“I met Marlene in Alaska, when she was there visiting her cousin, and I just couldn’t let her escape back to Panama without me.” -Chris (U.S.) A lot of people move to Panama with a spouse, making them part of an adventurous couple ready to settle down in this Central American wonderland. For those people, this article might not provide much need-to-know info, but I think, in many ways they could still benefit from this, because many of the topics I’ll discuss in this article have to do with how we conduct ourselves in public.

• Women Picking Up Men

Life in Panama is different, and by acting the way we did back home, we can sometimes ostracize ourselves. Now, for single people moving to Panama, and maybe even some Panamanians in the dating game, I hope this article gives you some new insight on the mixing and mingling world of love and new friendships. Now, before someone writes in saying, “Wait a minute, Chris. You’ve been married for 13 years.

There are plenty of men who are good at picking up girls, but they often aren't. This guide is designed to help even the unluckiest (straight) guy understand some. A girl who keeps touching her lips or chest with one hand as she talks to you.

What would you know about dating in this day and age?” Totally true. I have been married to my Panamanian wife, Marlene, for a long time. However, both Marlene and I, have worked in Panama. We’ve been around young singles and not-so-young singles, and we’ve heard all the stories, all the complaints, and all the expectations. You should hear some of the stories we’ve been privy too. Through what we’ve both learned, we’ve compiled a list, and I want to share that with you now. These are in no specific order, and as always, I don’t aim to upset anyone, not Panamanian and not readers from any other country.

I love Panama and its people, so in no way is this meant to insult anyone. Just like when I wrote my 10 Things You’ll Hate About Panama article, which you can read if you missed it, and in my 15 Quirky Things About Panama, which you can read, I’m sure I’ll have people write in saying they’ve never seen or heard of such things and that I’m full of it. Someone wrote that they’ve never seen anyone put ketchup on food here in Panama and wondered where I’m getting my info. So again, these are all things I’ve either witnessed myself or have heard from friends, coworkers, or family members.

Women Picking Up Men

This is Panama For Real. Let’s get to dating in Panama. Before breaking down this list of 10 things you should know, I think it’s important to say that I know what a lot of people are expecting me to add to the list. It’s no secret that men (and women) have moved to Panama and have been swindled by some money-hungry, gold-digging lover.

But as with most things negative here in Panama, it happens all over the world, and that’s why I haven’t added the subject to the 10 things list, but will address it on its own. If you flip through the TV channels and check out some of the reality shows, you’ll see that in the U.S. Plenty of young women are going after older men with money. If you turn to the world of online dating, it’s easy to find Latinas searching for wealthy men, Russian mail order brides, Asian seductresses, and American escorts all looking for a buck. It happens everywhere and definitely isn’t unique to Panama. And it’s not unique to women.

Ladies are screwed over by young men trying to sleep their way to the top, all the time, and gay men and women encounter this situation too. When you think about it, it’s just a big game. If you’re an older, single guy here in Panama, trying to pick up a 20-something sex kitten, you have to know what you’re setting yourself up for. You want that sex kitten for a reason, and that sex kitten is going to get something out of it too. If you’re an older woman, searching for a young, muscle-bound stud, a boy toy, chances are, he’s got goals too.

“I’m a REAL Panamanian woman. I’m single and open to finding an honest, fun, and loving man. No games here.” -Lupe (Panama) And it’s not just young men and women pulling this scam. Unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s the haves and the have-nots. And there are plenty of people in Panama, and everywhere else, more than willing to date someone just because they think he or she has money. So just be careful. If you’re out with someone you’re freshly dating and they hint that they like a pair of shoes, okay, maybe you buy them a gift.

But if it turns out they continuously ask for these “gifts” and every date seems to be a trip to the mall, you might want to stop and think about what you’re getting yourself into. That said, it’s important to note that Panama is full of lovely ladies and respectable gentlemen, more than willing to start an honest relationship with the right person. You, as a foreigner, just need to get realistic with your searching. You don’t go to South Beach in Miami and find the youngest blond with the biggest boobs in a string bikini, because you want to settle down and have a loving relationship, come on.

