Navigating Panama's Infrastructure Boom
Part 8 of the 100 Things series: Package delivery solutions, banking holidays, and why everyone needs a "fixer"
Infrastructure & Services
36. Infrastructure Boom
Panama is experiencing a remarkable infrastructure expansion with new highways, bridge projects, and public transportation systems. The Panama City Metro continues adding lines, making it the first subway system in Central America. These developments are rapidly transforming accessibility throughout the country.
37. Package Delivery Challenges
Without a formal address system, receiving packages requires creative solutions. Many people use private mailbox services or have deliveries sent to workplaces or commercial centers. Delivery drivers often call recipients for detailed directions when attempting to locate addresses.
38. Banking Holiday Surprises
Banks close for numerous holidays throughout the year, some of which might be obscure or unexpected for newcomers. Experienced residents keep emergency cash on-hand and plan financial transactions around these frequent closures. Online banking has become essential for managing money during these banking holidays.
Totally unrelated to banking but still a surprise on some national holidays is that Panama observes "dry laws" (ley seca) during certain holidays and election periods. During these dry holidays, the sale and public consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited nationwide or in specific regions. This regulation typically applies during Holy Week (especially Good Friday), election days, and sometimes during important national holidays like Independence Day celebrations.
Visitors and new residents are often caught off guard by these temporary prohibitions, which can affect restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and liquor stores. Seasoned expats typically stock up on alcohol before these dry periods if they plan to entertain or enjoy drinks at home. While enforcement varies by location, with tourist areas sometimes receiving exemptions, it's advisable to respect these cultural traditions and plan accordingly when a holiday approaches.
39. The Handler System
Professional "handlers" or "fixers" help navigate bureaucratic processes from visa applications to vehicle registrations. These individuals know the systems, have connections within government offices, and expedite processes that might otherwise take weeks. Most expats consider handler fees money well spent for the time and frustration saved.
Yes, for a fee, your fixer will go to the power company to argue your shockingly high power bill on your behalf. Remember what we said: not everything in Panama is inexpensive.
40. Utility Outage Preparation
Scheduled and unscheduled outages of water, electricity, and internet services are common enough that most households maintain backup systems. Water tanks, power banks, candles, and offline entertainment options have become standard household items. During extended outages in more rural areas, community support networks often emerge to share resources.
You should also consider installing an entire home surge protector or at least, employing point of use surge protection for critical electronics and appliances. We lost one ceiling fan, arguably in the blip of a second when the grid power shut off and our building’s back up generator kicked on.
Lesson learned - the fan was replaced, and we were just thankful it wasn’t the refrigerator.