How are Americans in El Valle de Anton, Panama treated? How are expats in El Valle de Anton, Panama treated generally?

A foreigner is generally called a "Gringo" in Panama, this does not carry a negative connotation.  El Valle locals have a bit of a "us and them" perception and Gringos are supposed to be rich (in local terms).  The locals (when sober) are generally friendly and helpful and will go out of their way to give directions or help you find a maid or gardener or other service, if you can communicate with them  - learn some basic Spanish and doors will open for...

A foreigner is generally called a "Gringo" in Panama, this does not carry a negative connotation.  El Valle locals have a bit of a "us and them" perception and Gringos are supposed to be rich (in local terms).  The locals (when sober) are generally friendly and helpful and will go out of their way to give directions or help you find a maid or gardener or other service, if you can communicate with them  - learn some basic Spanish and doors will open for you.

 

There are a few "poor Gringos" in El Valle and the locals don't know what to think of this.  A Gringo is supposed to be rich (more  than $1000 a month income), so how should they treat a "poor Gringo"?  Speak Spanish and the problem is in great part resolved, otherwise they might feel that you are just being difficult or stingy.  The Gringo is a source of income for many local families, and they are learning by example (trash recycling is an example), so if you come, don't be a "poor Gringo" in attitude.

 

 

 

 

Panamanians are by and large very welcoming people, so expats are treated well.

 

Having said that, amongst the working class there is sometimes an undercurrent resentment, but that’s not against foreigners; it’s against anyone who has more than they do.

 

But by and large, the natives here in E Valle are friendly and welcoming and most of the expats that I’ve met have the same feeling, though they may not even speak Spanish. 

Panamanians are by and large very welcoming people, so expats are treated well.

 

Having said that, amongst the working class there is sometimes an undercurrent resentment, but that’s not against foreigners; it’s against anyone who has more than they do.

 

But by and large, the natives here in E Valle are friendly and welcoming and most of the expats that I’ve met have the same feeling, though they may not even speak Spanish. 

I interact with the local people here in El Valle de Anton. I am a cyclist and I cycle with the locals. I have been studying Spanish for years now, so I talk to them as much as I can. I love their culture and they like me. We get a long really well.

The local people here in El Valle are not crazy about some of the Americans for a variety of reasons. I think it has a lot to do with the way some Americans interact with them or choose not to interact with them. But I find...

I interact with the local people here in El Valle de Anton. I am a cyclist and I cycle with the locals. I have been studying Spanish for years now, so I talk to them as much as I can. I love their culture and they like me. We get a long really well.

The local people here in El Valle are not crazy about some of the Americans for a variety of reasons. I think it has a lot to do with the way some Americans interact with them or choose not to interact with them. But I find that, wherever you go in the world, if you try to integrate into the culture, people will like you. Especially if you are a nice person, you respect them, and you do not look down at them, the people will treat you very well. I see that everywhere.

The thing I love about Latin culture, which I find true from when I lived in Spain years ago or when I lived in Central America, is that they love to smile and laugh. They are really fun living people. Most of them have a great sense of humor.

I am originally from New York and so, I have a New York sense of humor that some Americans do not appreciate, while others do, but I find the Latins love my sense of humor. So, I get along very well with them. I love the culture. I think the Panamanian people have the nicest culture I have ever known. They are a tremendous people.

 

Everyone is treated very well in El Valle de Anton. As long as you’re nice to people around you, they’re going to be nice to you. There is no standoffishness.
 
You are probably going to bring in money into the community. You are probably going to hire some people such as a gardener, a pool aide, and a cleaner. So as long as you treat them well, they are going to be happy that you’re there and they are going to treat you well.  I don’t find any...

Everyone is treated very well in El Valle de Anton. As long as you’re nice to people around you, they’re going to be nice to you. There is no standoffishness.
 
You are probably going to bring in money into the community. You are probably going to hire some people such as a gardener, a pool aide, and a cleaner. So as long as you treat them well, they are going to be happy that you’re there and they are going to treat you well.  I don’t find any outlying resentment from the locals towards expats here.
 
If you think you are going to move into El Valle and think that it is going to be like the States or Canada, it is not. Don’t expect it to be the same.  For example, the service will not be as good. If you are in a restaurant, they will not bring the bill to you; you have to ask for it. It would be beneficial if you spoke Spanish or at least try to speak Spanish because Panama is a Spanish-speaking country. They are not English-speaking so do not expect that people will speak English to you. Sometimes expats will get a bit angry over Panamanians for not speaking to them in English but the expats have to realize that Panama is not an English-speaking country and the locals are not supposed to speak English. You need to adapt into their culture.
 
The only resentment towards expats is when some Americans or Canadians take offense that when they go to a restaurant, for example, nobody speaks English. You just have to accept the fact that this is not the United States and this is not Canada.  This is Panama and that is the way this country works. You cannot expect for people to be the same as you. You came to Panama so it is your job to adapt to their culture.  

 

(Restaurant meal in El Valle de Anton, Panama, pictured.)