restaurants located here that are built on stilts and give you a one-of-a-kind open air experience.

When you move to Panama, you will begin an once-in-a-lifetime journey that will take you to beautiful places you never imagined possible.

IntlMOVE can help you make this dream a reality.

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods and furniture to Panama to help you enjoy your new country and your new home.

When you move to Panama with IntlMOVE, you can enjoy the tropical weather and Zapatilla Cay.

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.

IntlMOVE Tips for International Move

IntlMOVE is an international mover that has been helping  families ship household goods overseas for many years.

International moves can be a lot of work, so let IntlMOVE handle your international shipment.

IntlMOVE has put together some tips for international moves:

Ship your Car Overseas or Sell it

IntlMOVE will ship you car overseas if you would like to take it with you.

Having a car in you new country can be very beneficial if you have ample parking space at your new home.

If you are only moving overseas for a couple of years, you might decide against moving your car.

If this is the case, you might want to consider selling your car.

Cars need to be started and driven around a regular basis to keep them functioning.

This could be a real inconvenience for a family member or friend.

Also, your car could depreciate by thousands of dollars by the time you return to your home country.

Most people who do not ship their cars overseas tend to sell their cars for this reason.

What to Take on the Plane

When you move overseas, it could take up to a couple months for your household goods to be shipped to your new country.

You should take all the clothes that you will need for the next couple of months.

You should also bring your laptop so you can communicate with IntlMOVE through email.

The computer will also be useful for checking online banking, communicating with family and for many other things.

You should bring all passports and other documentation you will need in your new country.

All jewelry and other sentimental items should be brought on the plane with you as well.

Find a Home Close to School and Work

When you first move overseas, you should find a home that is close to your work and your children’s schools.

You will want a minimal commute time.

Hopefully you will live close enough to come home and have dinner with your family or come home early enough to meet your friends out for dinner.

Having a short commute time will mean that you have more time to explore your new international surroundings.

You will want to live close to your children’s schools so they do not have to commute far in the morning.

If children live close to their school, they can have their friends over after school.

You will be able to go to their school for different activities to be involved in their lives.

Prepare yourself for Culture Shock

When you first move overseas, you will be in awe of all the new things to see and to do.

However, a few weeks after your arrival overseas, you will experience culture shock.

There are signs that you might be experiencing culture shock, such as irritability, lethargy and a change in eating patterns.

Start to make friends as soon as possible.

Getting out and about in your new country will help you overcome culture shock.

By learning to love the culture, the people and the food in your new country, you will be able to move through culture shock quickly.

IntlMOVE provides each of its clients a personal move consultant that will help answer any questions in regards to international moves.

Log onto the IntlMOVE website for more tips on international moves.

IntlMOVE Tips for Living in Panama

IntlMOVE is your first choice in International Movers when you decide to move to Panama.

When you move to Panama, there are a lot of new culture norms and rules that you will need to live by.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of tips for your international move to Panama.

Panama Law

When you move to Panama, it is best to use the services of a lawyer to help you with any contracts because you will not be aware of Panamanian law.

If you are purchasing property, get a lawyer to go over any contracts with you.

When you decide to hire a live-in housekeeper or nanny, make sure you have a lawyer draft a contract.

If you do not have a contract, it is possible that you will be responsible for her medical and dental care and some expenses relating to any children she might have.

Safety

When you travel in busy or crowded streets, keep your belongings close to you at all times.

Pickpockets can be a problem in Panama, so just be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

Don’t wear any expensive jewelry or other valuables with you when you are traveling in crowded places or alone.

When you are not at home, make sure all windows and doors are locked.

Overall, Panama is much safer than many cities in North America and it is the safest country in Central America.

Violent crimes and major robberies are extremely rare in Panama.

Traffic Rules

When moving to Panama, many people decide to ship their car to their new country.

IntlMOVE can ship your car to Panama along with your household goods and personal effects.

The authorities in Panama are much more lenient on traffic rules than they are in North America.

When you first move to Panama, you might find the traffic a bit overwhelming because it takes some time to get used to it.

When you do get pulled over for breaking a traffic law, make sure you have pocket money to pay off the fine right away.

Taking Taxis

When you get into a cab, trust your instincts.