And chances are, this bombshell doesn’t have her sights set on a 70-year-old man. So you also don’t go to Panama, hit the casinos, and find the youngest, hottest, guy or gal with the tightest body.

You have to look deeper than that if you want to find a good man or woman in Panama, just like anyplace else. My Canadian friend, Michael, just moved to Panama and had an unfortunate experience with dating. He’s single again, ladies! You’ll notice that I’ve included photos of single people and some couples in this article.

Real people are out there. And the couples? These are all interracial couples (sounds weird to call it that), Panamanians who’ve met and have fallen in love with someone from a foreign country. So it can be done.

These are people who are in committed relationships. So let’s talk about some of the stuff that makes these relationships work. The list you’re about to read is the 10 Things You Should Know About Dating In Panama. Some of it might be a bit controversial. It might piss some people off, but none of this is fairytale.

This is all info collected from single people out in the dating world. You may not agree with some of it, but I’m sure if you ask around, you’ll find someone who does.

And as always, this doesn’t pertain to every single Panamanian or gringo or other foreigner, but it does apply to quite a few of them, lol. Dress Appropriately – This is probably the number one complaint I hear from Panamanian friends.

“Why do gringos always look like backpackers? Why don’t they ever dress up?”. Now this is a pimped out way to dress for a date I get it, trust me, I do. If your life back home was anything like mine (I wore a suit 5 days a week), you’re loving being able to throw on shorts, a tank top, and a pair of flip flops.

And that’s fine if you’re just lounging around your home, chilling out in a hammock, or running in to the supermarket real quick to pick up some eggs. But if you’re going on a date, Panamanians would hope that you’d dress accordingly. “I went on a date one time and this guy showed up in shorts, sneakers, and a T-shirt. We were just going to the movies, but I wanted to dress to impress him and apparently he didn’t care to do the same.” -Lisette (Panama) That’s a very real situation. Just because we’re in a place with a laidback lifestyle, don’t leave your manners back home. Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’re going out on a date, it’s a good idea to dress as if their opinion of you matters. At least throw on a pair of jeans, some casual shoes, and a button up shirt or polo.

And cologne or perfume is also greatly appreciated. You Might Meet The Parents – Unlike in the U.S., where we’re all itching to get out on our own as soon as we reach the age of 18, Panamanians will typically stay at home until they’re married. This could mean well into their 30s. It really doesn’t matter the age. If they’re single, they might still live at home.

“I met Alberto when we lived in the same building. He courted me by constantly making me Panamanian derretidos.” (Lilieth, Nicaragua) Now, this doesn’t apply to all Panamanians. I know plenty living on their own, but it’s very common here to share a home with your parents. I have friends who’ve left the home, one has even gotten married, and after the divorce, he’s back with his parents. This is a very family oriented country.

So there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes it’s the opposite, and it’s the single parent moving back in with the child. I’ve seen that too. How does this apply to dating? Well, first, you might unexpectedly meet mom, and second, you might not get invited in at the end of the date, not if there are family members waiting inside.

Panama is huge on respect for the family. So make sure you keep that in mind. Don’t Be A Wallflower – One of the biggest turn offs for Panamanian women especially, but it also applies to Panamanian men, is a date who doesn’t dance. Dancing is a big part of Panamanian culture.

If you’re young, you’ll probably end up in a nightclub (still called discos here) with reggaeton, rap, and techno. If you’re a little older, you’ll probably be taken to a salsa or tipico club, so be ready to dance.

“Randy and I worked together for awhile. It wasn’t until after I left the job that he got the guts to ask me out.” -Anabell (Panama, Randy is from the U.S.) The good news? It doesn’t necessarily matter whether or not you can dance. It matters that you try. Marlene used to get so mad at me because I didn’t want to dance. I always felt like people would make fun of me and giggle, like, “Look at the goofy gringo.” And they probably do. Now, I try to just get out on the dance floor and have a good time.

