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.