panama resource guide.pdf · empire in the new world. panama was part of the spanish empire for...

Panama

Resource Guide

www.larmgroup.com

© Copyright LARM Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Welcome to Panama Panama History & Culture

4 Country Details Currency & Taxation Local I.D. Obtaining your Driver’s License Purchasing a Car in Panama Registration Used Cars Gas Stations

8 Home Finding Apartments and Houses Associated Fees for Renting a Property Utilities

9 Education Bilingual English Schools Catholic Schools Bilingual Jewish Schools Bilingual Schools (French, British, Japanese, Greek)

Academic Calendar Recommended Timeframes to Enroll

11 Banking Opening a Bank Account ATMS

12 Medical System Insurance Finding a Doctor Hospitals Emergency Contacts

13 Transportation Transportation & Commuting Airports

14 Embassies & Consulates Embassies Consulates


TABLE OF CONTENTS

15 National Holidays

16 The Local Panama Flavor Food Eating out in Panama

18 Landmarks & Tourist Spots Panama Canal Casco Viejo

Chiriqui Highlands San Blas Islands Bocas del Toro El Valle

20 Entertainment Arts & Culture Nightlife

Sports & Activities in Country Shopping

21 Helpful Tips Safety Dialing In/Out of Country

22 Notes

LARM - PANAMA RESOURCE GUIDE


1

As part of our Latin American Relocation Management (LARM) family, you can rest assured that we have your relocation needs covered. Our focus is making sure you experience a smooth transition, from start to finish. We have put together this guide with important information and resources that will help ease your relocation process as much as possible. We want to remind you that we stand by, ready to support and guide you whenever you might need it. If you have any questions or feed-back, please feel free to contact us directly.

LARM USA Headquarters 1961 NW 150th Avenue, Suite 103

Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Phone: + (954) 239-4081Email: [email protected]

LARM Panama Prime Time Building, Office 19-C

Costa del EstePanama City, Panama.

Office: + (507) 271-0029Fax: + (507) 271-4647

Email: [email protected]


2

Welcome to

Panama

Panama is a country of rich diversity and uniqueness, from its location to its people, to its terrain. Panamanians are made up of about 70% Mestizo (or “mixed,” meaning indigenous and Spanish primarily), 6% indigenous, 14% African descent and 10% white, including Caucasian and Chinese. Panama’s primary language is Spanish.



3

History & Culture

Sailing westward from Venezuela in 1501 in search of gold, Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first European to explore the Isthmus of Panama. One year later, Christopher Columbus visited the isthmus and established a short-lived settlement in Darien. Vasco Núñez de Balboa’s tortuous trek from the Atlantic to the Pacific in 1513 demonstrated that this isth-mus was, indeed, the path between the seas, and Panama quickly became the crossroads and marketplace of Spain’s empire in the New World.

Panama was part of the Spanish Empire for over 300 years (1513–1821) and its fortunes fluctuated with the geopoliti-cal importance of the isthmus to the Spanish crown. During the 16th and 17th centuries, at the height of the Empire, no other region would prove to be more important strategically or economically. Panamanians celebrate their independen-ce from Spain on November 28 (1821) and separation from Colombia on November 3rd (1903). When Panama sepa-rated itself from Gran Colombia, it made an alliance with

the United States. The alliance was based on America’s promise to construct a canal for Panama. Panamanians are friendly and accepting of many different cultures. Because of its warm weather, Panama is known to have a more relaxed culture, where punctuality is not a main priority. It is a great hub for food and art as well. Its art is a unique mix of both indigenous and modern influences. Some of the typical icons in art and clothing are: the Mola, a colorful fabric with complex patterns that include symmetry in the design; Panama´s typical dress, la Pollera, influenced by Spanish aesthetics, and the Panama hat which is also an example of strong tradition that evolved over hundreds of years. Panama’s food is full of fresh, island-inspired dishes, including tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh catches from the waters. Some popular dishes include patacones, or fried plantains and chicken rice.


