Why are Panamanians so rude?

Services 6d 23h ago 7 answers • harrietrowntree

I'm a British expat living in Panama City, and I've noticed that some Panamanian service staff, particularly women, can be quite rude and unhelpful, especially in local markets and shops. I've tried being patient and polite, but it seems like they're often put off by my presence. I'm looking for an explanation for this behavior.

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5 Answers · 2 replies

Maria G • 6d 22h ago

I've never had a good experience with service in Panama, to be honest. I prefer to shop and eat where foreigners work because they're always much nicer.

Ingrid Hoffmann • 6d 21h ago

I've been experiencing this kind of service since the 90s, and it's not just with women - I'm a woman myself. I've had men ignore me when I was trying to buy something in Zona Libre and the Dorado. But when I visited Panama in 2015-2025, I noticed that people were much friendlier and welcoming. My family told me that those people weren't even Panamanian - they were Colombian or Venezuelan. And when I went to Chitre, the locals were very kind to me.

Miguel • 6d 21h ago

That's just the way people are in Panama City - they seem to need a slap in the face to wake them up every morning.

Hugo Frias • 6d 9h ago

It's likely that the people you're dealing with are exhausted from working long hours and are just trying to get through their shift.

Leandro Cardoso • 6d 20h ago

The service in Panama is really bad, and it's not just about being rude - it's also about the way people are raised and the values they develop in their adult lives. I think it's a problem that we need to address, especially when it comes to women.

sandrinerenaud • 6d 10h ago

When you're dealing with customer service in Panama, you're treated like dirt. Don't take it personally and don't let them get to you - they're just not happy with their jobs.

Yara • 6d 9h ago

We need to do some sociological research to understand why people in Panama City are so rude - it's not just a problem here, but in other countries as well. And it's worth noting that people in the interior of Panama are much friendlier.

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Why are Panamanians so rude?

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