Q1: Is Panama safe?
Q2: When is the best time to visit?
Q3: I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?
Q4: Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
Q5: The following countries can enter Panama without a visa:
Q6: The following countries need only purchase a tourist card from their airline upon arrival:
Q7: What's the best way to get to Panama?
Q8: Are the people friendly?
Q9: Are there ATM machines , what about travelers checks?
Q10: What is the currency?
Q11: How do I get from the airport to my Panama hotel?
Q12: How are the prices in Panama?
Q13: Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
Q14: What's the weather like?
Q15: Where do I take domestic flights?
Q16: What are the Transfer times between Panama City and the most Popular Destinations?
Q17: What about mosquitos?
Q18: Is it safe to drive in Panama? Can I take a "fly and drive" vacation?
Q19: How Much Should I Tip?
Q20: What Time Zone is Panama in?
Q21: What sort of souveneirs and gifts can I find?
Q22: What type of wildlife can I see in Panama?
Q23: Where are the best Places to see wildlife?
Q24: What is the electrical voltage? Can I use my electrical appliances?
Q25: What kind of clothes and other items should I bring?
Q26: In case of an emergency, what are the medical facilities like?
Q27: Why choose Panama over other Latin American and Carribean destinations?
Q28: Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What's the Ethnic makeup?
Q29: I would like to travel on to South America from Panama. Are there any roads, ferries or boats?
Q30: Is there any anti-Americanism?
Q31: Is Panama a good place for business?
Q32: What's the basis for Panama's economy?
Q33: Does Panama run the Canal as well as the Americans?
Is Panama safe?
Yes- Panama is one of the safest countries in the world. study byPinkerton Intelligence Agency published in Newsweek magazine, in which countries were rated for tourist safety, Panama was ranked in the most desirable category for tourist safety- the same category as the United States. Those of us who are foreigners (including this author) know first-hand how safe Panama is compared to just about anywhere. The purse snatchings and pick-pocketing common in other places are almost unheard of. However, as anywhere, use common sense- don't carry large sums of cash and don't flash expensive watches etc. And like anywhere, avoid the poor areas of the city, especially at night.
(Only one area in Panama has a State Department warning- a remote part of Darien province that borders with Columbia where no tourists go- journalists and missionaries.)
When is the best time to visit?
Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. The temperature averages 85 F year round and the sun shines everyday with few exceptions. However, mid-December through February is the high season for tourism. Flights and hotels are much more expensive and booked well ahead of time, so for the best prices avoid those months.
There are two "seasons" in Panama- the "dry season" from mid-December until May when it doesn't rain. Some recreational activities are better in the dry season, for example Caribbean diving and particular kinds of sport fishing and bird watching. In the "green season" or “rainy season” from June until December, is usually a one to two hour tropical rain storm in the late afternoon. Most activities can be planned around it. Many hotels outside Panama City have a special “green season” rate. Ask.
I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?
Most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently, especially those that cater to tourists. For 85 years up to 50,000 Americans lived in the middle of Panama in the former Canal Zone and Panamanians are more accustomed to Americans than just about any country. Panama is also traditionally an international business crossroads for that reason also English has become a second language.
Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
Citizens of most countries including the USA, Canada and Western Europe do not need a visa. They only need to purchase a $5 tourist card from the airlines, at the ticket counter on the day of departure. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30 day stay in Panama and is extendible for another 60 days. Citizens of most other countries need only their passport.
If your children are traveling with one parent only, Panama, like many countries requires a notarized letter of permission from the other parent. The following countries can enter Panama without a visa: Argentina Austria Belgium Chile Costa Rica El Salvador Finland France Germany Great Britain Guatemala Honduras Hungary Israel Italy Lichtenstein Luxembourg Nicaragua Paraguay Poland Portugal Portugal ,Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Uruguay
The following countries need only purchase a tourist card from their airline or upon arrival: Antigua & Barbuda Aruba Australia Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivia Brazil Canada Canada Colombia Curacao Ecuador Granada Greece Guyana Jamaica Japan Malta Mexico Monaco New Zealand Norway Saint Lucia. Saint Vincent & Grenadines Samoa Occidental San Cristobal & Nevis San Marino San Tome & Principe South Korea Surinam Sweden Taiwan Tobago Trinidad, United States Vatican City and Venezuela.