Sure, there are times when I don’t feel like dancing, but Marlene will usually convince me. If You Don’t Dance, Someone Else Will – I’ve written before about the “no shame” Panamanian men, and some women display. If a man likes you in Panama, he’s going to tell you, either with a whistle, a hiss, or a honk of the horn. And some women are the same. This applies to dating too.

Don’t be surprised to see men staring at your date (or women). If you’re afraid to dance, take a salsa class A friend told us about one night when she was at a casino, with a guy she’d been dating for awhile. They were having a great time, dancing the night away to the live band. When they finally took a break and sat down for a second, a guy immediately approached, completely ignored her date, and asked her if she’d like to dance. She was surprised because she’d had men look at her and flirt with her and stuff, but it was the first time she’d been approached like that while with her boyfriend.

She turned the guy down and had to calm her boyfriend down, who was not surprisingly pissed. So, back to the dancing thing. This guy had been dancing with his date and someone still tried to step in, so imagine if you’re just sitting at a table, and your lady looks bored (or your man). There’s a good chance someone might come along to turn that frown upside down. Don’t Be Afraid To Speak Spanish – My Spanish still stucks.

I’m very well aware of that, but I’m forced to try all day, every day, in order to get my point across. I understand that some people are embarrassed to try (I still am sometimes), but if you’re on a date with someone who speaks very little, if any, English, it will be so much appreciated if you just try. “The moment I met Tom 17 years ago in Japan, I knew he was trouble.” -Virginia (Panama/U.S., Tom is from the U.S.) So don’t be afraid. If your date laughs or giggles a little, they’re probably not making fun of you. It’s usually because they find it cute that you’re trying. It’s the same when someone tries to speak English around you. I used to love my wife’s accent and found it not only cute, but extremely sexy when she’d try to speak English.

Now, she’s great with English (and still sexy honey, don’t worry) and I hardly notice an accent. If you’re at a dinner, try to use a little bit of Spanish when glancing over a menu.

What better way to communicate and flirt a little than having your date help you with your language skills? Plus, after a couple glasses of wine, you might even find it a little easier to roll your Rs. Watch Out For That Latin Jealousy – For a place where the people seem shameless, there’s definitely no shortage of jealousy. Panama is full of hot women and handsome studs, so don’t let your eyes wander when you’re with your date. You can try and play it off all you want, but they’ll probably notice and it’s not the best way to get the ball rolling. It’s no different form any other place in the world, really. If you start your date by checking out other women (or men), that’s keying your date in on the fact that you’ll probably continue doing it throughout the relationship.

“Gay relationships in Panama can be a bit confusing and difficult because Panamanians are so sensitive and jealous. I haven’t found my soul mate yet, but I’m still in the process of searching.” -Phablo (Guatemala, living in Panama) And unfortunately, Panamanian men aren’t know for being loyal to their women.

It’s a fact, a sad one, but true. I know people in the States and in other countries cheat on their spouses, but I never heard about it there the way I do here. I’m always hearing stories about cheating spouses, and most of the time it’s the double-dealing husband. So Panamanian women expect that.

It’s up to you to show them something different. And trust me, if you set off down an unfaithful path, you’re going to see a fiery temper fly. Here’s Whatsapp – Right now it’s Whatsapp, but in the future it could be any text messaging service or hot phone application. Whatsapp, if you don’t already know, is a free app you can download for your Smartphone. It allows you to chat with other people, I think anyplace in the world (I text friends and family in the U.S. All the time), as if they were right here in Panama. It’s hugely popular here.

What does that mean? It means you might end up speaking to your date through text messaging over the phone instead of actually speaking.

It’s just the way things are here. So it’s a good idea to download the app ahead of time to make it easy to communicate. “I met this devil dog at a Farewell party, we started hanging out with no expectations, and love just happened. We’ve been together 4 years now. Couldn’t be happier.” -Dafne (Panama, Brendan is from the U.S.) If you’re planning a party, you need to know that if you tell people to show up at 7pm, no one will arrive until after 8 (if that early). I found this out when I threw my first big birthday bash. I worked at a call center and invited almost everyone in the building.

