PANAMA –

GEOGRAPHY & POPULATION:

Area: 30,193 sq. mi.; slightly smaller than South Carolina.
The length of the country spans East & West.
The Panama Canal runs North & South.
Panama borders Colombia to the East and Costa Rica to the West.
Population: (2004 estimate): 3.2 million.
Capital - Panama City (pop. 827,828).
Other cities - Colon (pop. 140,908), David (pop. 102,678).
Almost half the population lives in the Panama City-Colon metropolitan corridor.

ECONOMY:

GDP (2004 estimate): $13.83 billion (nominal).
Annual growth rate (2003): 4.3%; (2004 estimate): 6.2%.
Per capita GDP (2004 estimate): $4,320…that is about $16 per work day!
Though Panama has the highest GDP per capita in Central America, about 40% of its population lives in poverty.

PEOPLE:

Ethnic groups: Mestizo 70%, West Indian 14%, Caucasian 10%, Amerindian 6%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 84%, Protestant 15%, other 1%.
Languages: Spanish (official); 14% speak English as their native tongue.
Many Panamanians are bilingual.
Legal age (for you) to fuck them is 18. (Locals can fuck them much younger).
More than 90% of Panamanians are literate.
The majority of the population is ethnically mestizo or mixed Spanish, Indigenous, Chinese, and West Indian…however, many of the working chicas are Colombian, Dominican, Costa Rican, and Panamanian.
Spanish is the official and dominant language; English is a common second language.

About 25,000 American citizens reside in Panama, many retirees from the Panama Canal Commission and individuals who hold dual nationality. There is also a rapidly growing enclave of American retirees in the Chiriqui Province in western Panama.

CLIMATE & WEATHER:

Climate: Tropical. Panama has two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to mid-April and the rainy season from mid-April to December. During the rainy season…expect rain everyday around midday into the late afternoon. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands throughout the year - days usually reach 90°F and only drop to an average 72°F at night. Mountain temperatures are much cooler, ranging between 50 and 64°F during the day, and they too vary little throughout the year.

During the afternoon within Panama City temperatures hover between a low of 87°F to a high of 94°F all year long, unless it is raining. Be advised that it’s not the heat that is intolerable, it is the tropical humidity. Expect to sweat.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

Electricity: 120V 60HzHz.
Potable water direct from the tap within Panama City.

US paper currency is used exclusively.
US & Panamanian coin currency is used – same denomination. ATMs – US paper currency (ATM bank card – no fees).

PC roads are paved but watch-out for potholes and poorly marked or missing signs.
Roads – Many one-way (Una Via)…no way to drive same route to and from any location.

Freeways & Expressways: Nominal tolls, but roads are new and in good shape and totally encircle Panama City as a beltway…cross town travel vastly improved with Corridor del Norte (North) and Sur (South).

Panama National Police (PNP): Easily bribed $5 to $10 to avoid traffic ticket. Cars typically pulled-over by PNP on foot with whistle, 2-way radio & gun…if you hear whistle you better stop because the PNP are at nearly every city corner.

Vehicles in Panama are not maintained to US safety standards. Many vehicles have one or more lights burned-out, on some vehicles taillights may be only one Christmas tree light. Autos, buses and semi tractors often have unbalanced, mis-matched tires. Most Panamanians drive on worn tires until they have a blow-out.

Public mass transportation is the Chama bus…worn-out US school buses, revamped and painted in bright and colorful schemes…many with large chrome tuba tailpipes that trumpet loudly when the accelerator is pressed.

GETTING THERE & BACK:

Several major airlines fly to Panama. Delta, American, Continental, Copa, Taca, Iberian, etc.

I like to use my frequent flier miles (FFM) to get to Panama. The only draw-back is when I use FFMs, I never get a user friendly flight. I usually get numerous stops and arrive late at night…but, hey it is free, right?

Yet, if you don’t like travel hassles it may be worth it to pay for a round-trip ticket. Cost? Cheapest I’ve been able to find is typically through American out of Miami for around $400. The flight from Miami takes about 3 ½ hours. Next cheapest flight is Continental out of Houston for just under $600. The flight from Houston takes about 4-hours. After that, Delta out of Atlanta for a little over $600 and the flight takes about 4 ½ hours. It is possible to get cheaper fares through some Internet travel agencies…I’ve done that too. But lately it seems that the best and cheapest fares are booked directly with the airlines through the Internet.

Assuming you do not live in Miami, Houston, or Atlanta, Los Angeles or New Jersey it is very likely that you will not get a direct flight to Panama. Therefore, figure-in at least one-stop enroute… it will take most travelers 8 to 12-hours to get to Panama at a cost of $600-$750 (given rising fares due to higher fuel costs).

Most flights into Panama arrive in the evening and late evening hours. Most flights departing Panama leave in the early morning hours. Therefore, when scheduling your mongering vacation to Panama it would be wise to account for no or little playtime on travel days.

Finally, avoid traveling into Panama on a Saturday or Sunday. If you arrive late on Saturday and assume you will start your chicas hunting on Sunday…good luck. The city practically shuts down on Sundays. Some massage parlors are open on Sundays, but other clubs are usually pretty dead. Therefore, I like to arrive on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays when the airfares tend to be cheaper. Then by the time Sunday rolls around, I usually already have a date or two already lined-up.

ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS:

As of January 2006 you will need a passport to get back into the US from traveling abroad. So, get that passport now if you don’t have one already, or renewed if it is about to expire.

Upon arriving in Panama try to get off the plane as soon as you can. Follow the direction most everyone is scurrying (towards Immigration) because there are only 3 Immigration kiosks before you get to the baggage claim. If you are last off the plane, or if you do not hurry to beat the crowd, or if you were on a full plane, you could be stuck for an hour or more waiting in-line.

At Immigration your ID/passport will be examined and stamped. You will need to pay $5 for a 30-day Tourist Visa (extendable to 90-days).

Once you get your bag you must clear Customs. Assuming you have nothing to declare you will pass your bags through an x-ray machine. If everything is okay, you are free to enter the country of Panama.

You will pass through doors into the main baggage reception area of Tocumen. Here you will either rent-a-car, hire a taxi, meet your hotel shuttle or other arranged transportation. (Watch-out for overly helpful Panamanians who want to carry your bag for you…trust no one).

Upon returning to the airport for your return trip to the States, realize that you will have to pay a $20 cash departure tax. American Airlines usually embeds this tax in the price of the ticket, but some airlines will collect the cash from you when they check your bag.

TAXI CABS & RATES:

Fixed taxi rate to or from Tocumen International Airport and Panama City is $25. This is a major rip-off aimed at foreign travelers. I suggest staying at a hotel that offers free shuttle service to avoid this rip-off.

The taxi rate within PC is minimally $1 just entering the cab.. A 10-minute ride is about $2…no tip expected. During relatively short trips (5 to 10-minutes) recommend never asking what the fare is, just hand them $1…if they say the fare is higher, hand them another $1 and hold out your hand for change…If the fare is over $2 for less than a 10-minute ride, likely they are screwing you…complain.

WHERE TO STAY:

Quality hotels in Panama (those with ac and hot shower) range from a low of $15 to as high as $300 or more for a luxury global brand name hotel suite. I highly recommend you give the cheaper hotels a shot. Never assume a cheap hotel = dirty and trashy. The monetary savings between a $20 and $100 a night hotel room alone could mean the difference between mongering for only 1-week and staying much longer.

Whenever registering with a hotel with intent to monger…always ask for double occupancy. In cheaper hotels double occupancy runs about $2 more per night. But, if you bring home a chica and you had not pre-paid double occupancy, you may get charged significantly more than what double occupancy would have cost you had you paid up front.

Here is a link to all hotels listed in the Panama City Yellow Pages. At the bottom of the web-page be sure to click pages 2-21 to search through all 400+ hotels.

http://www.paginasamarillas.com/pagamanet/procesos/empresaCategoria.aspx?ic=2859&nc=Hoteles&pi=4&ps=4&es=*&cs=*&tipo=empresacategoria&ss=&pg=1&id=1&k=797100175873

My favorite hotel (for arrival and departure night only) is Hotel Marparaiso (011-507-227-6767). A standard room at this hotel costs $22 per night. The room is not very large, but they have free Internet computers in the lobby, free X-rated TV, bar & restaurant, and free transportation to and from the airport saving you up to $50 in taxi fare. They are also chica friendly. The next day I usually relocate to another inexpensive, yet quality hotel such as; Hotel Acapulco, Hotel Andino, Hotel Arenteiro, Hotel Bella Vista, Hotel California, Hotel Costa Azul, Hotel Covadonga, Hotel Los Arcos, Hotel Milan, Hotel Via Espania, etc. (All are centrally located within Panama City). On most of my trips to Panama I like to change hotels every other day or so. Especially if I want to have a new chica sleep with me all night, every night.

These hotels all differ slightly each having their own unique perks. However, they all have ac, hot showers, color cable TV with English CNN, in room telephone, full-size and queen beds, daily maid service and linen change, marble tile floors and bathroom, adjoining restaurant and bar, physical security (armed guards) and most have security lock boxes.

PROSTITUTION:

Prostitution is legal. The chica must be 18 or older and be licensed/medically checked by the government. Street girls (SGs) may not be licensed, medically tracked, or they could be under 18-years of age…be careful…cops threaten to arrest American looking gringos if they are only seen speaking to an SG on the street! (I nearly got busted one-time).

PROSTITUTION RATES:

Average cost with a licensed pro in most massage parlors is about $1 per minute or $60 per hour (figuring $20 fee for massage & $40 for sex).

There are a few massage parlors that do charge higher rates, such as Golden Time $80-$90 per hour, Royal Elegance Center $70-$80 per hour. However, some club members claim that chicas in these parlors are better looking with a wider variety.

Most pros require a minimum of 1-hour fee.

Some sex clubs charge by 15, 20, or 30-minute increments.

A call girl escort may cost $80-$100 per hour. Drawback…what if she is unattractive?

A stripper will cost you well over $100…plus costly drinks & lap dances (IMHO a rip-off).

Average cost for an SG is about $20 per hour…recommend you kick her out of your room as soon as you are done…don’t fall asleep, don’t drink a beverage with her, shower after she leaves.

