By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hi Don, We are big fans of the website, keep up the good work! We just back to Panama after a few years in Europe, and one thing that has really struck us now is the apparent lack of recycling facilities in PTY, or maybe we just dont know about it? How about an ex-pat guide to recycling in the city, sure it would be welcomed by those of us from more environmentally conscientious countries! Best. Andrew"

Recycling Driven By The Money: Most recycling in Panama is done by drunks and crack-heads who rummage through garbage bins to scrounge for paper, aluminum, copper, or other things they can haul down to the places that pay for these materials in bulk. They normally work like a dog until they have enough money - about $5 bucks - to get either a bottle of Seco or a few rocks of crack, then they drop the whole "work" thing to go get stoned. It is possible to separate your own garbage and bring it there yourself, however I would not recommend it because most of these places are located in Curundu, Chorrillo - you know, where the crack heads are. I don't know of anyplace that buys or recycles plastics, for example. But you're right, there's room for growth in this area in Panama. I know of one place that pays 11 cents per pound for newspaper, down by the brewery just off of Tumba Muerto. There are scrap metal dealers who export cargo containers full of scrap metal (mostly on ships to Asia) every day. However at the residential level it's practically unheard of in this country.

Copyright 2010 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Here's a great question that I received via email this morning: "Hi Don, Maybe a subject for a new article: the "count" as planned for Sunday 16th May. To my surprise, this is not known to many (I only found out yesterday myself ...), and different rumours circulate on what to do / not do on that day. Ranging from "stay at home untill you are counted" (expats)" to "don't bother.... (locals)". Maybe you can shine a light... Best regards, and keep it up with the best English web in Panamá !! John" I've heard the same stories and rumors but don't have the official answer. From what I understand Panama conducts an official national census once every ten years, and the next one is scheduled for Sunday, 16 May 2010. Also, I have been told that it's illegal to leave your house on that day until after you have been counted. Once you have been counted then you will be given a document that you can show if asked. If you are out on the street without the document you will be arrested. And, I have to assume that would apply to everyone except tourists. I guess if you could show your passport with a current and valid tourist stamp, then you would be exempted from the count. Anyway, if anyone has any additional information, or more solid or substantial details, please add to the comments section. Thanks.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this morning via email to the Americans In Panama Yahoo! email chat group: "Subject: Americans In Panama - Property Search - I have been researching a variety of properties online (pre-owned) and have been in contact with the real estate agent or owner of several. We are hoping to travel to Panama in January to visit these properties. Would the group members recommend we have our own real estate agent to represent us as we visit properties and in any possible purchase, or just an attorney for the purchase process? Secondly, when we do find a property to purchase, is it recommended that we stay in country for duration of the process, or can we initiate it there, return to the US and complete it from here? Patrice K."

Jam Packed With Smart Questions: Congratulations, Patrice. You've asked a whole string of very intelligent questions, to the point that I decided to "lift" your article from the Americans in Panama Yahoo! group and turn it into a full fledged FAQ article. Everyone should know the answers to your smart questions. In short, there are three things you should do to protect yourself when buying property in Panama - which I call the "Holy Trinity" - hire a buyer's agent, hire your own lawyer, and get a bank mortgage even if you don't need a loan. Allow me to explain... (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (1,321 words)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hi Don - I love reading Panama Guide! Thanks for providing this great service. I will be visiting Panama City beginning Dec. 7th, and am trying to find out if the shops in Panama close for the Mother's Day holiday. Will I be able to shop on the 8th? How about trying to catch a bus to Bocas del Toro? Will the buses be filled with holiday travelers? I'd appreciate your best guess on what to expect. Thanks, Joyce." This year mother's day, the 8th of December, falls on a Tuesday. As such it won't work for a long weekend, so therefore there probably won't be many people traveling or abandoning Panama City en mass such as they do for the Independence Day celebrations, Christmas and New Year, carnival, or holy week. And if I remember correctly I think most shops and stores will be open on that day, but government offices will most likely be closed. Also, there might be a few more passengers than normal on the buses to the interior, but not so many as to make getting a seat impossible. Best of luck.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Here's a question I received via email and I don't know the answer - maybe one of the lawyers could please step up and offer some insight? "I have a question on the laws if a person dies and he doesn't leave a will has alot of land, has family , wife, children, and grandchildren, why does it take years to give it to the immediate family still alive.. ? Why I ask is because an Uncle who died in 2002 and nothing is being given to the family he left behind, it is still in the courts." From what I understand the process for family members can be tough, long, and difficult, especially if there was no will. There are things you can do to prevent getting sucked into this kind of problem, but I don't know what they are... Again, lawyers?