I think the party started at 9pm or something like that. At 9:30 I was standing in my empty living room thinking, “Damn, this sucks. I’m gonna look like an ass.” The neighbors were having a hoppin’ party down the street. Why was mine so dead? By 11pm my party was almost out of control.

I had people on the back balcony, stuffed into both living rooms, and out in front of our house on the street. I tell you this because you need to know ahead of time that if you tell your date to be ready, or to meet you, at 8pm, expect them to be ready at 9. It’s not meant to be disrespectful and it doesn’t mean they’re going to stand you up, it probably just means they haven’t arrived yet, and it’s as simple as that. Push Buttons – I don’t know whether you kiss on the first date or not, and I don’t know how many dates you’re going on with your potential suitor, so I have no idea of knowing how it will end up. Let’s say things escalate and you’re both all hot and heavy, looking for a place to do the ditty.

We’ve already established that there’s a good chance you won’t be able to go back to their place and I know nothing about your place. Maybe you’re staying in a crowded hostel or maybe you have kids at home with the nanny. For whatever reason, you’re looking for a place to wind down your date. If you’ve ever seen those buildings on the side of Transistmica or Avenida Domingo Diaz or many other places, the ones that look like cheap Vegas hotels, and didn’t know what they were, they’re called Push Buttons.

They’re basically in-and-out, convenient places for people to have a secret rendezvous. They’re not whore houses as some people seem to think. You’ll need to bring a date with you.

This is a push button When you drive in, you’ll see a bunch of open garage doors. Just pull your car in, park, turn off the ignition (seriously, people have been nervous and ended up dead from leaving their car running in the garage), and push the button to close the garage door. That signals someone inside that you want a room. Prices differ, depending on the type of room (you pay more for the fancier ones) and the amount of time you want to use the room. I think the average for a cheap room is about $12 for two hours, something like that. The attendant will take your payment through a slot in the door and then you can enter. You never see the attendant and your car is secure in the garage, so it’s all secret and discreet.

I’ll write more about this some other time, but I just thought you should know, in case you’re nearing the end of your date and you’re either being driven into a push button, your date mentions it, or it’s your idea altogether. Using Protection – I have to be careful with this one, because it might upset people.

I won’t say that EVERYONE in the U.S. Uses a condom during sex, but I can tell you that it seems that NO ONE wears one here. Ok, I’m sure some people do, lol.

However, I’ve heard some wild and crazy sex stories, from people with no shame, blurting out their adventures for all to hear. Sometimes, after hearing these insane hook up stories, I’d say, “Please tell me you wore a condom.” The reply was always something like, “Ha, what? No.” This was the reply when talking to male and female coworkers, gay and straight. I met a guy one time that was dating one girl, sleeping with another girl, and had just hooked up with a 3 rd random girl. None of these 3 girls knew what was going on.

Was he wearing a condom? Not with any of them. I was talking with Marlene about it, when planning to write this post, and she said the exact same thing, that she was blown away by the amount of people not wearing protection. These are young college kids and business professionals, young and older.

Condom directions on our hotel nightstand in Las Tablas So, whether you’re dating someone of the same sex, or the opposite sex, this is something you need to keep in mind. I’m not going to sit here and preach to people, but seriously, for your safety, for the safety of your date, and to make sure there aren’t any more single mothers out there, you should seriously think about using a condom. If you’re reading this article, and you’re not someone who goes without protection, ask around.

You might be shocked to find out how many people are going at it completely naked. Well, that’s it for the 10 Things You Should Know About Dating In Panama. I’m sure some of you out there could easily come up with more. If so, fill us in in the comments section below. Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who sent in photos for this article. You guys rock! As always, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, by putting your email address in the field below the red suitcase logo in the top right hand corner of this page. And please like us on our Facebook page at.

