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Carlos Aleman is your “Mr Everything” in Panama and is the personal choice of yours truly “The Panama Gringo”.
By The Panama Gringo | August 23, 2007
A little history will help set the stage:
I have been coming to Panama for almost four years now (before the rapid real estate development, before the Veneto and before it became the hot place to be). My Spanish is limited so I searched out a driver/confidant/helper/translater with whom I could partner to make my experience more pleasant. I was going to be setting up a business, buying a condo and figuring out the lay of the land and I needed someone to help me work the system. You know how we “gringos” are so inpatient.
My first attempts were not good. I tried several drivers with English skills and was severely disappointed. At first, they were all good. Then they would not show up on time, prices kept rising and ultimately, they would betray your trust.
Finally, Carlos approached me one day in the lobby of the Veneto and offered his services. He speaks 3 languages - Spanish, French (8 years in Montreal) and English (very well). He has managed businesses both in Canada and in Panama.
I can say, without qualificiation, our partnership has been very pleasant for the past two years. I have entrusted Carlos with thousands of dollars to fix my apartment, buy furniture, assist some of my clients, and generally be responsible for my life in Panama — and HE HAS NEVER FAILED TO DELIVER.
His rate is a little higher than normal ($12 to $15 an hour) but is worth every cent as he is efficient, knows how to make the system work and is very dependable and trustworthy. He has literally had $10K entrusted to him and his response was efficient service, incredible detailed book-keeping (even detailing out a 35 cent charge for key copying for condo) and well presented.
He drives a brand new KIA SORENTO which is very comfortable. He is well educated in Panama City history and conducts a great tour.
So if you are going to Panama City and you need to be hooked up with someone you can trust, someone who will take good care of you - I suggest you call Carlos at 011-507-6645-7075. Tell him Bob told you to call as he does not overbook his services so he can provide top quality execution.
In Panama, you can reach him 7 days a week at 6645-7075 His direct email is carlosctours.p@gmail.com
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:22 am
Hi,
Found you via Google. my wife and I are English transplants living in Arkansas (30 yrs). We are very seriously considering retiring to the Carribean within the next 1-4 years. You are obviously knowledgable about Panama. tell me all you know! We would probably prefer to rent initially, and buy once we decide that’s where we want to be. I would appreciate any info you could provide.
Sincerely,
Neil Cookman
September 11th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
My group of 5 will be visiting Panama from 12/27/07 to 1/4/08. We are looking for a rental unit with at least 3 bedrooms for that time frame. We would like to stay within 1 hour of Panama City. We will have a rental car, so parking is also important. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks.
September 12th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I recently visited Panama. I was a bit apprehensive since English is my only language. But, not to worry, Carlos was there to save the day.
This gentlemen is fluent in English, French, and of course Spanish. He is a wealth of knowledge, including the people, places you could never find, and things you only heard rumors about. Above all, he is trustworthy.
I look forward to visiting Panama in the future. And yes, Carlos will be an integral part of my plans
September 18th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Did I read that right…$12 per hour for Mr. Aleman’s sevices? That is very steep in my experience. Is that for driving, and all types of assistance?
September 26th, 2007 at 5:32 am
You can get cheaper but not better. If you want someone you can trust and will constantly help you from being taken advantage of - Carlos is your guy.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Panama has been our escape for a few years now.Each time we use Carlos; we feel completely safe with him. He is gentlemen in every aspect. He respects his guest and their privacy, knows all the best places for food, shopping, and just plan relaxation. You have to be careful in Panama City with drivers. It can be pandemonium! Carlos manures his car with skill and grace.
This is a GREAT site. I have recommended it to many of our friends/family.
Thanks Panama Gringo
November 26th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Carlos is the best. I agree you can get cheaper, but definitely not better.
I just returned from Panama a couple days ago, and Carlos was there for my wife and 2 small kids whenever we needed him.
From Decameron to La Playa Bonita, Carlos hooked us up and made sure we were always well taken care of.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
We are building a condo currently in Panama and I had to go alone while my husband stayed home to close on the condo and conduct legal matters. I called Carlos and he was great. Our condo was not done so we were not able to close. I worked with the Lawyers and transfered power of attorney so we did not have to keep going back and forth last minute. I asked Carlos to take me to furniture stores and he took me everywhere. Since I did not have a date of close and wanted to have furniture in the condo so my whole family could come the next time, Carlos offered to work with me and the furniture stores so that when the condo was closed on, he would then schedule delivery, go and set everything up and have the apartment cleaned and ready for us.
I am very happy to have Carlos in Panama and would recommend him to anyone.