4

Full country name: Republic of Panama

Capital: Panama City

Area: 75,517 km / 29,157 sq. mi

Population: 3,802,281 (2014)

Official Language: Spanish

Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) / U.S. dollar (USD)

Government: Democratic

Religion: 75-85% Catholic

Area Code: 507

Location: Located in Central America between Costa Rica and Colombia, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean

Demographic: Ethnic Groups: 70% Mestizo, 14% Zambo, 10% White and 6% Indigenous. Density: 140.6 sq/mi Gender growth: Female (49.49%), Male (50.50%)

Main Regions: Provinces (10): Panama City, Colón, Coclé, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas, Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, Panamá Oeste. Comarcas (Indian Regions - 5): Guna Yala, Madugandi, Wargandi, Embera-Wounaan, Gnobe Buglé.

Main Cities: Panama City, San Miguelito, David, Colón, Santiago, Chitré, La Chorrera, Penonomé.

Main Beaches and Islands: Gorgona, Coronado, Punta Chame, Venado, Santa Catalina, Santa Clara & Farallón, Contadora Island, Isla Grande, Taboga, Coiba, Bocas del Toro, San Blas.

Climate: Tropical climate, it has two seasons: Summer (dry season) and Winter (rainy season). Summer: (January – mid April): 80-90°F (25-30 C°) **High Humidity. Winter: (Mid April – December)

Country Details



5

Currency & Taxation

• Official Name: Balboa (PAB)

• Exchange Rate: U.S $1.00 = PAB $1.00

*The Balboa is fixed at parity with the United States Dollar*

Taxes: 7%

Local I.D.

Personal Identity Card-Cédula

The Cédula is an official document that presents a set of particular characteristics that distinguish a citizen. When a citizen turns in 18 years old, they will receive the Personal Identity Card as identity document.

The ID card is required in Commercial, Civil and Police ac-tions in the Republic of Panama. For example; it is manda-tory to use the ID card in all bank related procedures.


6

Obtaining your Driver’s License

How long can you drive with your foreign/current Driver’s License?

A driver’s license from another country can be used in Panama for 90 days with a tourist visa. After that you will be fined or taken in to the police station for driving without proper documentation. It is very important that once you have your residency status you immediately do the driver’s license process. SERTRACEN constantly changes the requirements needed to certify a license from a foreign country, please make sure you have all the documents (in some cases to include a blood type test if this is not on your current driver’s license) before you go. For more information, visit: www.sertracen.com.pa

What do you need to know about driving in Panama?

• Drive on the right side

• The minimum driving age is 18; however, you can get a learner´s permit at 16.

• Vehicle registration document, proof of identity, Rules of transit book (Reglamento de Tránsito) insu-rance documents, valid driving license and accident report form should be kept in the car at all times.

• The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited

• Third party insurance is mandatory

• Seat belts must be worn by the driver and front seat passenger.

• Children under 5 years old must be seated in a special car seat in the rear.

What do you do if an Ambulances/Fire Truck is passing?

Please move aside and give them priority.

What to do if a cop stops you?

If stopped by a police officer, make sure to stop as instruc-ted and wait to be asked for your information. You will need to provide your driver’s license.

Throughout the year there can be random checkpoints, usually at night, where cars are stopped and the driver is asked for his driver’s license. Many of these checkpoints are placed nearby bars, discos and restaurants or on the major streets to avoid car racing. If the police thinks it is necessary, they may also perform alcohol tests. This may include the Breathalyzer or asking you to step out of the car and take the person to the closest police station overnight. A fine will be issued and a ticket for disorderly or drunk driving will be given. Also, a fee will be required for the car to be released.



7

Purchasing a Car in Panama

New cars in Panama are generally sold by dealerships, where the Retail Price is often less flexible than elsewhere. To purchase a car, the buyer needs to provide a proof of identity and legal residence in Panama.

When purchasing a new car with a bank loan, the buyer has to provide a cash deposit, which reserves the car, while the paperwork is completed. The car dealership handles the ownership transfer.

Cars may not leave the dealership without insurance as all vehicles in Panama must have at least a third-party insuran-ce policy.

Registration

The Dealers take care of this step, if you buy a car through a Dealership. If you buy a used car you will need to go through a different procedure. When buying/paying for a car in cash from a private seller, the new owner must transfer the car’s title.

Used Cars

When purchasing a used car from a private vendor, both parties should go to the municipal office or Municipio that originally issued the car’s current license plate, and fill out a transfer card, or Traspaso.

