Panama

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. At a first meeting a handshake will suffice and is sometimes combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows

Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, women usually shake hands. Friends and close acquaintances generally kiss each other once on the cheek.

Man greeting Woman- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Friends, family and close acquaintances generally share a light kiss on the cheek.

Personal Space & Touch

• Panamanians are comfortable standing an arms length from one another while talking.
• There is little to no touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing.

Eye Contact

• Panamanians tend to favor direct eye contact over indirect.
• During conversations sustained eye contact is commonplace rather than sporadic.

Gestures

• You point at most things with your lips, by making sort of a kissing/pouting gesture in the direction you want to point.
• To hail a cab you put your hand out, palm down, and pull your fingers in (sort of saying “come here” with your hands).

Views of Time

• Panamanians tend to place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict adherence of set schedules in social situations.
• While the bus, train, and plane schedules will be adhered to for the most part, showing up late to a party or function is quite common.

Gender Roles

• In general, women are in charge of cleaning, cooking, and raising the children. It is common for them to take on professional positions in the larger cities.
• It’s acceptable for women to dine alone, but going to local bars unaccompanied is not advised.

Taboos

• Showing someone a raised middle finger is an obscene gesture.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 18, but if you can pay for it they will most likely sell it to you.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Panama are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• For men: dark colored suits with shirt and conservative ties. Business casual may be appropriate in some industries and rural areas.
• For women: stylish business suits or dresses and matching shoes. Pants are fine

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Don for men and Dona for women, followed by the surname. Use Licensiado (if they have a college degree).

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though you may be kept waiting.
• There is usually some form of small talk before getting down to business. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.
• Suitable topics include: local culture, family, sports.