What's the best way to get to Panama?
From the USA, Continental, American, Delta and Copa (Panama's international airline which has a partnership with Continental) fly to Panama. There are direct flights to Panama from seven US cities: New York, Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta,Orlando and Washington DC. (See our Airlines & Car Rental page). Flight time is 3 to 5 hours.
From Europe, Iberia has direct flights.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, flights from San Jose are still expensive- $200-$300 a round trip. But you can also come by bus over the border to West Panama and visit nearby Bocas del Toro and the Chiriqui Highlands Are the people friendly? Very. Panama was "born globalized" due to its long history as a business crossroads and the 90 year presence of Americans in the Canal Zone. Panamanians enjoy visitors. You will find Panamanians to be very friendly and helpful. Anti-Americanism is non-existent.
Are there ATM machines , what about travelers checks? There are ATM machines where you can draw cash from your accounts in the States or Europe everywhere in Panama City and also in other major tourism destinations like Boquete, and the Pacific Coast beaches near Panama City. We do not recommend travelers checks.
What is the currency?
The US dollar is the currency. Yes- that’s right-no currency exchange hassles. Indeed, the US dollar is one of Panama’s great tourist conveniences. This is one country where you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure out what that meal just cost.
How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?
Tocumen International Airport is just 15 minutes by super highway from downtown Panama City. There is a taxi booth as you come out from customs. Taxi drivers are both safe and reliable. The fare is around $25. You can asked for a shared taxi for $15.
Hire a Private Taxi to get around Panama City: If your Spanish is not great or you just want to relax and leave everything in capable, friendly hands, contact Judy of Easy Travel Panama who specializes in “personalized” ground transportation and sight-seeing service by private car. From the minute you touch Panamanian soil, you will have a knowledgeable and English-speaking driver/guide at the Tocumen International airport to receive and assist you. Their rates are reasonable- for example $15 an hour for your private taxi with an English speaking, knowledgeable guide. Easy Travel offers transportation throughout Panama City and other nearby popular destinations. Contact Judy at:
Web:www.easytravelpanama.net
Email: easytravel@cwpanama.net
Tel: 507.6617.4122
How are the prices in Panama?
The tourism in Panama is just developing, prices are reasonable and some of the most competive. There are several all-inclusive beach resorts, but Panama is not the place for “bargain basement” beach vacation offerings like Cancun. Panama is the "affordable exotic destination," meaning it offers exotic, unique and off-the-beaten-path kind of experiences with no tourist hordes and plenty of priceless pristine nature. But there are very inexpensive lodgings- if you are a backpacker on a shoe-string budget , buy Lonely Planet Panama and you'll do just fine.
Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink the tap water. The “Montezumas Revenge” that is so common in the rest of Latin America is almost unheard of. Sanitary conditions are just very good. Some say that in Bocas, it'sadvisable to drink bottled water. There are no special other health concerns and no shots or special pills are necessary unless you are going to overnight in the Darien jungles or other remote areas.
What’s the Weather Like?
Panama has two climates-the lowlands including Panama City which are tropical and humid and the highlands which have spring-like temperatures year round.
In the lowlands, temperatures during the day range between 80 F and 90 degrees Fareinheit ( 25-30 degrees Celsius).It cools off in the evenings which are invariably pleasant. In the Highlands the day range is between 45F and 85F.
Panama has two seasons- the "dry” season and the “green” season. The dry season is from mid-December until May and green season from May until December. “Dry” means it does not rain and the green season means typically a refreshing tropical shower late each afternoon. It rarely rains all day which means that afternoon show is no obstacle to tourism activities. The exception to this rule is Bocas del Toro, where it does rain all day from time to time and occasionally in the Highlands as well.
Where Do I Take Domestic Flights?
Panama’s domestic airport is in Albrook about 15 minutes from downtown Panama City and 45 minutes from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport. The two domestic airlines are Air Panama and Aeroperlas. Round trip flights in Panama cost between $60 and $180.
What are the Transfer times between Panama City and the most Popular Destinations?
Panama City-Costa Blanca: 1 ½ hours by bus or car.