WHERE TO GET LAID:

PROS:

1. Massage Parlors: Hawaii & Caribean Center, Oasis, Life Girls, Golden Time, Relax Oriental, River Club, Royal Elegance Center…and more…

2. Sex Club/Brothels: Le Mayor, Fenix Club, Club Miami, La Greta Azul…and more…

3. Strip Club: Elite, Crystal Palace…and more…

4. Dial-up escort services – check-out the Yellow Pages at the link below

SEMI & NON-PROS:

1. Street Girls (SG’s): Within the hotel district of Caledonia

2. Disco/Night Club: (Liquid, Backwoods, Opah, Rock Café, La Cantina, La Mansion…and more…

3. Casinos & Tourist Hotel Bars (El Panama, Caesar’s Park, Royal Casino…and more…

Click on this link. When the web-page opens be sure to click through all of the pages so you can find the telephone numbers of all of the parlors, clubs and escort services.

Panama City Yellow Pages - Masajes (Massage Parlors & Escort Services)
http://www.paginasamarillas.com/pagamanet/procesos/empresaCategoria.aspx?ic=3555&ss=MASAJES&nc=Masajes+Terap%c3%a9uticos&ps=4&cs=1892&pi=4&es=81&pg=1&k=8841524839911&id=1

Or, try this link for an escort service if you want to see what some of the talent looks like before hand. But, their rates are high.

http://www.elcomplaciente.com/

Additional note on massage parlors – massage parlor chicas usually work 12-hours at a time. A few start work as early as 11AM, most arrive in the late afternoon and early evening, some work shorter shifts arriving at 7-8PM. If you check-out a massage parlor and it seems dead with little variety, try returning again at a different time…it really is hit or miss. But, never discount one parlor over the next because these chicas move around a lot. There is no such thing as all ugly at any particular massage parlor. However, more popular parlors do attract more talent.

Also, I personally like to visit massage parlors in the afternoon or early evening. The early day chicas are still there and the night shift is starting to come-in. Often I fucked an early shift girl only to discover she is getting off work at 11PM. So, I invite her to play during her off-time at a reasonable rate she (not the parlor) sets.

A LITTLE KICK IN THE SHORTS:

Pharmacies in Panama sell numerous medicines over-the-counter that normally require a prescription in the US. If you have a US doctor’s prescription, great!. However, in Panama you can purchase anti-biotics, Vitamin V, C, or L without a prescription. I bought Vitamin V for just under $15 for 100mg tablet. However, if you are not certain about your health or what is a safe dosage to take…I highly recommend seeing a doctor before you leave, or a doctor in Panama (Panama doctors are cheaper). By the way, a majority of Panamanian doctors are US trained. Even those that are not US trained, short of open-heart surgery, still know enough about appropriate medicines and required dosage.

GFE:

GFE can be had fairly easily in Panama. It may not happen on the first session, but you can get improvement by the second and very drastic changes in GFE by the third session.

Basically, all you need to do is understand her wants and desires, then use this information to your advantage. You need to understand she is driven to get ahead, to better her position. Ideally she wants to fall in love and get married. If given the choice, most whores will choose love and marriage (a better position) than to remain a whore. Plus, if you are a white gringo she is assumes you have plenty of money. Therefore, give her what she “believes” is an opportunity to better her position and she will perform, as required, to seal the deal. Hence, you will get GFE if she thinks it will help her capture your heart. But also remember, you can’t be an asshole and expect she will want you. Be nice, charming, friendly, humorous, playful, etc., and encourage her to see you again, preferably away from work, not on the clock, in your hotel room.

THE DOUBLE EDGE:

Sessioning with a chica one-time, then cutting ties, is great for eliminating possible future headaches. But, once you start returning for the same chica…be warned…obviously she will know that you enjoy having sex with her…likely she will tell you that she likes you too. This could be true. Yet, if not, likely she will manipulate you for money. Watch for the warning, sign such as; money coming out of your wallet with no sex in exchange. They all have similar stories…a baby…a sick relative…school expenses…some kind of emergency…victim of a robbery, etc.

SEX IN HOTELS:

Hotels are usually tolerant of typical standard affairs, young lovers who need a place to be intimate, bosses boinking their secretaries after work, etc. When the same couple returns day-after-day the general thought is “they are in-love,” they are “monogamous”…”this is beautiful”. However, a gringo who brings-in three different girls everyday to his hotel room is simply deemed an ugly American…in some hotels you may run into resistant hotel staff and managers.

Therefore, I recommend taking SGs, escorts, or non-pros to “push button” or short-time hotels for 2-4 hours at a rate of about $10. This keeps your session discrete and any bad experiences likely will not show-up the next day to hassle you in the hotel where you sleep.

The best way to find push button hotels would be to ask a taxi driver to physically show you prior to your need.

