Tipping Point; Important Legal Alert for Expats and Tourists in Panama; Fuel Price Increase Announced in Panama Starting This Friday.

Friday, April 4, 2025. The Tipping Point – Generosity, Culture, and Perspective Recently, someone asked in an expat forum: “How much should you tip in Panama?” I offered my perspective, something I’ve developed over 35 years of living and working in this country: “10%–20%. I’ve been fortunate and have worked for tips before, so I know what it’s like to depend on them. I usually leave 15%, and I’ll even tip the kid at PriceSmart who bags my groceries and helps me to my car $20–$40, depending on how much I bought. I want to make their day.” That response got mixed reactions. Some said they do the same. Others, though, were critical—even accusatory. I was told I was “hurting the economy,” “disrespecting local culture,” and warned about the “negative ripple effects” of over-tipping. One person insisted I “please stop.” Let me be clear. I didn’t just move here. I didn’t retire here. I grew up here. Panama is my home. I arrived when I was 19 and have spent my entire adult life here—raising a family, starting businesses, protecting local institutions, and building relationships across generations. My kids were born here. My best friends are Panamanian. My life is deeply rooted in this country. So when I tip a kid $20 for helping me with $600 worth of groceries—he’s not just “carrying bags.” He’s working. He’s organizing, packing with care, protecting fragile items, getting boxes, braving the heat, carting my stuff to the car, and helping me get everything inside without breaking a thing. And here’s something that puts this in perspective: these young workers often earn less than $500 a month—many earning around $455 for full-time hours under Panama’s current minimum wage for retail workers. That’s about $2.37 per hour.  Some don’t make a salary, but work for tips only. Now, consider this: the Basic Family Food Basket in Panama is just over $340 per month. That means more than half of a minimum wage worker’s salary goes just to food—and that’s before rent, transportation, or anything else. So no—this isn’t about distorting an economy. This is about recognizing that a $20 tip from someone spending $600 on groceries isn’t reckless—it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of hard work, especially when that worker might not see $600 for a full month and a half of labor. This isn’t about guilt or saviorism. It’s about respect for effort, service, and the value of time. And to emphasise: I’m not telling anyone else how much to tip. I’m simply saying what I choose to do, as someone who’s lived here for decades, and as someone who believes in recognizing people who take pride in what they do—regardless of the job. But I’m also open to hearing different views. So I’ll ask you: 🟡 If you’ve lived in another country, do you adjust your tipping based on their norms—or your values?🟡 Do you think generosity should be restrained in the name of cultural preservation?🟡 Is it possible that some of us have been here long enough to understand when an act is kind and when it’s disruptive? Let’s have a respectful conversation—one based on real experience, real numbers, and most importantly, real people. Until next time, Brett Mikkelson TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Important Legal Alert for Expats and Tourists in Panama: Drug and Firearm Laws You Must Know By Carlos Sanad Below is an “ALERT” for all expats residing in the Republic of Panama, tourists passing through any airport or port in the country, or those coming to spend some quality time in our country. The purpose of this publication is to prevent foreigners from experiencing unpleasant moments due to ignorance of the laws, particularly those pertaining to drugs and firearms. Drug-related crimes.  These crimes are clearly defined under Chapter V, Articles 312 to 324 of the Panamanian Criminal Code. If you visit any South American country, you will find that, in tourist areas and elsewhere, they sell small bags containing dried coca leaves. These bags are sold over the counter in some South American countries, such as Colombia; however, they are illegal in Panama, and if you are caught in possession of one of these bags, even if it only contains two dried coca leaves, you will be charged with international drug trafficking. If the quantity of leaves is very small, you may be convicted of consumption; under these circumstances there is always a possibility to commute prison term for a fine. That is why we warn foreigners who visit South American countries and then come to visit Panama, not to bring any product containing substances such as marihuana for medical use or dried coca leaves to make tea. Additionally, it is important that when purchasing cosmetic products, such as hair shampoo, you make sure that is hemp-free. Otherwise, drug-sniffing dogs, at port facilities, will perceive the hemp resulting in a false positive for drugs, creating a cumbersome situation for the person who will be detained for 48 hours before going in front of a judge and argue the case and crime lab results. In that sense, Chapter IX of the Panamanian Criminal Code under the title of Possession and Trafficking of Weapons and Explosives, defines this crime. I will refer to Articles 333 and 335, since these are the most frequently violated in Panama due to foreigners’ ignorance of Panamanian laws. Article 333 provides as follows: “Anyone who, without legal authorization, possesses or carries a firearm, its elements, or components, even if the firearm is in detachable parts and, when properly assembled, makes it useful, shall be punished with imprisonment of eight to ten years. The imprisonment shall be ten to twelve years in any of the following situations: 1. If the possession is of five weapons or more. 2. If the gun is a weapon of war or of great destructive power. 3. If the weapon is used to support a criminal organization or insurgent groups. 4. If the person authorized to possess or carry a firearm lends the weapon or allows a third party to use it, or directly conveys it to another person,