FAQ - The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Panama

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Is Panama safe?
Yes - Panama is one of the safest countries in the Latin America. Crimes against tourists are the lowest in the region. The purse snatchings and pick-pocketing common in other places are uncommon here.
That said, like anywhere some caution is needed. Don't wander around in poor areas of a city especially at night. In Panama City, take only authorized taxis which are painted yellow with a number on it or a taxi officially connected to your hotel.

And as for all foreign travel, use common sense- when going about it is advisable not to carry large sums of money, and not to flash expensive watches etc.
One city in Panama is unsafe: Colon. There are no tourism attractions in the city of Colon itself so avoid it. When you visit the Colon area, go with a tour guide or to go to the Free Trade Zone only.

There is also a State Department warning for a remote part of Darien province that borders with Columbia where no tourists usually go- just journalists and missionaries.

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When is the best time to visit?
Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. The temperature never varies and the sun shines everyday, all year long.

There are two "seasons" in Panama and many people prefer to come in the "dry season" from mid-December through May when it doesn't rain.
October and November have the most rain and there will be a few days with rain all day. That said, the sun shines 365 days a year most places in Panama. One exception- Boquete where it rains more in September and October so these are not the best months to visit.

In the so called "rainy season" or "green season" from June until December, most days there is a one to two hour tropical rain storm in the late afternoon. Before and after the sun is out and most activities can be planned around it. Many hotels offer special "green season" rates and it is much easier to get reservation. The rainest months are October and November- we don't recommend those months. But May- September are perfect to enjoy Panama.
A few recreational activities are better in the dry season, for example Caribbean diving and particular kinds of sport fishing and bird watching.

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I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?
This will not be a problem. English is a second language-most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently, especially those that cater to tourists. Panama has always been an international business crossroads where English is a necessity.

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Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
Citizens of most countries including the USA, Canada and Western Europe don't need a visa. Tourists from the USA, Canada and EU only require a valid passport for trips of up to 90 days. You can renew that visa for another 90 days by going to the Immigration offices for a total stay of 180 days. If you want to stay longer you have to travel to another country, stay 3 days and then reenter Panama to get another 90 day tourism visa. For all other countries consult your embassy or consulate about visa requirements.

The law requires anyone entering Panama to have at least 3 months before his passport expires. So make sure you do, or you will not be allowed to enter Panama. Panamanian law also requires you carry some kind of ID when you are out and about in Panama. This can be a drivers license- the ID must have your photo.
Because many Latin Americans are trying to immigrate to Panama, policeman sometimes stop tourists and ask them for their ID. You don't have to carry your passport, you should carry a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and also the page where you entry date is stamped.
If your children are traveling with one parent only, Panama, like many countries requires a notarized letter of permission from the other parent.

What's the best way to get to Panama?
Panama is a 3 hour flight from Miami. There are direct flights to Panama from ten US cities: Newark, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Orlando Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale and Toronto. (See our Airlines & Car Rental page.)

If you are coming from Costa Rica, flights from San Jose cost about $400 round trip. You can also come by bus over the border to West Panama to visit both Bocas del Toro and the Chiriqui Highlands. We don't recommend the bus route since the border crossing is tedious and unpleasant, but it is cheap.

You can drive to Panama from the United States on the Panamerican Highway. We don't recommend that drive unless you are fluent in Spanish and have experience living in Latin America.

You may be one of the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Panama on a shore tour off a cruise ship. You need no permits to disembark and take shore trips.

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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.

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Which Airlines fly to Panama from which US and Europe and from which cities?
There are direct flights to Panama from ten US cities: New York (Copa and Delta ) Newark (Continental) Miami (American and Copa), Los Angeles, (Copa) Houston (Continental) Atlanta (Delta) Orlando (Copa) Washington D.C. (Copa) and Ft. Lauderdale (Spirit)
KLM flies direct from Amsterdam.
Copa, a partner with Continental Airlines is Panama's international airline. Flight times from US cities range 4-5 hours.

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How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?
Tocumen International Airport is just 15 minutes by a super highway from downtown Panama City. There are official taxis and vans waiting for you as you exit the airport customs area. These taxi drivers are both safe and reliable. The fare is around $25 for private van or taxi and $15 for a shared taxi. No bus service from the airport is available.

