Are You Moving to Panama to Embrace Its Culture or to Escape a Different One?

The difference between running toward something and just running away can make or break your expat journey—and it matters to the country welcoming you, too.

People move abroad for all kinds of reasons. Some are drawn to a new culture and lifestyle. Others are just looking for an exit.

Which one are you? (Many people these days would say both!)

This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can really have an impact on the success of your expat journey and for the country you are escaping to.

Why the Escape-Only Mindset is Problematic

Many expats land in Panama because they want to leave something behind, like:

• High cost of living
• Political chaos
• Overregulation
• Taxes
• Cold weather

Lately, of course, there are many U.S. residents wanting to escape the political insanity in the U.S.

When I chat with aspiring expats these days, I'm hearing all about the escaping and nothing about the embracing. I often hear…"Is learning Spanish really necessary?"

Here's the thing—if you're coming just to escape, you're really doing Panamá, the country that is welcoming you, a disservice and you may end up frustrated as a result of unrealistic expectations.

It's not the responsibility of the people of Panama to be like anyone but themselves and they deserve to be honored and fully embraced—not as an afterthought, but primarily. And, their language is a huge part of this!

People who move with just an "escape" mindset may struggle to truly accept Panama for what she is. Instead of adapting, they try (consciously or not) to make it more like where they came from (except for the bad things, of course).

For example, they may want:

• The same level of customer service
• The same efficiency
• The same products
• The same conveniences
• To be spoken to in English

Deep down, they actually want everything except the thing they were running from to be the same.

But, that's not how it works.

Things to Embrace About Panamá

There are so many wonderful aspects of Panamanian culture. Here are just a few:

What Hits Escape-Minded Expats the Hardest

If you expect Panama to function like the U.S. or Canada, you're might be in for some headaches.

Things move slower here. Rules are flexible or unenforced. Appointments don't always happen on time. Many people won't speak English. You'll likely need attorneys and translators on a regular basis.

Some adjust and roll with it. Others get frustrated.

Here's what tends to trigger the most frustration:

• Bureaucracy – Paperwork can take forever, the rules sometimes change mid-process, and you'll often need a translator and/or an attorney to complete a bureaucratic task.
• Service speed – Restaurant servers don't rush to take your order. Repairmen don't always show up when they say they will. Clerks in stores are not likely to go out of their way to help you.
• Noise – Dogs bark. Roosters crow. The locals LOVE fireworks and massive boom boxes. (Have you read my blog about searching for tranquility here yet?)
• Availability – That brand you love? It might not be here. That store you rely on? It might be out of that crucial thing you need.
• Pollution & Environmental Issues – Panama's natural beauty is stunning, but littering is common, air quality can be poor in urban areas, and recycling options are limited. If you're expecting strict environmental policies and widespread eco-consciousness, you may be disappointed.
• Language Barriers – Simple visits to the bank or the doctor are challenging if you don't speak fluent Spanish. If you've been an uber competent person in your home country, it can be tough to experience this level of disadvantage.

If these things drive you nuts, ask yourself: Am I willing to adapt and focus on the positive, or am I just looking for a version of my old life with better weather and saner politics?

Politics: There's Really No Escape

Right now, many U.S. citizens are fleeing their home country's political mess. Understandably. They land in Panama expecting a break from the drama.

Reality check: Thanks to Trump, U.S. expats won't be totally escaping politics here.

A good number of expats also left their home country for political reasons. But, not all of them share your views.

In fact, you'll likely find the following in your small expat community:

• Hardcore conservatives
• Hardcore liberals
• Libertarians who despise both
• Europeans with their own strong opinions
• ...and, more recently, Panamanians who aren't too happy with the new U.S. president.

It used to be easier to avoid political conversations here. But, after the recent U.S. election—and with Trump's stance on the Panama Canal in the mix—political tensions have made their way here (actually the entire planet).

Even people like me, who can get along with most anyone because I dislike both U.S. political parties, may struggle at times in this new political environment because tensions are at peak levels.

If you're planning to live here long-term, be aware:

• Politics still may come up – If you can't handle differing opinions, your social circle will be very tiny.
• The expat community is diverse – Remember, expats come from all over the world; you'll meet Canadians, Europeans, South Africans, South Americans, and more...all with different, equally valid, perspectives.
• The local population has their own concerns – Many locals couldn't care less about U.S. politics. With pretty much the only exception being the canal, their focus is on Panama's economy, jobs, and governance.

Who Thrives Here?

The happiest expats in Panama are the ones who:

Food for Thought

So many people are longing for a better place right now—somewhere that feels safer, calmer, or just different from where they are. But, in that urgency, it's easy to make decisions without fully thinking them through and forget to focus on the culture you're going to be living in.

Reading books about Panamá while you're waiting to take the leap is an excellent way to start embracing! I have a ton of them here: Books About Panama Channel

If you find yourself feeling defensive or frustrated while reading this post, take a moment to pause and reflect. Where is that feeling coming from? Sometimes, our strongest reactions can lead us to the insights we need most.

What to Ask Yourself Before You Move

Be brutally honest with yourself. If your answer is "no" to most of these questions, you might unconsciously try to change Panamá or struggle here.

But, if you're open, adaptable, and genuinely interested in embracing Panama's people and culture exactly as they are, you'll probably love it here!

— Operation Expat

"Is learning Spanish really necessary?"

Short answer: yes. Embracing Panama starts with its language. Here are 5 reasons it's so important for expats to know Spanish.

Read why Spanish matters →

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