Push button hotels are specialty hotels that cater to those who want to fuck a chica for only a couple of hours. Normally you drive up with a chica in your car, you pull into a vacant garage parking spot, deposit $10 into the slot…you push the button next to the money slot…the garage door comes down and the door to the room opens. The rooms are air conditioned, have hot showers, you can order room service including drinks, fresh sheets are on the bed, color cable TV, music, mirrors over the bed, etc. Nobody knows your name…very discrete. If you arrive via taxi…everything is the same except you don’t have a car.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

I need to be connected. I must have my cell phone. I feel lost without it. But my US cell phone does not work in Panama. Hotels in Panama will charge around $1 or more per minute if you dial a chica’s cell phone from your room. You can purchase a pre-paid calling card for use from street pay phones…this will help control calling costs, but it is a pain in the ass with street noise, rainy or hot weather, and many street phones are broken.

My last trip to Panama I purchased a tiny Siemen’s cell phone with $5 of talk time pre-loaded for a whopping $42! I used the phone for 2-weeks and I fell in love with it, even over my expensive Nokia I use in the States.

I bought my cell phone via a Panama Cable & Wireless vendor. The phone is easy to operate and it is nice and small. It comfortably fits in my pocket. The model has all basic features, LED menus convertible to English as well as several other languages, varying ring tones and volume, and plenty of memory for my phone book...all I really need for 2-weeks at a time in Panama. And at $42 I wouldn’t feel too bad if I lost it.

CELL PHONE PURCHASE:

From my hotel, I jumped into a cab and told the driver I needed by buy a cell phone. He drove me a few blocks away to a corner cell phone vendor.

Inside the store I explained in my best Spanish (which was no better than their English) that I periodically visit Panama and I wanted a phone that I could reuse trip after trip.

They set me up with the Siemen's phone, $5 worth of calling time preloaded and a permanent phone number that I will never expire.

As I understood from the vendor, when I return to Panama, all I will need to do is reactivate the phone. I am not sure if that simply means reloading pre-paid call time into the phone, or stopping by the cell store and having them reactivate the phone. I'll find out next trip.

PANAMA CELL PHONES:

In Panama cell phone users do not purchase buckets of minutes like we do in the states. Instead, you will load into your phone with Panama Cable & Wireless cell phone prepaid cash in denominations of $5, $10, and $20.

What is the process to load calling time into your cell phone?

1). Purchase a Panama Cable & Wireless "MOVIL" (MOBILE) pre-paid calling card at any grocery store or hotel reception, scratch the back off the card to expose the multi-number PIN.

2). Dial *167 on your cell phone and hit the call button.

3). In Spanish there will be a message prompting the user to enter 1 for remaining cell phone cash balance or 2 to add more cash to the cell phone's balance. (Since my Spanish is not that great, I simply waited to hear "entrada dos"...then silence).

4). At this point, enter 2 and listen for another short message in Spanish to enter your multi-number PIN. If you do not understand Spanish, it is best to wait until the message is finished. Then enter the multi-number PIN from the back of the card. Then hang-up and wait for the phone to chirp with a dollar value scrolling across the face of the LED screen.

5). If you get nothing, repeat this procedure, or ask a hotel employee who speaks some English to help you, or return to the store where you bought the phone and have them help you.

Every month Panama Cable and Wireless offer special promotions whereas they will award 2X or 3X credit to your phone if you upload cash during the promotion period. During a 3X promotion you could upload $60 worth of talk time for only $20! During a 2X promotion you can upload $40 of talk time for $20. I recommend as soon as you buy your cell phone, ask when Cable & Wireless is running their special deals...your phone vendor and hotel receptionists should have the latest info.

CELL PHONE RATES:

You will consume about $.40 per minute calling another cell phone. Don’t forget, Panama recently added the number “6” in front of all cell numbers. (6XXX-XXXX).

Calling a business or residential line costs about $.20 per minute. These numbers do not require the extra “6” like cell numbers do.

Text messaging, though is the way to go. Text messages cost about $.10 per message. And maybe $.20 for an extra long text message.

It costs nothing to receive a call or text message.

Every time you complete a call that you initiated, you will receive a text message from Cable & Wireless showing you how much the most recent call or message cost and what is your remaining cash balance.

DRESS & APPEARANCE:

Panama is a very Americanized Latin country. The US occupied Panama from 1903 to December 1999. Many Panamanians are dual US and Panamanian citizens. Many Panamanians admire the US culture and lifestyle. Yet, they have their own culture too. It is acceptable to wear a t-shirt, ball cap, shorts and flip-flops around the hotel pool, running around on the streets, visiting a massage parlor, or visiting other touristy destinations. This is not proper attire for eating at a restaurant, doing business in a bank, or looking at real estate. When visiting more formal locations it is best to have a button or polo shirt, nice blue jeans or slacks (full length), clean, nice looking shoes, and no hat.

A CULTURAL THING:

IMHO. Panamanians are more aggressive than we gringos are when it comes to seizing opportunity through someone else’s weakness. In other words, if you are not paying attention to what is going-on around you, and you fail to act accordingly, then it is your lose and their gain. Panamanians instinctively seize opportunity to better their position, no matter how trivial the gain.

For example, while driving in congested traffic, if any small opening appears, suddenly you will see 2 or 3 taxis racing to jockey into position! When merging onto a freeway it is common to see a single vehicle approaching from behind in the lane you are trying to merge into. Be careful, the Panamanian drivers do not float left to allow merging traffic unfettered access. You may have to stop and wait until you are clear to accelerate onto the freeway. If you collide…it is your fault! If you are ever in an auto accident, it is illegal to move your vehicle until the police arrive. This is a primary reason for heavy congestion in Panama. When you are caught in a traffic jam nobody stays in their lane…2 lanes become 4…sidewalks and shoulders become fair game!

