Expat Community > Panama

cityoflights
Joined 2011
Posts: 14

Free-Loading or being Exploited?

11 years ago

tharin4prez
View Profile
Send Private Message
Invite into Your Network
new message 7/29/2013 08:01
[Vote thumbs up!] 0 [Vote thumbs down!] 2 [Report abuse] abuse reply to this message reply

These type of posts don't generally generate much reply. People see it as free-loading on their dime. Ask for rooms to rent ... should get more interest that way.

cityoflights
View Profile
Send Private Message
new message 7/31/2013 11:50
[Vote thumbs up!] 1 [Vote thumbs down!] 0 [Report abuse] abuse reply to this message reply

Hello, Tharin4prez: Thanks so much for you input. I am so sorry there are people such as yourself, who see this offer as "free-loading on their dime." I would have thought it would be a welcoming service, as I know people don't want to leave their homes empty and open to burglaries. Furthermore, if the home owner have pets to care for, it would be more expensive for them to bring them to a shelter. I know pets experience anxiety being left in a temporary shelter with other dogs, and not in the surroundings they are accustomed to. This is a win-win for both parties. The sitter offers a service which would end up being expensive for a home owner. This is a very popular service in Europe, and here in the States. In fact, there are people who make a profession out it, charging for it. I don't charge. In addition, there are dozens of websites whose only purpose is to match sitters and home-owners. Sitters pay to see the homes available. Home-owners, on the other hand, don't pay anything. If I house-Sit at no charge, caring for their pets, taking care of the mail, making sure the house is safe and seeing to it that the home looks occupied, does that mean the home-owner is exploiting me? Or....As you say.....would I be free-loading? Who is free-loading here, when in fact services are being rendered for no charge at all? Perhaps this is a cultural thing, where everywhere else people in all other continents see it as a welcoming service, except in Latin America?
Thanks, although many people who have done this for perhaps more than two decades, would disagree with you. And I am not referring just to myself.
Cityoflights

All times are ET.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Panama

Free-Loading or being Exploited?

Login