Hi friends,
What’s been going on at Panama Forum this week? New insightful discussions and more photos, maps, and news! You can start exploring Panama right here:
Be safe and enjoy Panama!
LATEST PANAMA NEWS:
- 2,000 Foreigners Deported in Panama
Panamanian immigration authorities have deported all along this year 1,973 foreigners, mainly Colombians, for lack of economic solvency and false visas reasons, governmental sources reported Saturday.
- Fitch Expects to Rate Panama’s Trump
Newland is developing the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower, a multi-use tower located on the Punta Pacifica Peninsula in Panama City, Panama. Fitch currently rates Panama ‘BB+’ with a Stable Rating Outlook.
- Minimalist Travel in Panama
In my youth, family trips were characterized by large black suitcases which contained, among other things, a sizeable arsenal of “important” items we’d never actually use.
TOP NEW PANAMA THREADS:
- Panama Photos from Flickr
Mesmerizing photos of Panama to check out. Quite a few and will take some minutes to load (depending on your internet connection).
- Panama Maps
Swedph added some very useful maps. Check them out and add some too.
- Snow in Panama?
Is there ever snow in Panama? And find out some good explanation on Celsius and Fahrenheit conversion.
- Dolphin Bay, Bocas del Toro
This thread was initially about a photo posted on our blog, but the question “are there dolphins in Panama” is also asked here, so check it out and join in too.
Hi friends,
This weekend you can learn more about the Panama Canal, from its creation early last century to the current expansion.
There are currently two threads in our new Panama Canal forum. One is called Panama Canal Photos and it has some quite mesmerizing photos of the canal.
The other thread is called Panama Canal Expansion and as the name says, it has all the lastest news and exact details on the expansion of the Panama Canal. You can access it here:
And of course there is the very interesting thread called History of Panama which tells us how the Panama Canal was conceived and constructed, as well as the history of Panama the country:
So what else is new in Panama and at PanamaForum.com?
LATEST NEWS:
- First Graduation from Cuban Literacy Program in Panama
Panama’s President Martin Torrijos gave out diplomas Monday to the first 350 people who learned to read and write using the Cuban ”Yes I Can” literacy teaching method. The literacy program is aimed at 188,000 Panamanians who, according to a recent census, are illiterate. It seeks to teach the first 40,000 by the end of this year and the rest by the end of 2008.
- Panama Medical Tourism. (Individually Tailored Medical Tours).
Beauty procedures that a medical tourist could REALISTICALLY hope to accomplish in a minimum amount of time without disrupting or interfering with all the attractions and things to do during a visit to Panama. The prices are some 30-50% less than USA, Europe or the United Kingdom.
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Small Kitchen Appliances
There are so many shops mentioned that your head will start to spin.
- Medication
Can you get your medications in Panama without prescription? Are there online farmacies where you can just order your drugs and have them deliver it to you? Maybe you want to ask some questions and get them answered here.
- How long did it take you to learn Spanish?
Everyone is different, but most can benefit from reading this thread. Learn some new tips to improve your Spanish and discover helpful resources that will help you speak better!
- And Spanish learning tips for a newbie…
Free websites you can use to learn Spanish. Great info that will surely help you get started with Spanish.
- Volcanoes in Panama?
Are there any volcanoes in Panama? Are they active? When did they last erupt? How about earthquakes? Find out.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy Panama!
Hi Panama Forum Blog readers,
Where is Panama? Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. It connects the southern and northern part of the American continent. It borders Colombia to the south-east and Costa Rica to the north-west, and has the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

Panama is also an international business center and a transit country.
On PanamaForum.com, another week has passed and many new threads were started and replies posted. Advice was given, and opinions were shared freely. Our members looked at mesmerizing photos (especially on this blog!) and enjoyed some great Panama videos.
No matter who you are, or where; if you had a look (or two) at PanamaForum.com this passing week you assuredly expanded your mind (learnt new things) and laughed out loud at least twice!
A new week is about to begin, and all newsworthy stories, advice, and opinions will be delivered to you.
Before that happens, you can read the news and most exiting threads of this passing week below.
Enjoy yourself and have fun!
PANAMA NEWS:
- Panama conquers the European market
From the 30th of March 2008 KLM will offer attention to the important European market with direct flights from the Airport Schiphol in Amsterdam to the Airport of Tocumen in Panama.
- Panama’s Primer Banco del Istmo’s outlook revised
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services said it has revised its outlook on Primer Banco del Istmo to positive from stable and affirmed the Panamanian bank’s counter party credit ratings at ‘BBB-’ and ‘A-3′.
- More news on Panama’s banking industry
Ratings Services said it has raised its banking industry country risk assessment (BICRA) on Panama to ‘Group 6′ from ‘Group 7′. The rating action primarily reflects an improved industry risk profile in the country that, combined with good prospects for growth and continued stability in the economy, should have a positive effect on the banking system.
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Permanent Residency
How much would it cost to live in Panama permanently? How much is it per month? Apartment rent? Can you get a mortgage to buy an apartment and what are the requirements? Find out and share your knowledge too.
- Panama on Youtube
Check out some great videos of Panama on Youtube.
- MRWOOHOO Just heard something about Bocas del Torro
It’s a shame, but what is the solution? Both parties are right and wrong. Want to know what I’m talking about? It’s the discussion of the week and shouldn’t be missed by anyone living (now or in the future) in Panama.
- UPS and FedEx
What’s the fastest, cheapest and most hassle free way to receive packages (small and big) from the US or Europe? Check out this thread to find out.
- Travel during rainy season?
What are advantages/disadvantages of traveling to Panama in the rainy season? Maybe there isn’t much difference. How about thunderstorms? Is it safe in the city, and how do you protect yourself?
Hi Friends,
First of all, welcome to the PanamaForum.com Blog! It was only launched a couple of days ago. We also just recently sent out our first newsletter and have received quite a positive response to it. I’m really exited and hope you’ll enjoy being here and learn some new things too.
Here is what this blog will offer you:
Every couple of days I’ll provide you with the latest Panama news and the most interesting threads on Panama Forum for you to check out and join in. As you have already noticed there is also one “Photo of the Day”, which allows us to relax and experience the best that Panama has to offer.
So what’s new this week?
PANAMA NEWS:
- Current Minister Herrera Leads in Panama
In the early stages of Panama’s presidential race, housing minister Balbina Herrera leads all other prospective contenders…
- Cuban Documentary Wins Best Educational Award in Panama
The documentary Nido de Cisnes (Swans Nest), by Jose Manuel Fernandez, with Producciones Villaverde, won the award to the best educational program at the 4th International Film Festival of Panama.
- I’m With Martin: An Accidental Experience with Panama’s President
So I’m cruisin on Avenida Balboa around ten in the morning, windows down listening to a little Kanye. The sun’s sparkling off the bay, palm trees are swaying, very few cars on the road. Nothing could be better right? And then bam! Suddenly, almost like a swarm of killer bees, I was surrounded by the Republic of Panama’s Presidential motorcade…
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Panama Cuisine
The food is very important when you travel to a new country. If the food isn’t any good, it could spoil your entire vacation. What are Panama’s most delicious foods that you just have to try?
- What do you do for fun?
Check out what our fellow Panama Forum members do for fun. Traveling, nature, spending time with people you like (and love), or eating good food and watching a movie? Share your hobbies too.
- Panama’s Favorite Sports
Baseball, football (soccer), boxing, basketball? Let us know your opinion.
- Do you bring a laptop to Panama?
Is it safe? Read the insightful replies that will surely open your eyes.
That’s it for now. I’ll be in touch later. Have a great day and enjoy Panama!