The following documents will be required:

• Copy of the seller’s ID

• Copy of the new owner’s ID

• Transfer card (Traspaso), which is provided by the municipality, signed by both parties

• Certificate of vehicle inspection for the current year (Inspección Vehicular)

• Certificate of sole title of the vehicle (Registro Unico de Propiedad Vehicular)

• “Paz y Salvo” from the seller’s municipal office, which declares that there are no outstanding tickets or dues on the car.

• Receipt of payment of the road tax (impuesto de circulación vehicular) from the municipal office that issued the license plate

Gas Stations

In some gas stations you will need to pump your own gas, and it is required to pay to the gas station attendant. In other stations, they do it for you and you pay after the service is provided. A tip may be given if the gas is pumped for you or if any other services are provided such as chec-king the engine oil or tires.


8

Home Finding

Apartments and Houses

Due to the high density population in Panama City you will find that there are more apartment options than houses. Most Apartments range between 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 and 4 bedroom are less common, and 5 bedrooms are not avai-lable, but you could find a 4 bedroom plus a den or family room that can be converted into a bedroom. There are many new developments of gated communities in the outskirts of the city where more space is available; areas such as Costa del Este and Clayton are where most expats look for housing, most of them modern. Most of the housing outside of gated communities are owned by locals and may not be available for rent.

Associated Fees for Renting a Property

When you rent a house you will be required to pay a one month security deposit and first month of rent together as soon as you sign the leasing contract. This deposit is refundable at the end of the contract as long as the house is in good condition.

• The realtor commission is paid by the owner of the property.

• In most of the cases, for furnished and unfurnished properties, appliances such as washer, dryer, oven and refrigerator are included in the property.

Utilities

The Utilities are not included in the rent. There are a few exceptions where the Water and Gas are included.

Regular utilities include:

• Electricity

• Water

• Phone

• Cable

• Internet

• Gas

These utilities are billed each month, and the payments can be made in person, with a credit card, or through online banking.



9

Education

In Panama there are Public and Private schools. Public schooling is free for all children but not recommended for expats.

Panama private school students come from all around the world including Asia, Europe, and North & South America. There are even language based schools such as a Japanese school, a French school, several Chinese schools, and English schools. Religious based schools include Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim.

Bilingual English Schools

• Balboa Academy

• Boston School

• Colegio Episcopal

• International School of Panama

• Knightsbridge International Panama School

• Oxford International School

• Panamerican School

• The Metropolitan School

• St. Mary´s

• Crossroads Christian Academy

Catholic Schools• San Agustin

• Javier

• La Salle

• Maria Inmaculada

• Las Esclavas

Bilingual Jewish Schools• Albert Einstein

• Issac Rabin School

• Colegio Hebreo

Bilingual Schools (French, British, Japanese, Greek)

• Paul Gauguin of Panama

• Japanese School of Panama

• King´s College

• Centro Cultural Chino Panameño

• Instituto Atenea


10

Academic Calendar

The school year either follows the International schedule from September to June or the local one, from February to December.

Every school is closed during Carnival, Easter, and Christmas. However, international schools may also follow their country’s public holidays.

Recommended Timeframes to Enroll

Due to the international calendar year options in Panama City, expatriate children don’t usually go to local schools.

Admission to an International School depends on the child’s fluency of the language used in the school, and availability of space, amongst other criteria.

In order to enroll your child at the schools, it is recommended that you start the admission process as soon as possible, as spaces may be limited in some grades.

An appointment is usually required to enroll, but many international schools have online enrolment forms to start the process.

What do you need to Enroll?

The following documents need to be provided for enrollment:

• School Application Completed

• Reference Letters

• Recommendation Letters

• Carnet photos (4)

• Health Certificate

• Vaccines Record

• Admission Exams

• Passport or ID card (cédula)

• Previous school transcripts notarized in the country of issue and authenticated by the Panamanian consulate in that country

• Ministry of Education Certificate

• Immunizations (varies depending on the country you come from)

• Other requirements from the specific school



11

Banking

Opening a Bank Account

• Original passport

• Second form of picture ID (driver´s license or local ID)

• Bank Letter of Reference (2)

• Personal Letter of Reference (2)

• Commercial Letter of Reference (2)

ATMS

Recommendations about local ATMS

You can find ATM´s machines for the different banks in supermarkets, malls, or bank branches. A debit card will feature a “Clave” logo which gives you the opportunity to use it at one of the many ATM machines in the country. Some banks will charge a fee for a debit card and for its use but these do vary.


