Spanish Version vs English Version

Whenever looking at Panamanian website, don't assume the English version is up to date. English is not the language here, so when things change, the Spanish version of a web page will likely be changed, but the English version may not.

Prime example: Multiplaza shopping mall (I needed to go this morning, so I looked up the hours):
English version: Sat: 8am-7pm
Spanish version: Sabado: 11am-8pm.

I KNOW THAT MALL IS NOT OPEN AT 8am!!! That's why I looked at the Spanish version to be sure. :) You gotta love Panama!

Bicycling in Panama City - Risky, but Possible

I live in a section of Panama city where everything is close, but too far to walk if you are short on time. My girlfriend keeps the car and I bike when we need to go to seperate places.

Everyone says "Biking in Panama is dangerous!" I agree and disagree. It is dangerous, but it can be manageable if you don't mind a little excitement and you follow these simple rules I've developed:

1. Do not EVER ride you bike in the street (cars will honk and run you over or off the road).
2. Stick to main streets (they are likely to have sidewalks).
3. Always ride on the sidewalk.
4. When crossing a street, make sure its safe, then GET OFF your bike and WALK IT across the street (people can have time to see you if you are walking).
5. When on the sidewalk, slow down and proceed cautiously when you come to a driveway.
6. If people are walking and blocking the sidewalk, get off the bike and walk it around them then get back on it.
7. ALWAYS keep an eye out for **potholes, open drains, manholes, etc** in the sidewalk and street. (Garbadge bags and other debris might also be in your way).
8. If its raining, do NOT ride your bike...OR ride it very slowly and cautiously.
9. Always wear some sort of athletic shoe and don't carry anything in your hand (use backpack if needed).
10. Be prepared to get off your bike to get on/off the sidewalk (or be ready to jump up to get on the sidewalk)

Common sense stuff:

Wear a helmet and bike light.

Get a bike chain and lock your bike in a visible place.

Follow these rules and you will be fine.

***If you are looking for a casual, worry free ride, then DO NOT BIKE in Panama unless you go to a park.

"Cable and Wireless" = Cable and WORTHLESS

Unless you are going to buy a simple pre-paid phone...DO NOT use "Cable and Wireless" aka "Mas Movil" for anything. Their customer service is terrible! Panamanians and foreigners all agree...their service is terrible.

*Terrible service = extremely long wait times when you go in their store.

*Terrible service = not having phones in stock (happens regularly, but NOT all the time)

*Terrible service = one employee having no clue what the other employee is doing

*Terrible service = not keeping adequate records

*Terrible service = employees making claims that are not true

*Terrible service = corporate accounts run by employees who have little integrity or professionalism

If you don't believe me, be my guest and go to Cable and Wireless and try them for yourself.

My Chinese Cell Phone with a TV in it

Yep, I'm too cheap to buy a Blackberry.  I refuse to play over $300 for a phone or sign up for a plan I don't need.   

All I wanted was a phone with a full keyboard (so I can send text messages easily) and a camera.  I don't care about internet and Facebook and all the extra stuff that I already have on my laptop.  I looked at all the major stores and they only had Blackberrys or phones over $200. 

So I decide to check out the Chinese electronic stores (you can find them in El Dorado or on Via Veneto).  Sure enough, they had a Chinese fake version of the Nokia E71.  The phone has a full keyboard, camera, video recorder, FM radio and bunch of other things I don't really need.  It even has a TV in it.  I can push a button and raise the antenna (yes it has a TV antenna) and watch TV.  The phone also has dual sim card capabilities, meaning I can add a completely different number to the same phone.  Pretty cool.

Problem solved.  Thank you my Chinese friends!

No Car in Panama? - Can You Run Like Usain Bolt?

I was walking down Via Espana last Friday to pick up a rental car when it started to drizzle very lightly. I was about 4 blocks away from my destination. I was in my work clothes and in the beginning it wasn't bad, but I've experienced this before and knew what was coming...

Literally 2 minutes later, it turned into the Apocalypse. The rain was coming down so hard it didn't even seem real. And of course, I was no where near any type of coverage to stand under, so I turned into Usain Bolt and did a full sprint for 2 blocks.

If I would not have ran, I would've been completely soaked in a minute.

Lesson #1: Unless you have a car, ALWAYS have your umbrella (which may not be enough).

Lesson #2: When it starts to drizzle, worst case scenario, you will have 1 minute before it becomes a monsoon.

Lesson #3: Don't be in a rush when it rains. You have 3 options: Wait it out, run like fugitive or get soaked.

Lesson #4: Even though it is bright and sunny, in less than 1 hour it can turn to a complete downpour.

*** That's NOT ME in the photo*** I don't look like a black "Dr. Evil" (from the Austin Powers movies)

The Weather - I Love It

Its always warm.  Rain, sun, night or day...its always warm.  I love it.

No REAL Apple Stores in Panama

Here in Panama, the Apple store does not exist.  Here, they only have authorized Apple resellers.  Sounds good right...wrong!  If you wanna buy an apple product here, expect to pay a lot more for some products. 

I needed a to by a power cord for my Macbook.  In the US, the retail price is $79.00 (which is still high because I found it online for only $39.00).  I went to 2 different Apple resellers, the price at one was $94.00 and $99.00 at the other one.

If you live in Panama City and have no other options, expect to pay a much higher price for some Apple products.  If you are fortunate enough, just buy the products in the US. 

*Note:  Some things in Panama are sold at low or reasonable prices.  However, based on lack of competition...some things are a rip off!