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I get this kind of question frequently: "Don, Do you know of any hospitals or physician practices in Panama that need a pathologist (generalist)? Regards, Mike M.D." Sorry, Mike, but foreigners can not practice medicine in Panama. Period. This is one of the professions closed to outsiders, and the doors are pretty tightly shut. There are a few flying along the edges (like Chiropractors) but no one openly practicing or advertising. In short, if you're not a Panamanian then you won't be practicing medicine in Panama.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Seems to be a more popular question lately: "Does anyone know the going rate for a taxi from Tocumen to El Cangrejo. What price should I expect, so I don't get chumped. Thanks" About $25 dollars is the standard rate for a taxi from Tocumen to Panama City. The price includes all passengers and luggage. Expect to pay a little more if you have to go out to the Amador Causeway, for example.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I get this one all the time - "Would you please add this e-mail address to your e-mail list. Thanks. Alice" I send out an email broadcast practically every day containing links to the headlines I publish on Panama-Guide. The easiest way to receive those broadcasts is to subscribe to the Panama-Guide Yahoo! email group. This group is not a social chat group and its only function is to give me a way to quickly and easily broadcast the headlines. If you want to get the headlines and participate in a social chatting network about Panama, then you can join the Americans in Panama Yahoo! email group, which has almost 4,000 members. Thanks for your interest.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - "Don, I was wondering if someone could tell me what a typical cab fare from the Tocumen Airport to the Casco Viejo area would be approximately. I had already called on a recommended driver - he quoted $30 - but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be overcharged unknowingly... Sorry to bother you with a trivial question like this, but I have looked on the Panama Guide site and others on the internet, and have not been able to find the info... Thank you for your time!! Ammie" No such thing as a trivial question when you're making your way around in unfamiliar territory, Ammie. $30 bucks for a cab from Tocumen to Casco Viejo sounds about right - if you're paying that much you're not being terribly overcharged. Have a nice visit.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - "Hello Don, Do you have knowledge of anywhere in Panama to get my wife's military dependent id card renewed? If not, do you know where she would need to go? I can't find anything on the Consulate website, and Homestead AFB can't help. Thanks, Bob." Sure. You can go to the Retiree Services Office (RSO), located in Building 9 on Corozal in the same area where the Panamanian police have their Institutional Protection Service (SPI). The are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 am until 12:00 noon only. This office is manned by volunteers, and they can help you fill out the correct forms and send them to Puerto Rico where your wife's new ID card will actually be produced. In order to apply for a new card you will need a current 8 x 10 photo of your wife with a white background. Also, you will have to get the form, fill it out, and then take it to the Americans Citizens Services section of the consulate in order to have it validated and certified (no cost there, just time and hassle.) Note: Do not sign the form until you are in front of the Consul! Bring your own ID card and passport just in case. And, kids don't need an ID card until they are ten years old. Hope this helps.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Question: Please advise what is meant as "Push-Button" which is described in the articles relating to the slaying of Mr. Dudley.

Answer: In Panama there are places, basically motels, that are used by people for short term sexual encounters. They are designed so that the customers and staff have no eye-to-eye contact. Each of the rooms has a single parking space in front. If the door is open then that room is currently unoccupied and is available. You pull your car in, roll down the window, and "push the button" to close the garage door behind you - hence the name "push button." (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (616 words)

Question: I am looking at Panama as a potential investment. I don't own anything in Panama yet. At this point I am just trying to figure out it it's safe to invest there.

Answer: Ah, the ultimate $64 Billion Dollar question. The question being asked by everyone, every day, all over Panama and around the world. How long will the construction boom last? Will the bubble burst? Can I safely invest my money in Panama or will I lose money if I do? In reality the only thing you can do is follow the news and trends, keep your ear to the ground and make your own personal decisions as to the relative safety or risk of investing in this market. (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (2,441 words)

Question: I would like to know how did you get your Panther stun gun. Can I order one online from the states? Are there any restrictions on having it imported to Panama? Where can I buy one in Panama City?

Answer: I bought mine used from a friend here in Panama City. I know others who have ordered them online and they entered the country through customs with no problems besides having to pay whatever import taxes. You might want to order one from eBay or something so that if it gets lost in the mail you're not out a whole lot of money. They do sell them in town at gun stores and at the Machetazo for example. You should get one that puts out as many volts as possible, uses two 9 volt batteries for juice, and that fits your hand comfortably. "Play" with it enough to get comfortable with it, and to be able to use it quickly if needed. Remember that if you energize the unit and pull the trigger you'll get the "zap" sound, but be careful because there will be a remaining static charge even after you let go of the trigger. These are not toys and should only be used by responsible adults in emergency situations as a non-lethal defensive measure. With all of that having been said, time to go wake up the cat... (grin)    

Question: I have not found one single hotel in Boquete that will honor the 50% pensionado discount. I really think everyone is promoting Panama using these benefits as a pure marketing strategy but in reality the pensionado benefits are not honored. If I am wrong please provide a list of hotels in Boquete that honor the pensionado discount.