Panama City-Gamboa Rainforest Resort or Canopy Tower: 45 minutes by car.
Panama City-Panama Canal Miraflores Lock and Visitor Center: 20 minutes by car.
Panama City-Contadora Island: 15 mins. by plane.
Panama City-San Blas Islands: 30 mins. by plane.
Panama City-Isla Grande: 2 hours in car, longer by bus.
Panama City-Bocas del Toro: 1 hour by plane.
Panama City-Boquete: 1 hour flight to David, then a 45 minute drive by car. .
Panama City-Anton Valley (El Valle): 2 hours by car, a bit longer by bus.
What about mosquitos?
Believe it or not, you are unlikely to see a mosquito your whole trip! Panama may be a tropical country but mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would be if you are in the rainforest after dusk or hiking or overnight in the jungle, in which case insect repellant is advised.
Is it safe to drive in Panama? Can I take a "fly and drive" vacation?
Yes, especially outside Panama City. ( Panama City is tricky- we recommend you take the inexpensive taxis until you get oriented.) Panama has one of the best road infrastructures in Latin America.The Panamerican Highway, the main highway across Panama is in excellent condition- 50% of it is a brand new four lane highway. Feeder roads off this main highway to the various top destinations are also excellent. American style gas stations and fast food restaurants are all along the way. As with driving in any unfamiliar country, we recommend you plan to drive during the day.
For Panama City, you won’t need to rent a car. Getting around city by car is confusing to the newcomer. Better to go by taxi- they are plentiful, safe and inexpensive.
See Car Rental.
How Much Should I Tip?
10% is normal. Some tips are included in the bill, so check. You don’t have to tip taxi drivers-but it would be deeply appreciated if you did.
What Time Zone is Panama in? Panama is on EST from October to April and CST from April to October when daylight savings goes into effect in the States.
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
Panama has the greatest variety of indigenous-made souvenirs of any country outside Mexico. Panamanians have an innate sense of beauty that shows in their handicrafts. ‘Molas”, intricate hand-sewn tapestries of the Kuna indians are the most popular souvenirs- you can buy little girls dresses, women’s clothes and handbags decorated with molas. Native jewelry, Panama hats, fine woven baskets from the rainforest palms and natural dyes, tropical wood carvings and pre-Colombian and Spanish Colonial style jewelry are some of the other most popular items.
What type of wildlife can I see in Panama?
Panama’s position as a narrow land bridge connecting two continents has endowed it with some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse rainforests. It’s national parks cover five million acres. One key indicator of its biodiversity: Panama ( the size of North Carolina) has 944 recorded bird species, more than the US and Canada combined.
One of the most exciting aspects of nature hiking in Panama is the many kinds of animals that can be readily seen: monkeys, sloths, the tropical neque and gato solo, alligators, armadillos and an unparalled variety of birds. One American travel writer told us that she saw more nature in one afternoon in Panama’s Soberania National Park just 45 minutes from downtown Panama City, than she saw in two weeks in Brazils Amazon.
Panama is also home for ninety years to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), an ecological treasure and the world's top tropical scientific research institute. No country outside the developed world has a flor and fauna that has been as studied and cataloged as Panama, thanks to STRI.
Where are the best Places to see wildlife?
In Panama's national parks-Soberania National Park, Barro Colorado Island, Monkey Island, Pipeline Road, (there first four are just outside Panama City,Plantation Road, Achiote Road, Bocas del Toro, Amistad National Park in Chiriqui (on the border with Costa Rica), Pearl Islands, Darien National Park, Coiba National Park.
See our Ecolodges page for a complete list of places to enjoy nature.
What is the electrical voltage? Can I use my electrical appliances?
Yes- all your appliances will work here. The voltage is the same as the United States and Canada: 110V.
What kind of clothes and other items should I bring?
In general, for the tropical climate, light colored, loose fitting cotton clothes are the most comfortable. Do bring neat clothes. Panamanians don’t appreciate grunge. Panamanians themselves, especially the women of Panama City are beautifully groomed. Panama City is a dress-up city , but as a tourist you’ll be excused from the dress code provided you are dressed neatly. The highlands can be cold in the night so a warm sweater or light jacket is necessary. If you plan to hike, bring long pants, boots , a hat and insect repellant. For everyone else a good sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars.
