Expat Community > Panama

corinna
Joined 2011
Posts: 29

GPS & Cell Phones

13 years ago

Hi All,
Had my wisdom teeth out today (not a pretty picture - I cried ) and right now I am currently on a Vicodin buzz at 3:45am so thought I would ask some questions.
I am interested in a GPS system but never had one here in the states and know nothing about them. I read that I can purchase one at Multimax. They offer 3 different kinds: Garmin Nuvi 205 4.3" Garmin Nuvi 2.55 3.5" and Garmin Nuvi 780 Blue Tooth. Does any one know which is the better model as far as user friendliness? Are the differences just in size? Are they a one time purchase price and preloaded with maps or are they live support and require a monthly plan? Can someone recommend a good one and where to purchase if they feel Multimax isn't the place to go. I will need directions to tell my taxi driver where to go to any store you recommend.
Second question: I have a LG Envy. Just a basic phone without a data plan. I always just needed to make/receive calls and an occasional text message. I am no longer in a contract with Verizon so won't have to pay a termination fee. Can I have someone in Panama unlock it and replace the Sim card? Or should I just buy a phone there? I will need a working Phone right away to contact my lawyer to get the legal matters started. I saw that there is an app for the iphone or an android type phone that allows you to speak a phrase into it and it interprets it into Spanish -very cool and useful for the newly learning Spanish person. Should I get involved in a data plan with a cell company just for that? I'm sure I would also load scrabble on it but in the grand scheme of things is it really worth the extra money? I also just bought Magic Jack Plus and hope to switch my NY home number to it so as to make things easier for my grandmother and (expletive) brothers to call us if need be. I am hoping with the new Magic Jack plus with its ability to stay on plugged into the modem without keeping the computer always on will be a great improvement over the old one. I just hope I don't have any issues with my fax machine that I have read others having. I'm not too techno savvy. Do they have a Geek Squad equivalent in Panama? 'Cause I will definitely have them on speed dial.
And for my last question. Should I see If I can hire an interpreter to help me when I make these purchases? Just so there are no misunderstandings on anyone's part? Does anyone know of a person who fits the bill? I've heard of a business "The Golden Frog" owned by Jose Saenz who might be able to help me get things settled before we leave the city.
Thanks again for all the great help I receive here!
Corinna

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SJB Global

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Learn More

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GPS & Cell Phones

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