Answer: Panamanian law requires hotels to give those who qualify as pensionados a minimum discount of the regular prices of hotels, 50% from Monday to Thursday and 30% on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They tend to get around this by posting a higher "regular" rate and then giving a "discount" to everyone. Enforcement is lax and the government will only get involved if someone is willing to file an official complaint Panama's National Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition Authority (Autoridad de Proteccion al Consumidor y Defensa de la Competencia). Please see this search for related articles. The phone number for the office in Chiriqui is 775-2536. They will be happy to listen to your complaint, just make sure you have the details straight. If a hotel owner or manager refuses to honor the discount simply pay the bill and report the incident. This holds true for hotels and all other businesses that are supposed to offer discounts to pensionados. The list of hotels is "all of them."    

<p><b>Question:</b> Hi Don, I'm an American looking to purchase a home in Panama, now as a holiday home and ultimately as a place to spend half the year. Would you please give me any thoughts and reco's on where I should focus my attention -- what are in your view the nicest areas, the best values, the smartest places to invest, etc.? Thank you!

<p><b>Answer:</b> The first decision you have to make is if you want to be in Panama City, on the beach, in the mountains, Boquete, Bocas, Pacific or Atlantic, etc. If you've never been to Panama before I suggest you make a couple of trips down to try things on before you buy anything. Just rent a car and ramble around the country. Then, once you think you know what you like, rent there and live for awhile. Assuming you were asking about Panama City, in reality it's all about the same. The waterfront properties along Balboa Avenue are "hot" right now. The neighborhoods of San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Costa del Este all have lots of buildings going up. It really comes down to personal preferences and what matters most to you. Anything with a view will retain it's value. I know that's a "non-answer" but it's the best I can do.   

Question: I've noticed that in Panama it is fairly common to see cracks in the walls of buildings, including in newly constructed apartments. Are they sinking? What causes this problem?

Answer: For the most part this surface cracking is considered "normal." Most buildings in Panama constructed from poured concrete have very solid columns, beans, and poured floors, but the spaces between those solid structures are filled in with cement blocks and then plastered over with a thin layer of cement (called repello.) Concrete and cement are porous materials and they tend to absorb water. Once the walls are up and covered with repello and paint then they slowly dry out and shrink. Eventually small cracks form in the walls, but these are only surface cracks and do not indicate any compromise in the structural integrity of the building. If you see these kinds of cracks in the walls of your new apartment, I suggest you fix in the same way as most Panamanians - paint.   

Question: I am trying to identify a step-by-step list of what I need to do to relocate to Panama, and I have bought a lot in Altos del Maria. I saw that there are a few things necessary to open a local bank account, but do I need a local mailing address? Kind regards, Kristina.

Answer: From Stuart Jackson at GSL Real Estate: "Don It is not necessary to have a local address to open a bank account. All you really need is your passport, 2 reference letters from financial institutions that you have dealt with for several years (only one with some banks), a person to refer you and the money to open it with. Most accounts can be opened with $500 but some banks ask for $1000." And from Matt Landau at thepanamareport.com - "When I opened a bank account a local address was indeed required, however I don't think it was ever checked or verified--meaning that if I was to have given the address of a friends apartment or even my soon-to-be address, I think it would have been fine. To this day, I don't know how they'd validate my address considering the directions are so darn confusing." (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (165 words)

Question: We are currently working on relocating to Panama and would appreciate it if you could confirm or deny whether we are allowed to ship an automobile into Panama that we are still making payments on? If not-do you know the proper folks to address this issue?

Answer: Excellent question. I got some feedback from a couple of people to answer this. According to Kevin Bradley, "Don; Several of my Expat clients have shipped cars to Panama with existing loans. Before the auto left the USA, I had to provide proof of full coverage with a Panama licensed Insurance company to the Bank or Credit Union. The policy was required to have an endorsement designating that financial institution as lien holder. Each year, I have to provide the lien holder a copy of the renewal until the loan is paid off. Kevin Bradley" (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (287 words)

The article about applying for a mortgage from banks in Panama was very helpful to us. We dealt with couple of Banks from Panama and didn't get nowhere. After purchasing a condominium in Gorgona Beach, we need to finance 80 % of the purchase price. I am getting in touch with Banco National today about the mortgage. By the way if anyone is interested in purchasing a condominium in Panama in Gorgona beach there is still few left. We searched for a long time till we found a nice place and a reasonable price. We traveled to Panama back in April of this year and after seeing the place we just couldn't pass up the deal.   