I am looking for a women to share the rest of my life with in Panama because I will have to marry them because the law says I have to have an income of 1000,00 a month to stay in Panama for life but I only receive 817.00 a month in social security so hopefully I can meet a women that will marry me so we both can build a life of love in Panama I have wanted to live in Panama for years and I am finally going in March 2018 and will be looking for a wife to spend the rest of life with if you know of any dating service there please let me know I am a 57 year old man looking for love. I was single in 1994. Had plenty of $. My plan was visit the canal and area 5 days then fly to Cancun.Stayed at the Washington hotel on Colon 2 nights. Then drove to the Europa hotel in the city.I walked 2 blocks and saw Panama shooters and arm supplies.Being a gun nut I went in.Met a beauty she spoke no English. I stayed another week.Went back the next month and it took me a year to get her a k-1 visa. Married here sept 1996 The next week I put her in a language school 6 hours a day 5 days a week.In Panama she made $250 A MONTH.To day operations mgr over a 30 Doctor clinic $80 k.

22 years doing great!!!! Hi Chris, What an article and so much what is very new to me. I remember Panama very well as part of a trip I made with my then GF. We flew in from Luxembourg and the trip started in the USA where I bought a camper.

The total trip went from Philadelphia overland to Panama. There we parked just off the main street and also drove to Colon doing all the things we wanted. Nearly in an accident on the return from Colon. My big disappointment was that we could not do the trip on the canal. I would still like to do that now. Are there places for mature people like me,88, to settle in Panama, perhaps with a mature Lady, for keeps away from all the hustle and bustle?

I could tell her about the entire trip I made at the time. I continued after Panama to Ushuaia south of Argentine and on the return from there all the way to Inuvic in Canada. Thanks Chris tell me about the quite place for old people in Panama. Good article Chris. I found a lot of the things you said so very true.i have lived in Chiriqui in Panama for eight years on and of I work in The UK for six month then head out here to my little house in the highlands.

You are correct when courting your Latina beauty, her whole family will need to be met and if she has brothers you will need to buy the beer, I have dated a few girls here through the years.yes they will expect Regala now and then especially Zapatos which they adore.I took a ex up to the park Amistad at cerro punta a fever some climb up not so well worn tracks and told her you should have wore some sneakers or training shoes, es nada mi amor.frigging heck she was like a gazelle climbing up these paths in her high wedge shoes.dedimatly a dedicated follower of fashion. Agree 100% per cent dress smart, nice shirt and trousers with a nice belt ain’t hard and will get you brownie points if you are smartly dressed those girls love showing you off and don’t mind other chicks looking at her man she gets a buzz out of that, which brings me on to a other thing Jealousy.my god.one girlfriend I had was constantly asking me if I had otero mujer, every phone call when I wasn’t with her and was maybe in Azuero or other part of Panama was this jealous streak otro mujer. I love it and I have made some great friends here and love the women here, yes I will settle down someday and to other guys coming here.my few wee tips would be.1. Be confident hold your head high when you meet your Latina babe. Defiantly dress well.nice cologne or after shave will be well appreciated.3.

Treat them like a Primcess.ie. Open doors for them, pull the chair out for them when going to a restruant.4 little pressies will get you everywhere.a bunch of flowers. Even a single rose could be the turning point to going to that push button ja ja. 5 most of all be honest, tell them how beautiful they are.you can hit the top. Yes enjoyed your post.and hope maybe my few points enhanced it they are lovely mujeres treat them right and you could be heading to a Heaven.

Just found your site Chris.interesting! I’m planning to scout out the possibility to move to Panama. Many things your site addresses I had NO IDEA about (a friend moved from Atlanta in 2007, the year I visited her there, and so I’m quite in the know about a lot going on there, but obviously not everything!). I’m going to check out a dating site for Panama, hoping to meet some “friends” to hang with besides the ones I already know.most are in Panama City, but one lives in La Chorrera (?) YES, I definitely want to keep abreast of things by way of your site 🙂 Thanks. I’m always hearing stories about cheating spouses, and most of the time it’s the double-dealing husband. This is a very true statement.

Panamanian men are cheating. It’s kind of shocking to me, that Panamanian men have all possible social applications installed on their phones,(ex. Badoo, whatsapp, fbetc) and they are flirting all they long with many different women, at the same time they do not consider flirting as cheating on their partners. I would think 100 times before I date another Panamanian, mostly they are cute, hot looking men, and I like the features of Latin American men, but the cheating. I can not deal with it.