When waiting for the theater doors to open nobody forms a single line, they all converge on one doorway…you as the gringo may try to keep personal space around you…but Panamanians don’t recognize personal space…instead, they see your failure to stay lock-in-step with the crowd an opportunity to get in front of you.

Customer service is nearly non-existent…a waitress brought me a filet of beef when I asked for a filet of fish…oh well, the food was already cooked and she was not going to take it back to the kitchen…I had to eat what she gave me and pay the price (she got $.03 tip).

I prepaid 2-nights at Hotel Montreal and made the mistake of not checking-out the room and ac before laying my money down. They gave me one of their extra small rooms and the ac was broken. I asked for another room…all were occupied. I asked for my money back so I could go to another hotel…they said no. They figured that because I paid, I made a contract with them to take the room as is. I threatened to call the police…they told me to go ahead. Finally they reimbursed me the second night stay and another room opened that had good ac resolving the problem. (But I will never stay there again because of the lack of customer service).

Checking into Hotel California one day, they had a new male receptionist I never met before…he immediately gave me the small (half-sized) room on the 5th floor assuming I knew no better. When I opened the door and saw the room I called the receptionist and complained. Another receptionist who knew me from previous trips promptly assigned me a full-size room.

If you ask an average Panamanian if it is okay to price discriminate against gringos…most would say it is okay because all Americans are rich…they can afford to pay more.

MACHISMO:

Most chicas in Panama do not like local men because they are too macho. Often chicas are attracted to gringos because we are not as abrasive as our Panamanian counterparts. Plus, gringos typically do have more money than Panamanian men.

However, pros and non-pros expect a man in Panama, regardless where he is from, to act like a man. Men are expected to be more of an authority figure and controlling. When a chica says she wants $100 to fuck, you had better say, “No, that is not the price, I’ll give you $50.” Why? In another job this chica will make only $16 a day at best. If you walk away on her now, she got nothing…she did not get ahead or better her position. Therefore, very likely she will counter-offer another figure below $100, but above $50…you will show her that you are strong yet compassionate and agree to pay her $60 for 1-hour. 9 times out of 10 she will accept your offer of $60. She will not be pissed at you because she is bettering her position. She will actually be attracted to you for being a strong man, holding a firm position…a quality she actually desires in a mate.

WHAT CHICAS WANT:

Chicas want a better life. They want to get a head. They want to be married to a good looking, rich and intelligent man. They want their children to be good looking, intelligent, have light colored skin (cast system), etc. That is why most gringos do well in Panama when mongering. If you are white, you typically will do better than black or Asian men…that’s just the way it is there.

One night I was in a disco with a hot little dish I picked-up. A great looking Panamanian man, whom I could not hold a candle to in looks, started hitting on my chica. Though I was pissed that this guy had the balls to try to attract my chica away from me…my chica told him to fuck-off. Why? She told me that he his skin was very dark, plus she did not like Panamanian men because they are too macho. She didn’t say the Panamanian man couldn’t match me dollar for dollar, but I knew that was another prime reason for her staying with me…she knew I’d pay more than the local man. Therefore, I walked-off with the prize and fucked the hell out of her that night! Not that this same guy wouldn’t fuck her later…but, I literally came first.

Also, have you ever noticed that blond, white, blue eyed American women have a “thing” for Latin men? I know a few Panamanian hombres that always want blonde, blue eyed white girls. Why? Opposites attract. Just as most of us are tired of American girls…Panamanian men are tired of Panamanian chicas. But the same holds true for Panamanian women who tire of Panamanian men.

SECURITY:

It is worthwhile to give this some thought. Most Panamanians are friendly, nice, honest and hard working people. Yet, there are many who want to take away whatever you have.

MONEY BELT: beige colored with zippers and Velcro can be purchased at all major departments stores where they sell luggage. Cost is under $10. I always travel with a money belt. I put only one ID and a photocopy of my passport in my wallet with just enough cash to cover routine out-of-pocket expenses…maybe $40 to $60 cash. If it gets ripped-off…so be it…shit happens. However, around my waist tucked under my underwear is a money belt with spare ID, credit & ATM cards, phone card, telephone numbers, etc. I put all those things in my money belt so I will have what I need to get out and back to safety should my wallet be stolen.

SECURITY LOCK BOX: Stay at hotels that offer this amenity. Put passport, airline ticket, extra spare credit and ATM cards, US cell phone, US house/car keys, camera, and extra cash in the security lock box.

NO REAL NAMES: One-time I made the mistake of telling a non-pro my real name. I gave her my e-mail address. Over a year we exchanged e-mails and sometimes I would call her. Then I got an e-mail from her suggesting I recently bought a house with an address and home phone number, etc., etc., etc. I couldn’t believe what this Panamanian chica was able to research on me!