If you feel uneasy about a cab driver, get another taxi.

Check the picture of the taxi driver with the picture on the license.

Most of the taxis don’t have meters, so agree on a price to your destination before you get into the taxi.

Most taxi drivers don’t carry change, so try to have exact change with you.

Getting Acquainted with your New City in Panama

When you first move to your new city in Panama, find out where to find all hospitals, clinics, grocery stores and other places you will need.

Knowing how to get around your new city is your first step in learning to enjoy your new surroundings.

Buying a new Home

When you are buying a new home in Panama, make sure you get a lawyer to help you with the process.

Makes sure all property and land are free of any liens and have a clear title.

This can be a little tough, which is why you should utilize the services of a local lawyer, who is used to the property laws of Panama.

A realtor will be able to help you find a home and help you find a bank that can finance your purchase if you will not be paying cash.

When you move to Panama, you will have to get used to a whole new way of life.

After you get acclimated to your new surroundings, you will start to develop new routines and make new friends.

It will be a very exciting experience for you and your family.

When you are preparing for your international move to Panama, IntlMOVE will handle all the international shipping details for your household goods and furniture.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE: Teaching English

IntlMOVE has helped many English teachers move overseas to pursue their career or travel endeavors.

There are many countries around the world that are seeking native English speakers to hire as teachers.

Panama is a great place to live, but it can be difficult to move there to get a job because Panama citizens are given priority to most business opportunities.

Many people are able to move to Panama to become English teachers because that is a job native Spanish speakers cannot fill.

When you do land a job as a teacher in Panama, let IntlMOVE handle all of your shipping needs.

You will need your household goods and furniture when you move abroad and IntlMOVE can ship everything you need to Panama.

Requirements

To be hired as an English teacher, English must be your native language.

To be considered, you must also have a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification.

Speaking Spanish is helpful, but not necessary.

Most schools prefer that English teachers only converse with students in English.

Each school and university has different requirements, so do your research to find out what teaching job is right for you.

Landing the Right Job

Many schools want to meet you in person before hiring you, so if possible you should plan a trip to Panama before you move to the country.

Many English teachers start out working in Panama with a tourist visa, which is good for 90 days.

You can visit Panama and later apply for the visa you need to secure employment after you have received your teaching offer.

If you are not able to visit Panama before your move, it is not unheard of for teachers to be hired without in-person interviews.

You can apply for jobs with schools, universities or other language schools.

Contact many schools to find out who can give you the best schedule for the highest pay rate.

Some schools may even pay for your international relocation, which can save you a lot of money.

Schools find couples who want to teach in Panama very attractive prospects because they can save on housing costs.

If you are moving to Panama with a partner or spouse, let schools know that you are both seeking employment so that your qualifications are more attractive.

When you do land your dream teaching job in Panama, contact IntlMOVE to ship your household goods and personal effect to Panama.

Supporting yourself as a Teacher

The cost of living in Panama is much lower than in the United States, so you can support yourself on a much lower income.

Most schools will help you find housing and some schools even offer room and board.

There are many opportunities to work as an English teacher in Panama, so you might be able to pick up nights and weekend at other schools to earn more money.

You can also supplement your income by offering private lessons.

Things to Do

When you do move to Panama, you will find lots of things to do to occupy your time.

There are beaches galore, so you can take up surfing, paddle boarding or any other water sport that piques your interest.

The warm tropical weather will allow you to spend the majority of the year outdoors, which is one of the reasons Panama is such a great place to live.

Another reason people enjoy Panama is because of the great nightlife that you can enjoy.

There are plenty of discos, bars and great places to eat.

IntlMOVE can ship less than container loads (LCL) or full container loads (FCL) depending on the size of your new home in Panama.

A move consultant at IntlMOVE will help you finalize the details for your international shipment.
When you move to Panama for your teaching job, contact IntlMOVE for your international moving needs.

Moving to Panama: stay Connected to Home Country

IntlMOVE will coordinate the shipment of your household goods and personal belongings to Panama.

Many families are moving to Panama because of the standard of living, job opportunities and nearly perfect weather.

When you move your children to Panama, you open up many doors for them to benefit from a new cultural experience.

