Hi PanamaForum friends!
This week we’ll get right to the latest threads and Panama news.
Have a great week and much fun!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Meet people, make friends
New Panama City meet up group site is shared.
- What can I do with an offshore company?
More great advise continues on this thread. A great informative read for anyone thinking about doing business in Panama or setting up an offshore company.
- Internet Business in Panama
Are there many internet based businesses in Panama? And more general Panama business talk.
- University Costs
Zog wants to know the general costs of medical degrees in Panama, and/or nursing degrees. General costs per year or total costs for the whole thing.
PANAMA NEWS:
- USA/Panama free trade proposal
Will the US Congress approve the U.S. free trade agreement with Panama despite stumbling blocs? Three experts share their views.
- New Panama Hotel building boom?
Sam Tallifero’s current blog raises the interesting idea of a hotel building boom. Sounds like that might be a great idea since many in this forum have talked about how hard it is to get a hotel room at some times of the year.
- Inmet, Teck rework Petaquilla deal
Showing its hand as eager to proceed with the massive but increasingly expensive $3.5-billion (U.S.) Petaquilla copper and gold project in Panama, Inmet Mining Corp. will take on more upfront financing for the potential mine in exchange for the right to operate the project.
- Miss Reef 2008 and Surfing Competition Today
Who doesn’t like a bikini contest? On March 29th, lovely ladies from Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina and host country, Panama will compete for the $1,500 first prize and the title of Ms. Reef Panama.
A great view on Panama City buildings in construction from Casco Viejo.
Photo by International Realtor.
An old man is sitting outside a grocery store in Boquete waiting for his wife.
Photo by marc_guitard.
Capuchin Monkeys in Panama
The capuchin monkey is considered the most intelligent New World monkey.
With the exception of a midday nap, they spend their entire day searching for food. At night they sleep in the trees, wedged between branches. They are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrates. Capuchins living near water will also eat crabs and shellfish by cracking their shells with stones. In captivity, individuals have reached an age of 45 years, although life expectancy in nature is only 15 to 25 years.
Photos by NaturalLight.
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
PANAMA THREADS:
- Panamanian Cuisine
What do Panamanians eat? Great links, experiences and photos too.
- Internet in Panama
How readily can you access the Internet in Panama? Is high-speed Internet available? Wireless Internet that works all throughout Panama? Find out on this thread.
First time visitors to Panama City
Panamax posted some great “must sees” for any first time visitor to Panama.
- Panamanian Mail Service
Is Panamanian mail service reliable? What are other mail options? How can I best send mail and larger packages from the US and Europe to Panama?
- Panama sounds right for us!
The thread continues with more great tips and ideas.
- Panama maps here!
Swedph has some great Panama maps that he was kind enough to share with fellow members. Check out the site where you can have a look at the maps. You can add your own maps too.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Balbina Herrera Will Launch her Primary Run on Thrusday
Balbina Herrera will officially launch her run for the Presidency of the Republic as a candidate for the “Partido Revolucionario Democratico” (PRD) on Thursday, 27 March 2008, near the Los Andes commercial center.
- Key U.S. drug informant lands in prison
The man who helped the United States strike the hardest blow ever against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia expected to live a nice, quiet life on a cozy little island off the coast of Panama. Instead, he got a jail cell.
- Panama’s hottest secret
If you’re looking to get ahead of the game, Panama City’s Casco Viejo is as up-and-coming as it gets. Situated in the city’s far west, with a waterside location looking across to the imposing downtown skyscrapers, it’s a ramshackle maze of dimly lit residential streets and tumbledown colonial buildings.
- Bush: Congress should pass free trade pact with Colombia, then Panama and South Korea
President Bush said Wednesday that if Congress fails to approve a free trade agreement with Colombia, it will embolden U.S. adversaries like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and send a signal to Latin America that the U.S. cannot be trusted to stand by its allies.
- Three African Lions in La Chorrera - Being Held in Horrendous Conditions
Three African lions have been in a cage for more than ten years in Panama, very far from their natural habitat and under adverse conditions. The rusted bars of their small cage in La Feria de La Chorrera: (The Fair in La Chorrera) are witness to their suffering.
- Retiring abroad might not be as easy as vacationing abroad
Many of today’s graying expatriates are heading permanently offshore to stretch their nest egg. Jon and Gretchen Nickel, formerly of Portland, Ore., settled in Panama, where they say they can live like the rich without needing a big bankroll.
Hi!
This week I’d like to introduce you to the PARQUE NATURAL METROPOLITANO. It’s really more like a jungle than a park and it’s truly mesmerizing. If you want to enjoy the best views of Panama City, breathe fresh jungle air, take great photographs, watch live monkeys and birds and turtles and other exotic animals… the Parque Metropolitano is just right for you.
Albrook Airport in Panama City as seen from the Parque Metropolitano
The Parque Metropolitano was opened to the public on July 5, 1985 and is located on Ascanio Villalaz Avenue, just a 10 minute car drive from the Panama City center. Any taxi driver can take you there. In Central America, it is the only protected rainforest park on the outskirts of a metropolitan city.
The Parque Metropolitano has its own website with facts about the park at http://www.parquemetropolitano.org
A word of warning: On a rainy day, watch out for the snakes. No shorts and flip-flops, please. 
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- What’s your first language?