CLEAN YOUR TRACKS: Go to Yahoo or Google and do a personal search on your own name, your wife’s name, mother & father, kids, etc. It is not too hard to pull-up real contact info. The last thing in the world you need is a whore in another country knowing where you live, what your real name is, where you work, and whether you are married and have kids. There are ways to remove your name from databases, but it is time consuming. Therefore, when you hook-up…use a fake name. Use an e-mail account with a fake name (Yahoo or Hotmail). And be sure to clean-up your traceable information.

If you take a whore to your room always control your wallet and IDs. If your suitcase is laying around, make sure all identity tags are removed. If they get your first and last name and a mailing address, you could be screwed.

USE CASH: Cash is not easily traced. You are limited to taking $10,000 a year out of the US without declaring it. I usually spend about $3,000 every year on a 2-week Panama vacation…and I usually carry most of it as cash in my money belt and some in my carry-on bag. I rarely use my credit card in Panama unless shopping for clothing. All hotels I pay with cash. All restaurants I pay with cash. I may go to an ATM machine once to withdraw $500 if needed. But that is it. It is no secret that I went to Panama because airlines (ticket sale) and Customs & Immigration (passport) will have a record. But, for most of the 2-weeks in Panama my electronic signature disappears. Always think before you hand over that credit card…do I want big brother to know I am at this business and can he tell if I am alone? ($40 meal at TGI Friday’s is more than 1-person).

MUGGINGS & ATM JACKING: Do not allow extra fares in your private cab. My cab stopped once during rush-hour to give a young guy, in his early 20s, a ride. I was in the front seat, I reached back and locked the back door before the guy could open it. I then made it clear to my driver that nobody gets into my cab after I hired it. It was a bit awkward as we sat at the red light and this kid tried to explain to me through my window that he was not a criminal. Oh well. He didn’t get in. Also, use common sense…after dark it is not wise to be walking on the streets by yourself…especially if you are a gringo. Especially be careful in areas such as the slums of Chorillo near where La Mayor and Club Acropol are located. Yet, you can safely walk around Via Espania at night. Just avoid being alone out on the street in the bad areas of PC and you will be okay.

WHORES IN THE ROOM: I worry more so about SGs and non-pros that I do a chica who works for a massage parlor or sex club. If you can trace the chica back to her place of employment she is less likely to commit a crime against you. Therefore, when doing SGs and non-pros I pick-up at a disco…I take them to a push button or short-time hotel room rather than the hotel where I sleep. I fuck them hard, then kick the SG out as soon as I am done with her. I will assess the non-pro as I go…maybe I will take her out for a bite to eat to get to know her better. But, it is best to always keep your guard-up when you have no way of tracking them down later.

CHANGE HOTELS FREQUENTLY: Sorry, but I am paranoid. Panama is cross-roads for drug related money laundering. Panama with the Panama Canal is cross roads for world commerce and trade. Panama is a great place for wanted international criminals to go to lay down low. Panama is a great place for the FARC and guerillas from Colombia to take some rest and relaxation from the fighting. Though crimes against Americans are usually limited to petty snatch and grab, kidnappings are on the rise in the world. Colombia used to have the highest kidnappings in the world. Then Iraq surpassed Colombia. Now Mexico is leading the way.

Is it unthinkable that you could be grabbed in Panama and held for ransom? Though unlikely, bad shit can happen when traveling abroad. It is believed that most people who are targeted for a kidnapping are watched for a period of time by their kidnappers before they are grabbed. Obviously, they do not want to be caught, so they make a plan and track their victim’s movements until the victim becomes predictable. Therefore, if you frequently change hotels…you may suddenly become unpredictable disappearing from the bad guy’s scope…”Hey, where did the gringo go? Damn, now we’ll have to find a new target.”

Additionally, we know the current administration here in the US has a beef with those of us who patronize the foreign sex industry. They are trying to stop the world’s oldest profession. I don’t think they ever will, but you can never know when you are being monitored with evidence (photo and video) being collected for use against you later. If you frequently change your routine, changing hotels every other day…they may still track you, but they may be a day behind you as well.

WATCH-OUT FOR CON GAMES:

Hiring a moving taxi that you flag down is the safest bet. Avoid getting into a cab that already has a male passenger in the front or back. Do not permit your taxi to stop to double-up fares…you never know if they are having a strongman buddy jump in to do an ATM mugging. If your driver speaks English and gives you an honest fare…get his cell phone number for future rides.

Do not hire a taxi driver who speaks perfect English who waits outside his cab near tourist spots then suddenly runs up to you (picking you out from a crowd) offering to give you a ride…these guys look for gringos who know no better and they will try to charge you triple the fare or even more.

Also beware of Panamanian men (non-taxi drivers) living in the street who speak perfect English. They will con you out of money. They typically hang around casinos and hotels and appear to work parking cars, hailing taxis, or watching vehicles. If you notice that they notice you are a gringo and they picked you out of a crowd…tell them to go fuck-off! They are up to no good.

EMBASSY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located at Avenida Balboa y Calle 38, Panama City Tel: 507-207-7000

Personal and official mail for the embassy and members of the mission may be sent to: U.S. Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002.

E-mail: sispan@pty.com

Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225.

For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and holidays, call 202-647-4000.

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. A booklet entitled Health Information for International Travel (HHS publication number CDC-95-8280) is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800.