Talk with Family Online

When your children live thousands of miles away in Central America, it is not always easy to keep in contact with their extended family.

Make it a point to have your children call their grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives online.

Technology allows you to talk to your family online for free, with programs like Skype.

Your children will be able to speak to their extended family while seeing them with a web cam.

This will allow your children to continue to cultivate relationships with family members living in the United States while you are living in Panama.

Help Kids Keep in Contact with Friends

You may live in Panama for a lifetime, or you may move back to the United States at some point.

It is always good for your children to keep their friends in their home country.

When they are visiting their home country to see grandma, they can always plan a play date with their friends.

If you do decide to move back to the United States at some point, your children will not have to start the process of making new friends again.

They can connect with their old friends and adapt better to the changes.

Keeping in touch with old friends will also help your children accept their new surroundings in Panama.

They will have the security of knowing that they still have friends in their home country and they can contact them at any time.

Your children can stay connected with their friends through Skype, Facebook or email.

Encourage your children to share their new experiences in Panama with their close friends back home.

Plan Trips Back Home

Your children will want to see their grandparents and grandparents will definitely want to see their grandchildren.

Planning trips back home will allow your children to develop relationships with other family members.

By letting your children know that they will be coming back for visits, you will give your children the confidence they need to know they are not abandoning their home.

Your kids will love traveling back and forth and sharing all of their tales from their life abroad!

Continue to Speak English

It is much easier for children to learn a new language then for adults.

Your children will most likely be speaking Spanish in school and with their friends.

As a matter of fact, it normally only takes children about three months to become fluent.

Make sure to help them practice their Spanish skills, but to practice English regularly.

Like the old saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

You want your children to remain fluent in English so they can continue to communicate with friends and family in the United States.

Many children are bilingual because they use both languages simultaneously.

This skill will give your children many opportunities in future school and career endeavors.

Children adapt to new surroundings quite quickly.

The younger your children are, the better they will adapt.

When you are ready to move your family to Panama, contact IntlMOVE.

A professional from IntlMOVE will coordinate everything you need for your international shipment to Panama.

IntlMOVE: The Top 5 Reasons to Move Panama

IntlMOVE is a professional International Mover that will ship your household goods and personal effects to Panama.

IntlMOVE knows that you have a choice when choosing between international movers, so IntlMOVE invites you to come and see their operations.

The dedicated team at IntlMOVE wants to gain your trust, so they invite you to come and visit their warehouses for a tour.

You can see first-hand the professional atmosphere of IntlMOVE and the dedicated team at IntlMOVE can also answer any questions you may have.

Contact IntlMOVE today to ship your personal belongings when you are ready to move to Panama.

1. Affordable Living – Not only is living in Panama affordable, but you can also enjoy a high standard of living. The cost of basic living expenses and entertainment is much less than you will find in major cities in the United States. Hired help for your children or housekeeping is also something you might be able to fit in your budget. There are many benefits to moving to Panama, and affordable living is just one of them. Let IntlMOVE help you ship your personal belongings to your new home in Panama, so you can enjoy your new country with familiar items from back home.

 
2. Tropical Climate – Who doesn’t love warm tropical weather? Going to the beach, enjoying dinner outside during the winter and having a suntan year round are just some of the benefits of living in the tropical paradise of Panama.  Many people move to Panama for the weather alone, but there is so much to see and the warm weather will encourage you to get outdoors more often!

3. Medical Care – As long as you have medical insurance, the medical care in Panama is very similar to what you will find in the United States. Whether you are in need of emergency care, major surgery or simple doctor visits, you will find skilled medical professionals in Panama.

4. Safety – Every major city has some level of problems with crime. However, Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. There are relatively low levels of crime because of the law enforcement that is in place. In fact, Panama has less violent crimes as a nation all year than New York City has in one day.

5. Affordable Real Estate - If you are planning on staying in Panama long-term for a job or retirement, you will be happy to know that real estate is affordable. Even though homes in Panama may be a little more expensive than homes in other Latin American countries, you will still get more bang for your buck on prime real estate than you would in the United States. You can buy a bigger home or a better view – or both!

When you are ready to move to Central America, Panama is the place to go. IntlMOVE is ready to help you and your family pack, ship and deliver your household goods and personal effects to Panama.