20 Things to Know About Panama Before You Go

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If you’re heading to Panama and want to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to learn a bit about the country before you go. Understanding a culture and history will give you more of an appreciation of the place and its people.

So we’ve put together a list of 20 of the most useful things to know about Panama before you go. You know, all those things we wish we’d known before we moved there ourselves.

1. Panama is most famous for its canal

Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

Panama is most well-known for the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It’s also famous for having one of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America.

With all that said, if there’s one must-do attraction on any trip to Panama, it’s got to be visiting the Panama Canal. It’s the most popular day trip from Panama City, and the Miraflores Locks are only a few minutes outside of town.

If you visit Miraflores Visitor Center, you’ll get a real appreciation for just how difficult it really was to build the Canal. Digging a channel across the isthmus of Panama was so challenging that the first builders actually gave up. Thousands of workers died from diseases and accidents, and the financial cost was exorbitant.

Panama’s Canal is crucial to maritime trade. It cuts 5,000 miles from the journey between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The savings in fuel and time translate to lower shipping prices and faster shipping times, which benefit all of us at the store.

About 14000 ships pass through the Panama Canal every year and it takes about 8 to 10 hours to complete the journey.

ALSO READ:
How to Visit the Panama Canal: A Local's Guide

2. Panama runs east-west

One of the most surprising facts about Panama is that it is the only Central American country that doesn’t run north to south. Panama is shaped like an almost perfect sideways “S”, with the Atlantic/Caribbean to the north and a large peninsula that juts south into the Pacific Ocean to the south.

The highest point of Panama is Volcan Baru, an inactive volcano in Boquete. If you climb to the top, you can see both oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific, at the same time. The volcano is one of a central spine of mountains that run through the country.

3. Panama uses the U.S. dollar.

Man stands behind bins of seafood on ice at the fish market in Panama City Panama

Panama does not have its own paper currency. Instead, the country uses the US dollar as the legal tender. The exception is the coins, which are Panamanian and come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent pieces or a one Balboa coin. They are the same size, color, and weight as U.S. coins, and both are used.

Sure, foreign exchange sites may say that Panama uses the Panamanian Balboa as the official currency, but that’s not the reality. Everyone pays for things in U.S. currency. Even ATM machines spit out U.S. dollars!

Prices may be listed with either a “$” (dollar) or a “B/” (balboa) symbol. It doesn’t matter either way, because both mean the same thing and have the same value. The Panamanian Balboa is pegged to the US dollar, so their value is the same.

ATMs charge to withdraw cash and your bank may also charge an exchange fee. Bring some cash from home; small bills are better. Vendors don’t always have enough cash to give change.

4. You can see a lot of Panama without changing hotels

One of the best things about Panama is that many of its best attractions are within an hour or two of the capital city. What this means for you is that you can stay in one place and explore Panama on day trips and tours. Trust us: Not having to change hotels means you’ll have a lot more time for sightseeing.

If you want to visit places that are further away, such as Boquete, Bocas del Toro, the Pearl Islands, or San Blas, there are some fantastic tours on offer, at affordable prices. Sure, you could fly there for a quick visit, but why? They deserve more than one day anyway!

5. Panama’s tap water is safe to drink

Panama City coastline and Costa del Este as seen from Ancon Hill

You don’t need to worry about the local tap water in Panama. It’s chlorinated and is perfectly safe. Feel free to shower, brush your teeth, and drink to your heart’s content.

That said, the water can be questionable in the more remote villages. If you’re traveling off the beaten track, it’s probably better to play it safe and rely on bottled water.

6. You can’t drive to Colombia from Panama

boating down the river in the Darien rainforest

The infamous Darién Gap borders the country of Colombia, and it is pretty well impossible to cross. Not only is it a 60-mile stretch of impenetrable jungle and swamp, it’s a favorite hangout for people that you never want to meet.

So since the Pan-American Highway doesn’t span this section of the world, you’ll have to fly or take a boat if you want to head south.

7. Panama has a good transportation system

One of the most important things to know before visiting Panama is that the capital city has a very modern subway metro system.

