AboutLorena Milanes Expertise I can answer questions regarding Panama, its people, culture, places to visit, places to watch out for, hotels to stay, how much your taxi fare should be... specific information on getting around on a safe manner.
Experience I was born and raised in Panama, educated in American schools. Since I enjoy all related to Panama history, I try to keep myself updated on local happenings in the subject. I also enjoy traveling and the internet seems a wonderful tool to use, specially when you are your own guide (which I usually am)- so I am just willing to give some of the help I have received back.
Publications Article - La Prensa Newspaper
Education/Credentials Bachelor's Degree - Marketing and Advertisting
MBA - Emphasys in Management
Question Hola Lorena,
My name is Jenna. I lived in Panama for a year in 06. I came back to the states to take care of some business. And think about going back to Panama everyday :) I am 29, and an Esthetician (skin care at spas). I have 2 questions for you.. one, I came to terms with Panama is a place to go when you have money, not a place i could make it. I am wondering if i would be able to get a good paying job down there being American? I keep reading that they hire locals before Ameircans, and the pay is low. I want to be able to make enought to suppoert my living expenses down there.
2) i have a honda here in California, and was thinking about shipping it down to Panama. I also keep reading mixed reviews on that. I hear that a lot of people get bribed a lot for money, and "rules" that they are breaking. and it can get quite expensive.
I really miss it down there, and can't wait to get back. I just want some advice on work, and how to legally stay down there for awhile. I also know i could cross the border every few months and come back in.
a lot to think about :)
any advice would be MUCH appreciated!
Gracias,
Jenna
Answer Hi Jenna,
Many things have changed in Panama since 2006.
Unfortunately, to my opinion, to the worst.
All prices have gone up, traffic has increased tremendously, taxes have gone up and so has crime. This is not the country I was born in.
Right now there are some jobs in the real state area, the thing is, I do not know for how long this will last.
Being an esthetician I would think the best way to come is to open your own business, mostly because of pay.
Here minimum monthly salary is not even 300.00 USD for esthetician maybe 500.00 usd and this is just an estimated guess.
There has been an increase in this type of business lately and there is plenty to chose from which means there is a good opportunity in this field.
Shipping your car, well honestly after what some friends have gone through doing this I would not recommend it.
In fact my brother who also has a Honda in VA decided to sell it there instead of bringing it here. Happens the system is burocratic and corrupted.
I would think the cost of shipping from California would be approximately 700 USD, there you have to add the import taxes and then some more - yes bribes - they are not a folk tale, they are real and with foreigners they are even higher.
It is very embarrasing for me to have to accept that this happens here, but I must be honest.
In regards to your legal status in Panama I find the site www.mata-kelly.com informative in regards to types of visas and other things that might be of interest and assistance to you.
I hope I was able to help a little and I apologize for delay in my reply.
Here days have been a little tipsy as we have had - and are having today demonstrations by local constructions workers all over the city and access to my computer has been very limited.
Hope this Helps.
Good luck.
Lorena