Is Spanish your first language? Or, did you learn it as a second language?
- Primary Schools
What are the best and most affordable options for primary schools in Panama? International schools or public schools. If you have any suggestions, please share.
- MRWOOHOO Knows about the Panama girls
The famous thread continues with more advice, experiences, links and places where to meet girls. A must read for anyone interested in meeting someone special and having fun in Panama.
- Tennis anyone?
MarcoPolo is looking for a tennis buddy. Average players will suffice. If you feel like having a fun tennis match… check out this thread.
- What is the best city to live in Panama?
What in your opinion is the best city to live in if you 1. work, 2. study, 3. are a doctor, 4. are a lawyer?
- Panama’s Economic Profile
Panamax shares an amazing YouTube video of Panama’s Economic Profile. Panama is “a major player in world commerce…” and here is proof.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Balbina Herrera Finally Makes Up Her Mind - She’s Going For It
PRD Presidential candidate Balbina Herrera said no one can stop her from her right to aspire to govern the country.
- Panama Canal Expansion Awarded Most Significant Construction Project in the World
Panama has received the prestigious Samoter 2008 International “Most Significant Project in the World” award for the Panama Canal Expansion Program. The Samoter International award honors those that contribute to the development of construction at both national and international levels…
- The Hotspot for Investment in Latin America is Indisputably Panama
Big World Villas is a luxury ocean-front development located in Santa Catalina. It is the first such development in the area and offers investors a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by pristine coastline, untouched rain forest and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
- Stumble in the jungle
The idea of a waterway to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans goes back several hundred years, so you will meet such worthies as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, even the German poet Goethe, and the artist Gauguin, as well as hundreds of ladies of easy virtue, their gold-seeking customers and a host of pirates, missionaries and scoundrels of every stripe.
Night view of the famous Puente de las Américas. It was built between 1959 and 1962 by the United States at a cost of 20 million dollars. Yes, the bridge is an impressive sight!
Photo by thinkpanama.
What a beautiful place! And only a 20 plane ride away from Panama City.
Photo by artour_a.
Hello!
How many banks are there in Panama? Some publications say more than 100, others more than 200. But in reality there are “only” 75 banks in Panama.
That number includes:
- 2 official government owned banks.
- 41 banks with a General (Full) Banking License. These banks are Class A banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, including Panama.
- 36 banks with an International (Offshore) Banking License. These banks are Class B banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, not including Panama.
Note: 4 banks have both a General and International Banking License. Therefore the total number is only 75.
Click here for a full list of all Panama banks
Bank related Panama Forum threads that are a must for anyone considering having anything to do with banks in Panama:
- Banking in Panama
What banks are cooperative and friendly towards foreigners? What are the requirements to open a bank account? Get the exact details from the trenches, shared by those who have been there.
- Which bank to use
This thread has been updated with a list of banks, and also more details on what they offer and how much they charge for specific services.
- Panama Bank Account Opening
How long does it take and what do you need? Check out this informative thread.
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
Let’s get to the Panama News and Latest Threads from PanamaForum.com.
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- How Quickly?
How long did it take you to be fluent in Spanish? Do you have any recommendations on how to fasten up the Spanish learning process? Share your advice, and join this discussion.
- Permanent residency as a retiree
What are the requirements to obtain permanent residency as a retiree? And how to easily fullfill and get all the requirements.
- Dating in Panama
Read Mr. WOOHOO’s advice on dating beautiful girls in Panama. What do you need to watch out for? This thread is especially useful for those who want to have fun without getting burnt.
- Safety and Security
What safety and security measures should you take if you travel to Panama or moving to Panama? Read this thread to find out.
- Getting to the Islands
How can you get to the islands? Which islands are the best for a vacation? Or for wildlife lovers who are looking for an adventure? Ask your questions and get them answered on this thread. Share your experiences!
PANAMA NEWS:
- McCain is certainly eligible to serve as president
The Internet “buzzes” about a great number of things, many of them ridiculous. How could John S. McCain III, the son and grandson of U.S. Navy admirals, himself a senator for 21 years and a hero of the Vietnam War, whose love of country helped him endure five years of torture as a prisoner of war, not be eligible to serve as president of the United States?
- China vows better control over quality of exports
Sub-standard exports from China have also included tainted toothpaste that turned up in Panama and unsafe pet food sold in the United States and Canada, among a series of scares that cast doubt on the “made in China” label.
- My opinion Andrés Oppenheimer : Dems’ free-trade rhetoric could be harmful for U.S.
Panama’s Foreign Minister Samuel Lewis, whose country is also awaiting U.S. congressional ratification of a bilateral free-trade deal, told me that the anti-NAFTA rhetoric in the U.S. presidential race is causing “surprise” and “concern” in Panama.
- Cable&Wireless Provides Application Layer Network Management Using Ipanema
Cable&Wireless targets large international enterprises with virtual private networks and MPLS-based networks. It provides them with managed network services and as demand for performance of these networks increases, Cable&Wireless is responding with an application-centric managed network services offering using Ipanema Technologies’ Business Network Optimization System.
- Shallow Water Ahead for Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is the shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. As the Earth’s climate changes, the canal will face changes, too.
A sleeping baby sloth on a tree in the Parque Metropolitano in Panama City.
Photo by panamatraveler.
New Hotel Veneto in Panama City.
Photo by panamatraveler.