Panama’s infrastructure is pretty good, and it’s easy to get around. the capital city has local buses as well as a new subway system. To get out of town, the country also has an extensive bus system, with cheap long-distance buses that go to most parts of the country. The main bus terminal is next to Albrook Mall.

Panama City has two international airports:

  • Tocumen International Airport (PTY) – where most international flights arrive. It’s a modern airport that seems to always be expanding.
  • Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC), often called Albrook Airport – served by Air Panama serves Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala, as well as San Jose (Costa Rica), and Medellin (Colombia).

Panama City’s two airports are at opposite ends of the city. Ground transport between airports is available, although flight schedules are weird and coordinating flight times rarely works out. You’ll do well to plan to spend some time in Panama City before heading out of town.

PANAMA TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Tourist bureau: The country’s official website is Tourism Panama. Besides offering tons of attraction ideas, they can tell you about special events and give you lots of travel ideas.Also check for city discount passes and tickets.
Travel Guide: This book is a top seller on Amazon.
Flights: Panama City’s Tocumen Airport code is PTY. Check prices here.
Accommodation: Tripdavisor is a massive price comparison site. Check Vrbo for apartments.
Airport transfer: Use a taxi or Uber, or book an airport shuttle for a little more. They greet you in the airport, help with bags, and take you to your hotel.
Visas: Find out what you need and apply here.
Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, cancellations, flight delays, baggage delays, lost luggage, and more. A wise investment. Check prices here.
Getting around: Panama City has buses and a metro, and the country has an extensive public bus system. You can also take Uber or rent a car.
Tickets & tours: Find dozens of fun ideas on GetYourGuide and Viator
Organized trips: G Adventures has insanely affordable small-group tours + guaranteed departures.
\✔ Currency. Panama’s currency is known as the Balboa (/B.), but it only exists in coinage. In reality, the country uses the US dollar.

8. Not everyone speaks English

Despite more than 100 years of U.S. presence, it still can be hard to find English speakers in many parts of the country. Panama’s national language is Spanish, and they’ll love you if you try to speak a few phrases.

Likewise, Panamanians love practicing their English with visitors. Many can speak English, especially in in the capital and Boquete.

Seriously though, don’t be too concerned if you do need to speak with someone who only speaks Spanish. You’ll get by quite well with only sign language and the Google Translate app.

ALSO READ:
How to Overcome Language Barriers When Traveling

9. Panama has amazing weather

Beaches in Pearl Islands
With beautiful white sand beaches and great snorkeling, Pearl Islands are also known for whale watching.

As a tropical country, Panama has with hot weather throughout the year. Its wet season is from May to November, but it’s normal to have heavy downpours during the dry season, between December and April. Most tourists visit during the dry season.

Panama is the best destination if you want to avoid hurricanes, because the country is so far south. Panama lies outside the hurricane belt, and it’s never been affected by these storms.

10. Panama is more than a tropical beach vacation

Sure, Panama has that manmade canal, plenty of idyllic beaches, and islands with resorts, cocktail bars and spas. There’s so much more to the country than that, though.

Panama City has everything from colonial ruins to traffic and skyscrapers, but not far away, you can also swim with sharks off Isla Coiba, laze in a hammock in the San Blas islands, or kick back in a Bocas cocktail bar (our favorite snorkeling spot).

Or, if you want the ultimate in adventure, you can head to the depths of the Darién jungle and see what Panama was like before they built the Canal.

ALSO READ:
How to Visit an Embera Indian Village in Panama
Rainbow over Boquete

11. Panama is safe

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index of 163 countries, Panama is the fourth safest country in the Western Hemisphere and the 56th safest country in the world. Only Canada, Uruguay and Chile are considered more safe in the Western Hemisphere.

Family and solo female travel in Panama is perfectly safe. Just remember to follow normal safety precautions.

12. Panama produces some of the world’s best coffee

Panama is known for its coffee worldwide. It’s so good that people drink it around the clock, not just at breakfast.

The best beans in the country are grown around Boquete, in Chiriqui Province. While growers produce a number of varieties, the most coveted is the Geisha coffee bean. It’s one of the most sought-after varieties on the planet, so much so that auction prices have topped $1,000 per pound.