12

Medical System

Insurance

Government health care is available to permanent residents and citizens of Panama; however most Panamanians prefer private healthcare as it is better and affordable.

Finding a Doctor

Panama has a good reputation when it comes to doctors; most are U.S. trained and speak English. The standards at the top hospitals in Panama compared favorably with those in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

In case of accident or emergency go to the Emergency room and they will attend you as soon as possible. The payment will depend on the medical procedure needed.

Hospitals

The best private hospitals in Panama are in Panama City. They offer the highest levels of excellence in care and superior medical procedures, technology, and equipment. Four of them affiliate with prominent U.S. hospitals.

The 4 Major hospitals in Panama City are:

• Punta Pacifica Hospital

• Paitilla Medical Center

• San Fernando Hospital

• National Hospital

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 104

• Fire: 103

• Medical Emergency Assistance: 911



13

Transportation

Transportation & Commuting

Panama has different ways of transportation such as:

• Yellow cabs (Taxis)

• Metro Bus

• Metro Rail

It is recommended to use Yellow Cabs to arrive faster to your destination point rather than other forms of public transportation since they have several stops and could be crowded.

Airports

Tocumen International Airport is the main Airport in Panama. It´s located 24 km (15 miles) from Panama City, Panama. There are other airports that receive small planes and service mostly local airlines.


14

Embassies & Consulates

Embassies

American Argentinian

Bolivian Brazilian

British Canadian

Chilean Colombian

Costa Rican Cuban

Dominican Ecuadorian

Egyptian Salvadoran

Guatemalan Haitian

Honduran Indian

Israeli Italian

Jamaican Japanese

Mexican Netherlands

Nicaraguan Paraguayan

Peruvian Russian

Sahrawian Spanish

Taiwanese Uruguayan

Venezuelan

Consulates

Austria Bahamian

Barbadian Belgian

Belizean Costa Rican

Cypriot Czech

Danish Dutch

Ecuadorian Filipino

Finnish Greek

Greenlandic Indonesian

Irish Jamaican

Nicaraguan Polish

Sammarinese South African

Swedish Taiwanese

Vietnamese



15

National Holidays

• January 1: New Year

• January 9: Martyrs’ Day (Panama)

• Carnival’s Tuesday: The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

• Good Friday: Friday of Roman Catholic Holy Week

• May 1: Labor Day

• November 3: Separation Day (from Colombia)

• November 5: Colon Day

• November 10: “Primer Grito de Independencia de la Villa de los Santos” (The uprising in the Villa de los Santos against Spain)

• November 28: Independence Day (from Spain)

• December 8: Mother’s Day

• December 25: Christmas


16

The Local Panama Flavor

Food

Panamanian cuisine is both unique and rich. Panama pos-sesses an unusual variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used in native cooking. Some of the main specialties are:

• Arroz con camarones y coco o guandu: rice with shrimp, beans and coconut milk

• Arroz con Pollo: chicken rice with vegetables

• Sancocho: chicken or beef soup

• Chicarrones: fried or roasted pork fat and skin

• Mondongo: stewed beef tripe

• Lengua guisada: stewed beef tongue

• Pernil de pueco al horno: roasted pork leg

• Bistec de hígado: liver steak

• Ceviche: commonly made of corvina

• Fried fish: delicious and crispy fresh fish

• Ensalada de papas: potato salad, called ensalada de feria, when beetroot is added

• Tamales: Dish made of dough of corn filled with chic-ken or pork seasoned and wrapped up in platain leaf.

• Tortillas: flat pancakes made of corn flour and usually topped with eggs, cheese, or beans

• Plátano en tentacion: ripe plantain cooked in sweet syrup

• Tasajo: dried, sometimes smoked meat, usually from beef though the word refers mainly to the mode of curing rather than the type of meat.

Main Deserts

• Pastel de tres leches: a cake soaked in evapora-ted milk, condensed milk and cream

• Raspados: ice topped with sweet syrup and con-densed milk

• Flans: egg custard with caramelized sauce

• Cocades: a light biscuit-like dessert made from shredded coconut, eggs and sugar.