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, we recommend you contact Judy of Easy Travel Panama who specializes in "personalized" ground transportation and sight-seeing service by private taxi. 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 very reasonable- for example $25 an hour for your private taxi with an English speaking, knowledgeable guide. An airport pick-up is $40. Easy Travel offers transportation throughout Panama City and other nearby popular destinations.
Contact Judy at
Email: easytravel@cwpanama.net
Tel: (507) 6617-4122

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How are the prices in Panama?
Panama is a bargain destination as an "affordable exotic destination" meaning it offers exotic, unique and off-the-beaten-path kind of experiences without tourist hordes and with plenty of priceless pristine nature. Panama is not the place for "bargain basement" mass beach vacation offerings like Cancun.
It is still a good place for backpackers- We suggest you buy Lonely Planet Panama for budget travel and hotel info.

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Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
Healthwise, especially when compared to the rest of Latin America, Panama has excellent sanitary conditions. It is the only country in Latin America where you can drink the tap water almost anywhere (not in Bocas del Toro). The "Montezumas Revenge" that is so common in the rest of Latin America is almost unheard of in Panama. Sanitary conditions are excellent. There are no other special health concerns and no shots or special pills are necessary unless you are going to hike in the Darien jungles or other remote areas.

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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 rarely rains and the green season means typically a refreshing tropical shower late each afternoon. It rarely rains all day, which means that rain is no obstacle to tourism activities. The exception to this rule is Bocas del Toro and Boquete. In Bocas, it can rain all day from time to time. In Boquete September and October are the rainiest months, so not the best time to visit.

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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.
Aereoperlas now offers afternoon flights to Bocas del Toro and David ( the gateway to Chiriqui) from Tocumen International Airport. This means you can fly from the US and then out of Panama City all in one day. You can book these flights when you purchase a ticket from any major airlines.

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What is the number of the Tourism Hotline?

Just call 178. Operators speak English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. They will advise you if you are having a problem, like a lost passport or snatched purse and also give general tourism advise.

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What are the Transfer times between Panama City and the most Popular Destinations?
Panama City-Pacific Coast Beaches: 1 ½ -2 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 bus or car.

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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.

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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 bio-diverse 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.
The easiest way to see some monkeys and other tropical nature take the Eco Tour of the Panama Canal with Ancon Expeditions, Gamboa Tours or Jungle Land Explorers.

One of the most exciting aspects of tourism in Panama is the many kinds of animals that can be readily seen: monkeys, sloths, the tropical ñeque 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 Brazil's Amazon.

Panama has also been the home of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) for ninety years, an ecological treasure and the world's top tropical scientific research institute. No country outside the developed world has a flora and fauna that has been as studied and cataloged as Panama has, thanks to STRI.

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Where are the Best Places to See Wildlife?
To see wildlife, you will need to go with a qualified nature guide. Panama has a number of national parks including several just outside Panama City: Soberania National Park, Barro Colorado Island, Monkey Island, Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Achiote Road, Bocas del Toro, Amistad National Park in Chiriqui (on the border with Costa Rica), Pearl Islands, Darien National Park, and Coiba National Park.

Hotels and ecolodges near National Parks include Gamboa Rainforest Resort and Canopy Tower (Panama Canal Rainforest/Soberania National Park, Hacienda del Mar (Pearl Islands), Punta Caracol and Al Natural (Bocas del Toro), Los Quetzales and Finca Lerida in Chiriqui’s Amistad National Park.

You can see wildlife without roughing by having lunch at Los Lagartos Restaurant over the historic Chagres River at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, just 45 minutes from Panama City. From the restaurant terrace you'll see trove of tropical wildlife - alligators, turtles, fish, birds in the river and even an occasional mammal on shore. Ask the waiters to give you some bread to throw in river and see what appears...this is a sure family hit.

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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.

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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. For medical treatment we recommend the Hospital Nacional in Panama City (Tel: +507-204-8100) which has a special department for tourists with a multilingual staff. They accept most insurance policies. Their medical staff is mostly US trained and English speaking and the facilities and service are excellent.

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Are there any required vaccines? What about mosquitos?
There are no required vaccines or shots. 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.

