Panama is a diverse country with so much to see and experience. If you plan on taking a trip to this amazing country, here are a few things you need to know in advance, so you can make the best out of your trip and have a great time.
Spanish is the Official Language
Panamanians use Spanish as their official language, so if you can communicate in Spanish, you’ll find it easy to interact and blend in with locals.
However, if you don’t understand Spanish, but you can communicate in English, you will also have an easy time there. Many of the educational institutions in Panama use English to give instruction. In addition, the original inhabitants of the Caribbean coast were from Jamaica and Barbados, so they spoke English. Basically, a good number of Panamanians understand and speak English.
Nevertheless, for easier communication and interacting, it would be great to learn basic Spanish before visiting Panama.
The U.S. Dollar Is the Accepted Currency
Once in Panama, you’ll definitely need money to pay for various services and commodities, so make sure to convert your cash into U.S. dollars for easy transactions.
Although some sites will tell you that the official currency in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa, the reality is that, even in the ATMs, people receive their cash in the form of U.S. dollars. Paper currency is not printed in Panama, and the Panamanian Balboa only exists in coins. The coins themselves resemble U.S. coins in terms of size, weight, and color, and both are accepted.
The value of the Panamanian Balboa is equal to that of the U.S. dollar, so it does not matter what currency prices are listed; the amount is the same.
If possible, get your money converted in your country – before traveling to Panama – to avoid any inconvenience. It might be cheaper to convert money in your country, and also, vendors in Panama may sometimes run out of cash.
The Transportation System Is Reliable
Panama has pretty good infrastructure, making it easy to get around. There are local buses and a new subway system in the capital.
Traveling out of town is quite easy due to the extensive bus system. Affordable long-distance buses in the city travel to almost every part of the country. The major bus terminal is adjacent to Albrook Mall.
There are two international airports. One of them is Tocumen International Airport, which receives most international flights. This is a modern airport with facilities designed to meet visitor needs. The other is the Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, also known as Albrook Airport. It is mainly used by people traveling to Guna Yala and Bocas del Toro, as well as Medellin (in Colombia) and San Jose (in Costa Rica).
You can easily move from one airport to another since ground transport is available.
Uber is Cheaper Than a Taxi
To get to your destination conveniently and without being overcharged, take an Uber instead of a taxi. With Uber, the drivers use Google maps to get the destination right. Their prices are also metered, which minimizes the possibility of being overcharged.
Taxi drivers, on the other hand, are known to overcharge tourists. If you must use a taxi, it is wise to agree on the price before the journey commences. There are no price meters, and drivers set their own prices.
Taxis are known to charge more if they pick you up at a hotel, so if you want to save money, move a few blocks away from the hotel before you hail a taxi.
You Can Trust the Tap Water
In Panama City, the tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink, brush your teeth, and bathe.
However, play it safe and carry bottled water when traveling outside the city.
You Can Stay in One Hotel for the Better Part of Your Visit
Many of Panama’s top attractions are only an hour or two away from the capital, so you can stay in your favorite hotel and commute to those attractions.
Staying in one hotel eliminates unnecessary relocations, allowing you more time for sightseeing. However, when visiting attractions far from the city – for example, Boquete, the Pearl Islands, Bocas del Toro, or San Blas – it would be better to move to a hotel closer to your destination.
The Weather Is Amazing
Panama is a tropical country with hot weather for the better part of the year. The wet season runs from May to November. However, sometimes, Panama experiences heavy downpours between December and April, which is the dry season.
If you are afraid of hurricanes, you are going to love Panama. The country is so far south that it is outside the hurricane belt and does not experience any hurricanes.
Panamanian Coffee Is Awesome
If you are a coffee lover, you are definitely going to enjoy your stay in Panama. Panama has some of the best coffee in the world. People here enjoy it not only for breakfast but around the clock.
The best coffee beans in Panama are grown in the areas surrounding Boquete. The growers here produce different types of coffee, but the Geisha coffee bean is the most coveted. It is highly desired worldwide, which has contributed to an increase in its auction prices.
Try at home our coffee from Boquete, Panama – you won’t regret it!
Don’t Be in a Rush for Dinner
At mealtimes, Panamanians bring out their Spanish heritage. In Panama, eating out is an occasion that people should enjoy rather than rush. When you walk into a restaurant, you are free to use the table for as long as you like.
Likewise, no one will bring you the bill once you finish eating; you have to ask the waiter for it when you are ready to pay.
To avoid staying hungry for long, you need to walk into an eatery before lunchtime.
If Possible, Have Health Travel Insurance
You never know when you’re gonna get sick, so it is important to stay prepared in case of any uncertainty. Health insurance will help cover your expenses even in the case of major illnesses.
The Cost of Accommodations
If you are traveling on a budget, the average price of accommodations for dorms and hostels is $15. This is quite fair, especially considering that most dorms and hostels are very decent and comfortable.
If you can afford a mid-range hotel, which is obviously more comfortable, they cost up to $50 per night. However, if you prefer something more luxurious, there are hotels in Panama that charge as high as $100 per night.
Panama Is a Safe Country
Safety is one of those factors you must consider before visiting a country. Panama is safer than its neighboring countries, and the crime rate is quite low here.
You can explore any part of this country without the fear of being robbed or getting hurt by thieves.
Recommended Food Budget
If you eat at local stands in Panama on a budget, a meal may cost as low as $5, which could include rice, beans, chicken, and sometimes another side dish, as well as a drink. You may also find inexpensive cafes and sandwich shops nearby for $5–$6 per meal. During hostel happy hours, beer is normally $1, and mixed cocktails are $2.
Heath Requirements When Traveling to Panama
Before you visit Panama, check out the current COVID-related requirements on US Embassy in Panama website since they are updated frequently. Otherwise, there are not any special requirements to enter Panama.
Conclusion
Before you visit Panama, make sure to review the latest COVID-related requirements on the U.S. Embassy in Panama website, which is updated frequently. Otherwise, there are no special requirements to enter Panama.