In case of an emergency, what are the medical facilities like?
As a by-product of its long association with the United States, many Panamanian doctors are U.S. trained and the standards of the top hospitals compare favorably to US standards. Wherever you get sick, even outside Panama City, you will most probably be very pleased with both your medical treatment and the reasonable cost. For a hospital we recommend Hospital Nacional in Panama City ( Tel: 204.8100) with special department for tourists and a multilingual staff. They accept most insurance policies and medical staff is mostly US trained and English speaking.
Why choose Panama over other Latin American and Caribbean destinations?
Panama has
- the most accessible exotic nature in the world- the "hyper-diverse" Panama Canal Rainforest is 30 minutes from Panama City.
-Beautiful beaches along 1000 miles on coast on both oceans and on fifteen hundred islands with hardly a soul in sight.
-Seven living Indian cultures with their own unique legends and traditions.
-Forty-eight fascinating historical monuments.
-954 bird species in vast National Parks
A fun, sophisticated and safe capital city.
An exciting night life with casinos, discotheques, superb restaurants and coffee houses.
For more reasons check out: Why Panama is a Great Tourism Destination.
Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What’s the Ethnic makeup?
Panama is not typical at all. Don’t expect to see mainly the typical mestizo ( descendants of a combination of Spanish and Indian) population like in the rest of Latin America. There is a saying that Panama was “born globalized.” The population of 2.8 million people has diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks ( brought in from the Caribbean to build the Canal, indigenous cultures, important immigrant populations from North America, Europe, China, India and the Middle East.
There are seven living Indian cultures each with their own language: Kunas in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean; Embera and Wounaanin the province of Darien;
Ngobe Bugle in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas
del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas in
Bocas del Toro province.
I would like to travel on to South America from Panama. Are there any roads, ferries or boats?
No. Panama is the literally the end of the road. No roads cut through the dense jungle of Panama's Darien province to South America. Nor are there any ferries or boat service. The only way to go is to South America is to fly. If you have a car, you can arrange to ship it by boat.
Is there any anti-Americanism?
To the contrary- Panamanians are some of the most pro-American peoples anywhere. They are proud and relieved to finally have complete sovereignty over their country but absolutely are delighted to see Americans back as tourists and investors. Due to their long historical association with the United States, Panamanians understand and appreciate Americans as few other peoples.
They say Panama is like Miami; "Panama is safer than Miami, more people speak English in Panama then in Miami, there are no hurricanes in Panama and Americans are more popular in Panama."
Is Panama a good place for business?
Panama has Latin America's second freest market economy (after Chile), a first-world communications and road infrastructure, the dollar as its currency, a major international banking center, the largest Free Zone in the Americas and an unmatched geographic position. And Panama City, the capital is a safe and attractive place for foreigners to live. If you talk to small and large investors here many will tell you what a pleasure it is to work with Panama's entrepreneurial class most of whom were educated in the States or worked for Americans in the former Canal Zone. The present Torrijos administration is implementing investor and retiree-friendly laws. They are also serious about fighting corruption- a rarity in Latin America, although progress is slow in cleaning up the judicial system.
What’s the basis for Panama’s economy?
Panama has a primarily service-based economy. The major services include the Panama Canal and related maritime services, tourism, residential tourism, a large international banking center, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, and the growing tourism industry. Bananas, shrimp and coffee are the major agricultural exports.
What’s the Government Like?
Panama is one of the most stable democracies in the Americas. Since 1989, when dictator Noreiga was deposed (now languishing in a Miami prison), Panama’s presidents have been democratically elected. The current president Martin Torrijos began his five year term in September 2004. His government is investor friendly and taking measures to reduce corruption.
Does Panama run the Canal as well as the Americans?
Yes. As acknowledged in a February 2003 article in the Wall Street Journal, and the Smithsonian Magazine 2005, Panama runs the Canal as well, if not better than the Americans.
The Canal is being more efficiently run under Panamanian control because for the first time it is run on a for-profit basis. The country has a stake in its success since profits go to Panama's treasury. Technological developments are also dramatically increasing efficiency.
For more about the Panama Canal see Panama Canal Locations.
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