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Is it safe to drive in Panama? Can I take a "fly and drive" vacation?
Yes, especially outside Panama City. Panama City traffic is chaotic and tricky - we recommend you take the inexpensive taxis until you get oriented. They are plentiful, safe and inexpensive, or hire personal driver. Make sure to take only official taxis which are yellow and have a number on them. FYI, Panama City has major traffic jams in the morning and evening rush hours.
Outside Panama City, 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 modern 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 strongly recommend you plan to drive only during the day.

See Car Rental.

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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 much appreciated. Be generous- that extra dollar or two means a lot to a Panamanian family.

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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.

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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 native 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 and excellent restaurants.

For more reasons check out: Why Panama is a Great Tourism Destination.
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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. Since Panama is near the equator the sun is strong- you"ll need good sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Do plan on being dressed neatly. 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 provided you dress neatly.
The highlands can be cool in the evenings so a warm sweater or light jacket is necessary. If you plan to hike, bring long pants, boots, a hat and insect repellant.

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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's saying that Panama was "born globalized." The population of 3.3million people has diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks (brought in from the Caribbean to build the Canal), indigenous cultures, and important immigrant populations from North America, Europe, China, India and Middle East.

Of special note and a a tourism attraction are the are seven living Indian cultures: Kunas in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean, Embera and Wounaan in the province of Darien, Ngobe Bugle in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas in Bocas del Toro province.

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What’s the basis for the Panama’s economy?
Panama is a primarily service-based economy. Services include the Panama Canal, logistical services, tourism, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, and an international banking center with over 100 banks. Because of the high quality of life, many companies are making their Latin American corporate headquarters in Panama. There are also tax incentives and special economic zones for businesses and corporate headquarters.
Bananas, shrimp and coffee are the major agricultural exports.

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What’s the government Like?
Panama has one of the most stable democracies in the Americas. Since 1989, when the dictator Noriega was deposed, Panama has been a fully democratic country.
Panama's current President Ricardo Martinelli is of the countries most successful businessman. His goal to make Panama the best country in Latin America to do business and a model for the region. Crime rates are down and major infrastructure projects are underway including a subway system.

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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 official 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.

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Is there any anti-Americanism?
Panamanians are some of the most pro-American peoples anywhere. They are proud to finally have complete sovereignty over their country with the transfer of the Panama Canal, but 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 countries do.

A local joke is that Panama is just like Miami except that Panama is safer than Miami, more people speak English in Panama than in Miami, there are no hurricanes and Americans are more popular in Panama than in Miami.

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Is Panama a good place for business?
Panama is fast becoming the business hub of the Americas. It has Latin America's second freest market economy, 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 with multiple logistic transportation centers. It's international airport has direct flights to 80 international cities. There are laws granting major tax and hiring incentives for corporate headquarters. There is a special economic zone where a new city is being built- Panama Pacifico, with tax incentives for businesses and fast track government permits. Caterpillar, Dell and 3M are already there. Panama City in one of Latin Americas safest and most sophisticated capitals with a variety of neighborhoods attractive to foreigners.

Foreign investors will tell you that it is good to work with Panama's entrepreneurial class most of whom were educated in the States or worked for Americans in the former Canal Zone.
Dealing with government permits etc. is not such a pleasure, but there is work underway to streamline.

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Does Panama run the Canal as well as the Americans?
Yes. As acknowledged article in the Wall Street Journal, and the Smithsonian Magazine 2005, Panama runs the Canal as well, if not better than the Americans.

Under Panamanian control, for the first time the Canal is run on a for-profit basis. Profits go to Panama's treasury. Technological developments are also dramatically increasing efficiency.

For more about the Panama Canal see Panama Canal Locations.

What is the easiest and cheapest way to make and receive phone calls in Panama for a visitor?
Panama- USA/Canada phone calls are incredibly cheap- 5 cents a minute! The cheapest way to make phone calls is to buy a $10.00 C &W or Movistar phone card at major grocery store like El Rey or Farmacia Arrocha. You just put in the "code" and call from any phone. If you want to receive phone calls, you can buy a cheap cell phone in a mall and use it on each trip. You can activate it each trip by buying a phone card. Then you will have your own Panama # and people can call you from the States.

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