Great article Chris. Nice article Chris. Thanks for sharing.

I’m a 55 year old divorced white man thinking about moving to Panama. Like most men, I’ll admit it, I’m a dog. I like women who are somewhat younger than I am, however; I’m not at all afraid of commitment if that’s what she wants.

You mentioned 20 years old and that might be fun for a while but I can’t picture such a large difference in age leading to anything lasting. Mid 30’s to mid 40’s seems more realistic.

How hard do you think it would be for me to pull this off? Is it unusual to see such age gaps in couples there? On another subject. A couple of years after my divorce, I went back to college and graduated last spring (2014) with a bachelors in English along with certification to Teach English as a Second Language (TESL). Do you know where I can obtain any information about teaching English there in Panama (pay scale, demand etc.)?

Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the interesting article. I am visiting panama in February. I have friends that moved to Nuevo Gorgona.?

I am considering a move and this is basically going to be a recon visit. I am considering buying a sailboat to live on and moor it on the Carribian side. I have heard that Colon is the Wild West of panama. Are there other options? Are there good roads between the coasts? I will most likely bring my Harley if I move there for transportation. Your thoughts and advice greatly appreciated.

Hey John, Thanks man. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I know a lot of people live in boats out in the bay beside Portobelo. Captain Jack’s hostel is a good contact for that. He knows a lot about that community. His website is: Captain Jack is a really cool guy too. Colon is still very undeveloped, but for that reason a lot of it is very beautiful.

Not Colon city though, lol. There’s an excellent new highway that will get you from Panama City to the Colon side. It’s smooth enough for your Harley and the highway from Panama City to Gorogona is good too, just watch out for some occasional potholes. Once you pass the Coronado area you’ll hit some patchy parts of the highway out near Penonome and Aguadulce and it gets real bad after Santigo. So if you plan to go all the way out to Boquete or something like that you’ll want to be careful. I am a mature single man from the USA and have recently purchased a 1 bedroom condo on the Caribbean side.

Right on the beach. It is great but a bit quiet on the Caribbean side. I usually rent a car while I am in Panama but would rather have someone else drive. Driving in places like Panama Citw with all the construction, lack of street signs, etc, is very hectic. I was thinking of finding a female with a car that could drive me around and also be a companion when I visited Panama.

I expect to sleep with her. We would also travel the country together. Of course she would be compensated for her services. I did have a nice gal to hang out with but unfortunately she is married mow. Is there any way to contact females in Panama that might be interested? Hi Jo-ann, Thanks for reading (and for commenting). Panama, like anyplace else, has its mature single men and it’s super immature, lol.

Most of us are just dogs haha. Seriously though, it’s definitely possible to find a man here. I know one young woman from Hawaii who has settled down with a Panamanian and recently got married.

I know another dating a Panamanian man. Plus, you have men from other countries here as well. I’d definitely come for a visit and see what you find. I think I really need to start a dating site. Jo Ann, Regarding your comment about finding suitable mature men in Panama, it is my belief that it can be done.

I am a mature, highly educated gentleman who is making a job-related move to Panama in January 2015.Odds are that there are other well-qualified men men who also are moving to Panama as a result of a job or a lifestyle change. Where to find us? Try looking at the larger, successful business centers i.e.: Panama Pacifico, Trump Tower and other centers of commerce. Lunch in these areas would be good time to meet because who doesn’t like to get “out of the office” for lunch?

And the many cafes in these areas would be a prime hunting ground. Don’t go to tourist areas or places of interest because they will be full of, well, tourist. Hopefully this helps.

Please do come to Panama! We need more mature single ladies. Very interesting and good information Christopher. I just arrived back here in the USA. Spent a week in Bocas.

I am not a single women but was traveling solo. I noticed more men calling out to me and having english speakers translate their affection for me on this solo journey. I was in Panama last December with my husband and not so much. Also, fascinating to hear about these “Push Buttons” in Panama.