17

Amador Causeway Restaurants

• Alberto´s

• Mi Ranchito

• Bucaneros

• Leños y Carbón

Casco Viejo Restaurants

• Capital Bistro Panama

• Mostaza

• Casa Blanca

• Tántalo

Other Restaurants in the City

• Hacienda Real

• Maito

• Los Años Locos

• Paladar

• La Posta

• Jimmys

• Beirut

Eating out in Panama


18

Landmarks & Tourist Spots

• Panama Canal

• Casco Viejo

• Amador Causeway

• Boquete

• Pearl Islands

• Volcan Barú (Chiriqui Highlands)

• Santa Catalina

• San Blas

• Coiba Island

• Bocas del Toro

• El Valle

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal stands as one of the world’s greatest engineering projects. Visitors can take either a partial or complete crossing of the canal. Complete crossing takes eight hours. Many visitors choose to explore the canal by visiting the Miraflores Locks Museum. From the restaurant located at the top floor of the museum, visitors can watch transiting vessels in the canal below.

Casco Viejo

Located just minutes from downtown Panama City, Casco Viejo is the focal point of Panamanian architectural history, with its picturesque buildings, narrow streets comprised of red bricks, churches, ruins and museums. A must see for anyone visiting the city district.



19

Amador Causeway

Located just outside of Panama City and once the home of the US Army base, has quickly become one of Panama’s most desirable tourist areas. The Causeway itself connect three small islands with the mainland, Naos, Perico and Flamenco.

Chiriqui Highlands

Panama’s highest peaks, its only volcano, and some of its longest rivers are found in the Chiriqui Highlands, a two hour drive from Panama’s northernmost city, David. The surrounding countryside is stunning and can offer a number of activities for all tastes such as birdwatching, walking, mountain biking and horse-riding excursions as well as trips to the coffee plantation. For the adventurous, the Chiriqui River offers some of the best white water rafting in Central America.

San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are the best place to explore the rich culture of Panama’s indigenous people, the Guna. San Blas is an idyllic group of over 360 palm-fringed islands with white-sand beaches and the clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Bocas del Toro

Accessed by plane, road and boat from Panama, the main settlement is the small surfing town of Bocas. The surroun-ding region is made up of a rainforest, pretty coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, extensive mangrove forests and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

El Valle

The charming town of El Valle is easily accessible from Pa-nama City, it enjoys a cooler climate than the capital thanks to its altitude, making it a popular weekend hideaway where you can enjoy the natural surroundings.


20

Entertainment

Arts & Culture

• Afro-Antillean Museum

• Biodiversity Museum

• Marine Exhibition Center

• Museum of Contemporary Art

• Museum of History

• Panama Canal Museum

Nightlife

Panama City’s nightlife is well-known among locals and travelers alike. Some consider Panama City’s nightlife its central draw, with several nightclubs, bars, and casinos.

Sports & Activities in Country

In Panama City, water and indoor sports are popular because of the heat. Other sports like baseball, basketball, football, tennis and golf are only comfortable in the early morning, late afternoon or evenings. For water sports, the fishing, surfing, kayaking, diving, rafting and snorkeling are excellent and always close by.

Shopping

There is a variety of grocery stores: El Rey, Riba Smith, and Super 99 are the largest ones.

The main Shopping Malls in Panama are: Multicentro, Multiplaza Pacific, Albrook Mall, El Dorado, and Metromall. Also, there are Boutiques outside the Shopping Malls that you can visit.



21

Helpful Tips

Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Keep your belongings close to you at all times.

• Do not provide personal information to strangers.

• Do not take public transportation during night time.

Dialing In/Out of Country

• 011: US exit code; dial first for international calls made from the USA or Canada

• 00 + country code: for outbound international calls

• 507: Country Code for Panama

• Phone Number: fixed - 7 digits

• Cell phones: 8 digits


22

Notes



23

Notes


24

Notes



25

Notes


26


AddressPrime Time Building, Office 19-C

Costa del EstePanama City, Panama.

Contact Office: + (507) 271-0029

Fax: + (507) 271-4647Email: [email protected]

www.larmgroup.com

PANAMA

panama resource guide.pdf · empire in the new world. panama was part of the spanish empire for...

Documents