13. There’s no such thing as personal space.

Dan & Linda posing for a photo at a restaurant in Bocas del Toro

The concept of personal space is unknown in Panama. To a Panamanian, asking personal questions like “Are you married?”and “How old are you?” shows friendly interest in you as a person.

And forget about being politically correct. It may bother our American expectation that “all are created equal,” but in Panama, they see no problem with charging higher prices to foreigners.

14. Panama has two independence days

Panama gained independence twice: first from Spain, and then later from Colombia. Both events occurred in November, so the country celebrates its separation from Spain on the 3rd and marks its emancipation from Colombia on the 28th.

Panamanians enjoy fiestas and often celebrate with fireworks and parades. And if you’re not around in November, there’s also Panamanian Carnival to look forward to.

ALSO READ:
Why You Should Visit Panama for Carnival

15. You must pack for the climate

A river runs through the valley of Boquete Panama
Nestled in the mountains is the little city of Boquete in Panama

Regardless of what month you travel, Panama is hot. Be sure to pack lightweight clothes and a pair of durable sandals. You’ll also need a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

If you plan to do any trekking, a good pair of hiking shoes will make your experience that much more enjoyable.

Always bring a jacket, too! Even if you don’t plan to visit mountainous spots like Boquete, El Valle de Anton, and Santa Fe, air conditioning can be quite cold.

Church in Casco Viejo and spider monkey. Text overlay says Panama know before you go

16. Taxis can be pricey.

In our experience, it’s smart to use Uber rather than taxis to get around whenever possible. For one thing, you can be sure you’ve communicated your destination correctly. For another, Panamanian taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging tourists.

If you need to take a taxi, agree to a price before you get in. Taxis aren’t metered, so drivers can charge what they want.

ⓘ TIP: Taxi drivers tend to charge more when they pick you up at a hotel. If you want to save money, hail a taxi from a block away.

17. Panama has amazing wildlife

Linda and her daughter photographing a coatimundi at Soberania in Panama

As the land bridge between North and South America, Panama is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world. 

We were blown away by the variety of wildlife we saw while living in the country. From howler monkeys to poison dart frogs, sloths, blue morpho butterflies and coatimundis, Panama is a land made for nature lovers. and bird-watchers. Considered one of the world’s best birding sights, with 940 bird species including rare birds like the quetzal and harpy eagle.

18. Don’t expect fast service

Panama’s Spanish heritage shows at mealtimes. Dining out is an occasion to be enjoyed, not rushed. When you arrive at a restaurant, the table is yours for as long as you wish.

We’ve seen tables order a single course, sit for an hour chatting and drinking, then ask for the menu so they could order something else, and this went on all night.

Don’t expect anyone to bring your check as soon as you finish your entrée. You’ll have to signal your waiter when you’re ready to settle the bill.

ⓘ TIP: To avoid stress about being late, don’t book a tour that will start right after lunch.

19. No one is ever in a hurry in Panama

Man sitting on a bench, relaxing. One of the top things to know about Panama is  that Panamanians have a relaxed attitude toward time.

North Americans and Europeans consider time a valuable commodity, but not so in Panama. When we lived there, the cable installer shrugged when we complained he’d missed three appointments. We quickly learned that Panamanians have perfected the concept of “island time” and have a leisurely attitude toward getting things done.

Don’t be surprised if a show or bus departure doesn’t happen when it’s supposed to. Things move at their own pace, and there’s no way to speed things up. This might stress you out if you tend to be “type A”, so be prepared.

20. There’s no North American tipping in Panama

Panamanians view tips as a reward for good service, they don’t expect. It’s normal to leave a 10% tip at restaurants, especially if you’re there for the evening. Be aware though, some restaurants will sneak in an automatic 10% for service—so check your bill carefully before paying.

Generally, porters only expect tips in more expensive hotels. In that case, tipping $1-$2 per bag is sufficient. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but you might consider rounding up the fare if the taxi driver was extra helpful.

ⓘ CULTURAL TIP: Speaking as one who lived in Panama for years, I beg you: Please don’t be a clueless tourist and leave a North American 20% tip! You might think you’re being generous, but this practice upsets the natural balance of the local economy and damages the culture in unimaginable ways.

ALSO READ:
15 Best Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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