Just tells me (much to my surprise) that Panama is more open about sex than the USA (which is a good thing in my opinion). Thank you Chris, I am a single woman in Panama and this is a great article. I also find as a Panamenia who has not lived in my country for years (mostly US) That it is easy to go out on a date and find out a man is married with kids. The good thing I can say is they don’t deny it or try to make it a secret. As a woman who has lived in the US for years I found this the biggest culture shock.

I have heard this is a typical Latin trait but never really experienced it personally. I really enjoyed the pictures and stories of your friends. Super sweet article. Your wife is stunning. Thank you for a fun read.

Singapore, a tiny nation-state at the southern tip of Malaysia, is really on the rise these days. A haven for big banking and other big money businesses it is quickly, along with Hong Kong, turning into the economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia. Shit is happening there, skyscrapers are going up all over the place and people are immigrating from all over the region (and the world) to get in on the party. With that in mind, I went to Singapore for an extended period this summer and I have a lot to say about it. There’s great party there and an enormous number of hot chicks, but despite those advantages Singapore is absolutely not a recommended single dude travel destination.

The first reason is the cost. Singapore is a super expensive place. The first night I was there I went to the bar and ordered a pint of local brew on draft, Tiger Beer. $18 SGD ($15 USD). That was at a somewhat fancy place and prices at super high end places can be as high as $25 SGD ($21 USD).

Add this to the club entrance fees which can often be $30 SGD and up and you can easily spend a couple hundred bucks going out on a weekend night and not even get drunk. I personally prefer cheaper places where you don’t have to call your broker to sell your investments in order to go out and party, places where you can go out freely without worrying that you’re going to spend your whole paycheck on mediocre Southeast Asian beer. To party well and survive financially in Singapore you have be smart about it.

My Singapore nightlife survival strategy includes several tricks to take the edge off the high drink prices: 1. Duty Free – Every time you come into Singapore from abroad (except from Malaysia, nothing is allowed) you must bring booze from Duty Free. This will save you lots of money over the store price and enormous amounts over the bar price. Unfortunately the duty-free allowance is only 1 bottle of booze (1 liter), 1 bottle of wine (750 ml), 3 bottles of beer (330 ml each), and no cigarettes. If you bring a second bottle of anything you must pay a tax of $70 SGD ($55 USD) or risk a big fine if you’re caught. They will also fine you a shitload if you are seen with even one pack of foreign cigarettes without the import sticker (even if it’s only a partial pack and you opened it before you arrived), so or get ready to pay $12 a pack for your cancer sticks.

Predrinking – Never go out sober. Have a little predrinking party at your place with your duty free booze or at least cheap beer from 7-11 before you go out and make sure you are pretty drunk when you arrive at the club. Networking – Singapore is full of cool rich trust fund kids and other, if you’re a cool single dude one might take you under his wing, get you into clubs and start letting you drink his bottle service. Be cool, let him offer a drink first, don’t ask for it. Buying a cheap happy hour drink for one of those guys can often pay off in spades.

Flasking – Singapore is usually a safe place, so they won’t pat you down when you get to the club. That’s good, because I always bring a flask or water bottle filled with vodka or some other high proof spirit with me to the club and then add that to ice or my rare $15 purchased drink. Happy Hours – Singapore has some pretty good deals (by Singapore standards) for happy hour, like buy one get one drinks, cheap jugs of beer, etc. When possible do your drinking there and then have a chick over for the real party at your place in lieu of going out. Chinatown, Food courts, and Hawker Stalls – For food, this is the way to go.

Why pay a shitload for bad service at a real restaurant when you can get cheap delicious food at food court or hawker stall and pick up chicks while you’re there? That’s what the non-millionaire locals do for food in Singapore and it’s a much better option. Everything is expensive in Singapore, especially housing. Since it’s such a small country, apartments and hotels are quite expensive. Taxis are OK, although it seems like there’s a surcharge pretty much for everything – rush hour surcharge, night surcharge, city center surcharge, airport, etc.

