Perception of Time

While Americans typically adhere to their schedules, Panamanians have a much more flexible relationship with time. Tranquilo is a word that you may come across while traveling in Panama. It means calm or peaceful and can be applied to a person, place or situation. It’s also a good example of the Panamanian perception of time. Similar to the practices of people in other Latin American countries, Panamanians do not place high importance on punctuality. Showing up late is normal and in many cases expected – it’s not uncommon for guests to arrive an hour or two late to a dinner party.

Time is perceived with fluidity, and lunches and dinners can extend for several hours. The emphasis is placed on the people and relationships rather than on strict adherence to the schedule. As a result, except when conducting formal business, the maana (tomorrow) mentality prevails. This can be difficult for North Americans who need to get things done quickly or on a tight schedule.