Question: I understand that if I move to Panama and live here for years then eventually I will be able to apply for naturalization and become a Panamanian citizen. But, I also understand that I must renounce my citizenship from the United States in order to do so? I would like to become a "dual citizen" and retain my US citizenship. Is this possible?

Answer: Panamanian nationality law requires (as does US naturalization law) an oath of renunciation of former citizen-ships as a condition of naturalization. That said, under current US Supreme Court interpretations the Panamanian oath is "non-meaningful" and therefore does not affect one's US citizenship except possibly were the US, new Panamanian, citizen were to affirmatively swear before the US consular officer that he or she did indeed intend to renounce US citizenship when taking the Panamanian oath and the US Department of State on review of the facts were to issue the certificate of loss of US nationality. There are numerous cases of US citizens acquiring Panamanian nationality who continue to enjoy US citizenship, retention of their US passports, et. (By: RR)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (1,690 words)

Question: I would like some input from people who applied for a mortgage from a bank in Panama with info such as application process, down payment required, number of years financed, current interest rates with good credit, whether banks look at U.S. credit rating, recommendation of favorable banks, any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer (From Warren): We talked to Continental Bank, Banco General, HSBC and BancoNational. We applied at HSBC and after three months gave up on them and applied at Banco General. Four months later we told Banco General to not bother us with any more requests for documents and applied at Banco National. I must say here that I owned a Mortgage Brokerage Company in Oregon for 14 years before retired and moved to Costa Rica and then Panama. I had in one file all information they could possibly need to precess our application but could not get the loan officers to accept the information. They have a system, you see. The ask for one document and when they have spent weeks approving that document they ask for more. That was our experience with first two places we applied. I know others may have different experiences so wanted you to know what has to be the worst case. At Banco National the loan officer could not get her hands on the information we had soon enough. She was very good at her job. We received a 3% interest loan on 80% of the purchase price. Seems they do not give higher LTV to North Americans. Have heard that is because, we have heard, is because of all the loan that went bad when North Americans left in 98 thru 2000. The bank charges were including all costs were 820.00. Hope this answers some of your questions about the process and results.   

Question: I am considering retiring in Costa Rica or Panama. I have learned that Panama has many more and better incentives to retire there. As people who have lived in Costa Rica perhaps you may be able to tell me which Country is better for retirement. Why are you looking to move to Panama?

Answer: By David - Costa Rica has become a very dangerous place for Gringos who are singled out as a better mark. I lived there for ten years from 1992 to 2003 and accumulated a wide circle of friends. All of them had been assalted or robbed at least once. After awhile you become radicalized and double lock everything and are fearful to walk on the street without constantly checking behind you for the lurking ladrone. Costa Rican culture is NON CONFRONTATIONAL and no one will come to your aid if you are attacked so the banditos are very brazen. Oftentimes they are intentionally overlooked by the police for propina or family/friend associations. I got out, and ALL OF THE GRINGOS I know are either out or in the process of leaving, many to Panama and Nicaragua, some to Asia. I don´t believe it will profit you much to visit there for a short time to get the feel of it. In my opinion it takes at least a year to penetrate the veneer of a culture to see what´s really going on. I suggest that you read AM Costa Rica on your computer every Monday for more information, bearing in mind that they are also "selling papers" and so are not completely objective.    Click Here To Read The Full Article (478 words)

Question: Do you know if hi-def television is available in Panama City? We would like to receive all of the US networks in English. Is this possible? Do you have an opinion on Cable Onda vs. Directv? Any thoughts on who is best for high speed internet?

Answer: I've seen high definition televisions for sale and I think there might be an occasional HDTV program via cable (but I'm not really sure about that.) You can get some of the US network channels via either Cable TV or DirecTv but not all. In order to get them all you have to install your own dish and pay for a subscription - it can be done but it's costly. Personally, I prefer Cable Onda to DirecTv if given a choice, and I'm also using Cable Onda cable modem for high speed internet access. Anyone with additional or better information please add in the comments. Thanks.    

Question: I have been trying to find out if Panama has a indoor racquet ball court. So far I have been told there are no public courts, that some condominimums buildings have private courts, and that there might be outdoor courts at Clayton. I would like to get with someone who enjoys the game and play when I visit Panama in October.