OTHER LESSONS LEARNED:

Never bring $50s or $100s to Panama...real hastle to make change. Bring a stack of $20s to carry you minimally a couple of nights, a stack of $5's for cab rides, a money belt and your ATM and charge cards. ATMs in Panama don't charge fees...go figure? Currency in Panama is the US dollar..they have Panamanian coins minted by the US Government in exact same denominations as US currency.

Panama has all of the fast food chains like the US...McDonalds (they serve chicken as well as burgers), Wendy's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Friday's, Benigan's, etc. However, they also have a variety of excellent restaurants...Italian food, fresh seafood, chinese, steakhouses, Japanese sushi, etc.

If you speak Spanish...great...half the battle is over. However, if you are like me, get yourself an electronic Spanish/English dictionary translator ($20-$40). Works just like a calculator...helps you get the right words quickly so the girls have an understanding of the topic you are trying to discuss. Franklin sells a translator for a little under $20...I took extra translators with me on a recent trip and used some of them as part of my negotiations or simply as gifts to those girls I've known from previous trips. Panamanian women love these translators known as "electronico traductors". Most women assume they are very expensive. Use this to your advantage. I recommend preparing a rudementary list of Spanish words that you know you will frequently use in your negotiations. Although "sexo" will get you what you want, if you are trying to work a follow-up date it will be helpful to have more words. Although some Panamanians do speak some English, most girls in the sex business know only a few English words.

Avoid returning to the same massage (masajes) parlor night after night where you shag a different girl each time. Even though the girl you banged the night before may have the night off, the other girls who saw you with her will gossip. You can quickly get a negative reputation. You can still get laid by the other girls, but they won't cut you any special deals and you will be treated simply as a John. I find that selecting one girl per establishment is the way to go. Treat them well and make them think they are the only one you are interested in and your GFE meter will start to peg.

There are numerous Internet Cafes on nearly every major business street in Panama City. In most cases it costs only $1 per hour. If you use the hotel Internet service it usually runs 3 or 4 times more. I found that Panamanian girls will e-mail you after you've established a friendship. Some girls are more savvy and already have Hotmail accounts. Others you will need to educate. Most panamanian women can type...in Spanish...but websites such as www.freetranslation.com works great to help you translate what they write you and what you send them.

EXAMPLE BUDGET: 2-WEEKS (ECONOMY):

1. Airfare: Figure $800 for airfare…cheaper can be found.

2. Hotel: Hotel at $25 a night.

3. Food: $20 per day for food (fast food), small cafes, etc. Double or even triple food costs if you take your date out for a nice dinner.

4. Disco/drinking/cigarettes/cigars: Min $10-20 per person per club per night.

5. Sex: $60 per 1-hour session (subject to negotiations).

6. Taxis: $25 each way to/from airport (fixed - no tip expected). But, stay at a hotel that offers a shuttle at no cost. Also, local around town driving to clubs, parlors, restaurants, stores...figure $3 for per each leg or about $12-$18 per day.

7. Arrival/ Departure tax: Panama charges $5.00 for tourist visa and $20 departure tax.

8. Incidentals: Internet access, cell phone purchase, other ($80.00).

Total: Assuming two week vacation with 12 shags (one per day less 2 travel days) less than $2,600! (I'd personally budget up to $3,000.00 and target $2,500.00 as my goal).

If you do this right you can set yourself up with a relatively inexpensive annual 2-week vacation in Panama.

Now, check-out this link. You may have to download Google Maps to be able to access this link.



AlecJamer

http://earth.google.com/

Yellow Page link to Massage Parlors & Escorts requires a few more mouse clicks to get you the info you seek. At the web-page:
1. Click Seccion (Ej. Pizzerias)
2. Click Buscar (the magnifying glass - Search)
3. After the search click on the words "Masajes" (Masajistas Terapeuticos).

3-web pages will open listing massage parlors and escort services...click 1-2-3> at bottom for each page.

Also, download Google World to your computer. I'll keep working the link to put flag pins throughout the SAT image of PC so you can see where all of the hotels, MPs, SGs, restaurants are located.

If that doesn't work, then I'll post SAT pics of regional areas of PC where the items of interest are located...may take a couple of weeks because I'm on the road.

AJ

Alec: Thanks for all the great information on Panama. I have been through the airport about four times, and was amazed at how much shit was for sale for cheap...duty free. It was like a big mall.

Your advice was great for any Central or South American destination. I am not as paranoid as you and I take a few more chances, but the advice was great.

I have now been to Costa Rica a bunch of times and Colombia twice. I have found, like Panama, the gringo is much in demand. Hopefully we will respect that position, and not screw it up for the rest of us.

Wow- great info! Thanks for posting.

Alec,

Your words of wisdom with regards to Panama are fantastic. You have given an excellent overview of my second pais.

I do want to say that there is truth with your statement of perception with one's skin complexion statement. I want to add that this has not been a hinderance AT ALL for me. I am a black man and a vast majority of the chicas have been very passionate with me and very complementary of my skin complexion (I'm kinda tired of the tongue baths on my skin...really I am). I am not tall, but I have the advantage of being younger, pretty nice looking and an intellegent American man. The key is American as many Panamanian women are not fond of the Panamanian man. I have been told by several that the Panamanian man is very machismo, drinks a lot and very, very demanding. These women WANT and desire an American man. So, I'm saying this only to add a "Be careful!" statement for the new gents to Panama. I have had the opportunity and discussions to provide my baby seed to quite a few Panamanian women. They really desire to be a part of the American lifestyle.