You’re better off taking the MRT (Metro) and buses which are everywhere and cheap. Get a $7 SGD ($5.50 USD) rechargeable card for $12 SGD ($10 SGD) and refill as necessary with the pocketfuls of change you will accumulate everywhere. The second major problem with Singapore are the local chicks. I have been around much of the world and so far the Singaporean girls are the worst I’ve ever met. They say there that all the Singaporean chicks are looking for the “5 Cs” in a man-. Missing one of the aforementioned Cs is grounds for immediate disqualification by these gold diggers.

The normal way that I like to meet chicks – “Hi! (smile)” does not seem to work on a Singaporean chick like it works on a – she’ll often give you a weird forced-half smile and then just turn her back to you.!

The only technique that we’ve found that seems to work is to find a mixed group of Singaporeans and talk to the guys in the group while ignoring the chicks until the chicks start to take an interest in you. Then you can meet the girls. Overall I say it’s not worth the trouble.

She probably won’t really work that great as a partner anyway. But don’t lose heart, there’s plenty of other chicks in town. Just like, as a center of business there are chicks from all over the region in town trying to make it, and if they haven’t been infected with the goldiggerism like the Latina girls in are after a couple months you have a good chance to make it work with the foreign chicks. Another problem with Singapore is that it’s a sausagefest.

All the upscale clubs are just filled with Western business-banker types on expense accounts wearing long sleeve striped shirts, if you are making progress with a chick at a club and you leave her alone for a couple minutes, be ready to find her just absolutely surrounded by when you get back. This is another good reason to focus on in Singapore. The Singaporean guys, oh my. Nice dudes, but there are so many fagbagsters there.

For those unfamiliar, here’s the Single dude Travel definition: Fagbagster – A relatively new species currently very common in Asia, the fagbagster combines the quality of self-primping with the pussyness of, all sewed up in a handy effeminate Asian package. Complete with man-purse, eyliner, frosted tips and Zoolander face pout, the fagbagster is populous and growing in number, especially in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and God knows where else in Asia. Foreign correspondents, please report back about the other Asian countries. Our buddy Art Pfister, who has lived there for years detailed for us one of the most common techniques of the Singaporean fagbagster when he picks up a girl. He walks up to a Singaporean girl and shyly asks for her phone number.

Then, after she gives it to him, because he’s Singaporean and nonthreatening, he walks away to a different part of the bar and flirts with her via text messages. But apparently it works, because we see a lot of hot chicks with fagbagsters around town. Maybe it’s the heat, but the Singaporean brains just don’t work in the same way that yours and mine work. Expect very bad, slow service, and a complete lack of ability by the locals to make decisions independently or to engage in abstract thought. Blank stares and incomprehensible “Singlish” are the norm and you must be prepared to wait forever for your change at bars. Singaporean society has a very top-down command structure so the rank-and-file people are not asked to think for themselves.

Even the simplest request that is not by-the-book will be met with stupefaction and a “can not lah” by the locals. Need something at a restaurant or bar? Just get it for yourself and you’ll save 15 minutes. Have a different idea that will be mutually beneficial?

Just keep it to yourself unless you’re talking the president of the company. So that’s a lot of badmouthing of Singapore for one article. My next article will be on the pros of the place, of which there are several, and where to go if you do find yourself there. Not all hope is lost for the single dude in Singapore, but it’s definitely a high-difficulty location for experts only. Boris adds: Unless someone is paying you to be there, there is absolutely no reason to go! Charlie Bushmeister Call me Charlie.

I decided to join with others to write this blog because I feel that I have learned a lot about how to succeed in life in general. It took a lot of trial and error and I've developed a wealth of philosophies, skills, and tricks of the trade that would be very useful to like minded guys out there. There's no need to repeat my mistakes, of which I have made many, instead I urge you to read this blog, absorb and practice its lessons, and then go out and have the most awesome life, on your own terms. To me that means good health, success in your career, the number and type of relationships you want, and general satisfaction that you're not wasting your life spinning your wheels, but going forward always towards your goals.