Answer: The Raquet Club of Panama is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Their telephone number is 260-6884 or 260-4816. The manager's name is Pablo Sanchez and his cell number is 6673-2140. They are located near the Plaza Edison. To get there from Tumba Muerto when passing the Plaza Edison on your right hand side take the next left at the traffic light and go down the hill. There is a tall apartment building on your left. Turn left at the street and the Raquet Club is basically right behind that tall apartment building. They have three squash courts and one raquetball court. Pablo recommends that you call ahead to make reservations. This is a semi-private club but anyone can walk in off the street and pay to play. There are also indoor courts at the gym on Clayton. Hopefully someone can gather the information about Clayton and post a comment with the details.   

Question: We have just recently purchased a home/property in Santiago, Veraguas, Panama. We are wondering if there is a U.S. mail service that would be available in Santiago? I know that Boquete & David have this available. Thank you! I appreciate your time! Alice

Answer: Great question. I have no idea. Is anyone providing this service? Please let me know (don@panama-guide.com)   

Question: Today on a run down from Altos del Maria to Bejuca I witnessed a totally black, 5-6' long, 1 1/2-2' high with a long tail above and then behind BIG CAT go from one side of the roads' foliage into the other sides foliage. It was slim and silky and was only about 30' in front of my car. Very graceful and was moving at a good clip but did not bolt as I approached. Any ideas? John

Answer: That was probably a Black Panther, or more accurately speaking a Jaguar with Melanistic coloration. Lucky you, John. That's a rare sighting indeed. Please do us all a favor and toss a digital camera in your car... (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (1,250 words)

Question: There are an amazing number of high-rise buildings being built in Panama City and I constantly hear about plans to build even more. I wonder, how long can this boom last? Will the bubble burst anytime soon?

Answer: That's the $64 Billion Dollar Question. Right now speculation is financing much of the construction. The "lights are out" in a lot of new buildings because end residents have not yet purchased the properties. The sheer numbers of apartments under construction is staggering and any intelligent observer has to wonder how long can it continue. Panama is a hot destination right now and still getting hotter. Those of us who have lived here for a long time have seen changes, but the potential numbers and demographics that are creating this construction boom are impressive. There are dozens of variables and market influences, and no one can see the future, but here's my take on things... (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (2,057 words)

Question: Is Panama a safe place to live? Many Internet websites promoting Panama claim that the country is very safe, yet I often hear about violent crime on the news. How safe is Panama? Is it a safe place for me and my family?

Answer: This is a tough one. I've lived here for twenty years and have never been the victim of a violent crime. Any outside observer is going to receive mixed signals due to crossed purposes from information sources. The news media makes money and draws viewers or readers by reporting on violent crime (See: "If It Bleeds, It Leads...") so they have a tendency to over-report and place too much emphasis on crime. People and companies promoting Panama would like to convince you that Panama is a perfectly safe haven of tranquility, safety, and security. Both are wrong, which leaves the reader in the middle trying to pick fact and reality from a mixed offering of rose-colored fiction and blood-stained sensionalization. I'll try to sort it out for you... (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (4,455 words)

Question: Is electricity less expensive in Panama than in the United States? I've heard that poorer sections of town pay a lower rate than more expensive areas. Is that true?

Answer: This question is very common. I get a lot of questions about the price and costs of electricity in Panama. Many want to know how much they can expect to spend and are trying to build a budget for an eventual move to Panama. I looked into the prices of electricity in detail. Many people believe that residents of poorer sections of town pay less for electricity than people in richer or more exclusive parts of town. In fact this notion has become a kind of "Panamanian urban legend." The short answer is that everyone pays the same rate (rich and poor) and the amount you spend is tied directly to your consumption. Use less, pay less. It's really that simple. But, all of the down and dirty details are in this article... (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (2,337 words)

Question: How much does it cost to get a regular telephone line installed in Panama City? Does it cover all local calls to the city or is there a charge per call or for time? I've heard there are a lot of different plans and service options - what's the difference? Also, can a phone from the United States just plug into the jack or do I need some kind of converter?

Answer It costs $40 to have a phone line installed. You have to present some documents like identification and a water bill or rental contract on your house or apartment. Inside of Panama telephone service is divided up into regions, and all of Panama City is covered under one zone so it's all local calls. There are eight different plans available as options for local service giving you excellent flexibility to choose the plan which best fits your needs and calling requirements. The details and differences of each plan available as well as price and service comparisons are explained below. Also, the phone jacks are the same standard as what's used in the United States. (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (1,485 words)