(Message edited by hard2no on September 19, 2005)

Wow, Alec, what a great, comprehensive guide to Panama. I'll just add to any visitor to Panama that outside of Panama City, there is some incredibly beautiful scenery and a visit to the Canal is not to be missed. I actually rented a car and drove outside the city. Some great fishing on the Pacific Coast. The casino action is one of the best in Latin America.

Also, another thing to be wary of is that outside of many of the popular clubs like Elite II, there are usually taxi-con artists that promise to show you a good time. I'd avoid these guys. Although if you build a rappore with a good taxi driver, some of them have introduced me to some pretty non-working Colombian gals (no visa) that were working as freelancers out of their apartments. Paid $60-$80 bucks.

Hey Hombres,
Does anyone know if it is a waste of time to go to Panama during their independance celebration, Nov 3 and 4? I was planning on stopping over there for 4 days during this time, but someone there told me all the businesses are closed and the city basically shuts down. If there are no good lookin chicas available, since they all left for the interior to see auntie ismarelda, please someone help me! If this is the case I will reschedule,
Ty

Stevepenmen -

The biggest, most impacting are the religious holidays. Then major elections. I doubt Independence Day will impact your ability to have some fun.

My worry would be students from the University using Independence Day to hold a protest, demonstration and rally...perhaps protesting high cost of fuel. When they protest they cause the city to grid lock. Very difficult to get a cab ride to a parlor or club when nothing is moving. Or, they could be peaceful and quiet and you find everything normal.

I recommend you go to PC, give it a shot, and let us know how impacting Independence Day was. Chances are you will have a good time.

AJ

Okay, Alecjamer you da man, so I am off! I will send a report with pics from Panama if I can. If not, look for just the report around that time. For some reason we can not see photos from the Panama area right now.

Guys,

In addition, I have called Oasis and GT just to be sure, thanks to AJ's Yellow pages link. They both said they are ABRA (open)on these nights. GT, as usual, is only open in the evening after 7. This is helpful to know for everyone since my first visit to Panama I showed up there an eager horney beaver at 4 PM and had to return home diappointed and wait 3 hours.

Will let you all know how it goes,

SP

P.S. - what does everyone think of the Via Espana area? I stay usually at the Riande Continental. Made some pals there..........yeah, they know I am a monger! But they smile...........
SP

I called a friend in Panama and she told me that Independence Day is actually very big. The restaurant where she works is shutting down for about 5-days in early November.

Anyone in Panama early November, please report what impact Independence Day has on the mongering scene.

Thanks.

AJ

AJ,

You have nailed Panama well. I have been 7 times this year alone and wish I had your guide before my first two to three trips (grin).

I would only add that Club girls (Miami, Elite, etc) are the most expensive (yes usually better looking) for trying to extend to day GFE experiences or freebies. They have to work 6 days a week, 12 hour days under contract and must leave for Colombia when their contract ends before they return for another gruelling contract. It is better to use AJ's other choices if you are looking for a fairly inexpensive wa to get additional dates without paying the exit costs. ELITE actually has arrangements with ALL hotels to report their girls (one of the reasons they take the girls ids when you check in) when they are working BUT not paying the cut to the stripclub.

Great stuff AJ, thanks man

Like Latina

I will be in panama Jan 28-Feb3. Maybe someone knows
Best hotels under $100???
Phone #'s or e-mail addresses of desirable girls??? or good Taxi drivers with same???

Cesar Park Hotel for about $80. Really nice in the Patilla district.

Suites Ambassidor all the way down the street from Manolos in El Cangreo. $55 and $60 for a decent full suite; and they are chica friendly with free parking if you have a rental. Riande Continental is also good in Panama, right on Via Espania; especially good for chicas since it has a back entrance.

Elim

Marparaiso, King 27.00
not top notch, but chica friendly, clean, restaurant on site and free internet. Even condom delivery to the room, cool ha, ha

Marparaiso will also pick you up and return you to the airport in their courtesy shuttle. Obviously, you need to make an appointment for them to pick you up at the airport. I usually give them a tip $5 each way.

011-507-277-6767

AJ

alec, pickup is free- drop-off at airport 15.00 - at least that's what they told me. You might have a special deal going. You probably sweet-talked Jennifer, eh!

Swimtebeach -

I don't routinely stay at Marparaiso, but I've been there a few times.

Is Jennifer the hot looking morena who works the reception desk? If so, I always wanted to fuck her. If I recall, she is a little taller than average and big...not fat, but with tits and ass.

I didn't know that Marparaiso started charging a drop-off fee. $15 though, is not unreasonable. Pretty difficult to get anyone to take you to the airport for less.

AJ

Alecjamer, just seen your original post for the first time, thanks, interesting information.

Hunter

Jennifer is black tall and skinny, nice boobs though, and works presently the evenings.
The one you are talking is the morning girl. She looks pregnant to me, but cute.